Steam mops are increasingly popular and there is a good reason for its popularity. Are steam mops safe for wooden floors? These mops are ideal for cleaning and sanitizing the floor. With a steam mop, there is no need for you to use any chemicals or detergents to ensure that the floor stays clean. People often wonder if steam mops safe for wooden floors.
This article will help to answer this question by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of using steam mops on a wooden floor. We will also discuss how steam mops can be harmful to wooden floors. Understanding the mechanics behind steam mops will help in preventing damages to wooden floors. Further suggestions on how you can clean your wooden floor properly using the steam mop will also be discussed.
How do steam mops work?
In essence, steam mops function by heating water anywhere between 120°C to over 200°C. At the end of the mop, you will find a cloth which helps you to trap dirt. The mop will then force the steam through the cloth. It will reach directly to your floor. The process of cleaning is made simple with steam mops as it utilizes water and heat to clean efficiently.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using steam mops on wooden flooring?
Advantages
With the use of steam mops, the drying process is very fast. Steam mops use only water and heat to clean your floors. As a result there is no residue on the floors which you will usually find if you use a detergent solution instead.
Therefore, your floor will also look a lot better as it does not leave behind streak marks which you would see if you use a regular mop. The residue which is usually left by a detergent solution attracts dust. This makes the floor look dull, even after cleaning them. Steam mops is a solution to this problem as it is one of the driest ways for you to mop your floor.
Disadvantages
You must use steam mops with caution when using it on wooden floors. Improper use of a steam mop will cause your floor to look dull and your flooring finish can wear off over time. The seams of your flooring can also be affected if you don’t handle your steam mop properly. This is why we are going to guide you on how you can select the right kind of steam mop. The one which minimizes water damage to your flooring. You cannot use the mops on any waxed floor.
Avoid water at all cost for any wood floor to be maintained. Steam mops increase the possibility of water damage to your flooring. Because of the hot moisture that can penetrate directly into your wooden floor. Moisture at a high temperature can also deplete your flooring finish.
How can you choose the right steam mop or your wooden floor?
You have the option of selecting two types of steam mops when you want to clean wooden floors. The first type is a stick type steam mop. The second type is a canister type steam mop which usually comes with several attachments.
When choosing to use the stick type steam mop, you need to keep in mind that it must effectively trigger the steam within short term. Lifting can be a difficult process with this type of steam mop. It also releases a poor quality of steam because most of these stick type steam mops does not boil water after it reaches the boiling point. This “wet steam” can be damaging for your wooden flooring.
However, if you insist on getting a stick type the mop, make sure that you try it before to see whether the steam can be triggered easily. The ability to lift it off the floor quickly within short intervals will also ensure that your wooden flooring won’t damage easily.
We suggest selecting the canister mop when mopping wooden floors because it does things that you stick type mop can’t do. The canister mop makes it simple to clean wooden floors because lifting it off the floor within short intervals is possible. Triggering the steam is also a hassle free process. However, the unused steam will condense back into water if it is left for too long. This is one disadvantage of selecting the canister machine. You will then have to release it before you start mopping.
McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
Tips to safely clean wood floors
Besides using the canister machine steam mop, make sure that you sweep and vacuum your floor regularly. It is recommended that you do this at least once a week. It is Especially recommended if you have pets or a lot of visitors coming by.
When it comes to cleaning solutions, do not use vinegar or any all purpose cleaner. Because these products can dull the finish of your wooden flooring. Use minimal water to mop the wooden floor. If there are any liquid spills, you need to clean it up directly. Cleaning immediately will avoid water damage to your wooden flooring.
Should you use steam mops safely on wooden floors?
You can use steam mops on wooden floors but only using specific mop models and taking extra precautions than you normally would. We suggest the use of a canister style mop. It is essential that you search for a mop which allows you to quickly and easily change the cleaning cloth.
A canister type steam machine achieves better results with wooden flooring, as compared to the use of the stick type mop. You can invest in getting a canister type steam machine which releases dry vapor. As it has a higher boiling temperature. Steam mopping is necessary for busy households where the floor often gets a lot of traffic.
Lastly, before you use a steam cleaner on a wooden surface, make sure that you know how to use it and don’t just simply blast steam all over the wooden floor. Always using a light touch is key to keeping your wooden flooring looking great. Therefore, go easy on your wooden floors and it will look great with the use of a steam mop. Have we replied to the question? Are steam mops safe for wooden floors? If you need more details just post a comment and we’ll be pleased to answer it!