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Is it safe to clean hardwood floors with a steam mop?
Avoid Using a Steam Mop on Wood Some steam mop manufacturers, such as Shark and Bissell, may say you can use it on a sealed hardwood floor, but Stocki recommends against it because moisture could still possibly force itself into the joints between the boards and get into the wood and warp it.
What is the best way to steam clean hardwood floors?
Suggested Cleaning Procedure
- Fill steamer’s water canister (add cleaning solution if needed) with hot tap water.
- Check to be sure your filter is clean before you start cleaning your floor.
- Place canister into position and heat water to steam.
- Push the cleaner forward, releasing the steam.
How do you use a steam mop on hardwood floors?
Use gentle, sweeping motions, going back and forth with the steam cleaner across each section of the floor. Once you’re done in the room, visually inspect the floors for leftover water. Letting moisture sit on the floors can damage the finish, and in areas where the finish is wearing, the wood as well.
What does a steamer do for hardwood floors?
Hardwood is naturally a very absorbent material, and exposure to water can cause it to plump, warp, twist, and mold. A steam cleaner by its very nature uses water heated to a very hot vapor to clean and disinfect the surface of a floor.
How often can you steam clean hardwood floors?
Refinishing depends somewhat on the age of the floor and the thickness. For hardwoods that are only 1/4-inch thick, refinishing could do more harm than good by stripping away the entire floor. Generally speaking, refinishing only needs to be done once every seven to 10 years.
Can a steam mop be used on wood floors?
Manufacturers of steam cleaners often make claims about the devices being safe for use on wood floors, but this is debatable, at best. 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,…
What’s the best way to clean a wood floor?
CR recommends cleaning surface-sealed wood with a broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner, then using a damp—not dripping wet—mop. If your wood flooring has a surface-penetrating floor sealer, use a damp cloth rather than a mop.
What kind of flooring can you Steam Clean?
Porcelain tile, however, is durable and solid. It’s not easily damaged and thus stands up well to the powerful cleaning that steam mops are known for. The process to make porcelain and the hardness of the tile itself make it a perfect candidate for steaming. The combination of heat and water will leave you with an extra crisp-clean tile floor.
How long does it take for a steam mop to dry?
And with a steam mop, the floors only take about 30 seconds to dry. With a wet mop, it takes them 10+ minutes to dry, and it doesn’t clean nearly as well.