The short answer is that no, you shouldn’t use a steam mop on wood floors. In fact, you should avoid using excess water or steam mops on your wood floors, even though they might be incredibly popular for sanitising tile and other surfaces quickly.
At West One Wood Flooring, we have years of experience installing, restoring, and taking care of wood flooring. Our experience has taught us that wood and water simply don’t go together, which is why steam cleaners are probably not a good idea.
How Moisture and Heat Damage Wood Floors
Moisture and heat damage wood floors because of the nature of wood as a material. Wood is porous, which means that water can enter through tiny holes in the surface of the material.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t just happen during spills; it also happens during steam cleaning. These cleaners force hot, pressurised moisture into gaps and break down the wood’s protective seal. They can also get deep into the wood fibres, causing the timber to swell and warp over time.
Many people who steam clean their wood floors notice that the edges of the planks can sometimes raise up, or the centre can raise up, in a process called “crowning.” Eventually, this can lead to severe damage and splitting.
Are Engineered Wood Floors Different?
Unfortunately, when it comes to steam cleaning, engineered wood floors are not different. They still contain real timber veneers atop multiple layers of plywood and high-density fibreboard. All of this means they expand and contract less than regular solid wood, but they are still made of timber underneath. Pressurised moisture and water can penetrate in the same way, eventually weakening the material.
The professional guide to cleaning wood flooring
If you want to clean wood flooring properly, here’s some of our advice based on our extensive experience working with this material:
- Don’t use wet mops or harsh home remedies like vinegar or ammonia on your wood.
- Only use approved products for cleaning wood floors, or keep them clean by sweeping with a brush or vacuuming.
- If there’s a spill, wipe it up immediately.
How to Protect Your Investment
Given that you shouldn’t use steam cleaning or any water-based method to clean your wood floors in your home, how do you protect your investment?
Every wood floor is slightly different, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidance in each case. Make sure you follow their specified aftercare instructions so you don’t void your warranty.
One way to maintain your wood floor is to place felt protective pads under your furniture and use a doormat at entryways. This improves the lifespan of the wood and protects it from scratch damage and abrasion.
For antique or highly valuable wood floors with signs of wear and tear, trying to clean them yourself is usually a bad idea. Always seek professional assistance and advice.
If your wood flooring isn’t looking as sharp as it used to be, then contact the team at West One Wood Flooring. We’re here to help. We can provide professional care and maintenance advice, and even offer expert restoration services to ensure that your home continues to have stunning flooring. We can also help you choose the right floor for your home.
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