Can You Use A Steam Cleaner On Wood Floors

While researching the use of steam mops on hardwood floors i came across article after article that cautioned against using a steam mop on hardwood floors.

Can you use a steam cleaner on wood floors.

You can choose to use a chemical based floor cleaner or use a steam powered mop to sanitize your floors and get them to sparkle. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor which can lead to cupping and long term damage. Today there are a number of companies that believe it is a good idea to steam clean hardwood floors with the use of their manufactured steam cleaners. Some steam mop manufacturers such as shark and bissell may say you can use it on a sealed hardwood floor but.

The premise is that despite mop manufacturer claims the steam from the mop moves through cracks in the floor more easily than water which penetrates below the sealer and the moisture. A steam cleaner by its very nature uses water heated to a very hot vapor to clean and disinfect the surface of a floor. Over time vinegar and water will dull the floor s finish while soap or wax will leave a residue. At the end of the day you can use a steam cleaner on the hardwood but there are very specific rules that need to be followed in order to protect the integrity of your flooring.

On the low end a steam cleaner can cost as little as 100. If you re planning on steam cleaning the floors regularly purchasing your own device will ultimately pay for itself after enough use. However avoid using a steam mop on unsealed hardwoods as they re more vulnerable and easily damaged by excessive moisture. As a homeowner you may rent or buy a steam cleaner or hire a service provider to perform the job.

That s true whether you have solid or engineered wood floors and for bamboo too. Hardwood is naturally a very absorbent material and exposure to water can cause it to plump warp twist and mold. The indication is that the water when heated to an extremely hot vapor will not cause damage to the hardwood floors as long as they are properly sealed. Avoid using water and vinegar soap based cleaners wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floor.