Hardwood floors sure can add some beauty and value to a home! But keeping them looking flawless while also protecting the wood can be a tricky balancing act. When it comes to cleaning sealed hardwoods, using a steam mop is a popular question that so many homeowners have. There’s definitely a few important factors to think about when deciding if a steam mop is actually safe for sealed hardwood or not.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what steam mops are, look at some of the possible benefits and risks of using them on sealed hardwood, and review best practices to follow. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether steam mopping is advisable for your specific floors. Let’s dive in!
What is a steam mop?
A steam mop is a cleaning tool that uses super-heated steam to sanitize and clean floors. The steam is generated from water inside a removable tank or reservoir on the mop. As the steam mop is pushed along the floor, the steam is released through the mop head to loosen and lift dirt and grime from the flooring surface. The high temperature of the steam also kills germs and bacteria without the use of cleaning chemicals.
Steam mops are popular choices for cleaning and sanitizing all types of hard surface flooring, including tile, linoleum, vinyl, and sealed hardwoods. They provide a chemical-free cleaning option. Their main advantage is that they can sanitize floors without leaving behind a wet mess or sticky cleaning residue. The heat and pressure of the steam help loosen stuck-on grime. The mop pad can then absorb loosened dirt.
Benefits of using a steam mop on sealed hardwood.
When used properly on sealed hardwood floors, steam mops provide a few benefits:
Sanitizing abilities
The steam kills up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria that can build up on floors. This helps keep allergens and illness-causing germs at bay.
Cleaning power on stuck-on dirt
The hot steam can help loosen stuck-on dirt and grime that sweeping or damp mopping leaves behind. The heat and pressure get into crevices to cut through build-up.
Chemical-free cleaning
Steam mops provide sanitizing and cleaning without chemical solutions that can leave behind residues. This makes them a good option for homes with kids or pets or for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
Time saver over mopping
Steam mops eliminate the need to fill, lug, and empty heavy buckets of water. They also typically require less exertion and time than traditional mopping.
Potential Risks of using a steam mop on sealed hardwood floors.
While steam mops can be a great cleaning option for many types of floors, there are a few cautions when it comes to using them on sealed hardwood:
Heat and moisture risks
One of the top concerns is that the steam and heat from the mop can potentially damage or warp hardwood flooring. Sealed hardwoods are quite hardy when it comes to protecting against surface-level moisture and spills. But prolonged, direct heat and steam could penetrate the protective seal and damage the wood below.
Potential to degrade the floor seal
The steam’s heat may also gradually break down the protective seal on the flooring. This could allow moisture to penetrate and warp the planks over time with repeated steam mopping sessions.
Chance of dulling the floor’s shine
Another issue is that the steam mop pads could possibly dull the shine and luster of the floor’s finish depending on the type of pad used.
Possibility of moisture getting into seams
If there are any gaps or cracks in the floor, steam could potentially get underneath and cause the planks to swell and lift up. Rodents and insects can also be attracted to the moisture if it gets into cracks.
Best practices for safely using a steam mop on sealed hardwood
The key is being cautious when using a steam mop on sealed hardwood floors. For this, here are some best practices to follow:
Use the lowest steam setting
Choose a steam mop with adjustable steam levels, and always use the lowest setting. Higher temperatures increase the risks.
Test a small area first
Try out the steam mop in a less visible area or closet first to check for any issues with the floor seal or finish.
Focus steam away from cracks
Carefully target the steam directly on stuck-on dirt and stains, avoiding pushing steam directly into seams or cracks.
Don’t over-mop the same spot
Move the mop head continuously to avoid excessive heat/moisture build-up in one spot.
Use with a soft pad
Choose a soft, absorbent mop pad specifically designed not to scratch flooring.
Allow floor to fully dry
After mopping, allow the floor plenty of time to completely dry before walking on it or replacing furniture.
Mop less frequently
Limit steam mopping sealed hardwood to only occasional, deeper cleaning sessions rather than daily or weekly.
Consider alternative options
Using a damp microfiber mop or hardwood-specific spray cleaner are gentler options for routine maintenance between steam cleanings.
Signs your steam mop may be damaging the floor
Be on the lookout for any of these warning signs that indicate the steam mop is harming the floor:
- Visible moisture or condensation under the floor seal
- A cloudy, frosted appear in the finish
- Popping, crackling sounds coming from the floor during steaming
- Planks feeling heat/hot to the touch during mopping
- New gaps or raised edges appearing between planks
- Discoloration or white spots forming on the surface
Best steam mop practices for other sealed floor types
While caution should be used when steam mopping sealed hardwood, steam mops are very well-suited and safe for cleaning other types of sealed, hard surface flooring. Here are some examples:
Tile floors
Tile flooring is highly resistant to heat and moisture. Frequent steam mopping kills germs and provides deep cleaning for grout lines.
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl is also durable against excess moisture. Steam mops can sanitize vinyl floors without warping or discoloring them when used properly.
Stone floors
Sealed stone floors like slate, marble or granite are also low-risk for steam mopping damage when cracks and gaps are avoided.
Linoleum floors
With linoleum flooring, be sure to check for loose edges that could lift up. Otherwise, routine steam mopping is safe for sanitizing linoleum floors.
When in doubt, defer to the manufacturer’s guidelines
If you are uncertain whether steam mopping will be safe for your specific sealed hardwood flooring brand or finish, it is always smart to check the floor manufacturer’s care guidelines. They will best know the durability and steam cleaning advisability for their flooring products.
The use of steam mops on sealed hardwood floors remains a bit controversial. There are both advantages and risks to consider. Applying best practices and precautions can allow for occasional, gentle steam mop usage. For daily cleaning, it may be wisest to stick to damp mopping or using a cleaner specifically designed for sealed hardwood floors. As always, diligently following your flooring brand’s care recommendations will help keep your floors looking pristine for years.
Bottom Line
Steam mops provide an effective chemical-free cleaning method for many sealed flooring types. However, caution is advised when using steam mops on sealed hardwood floors. The heat and moisture can potentially damage the wood and protective seal with prolonged use. But, applying proper precautions and steam mop best practices can allow for occasional steam mop usage on sealed hardwoods.
