Can I Clean Wood Floors With Steam

This vapor can get down into cracks and crevices to kill germs and bacteria but when used on a hardwood floor the moisture can stay down in the cracks and crevices leading to problems in the future.

Can i clean wood floors with steam.

Solid hardwood floors sealed hardwood floors can withstand the moisture and heat from a steam mop and they clean really nicely with a streak free finish. What is the best steam mop that will not damage your wooden floor. Avoid using a steam mop on wood although it may be tempting to deep clean your hardwood floors with a steam mop don t. After all nobody enjoys scrubbing or carrying buckets.

The steam mops are way better faster and practical floor cleaner. A steam cleaner by its very nature uses water heated to a very hot vapor to clean and disinfect the surface of a floor. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor which can lead to cupping and long term damage. Drastic temperature changes and moisture may warp the wood says steve.

As with laminate we don t recommend the use of steam cleaners on hardwood either. And most importantly no chemicals at all. 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. Cleaning wooden floors using a floor steamer is convenient.

Follow your product s safety guidelines for a successful steam session and follow up with weekly use of a safe natural cleaner like murphy oil soap. A wood surface can be tested by dripping a few drops of water on the floor in an inconspicuous area. However avoid using a steam mop on unsealed hardwoods as they re more vulnerable and easily damaged by excessive moisture. The use of a steam cleaner would clearly violate that rule.

Steam cleaning hardwood floors helps to sanitize the floors without exposing the finish to harsh chemicals. The number one rule of hardwood maintenance is never to use water. Test with a very low steam a few inches away from the surface in an inconspicuous area before proceeding. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber towel to remove moisture.

While a properly sealed wood floor may accept light steam cleaning most wood floor manufacturers caution against the use of any cleaning methods that rely on water or steam which can discolor or warp wood. Never use a steamer on those flooring types regardless of what the ad says. You want to be very careful steam cleaning wood surfaces as the high heat and moisture can remove finish and ruin the wood.