Never use a steam cleaner on your engineered hardwood floor.
Can i use steam to clean hardwood floors.
The reason these claims are made is that these cleaners have a function that wipes up excess moisture as it moves along the floor absorbing the water and supposedly leaving the floor dry.
The indication is that the water when heated to an extremely hot vapor will not cause damage to the hardwood floors as long as they are properly sealed.
Using a steam mop on hardwood floors is undoubtedly riskier than simply cleaning with a dry cloth.
Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor which can lead to cupping and long term damage.
The steam can damage the wood surface by forcing water into the veneer and the top layer of hardwood.
Over time vinegar and water will dull the floor s finish while soap or wax will leave a residue.
And i m still a little apprehensive about using a steam mop on laminate flooring.
However avoid using a steam mop on unsealed hardwoods as they re more vulnerable and easily damaged by excessive moisture.
Steam cleaners designed for hardwood several companies sell steam cleaning machines that are supposedly able to clean hardwood floors safely.
Today there are a number of companies that believe it is a good idea to steam clean hardwood floors with the use of their manufactured steam cleaners.
But for us the risk is worth the reward until we see real life examples indicating otherwise.
Sealed hardwood floors can withstand the moisture and heat from a steam mop and they clean really nicely with a streak free finish.