How to Steam a Wood Floor
Hardwood floors can last for years with minimal upkeep. Water and hardwood floors seemingly don't mix, because water can cause the wood floorboards to warp, but steam-cleaning your hardwood floors is a different way to clean as long as you don't saturate your floors with steam. When you steam-clean your hardwood floors, you are getting them clean and disinfecting them without harmful chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Steam cleaner for hardwood floors
- Broom or vacuum with soft-bristle brush
- Dust mop
- Water
- Cleaning solution, neutral pH balance (optional)
- Towel
Instructions
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1
Remove all the rugs from the floor. Take out the furniture, if at all possible, so you can clean the entire floor.
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2
Sweep the floor or vacuum the floor, using the soft-bristle brush attachment, to remove dust, sand and other debris. Use a clean dust mop to ensure that everything is picked up and the floor is clean.
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3
Inspect the filter, if your steam cleaner comes with one. If it is dirty, replace it or clean it as directed by the manufacturer.
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4
Fill the steam cleaner's tank with hot tap water. Depending on the make and model of your steam cleaner, you may want or need to add a cleaning solution. Use a cleaning solution that has a neutral pH balance. Insert the canister into position on the steam cleaner.
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5
Plug in your steam cleaner and allow it to heat the water to the proper temperature. Most models require about five minutes to fully heat to the right temperature.
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Position the steam cleaner in a corner of the room. Start in the corner farthest from the door exiting the room so you won't have to walk over your clean floor.
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Push the button that releases the steam as you push the steam cleaner forward. Release the steam button when you pull the steam cleaner back toward you so the cleaning pad can wipe away dirt and grime. Continue cleaning and working your way across the floor until the entire floor is cleaned.
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Wipe the entire floor with a clean, absorbent towel. This ensures that no water is left standing that could ruin the hardwood floor. When the floor is dry, move the furniture and rugs back into the room.
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Tips & Warnings
The steam cleaner you are using must be safe to use on hardwood floors. This information is in the manufacturer's recommendations sheet. Other steam cleaners may emit too much steam, possibly damaging your floor.
Only use a steam cleaner if your floors are sealed. Do not use the steam cleaner over unsealed sections or worn spots. If the area is worn, the moisture can seep into the wood and your floor will warp.
