Can A Steam Mop Be Used On Engineered Hardwood Floors

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.

Can a steam mop be used on engineered hardwood floors.

While a steam cleaner can be a useful tool for cleaning a carpet floor it should never be used on engineered hardwood. That s true whether you have solid or engineered wood floors and for bamboo too. Alternatives to the steam mop to clean hardwood 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.

Never use a steam cleaner on your engineered hardwood floor. A steam cleaner by its very nature uses water heated to a very hot vapor to clean and disinfect the surface of a floor. Avoid using steam mops on engineered hardwood floors. Water is the enemy of both solid and engineered hardwood floors alike.

Using steam or other liquid cleaning methods can also cause a build up of mold and mildew perhaps leading to a musty smell as well as damage. Some steam mop manufacturers such as shark and bissell may say you can use it on a sealed hardwood floor but. If allowed to stand on the surface it can create spots and seep between boards causing the boards to swell. Even engineered wood floors can be affected by using a steam mop.

Can you steam clean engineered hardwood floors. Wet your mop with the cleaner and then wring. Learn how to clean vinyl floors the right way. As we have seen the question of can you use a steam mop on hardwood floors would tend to suggest you can but if you care about the condition and look of your wooden floors in the long term you really shouldn t.

Either a rag mop or sponge mop works best. Moisture can seep between the layers weakening the bond and permanently damaging the floors. The steam can damage the wood surface by forcing water into the veneer and the top layer of hardwood. Once you ve selected your cleaner you can use a mop to apply it to your floors.

Though durable on the surface engineered hardwoods are bonded using adhesives and the steam cleaning can affect the quality of those adhesives. In many cases you ll void your warranty if you steam clean a wooden floor or vinyl tiles. Just make sure that it specifically says it is for use on engineered hardwood flooring. You can also use a commercial cleaning product purchased from a local store or online.