Can u use a steam mop on laminate floors

There is no doubt that a high-quality laminate floor can give a room an impressive look. Durable, clean and relatively easy to maintain, laminate floors are a combination of wood, plastic and resin, and they are growing increasingly popular with householders throughout the world.

Despite its hardwearing nature, care must be taken when cleaning laminate flooring, as an excessive use of water can result in moisture finding its way between even the tiniest of cracks and crevasses. Using a Shark® steam mop, however, will utilise the optimum level of heat – and just enough water – to leave your laminate floor gleaming without being compromised.

Why use a Shark Steam Mop for laminate flooring?

One of the main issues people encounter when cleaning laminate flooring is the residue that is often left behind afterwards. There are some very effective cleaning agents on the market, but they can leave an unsightly film on laminate long after it has been cleaned. Not only can this affect the beautiful look of your floor, it can create a slippery surface and a potential slip hazard.

A Shark® steam mop doesn’t require the use of any chemicals; instead, it applies evenly distributed steam along all of the mop head. Depending on the nature of your cleaning job, there are three heat settings to choose from.

Before you start

Clearing the floor of debris and loose dirt before you start your steam clean is absolutely essential. Use a soft, indoor brush to sweep the floor, and make sure that it is completely clear of debris.

Choose a setting on your Shark® steam mop that is appropriate for the condition of your floor – the ‘scrubbing’ setting is ideal for particularly dirty surfaces with ground-in dirt. Fill your steam mop with water – as directed by the usage instructions – and wait for it to reach temperature.

Effective cleaning methods

For the best results, it is best to tackle your floor in small sections. Push your steam mop over the surface of the laminate in the same way as you would with a standard mop. Shark’s® innovative steam distribution technology will ensure that every part of the mop head is clearing away grease and grime. However, check the head regularly to ensure that it is clean and free from debris.

Laminate is made with a resin that stops water from penetrating it. However, in some rare cases water can find its way into the tiny cracks between laminate panels. The best way to ensure that doesn’t happen is to mop along the panels, and not against them. Staying with the ‘grain’ will deliver exceptional results without compromising the quality of your floor.

A combination of minimal water and a sufficiently high temperature means your floor should look completely dry and spotlessly clean within a few seconds. You can dry it with a clean cloth if you feel it is necessary, but this could affect the incredible sheen that Shark® steam mops can create. However, resist the temptation to use any floor cleaning chemicals, sprays or waxes – your Shark® steam mop is all that is needed for gleaming laminate flooring.

Laminate is hygienic and highly resistant to everyday wear and tear. However, its primary enemy is liquid, which can make cleaning it tricky. Because the Shark® steam mop regulates both steam flow and how much water is applied to your floor, you can keep your laminate looking like new without undermining its effectiveness.

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Can u use a steam mop on laminate floors

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Laminate is known for being easy to clean and learning how to use a steam mop on laminate floors is one way to keep flooring spotless. However, it’s important to proceed with caution, as the flooring could absorb the moisture produced by the mop. This can damage the layers of laminate, so care should be taken if using a steam mop on a laminate floor.

Foot traffic from family and pets throughout the day can lead to dirt and grime developing on the surface of a floor. Over time, this dirt can get ingrained and become more difficult to remove. When this happens, you might be tempted to reach for a steam mop – but there are a few things to bear in mind before steam cleaning laminate flooring. 

The best steam mops (opens in new tab) are known for helping to keep hard surfaces clean around the house, while the best vacuum cleaners (opens in new tab) are a great way to keep your floors dust-free for a better wet clean. However, are steam mops truly the best way to keep laminate flooring clean?

How to use a steam mop on laminate floors

Steam mops use a combination of heat and water to clean a floor by effectively loosening any hardened dirt and killing most germs. It's worth noting that most flooring manufacturers don’t recommend the use of a steam mop on laminate floors, so if you want to preserve your laminate, then it's worth using a different cleaning method.

However, if you have a steam mop and do want to use it to clean laminate flooring, follow these steps to avoid damaging the surface:

Step 1: Start by removing any loose dirt with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner on hard floor mode.

Step 2: Use a microfiber mop pad that will be gentle on the floor to prevent scratching. 

Step 3: Select the lowest steam setting on the mop.

Step 4: Keep the mop moving and don’t let it settle in one place.

Step 5: Avoid pressing down too hard on the mop.

Step 6: Ensure the area is completely dry after cleaning with no remaining moisture.

Some laminate flooring is rated for use with steam mops and if the flooring is waterproof, it may be suitable to steam clean the floor. Although these floors are more protected from the potential damage of steam cleaning, repeated cleaning could still cause moisture to penetrate the laminate.

As an alternative way to clean laminate flooring, use a damp cloth or laminate floor solution, and make sure the floor is cleaned every day to prevent any dirt from becoming stuck. Regular cleaning will reduce the need for steam cleaning, as stubborn dirt won’t have a chance to build up on the surface. However you choose to clean the floor, always ensure the surface is fully dry before replacing rugs or furniture and before walking on it. 

Risks of using a steam mop on laminate floors 

What the expert says...

Andre Kazimerski, CEO of Improovy Painters Plano (opens in new tab), says, "It’s not recommended to use a steam mop on laminate floors. However, you can try applying the steam to something like a cloth or rag, and then “mopping” the floor with this instead – the direct application of steam is what’s most likely to cause damage.” 

Steam mopping is a highly effective way to clean a floor, as the heat and moisture loosen any dirt that has built up from muddy boots, dirty paw prints, or general everyday activities. However, using a steam mop on a laminate floor is not usually recommended. Here’s why it’s best not to use steam to clean laminate flooring:

The floor will absorb the water. Laminate flooring is made from layers of board which, when exposed to water, will swell and warp. This will cause the floor to buckle and is difficult to fix.

The adhesive will become damaged. The combination of moisture and heat that makes a steam mop work can loosen the adhesive which is designed to keep the layers of laminate together.

The mop cannot be used effectively. When steam cleaning laminate flooring, it’s important not to apply too much pressure or let the mop sit in one place for too long, which makes it difficult to quickly and easily clean the floor.

Any warranty could be void. If your laminate flooring came with a warranty, cleaning it with a steam mop could void this agreement, leaving you facing the costs of repairing the floor.

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Hayley Francis is a freelance writer based in the UK with an interest in travel, culture, and the great outdoors. When not busy writing for a variety of clients, she can be found planning her next trip or hiking a new trail.

What is the best way to clean laminate flooring?

Use a gentle cleanser to spot-clean visibly dirty areas, and always follow up by wiping the area with a dry, absorbent cloth. One simple cleaner that works well with laminate is: 1 part rubbing alcohol + 3 parts water + a squirt of dish soap, applied using a lightly dampened cloth.

How do you clean a laminate floor with a steam mop?

Using a vacuum cleaner, sweep your laminate floors in hard floor mode and then switch it to the lowest steam setting. Avoid applying the steam directly on the floors. Apply it to a microfiber pad instead and use that to clean the floor. Now mop in the direction of the grain and make sure to keep the mop moving.

What steam mop is best for laminate floors?

Using the Bissell Powerfresh steam mop on its lowest steam control is best for laminate flooring. In fact, it's one of our favorite choices for those who need a powerful and reliable steam mop that can be used on many types of flooring – including linoleum, hardwood floor or marble.

Can you use the shark steam mop on laminate floors?

The Shark Steam Mop is an excellent mop to use on floors of all types. You can even use it on hardwood floors and on laminate floors if you are careful about the setting and how you mop. Plus it will sanitize the floor so any pets and small children will stay safe and healthy.