Steam Cleaning Hardwood Floors Tips
Engineered hardwood floors though durable on the surface engineered hardwoods are bonded using adhesives and the steam cleaning can affect the quality of those adhesives.
Steam cleaning hardwood floors tips. Another steam cleaner safe for your hardwood floors is the sargent steam system. As a beginner understanding how to properly clean your hardwood floors with a steam mop may be confusing. 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. You can also use a spray and mop product or disposable wet pads that are safe for hardwood floors.
For a neutral solution you want a ph level of about 7 or matched to cured poly. While a steam cleaner can be a useful tool for cleaning a carpet floor it should never be used on engineered hardwood. Higher is too alkaline and lower is okay for an all purpose cleaner but not here. Save it for tile linoleum and vinyl.
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. What to use to clean hardwood floors. One example is bona s free simple hardwood floor cleaner 18. It only weighs 15 pounds when filled uses no chemicals and is designed to clean your floor using nothing more than tap water saving you money on cleaning products.
Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor which can lead to cupping and long term damage. All steam cleaners come with a warning that you must make sure the floor seal is intact before using their machines on the hardwood. Unless you use a steam mop designed for cleaning hardwoods steam cleaning is not advised for hardwood floors. Moisture can seep between the layers weakening the bond and permanently damaging the floors.
Use a spoon to combine all ingredients and then pour the vinegar cleaning solution into your mop. For steam cleaning tile floors or your laminate mix the water rubbing alcohol and vinegar in a mixing bowl and then add in the dishwashing soap. Vinegar and water will dull the floor s finish over time while soap or wax will leave a residue. Here are some essential tips for using a steam cleaner on hardwood floors.
To test the thickness and durability of the seal protecting your hardwood floor drip a small amount of water onto its surface. Avoid using steam mops on engineered hardwood floors. Never use a steam cleaner on your engineered hardwood floor. Steam can dull the finish and damage the wood.
Avoid using water and vinegar soap based cleaners wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floor. Vacuum or sweep the floors you should vacuum or sweep the floors before cleaning.