Why Steam Mops Are Bad for Hardwood Floors

Steam mops are becoming quite well-known, and with great reason. Many steam mops can do their best to clean and disinfect ceramic and vinyl tile flooring. The idea of clean and fresh floors by wood floor cleaning service with no scrubbing chemical soaps and no detergents, is attractive. 

They’re usually described to be appropriate for all kinds of flooring, including hardwood floors.

However, hardwood floors require specialized treatment, and steam mops aren’t appropriate for this flooring. Here’s how steam mops could damage hardwood floors and what you can take to help maintain your flooring looking at their desirable. 

This article will discuss everything in detail and why you should hire a professional wood floor cleaning service.

How Do Steam Mops Work?

Steam mops work by heating water to between 120 and 200 degrees F. The device then forwards steam through a pad towards the floor.

This method cleanses together the vapor of hot water that penetrates the surface to remove dirt and get rid of bacteria. Although this method works well on vinyl and ceramic tiles, it poses serious risks when used on wood floors.

The Risks of Steam Mopping Hardwood Floors

Permanent Damage from water and Heating

Hardwood floors are more prone to heat and moisture damage, two essential elements of steam mopping.

When water enters the wood, it expands and changes its form, leading to buckling, warping, and discoloration. The steam’s heat can worsen this problem, speeding up damage and leading to expensive repairs.

The National Wood Floor Association (NWFA) and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) caution against steam-cleaning hardwood flooring. Steam can ruin the wood’s finish, allowing moisture to enter it and causing damage.

Warranty Concerns

Many hardwood floor warranties do not cover damage caused by moisture and heat. Utilizing steam mops on the floors could invalidate the warranties, leaving homeowners without protection if their flooring becomes damaged. Consider hiring a wood floor cleaning service instead of doing it all by yourself.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors Safely

Knowing the right method of caring for hardwood floors will help prevent the damage they cause and keep them beautiful for a long time. Here’s how to keep your hardwood floors tidy and in good condition without the risk of steam mopping. 

Carpet Cleaning Group offers wood floor cleaning services and a flooring cleaning checklist to help you keep all the flooring options in your home tidy.

• Regular Maintenance

Dust and dirt could scratch hardwood floors, so regular brushing with a soft-bristled mop or a microfiber mop is vital. Cleaning with an attachment designed for hardwood floors can also help remove debris between the floors’ boards.

• Proper Mopping Techniques

When mopping, less is better. Ensure you use a barely damp mop and a cleaning product specifically designed for hardwood flooring.

Avoid together water if you can; however, if you have to mop, squeeze the mop with much force to ensure it’s only a little damp. This helps reduce moisture exposure and protects the wood. At Carpet Cleaning Group, we also offer commercial floor waxing services.

• Immediate Spill Cleanup

Spills must be cleaned promptly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water from getting soaked into the wood. If spills are sticky, a damp cloth is suitable, followed by dry towels to remove any remaining moisture.

Wet Mopping Could Cause Wooden Floors To Expand

One of the most important things to remember is that wood and water are incompatible. Wood flooring may react as sponges when in contact with water; when it is in contact with excessive liquid, it expands.

To ensure that wood floors are stable, they need to be kept in an environment that is as stable as you can regarding temperature and humidity.

The excess amount of water you spill on your floors while you mop could lead to severe issues, such as:

• Boards that have been cupping or swell
• Flaking and discoloration of the finish
• Sounds of popping and squeaking

Put up your bucket and mop that is wet to make this a much easier method to clean your wood floors.

Use a microfiber dust mop to clean up dirt and fallen dust. Then, follow up with an oiled mop dampened with cleaning spray, which is recommended for hardwood floors.

To recap, mopping wet floors is not the perfect practice for long-lasting floors. Getting them clean with microfiber mops and wood-safe cleaning products is easier.

Alternatives To Steam Mopping

Due to the dangers associated with steam mopping, it is important to know how to clean your floors efficiently. Here are a few secure and good options:

• Microfiber Mops

They are ideal for hardwood floors. They can remove dirt and dust without damaging the floor and be employed dry or with minimal moisture.

• Hardwood Floor Cleaners

Use cleaning products specifically designed for hardwood floors. These products effectively clean energetically without damaging the finish or penetrating the wood.

You must select nontoxic, pH-neutral cleaners that don’t leave a residue and don’t require washing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product’s label to ensure a perfect outcome and maintain the strength of your flooring.

Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaning

For more thorough cleaning or to maintain the quality of the floors, think about employing the wood floor cleaning service of a competent cleaning service such as Carpet Cleaning Group. Professional cleaners have the tools and know-how to clean floors without damaging them.