Steam Cleaning on Laminate Floors: What You Need to Know
Steam cleaning has been getting more and more popular among consumers over the last decade. Steam mopping has also become a tool that is often talked about. However, people are getting the wrong idea, thinking that it is not safe to steam mop laminate flooring.
Safe Use of Steam Mops on Laminate Floors
In order for your laminate or vinyl flooring to not get damaged in the process of cleaning it, you have to make sure that the laminate floor is not already damaged or worn out. If you have old laminate flooring, it might be tricky to know whether or not you will damage it.
PRO tip
To make sure the heat is not too hot for your laminate floor, always use a microfiber mop pad between the source of the heat and the flooring. Also, do not take your time gliding the steam mop back and forth, make it a quick sliding motion, like you would with a regular mop.
How a Steam Mop Works
First, it is important to understand the basic principles of the cleaning method. Steam cleaners heat the water until the boiling point, removing most bacteria and dirt from the surface. In other words, put the water in small containers and cool it to a temperature of 220 Fahrenheit, and the water expands by 1600. The steam generated contains 3 – 5 % of moisture but excess water remains vaporous as long as the source is constant.
Top Steam Mop Recommendations for Laminate Floors
There has been a growing number of steam cleaners on the market over the last decade, but not all of them are worth the buy. If you have never tried steam cleaning before, you will probably want to start off with a cheaper steam cleaner and get disappointed in the end because all you will see is the steam coming out and not actually cleaning laminate floors.
Below, you will find our best picks of steam cleaners and steam mops that are actually going to help you clean laminate flooring.
Fortador Volt Mini
Fortador steam cleaners have been leading the market of commercial steam cleaners for many years, but they have since made a model for home users. Fortador Volt Mini is the most powerful steam cleaning tool that will double as a steam mop for you and your family.
This steam cleaner is designed to be highly portable, weighing only 16.5 lbs., making it easy to move in and out of a work van and transport to any job site. The Volt MINI heats up quickly, taking only five minutes to produce steam, thanks to its powerful boiler. Unlike other small commercial portable steamers, it works at high pressure and temperatures, delivering steam at 101.5 psi and a maximum temperature of 338 degrees Fahrenheit. The builder is made of high-strength AISI 304 stainless steel, ensuring durability.
In addition to its excellent performance, the Volt MINI comes with a variety of accessories and attachments, including a steam mop, to make cleaning tasks quick and easy. A 15-foot hose is included, which is five feet longer than what you get from most other commercial-grade steam cleaners. Together with its long power cord, you can easily reach tight spaces that larger steamers can't.
Light ‘N' Easy 7688ANW All-In-One Steam Mop
This mop is best suited for a homeowner seeking more than just clean laminate flooring. Using three steam attachment types the multifunctional mop can easily clean a whole home. Simply remove the steamer and attach the rest of the parts. The attachment also cleans upholstery and has a flexible hose. Cleaning chairs and other furniture can be done easily. Little steam heads are available to remove smaller areas like around sinks and toilets. Smart Switch technology lets you effortlessly glide a mop across floors or on carpeted surfaces.
This versatile steam mop offers three steam settings - HI, MED, and LOW - to suit a wide range of floor surfaces such as marble, tile, grout, ceramic, stone, vinyl, laminate, and sealed wood flooring.
It also doubles as a handheld steam cleaner for various cleaning purposes such as removing wrinkles from garments, refreshing upholstery, and deep cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
With its Smart Switch feature, you can easily switch it on and off by placing it upright or slanting it. The powerful steam dries quickly and effectively removes any stubborn dirt, stains and mess leaving your floors spotless.
It can be used with distilled or tap water, making it perfect for homes with pets and babies.
The package includes a steam mop, a microfiber pad, a fabric cleaning tool, a flexible hose, a jet nozzle, and a filling cup.
PowerEdge Lift-Off 2-in-1 sanitizing steam mop
Introducing the PowerEdge™ Lift-Off® Sanitizing Steam Cleaner, a versatile cleaning tool that can tackle both hard floors and above-floor surfaces. Its convenient detachable handheld unit, accompanied by two specialized tools, makes cleaning countertops, sinks, and grout a breeze.
Steam on demand feature lets you dispense just the right amount of steam for your cleaning needs. Plus, with swivel steering and a triangle foot, you can easily navigate around corners and edges for a thorough clean.
PowerFresh Deluxe Scrubbing and Sanitizing Steam Mop
The BISSELL® PowerFresh® Deluxe Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop is a convenient solution for dealing with tough, stubborn messes. Thanks to its detachable SpotBoost™ Brush, you can easily remove even the most stubborn stains.
The steam cleaning process uses natural power to sanitize your floors and eliminate 99.9% of germs and bacteria, without the need for harsh chemicals. If you prefer a fresh scent during cleaning, you can insert the included Spring Breeze Fragrance Disc into the built-in tray for an added burst of fragrance. This steam mop is safe to use on sealed hard floors, such as hardwood, linoleum, ceramic, tile, marble, and granite.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Steam Mop for Laminate Floors
Steam cleaning is a great addition to anyone's cleaning routine. However, a lot of the steam products are restricted to only one activity, either it is just a steam mop or a steam cleaner that is not able to mop.
If you are someone that likes to have it all in one tool, aim to buy a steam cleaner that will have a steam mop attachment, this way you will be able to use your cleaning tool to the maximum of its capacity.
Possible Issues and Limitations of Steam Mopping Laminate Floors
If using steam mops on laminate floors, including:
- Moisture Damage: Excessive moisture can warp or damage the laminate if the steam mop produces too much moisture or is used for too long in one area.
- Heat Sensitivity: Laminate floors can blister or deform if exposed to high temperatures from the steam mop.
- Warranty Concerns: Steam cleaning may void the manufacturer's warranty for laminate flooring.
- Delicate Surface: Laminate floors can be easily scratched or damaged, so care must be taken to use suitable mop pads or attachments.
- Cleaning Product Restrictions: Steam mops may not effectively remove tough stains or heavy dirt buildup on laminate floors, requiring alternative cleaning methods.
To avoid damage, follow manufacturer guidelines, test on a small area first, and consider alternative cleaning methods when necessary.
FAQs: How To Clean Laminate Floors
Here some questions that are constantly asked about the use of steam mops.
How You Should Use a Steam Mop on Waterproof Laminate Floors?
To clean your laminate floors effectively and safely, begin by vacuuming them in hard floor mode. Then, switch to the lowest steam setting on your cleaner, but avoid direct application of steam on the floors. Instead, apply the steam to a microfiber pad and use it as wet mop to wipe the floor in the direction of the grain. Be sure to keep the mop moving for best results.
What Do You Use to Clean Laminate Flooring?
When cleaning a laminate hardwood floor, you can use special materials for it. If there is none, use an empty glass of clean clear dish soap and mix in a cup of water. Adding one teaspoon shampoo to water works equally well. Please avoid washing floors thoroughly.
What should I look for when buying a steam mop for laminate floors?
The biggest question for anyone buying a steam mop or a steam cleaner is the amount of times you are looking to use your cleaning device.
Is it safe to use a steam mop on laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is fairly sensitive to the heat and moisture. The rule of thumb for steam cleaning a laminate floor is to test out a small area and see any changes in the laminate flooring.
If all is good, make sure to have washable pads made out of microfiber in between the heat source and do not leave a steam mop on an area for too long.
Why is steam mop better than a regular mop?
When you are cleaning your flooring with regular water, you end up moving around the loose grime and dirt on the floors. However, since steam produces heat, it highly effective in removing most germs from the floors that might not even be seen to the naked eye.
Steam is actually very gentle on your hard surfaces when used correctly.
When to not use a steam mop?
It is not recommended to use a steam mop on painted surfaces, even if they are sealed. The high temperature of the steam can create bubbles under the paint, leading to peeling. It's best to avoid using a steam mop on any painted flooring.