If the water immediately beads up, then the seal is intact and the floor cannot be penetrated.
The thicker and more durable the sealed finish is, the more resistant to steam damage it will be.
Warning
The quality of the seal can vary from location to location across the floor.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
You have to test it in several locations to be sure of its overall integrity.
Impact of steam: The steam itself presents a unique problem with hardwood.
Water is a relatively thick substance.
Using a Steam Mop
Different flooring calls for different cleaning methods and tools.
Some types may be ok with a good steam clean while others will not.
Engineered hardwood flooring would be vulnerable to liquid steam due to the wear layer only protecting the top surface.
The sides, seams, and bottom of the planks and tiles are also at risk.
It’s best to stay away from steam cleaning engineered flooring.
Faux Hardwood Vinyl Flooring
Unlike hardwood and laminates,vinylis a completely human-made material.
Therefore, it’s recommended to use alternative cleaning methods that are less likely to cause damage tolaminate surfaces.
The heat from the steam can create bubbles beneath the paint, which can eventually lead to peeling.
The steam mop is a great tool to clean not only the surfaces but the grout as well.
Vacuuming regularly with the correct brush attachment that is gentle to the surface will keep debris from accumulating.
When a deep clean is necessary, acleaning solution formulated for hardwood floorsand a drymicrofiber mopis recommended.
Steam cleaning is a great non-toxic, natural way to clean your floors.
A steam cleaner is dependent on water and steam and does not use chemicals.
Make steam cleaning your floors a weekly cleaning chore.
If you have pets, children, or large gatherings, you might need to do it more often.
Many manufacturers and the major flooring associations do not recommend the use of steam cleaners on hardwood flooring.
The National Wood Flooring Association.
Before You Buy Hardwood Flooring.
World Floor Covering Association.
Why You Shouldn’t Use a Steam Mop on Wood Floors.Consumer Reports.
Laminate Specific Cleaning Products: Choosing a Safe Product.North American Laminate Floor Association.
