Are Steam Mops Safe on Hardwood Floor?

Always use care when cleaning hardwood floors.

Hardwood floors can add a luxurious appearance to your home. In order to keep them looking newer for longer, it is necessary to spot clean stains as they arise and deep clean the floors often. Steam mops allow you to clean the floor without using any harsh chemicals that might damage the wood floor or your home's air quality. You can steam mop certain types of hardwood floors.

Sealed Hardwood

Sealed hardwood is hardwood that the manufacturer coated with a few layers of polyurethane. This protects the wood from absorbing too much water. If it did absorb too much water it might begin to rot or buckle. Because these types of hardwood floors are protected from excess water, you can use a steam mop to clean them.

Steam Cleaners vs. Steam Mops

Steam cleaners deliver more steam to an area than steam mops, which usually have a lower heat and do not use as much water. Because of this, steam mops are safe to use on sealed hardwood floors. Never use steam cleaners on hardwood floors unless they have a very low setting that the manufacture says is safe for hardwood floors. Even still, check with your hardwood floor manufacturer to ensure that the steam cleaner will not damage the floor.

Choosing Steam Mops

Choose a steam mop that is light enough for you to carry up and down stairs. Most steam mops weight under 20 lbs. Choose one that has a large enough water tank so that you don't have to refill the tank every few minutes while cleaning. Pick a steam mop that has a long enough cord so that you don't need to replug the steam cleaner while working. Consider the amount of time it takes for the water to heat up. Always make sure the steam mop is cleared for use on hardwood floors.

Using a Steam Mop

To use a steam mop, fill the tank with clear water. Some steam mops call for distilled water. Plug the steam mop in and let it heat up until a light on the machine indicates that it has reached the proper temperature. Turn the machine on and push it over the floor. Always move the mop while releasing the steam to avoid damaging one area.

References

• Housecleaning Tips: Cleaning Hardwood Floors -- Sealed and Unsealed
• Solutions: Steamfast Steam Mop
• Home Shopping Network: Bissell Steam Mop
• Consumer Reports: Protect Your Investment: Wood Floors