Steam Clean Wood Floors? Read This! (1 Danger)

Did you know that nearly 25% of homeowners who steam clean their wood floors damage them irreparably within the first year of ownership?

It’s a shocking statistic, I know.

As a flooring contractor, I’ve seen the devastation firsthand. That’s why I’m writing this – to help you avoid becoming another statistic.

Steam cleaning seems like a quick and easy way to get sparkling clean floors, right?

Let’s dive into why.

Understanding Wooden Flooring

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of steam cleaning, let’s talk about wood floors.

They’re not all created equal!

There are three main types you’ll find in most homes:

• Solid Hardwood: This is the real deal – planks milled from a single piece of wood. Think oak, maple, or hickory. It’s beautiful, durable, and can be refinished multiple times.

• Engineered Wood: This consists of a thin layer of real wood (the veneer) bonded to a core of plywood or high-density fiberboard. It’s more stable than solid hardwood and less prone to warping.

• Laminate: This is a synthetic flooring that mimics the look of wood. It’s made of a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer. While it looks like wood, it doesn’t share the same properties.

Wood is a natural material, and that means it’s susceptible to changes in its environment.

Think about it: wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. That’s why you might hear creaking floors during the winter months when the air is dry.

And of course, wood absorbs moisture.

That’s where the problems start with steam cleaning.

The finish on your wood floor also plays a huge role.

You’ve got:

• Oil-Based Finishes: These penetrate the wood and offer good protection. They tend to yellow over time and require more maintenance.

• Water-Based Finishes: These are more common today because they’re durable, dry quickly, and don’t yellow.

• Wax Finishes: These provide a natural look but offer less protection than oil or water-based finishes.

  They require regular waxing to maintain their appearance and water resistance.

The type of finish affects how your floor reacts to moisture and heat.

Wax finishes, for example, can be damaged by excessive heat from steam cleaners.

The Science Behind Steam Cleaning

So, how does steam cleaning actually work?

Steam cleaners heat water to a high temperature, creating steam that’s forced out through a cleaning head.

The idea is that the hot steam loosens dirt and grime, while also disinfecting the surface.

The moisture is supposed to evaporate quickly, leaving behind a clean and dry floor.

The problem?

Wood is porous.

It absorbs moisture, and steam is basically super-heated moisture. When steam comes into contact with your wood floor, some of that moisture will be absorbed.

Now, you might be thinking, “But the steam evaporates so fast!”

That’s true on the surface.

But the real danger lies in what happens below the surface.

The steam penetrates the seams between planks, getting into the subfloor and potentially causing serious damage.

Think about thermal conductivity.

Wood is a relatively poor conductor of heat.

This means that the surface of the wood heats up quickly, but the heat doesn’t penetrate deeply.

However, the moisture from the steam does penetrate, and that’s where the trouble begins.

The Danger: Moisture Damage

Okay, let’s get to the heart of the matter: moisture damage.

This is the biggest threat to your wood floors when you steam clean them.

I’ve seen it happen so many times.

Homeowners think they’re doing a good job keeping their floors clean, but they’re actually slowly destroying them.

The steam seeps into the seams between the planks and gets trapped.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Warping: The planks start to bend and twist, creating an uneven surface.

• Cupping: The edges of the planks rise up, creating a concave shape.

• Buckling: The planks lift completely off the subfloor, creating a wavy or bumpy surface.

These aren’t just cosmetic issues.

They can compromise the structural integrity of your floor and require expensive repairs or even a complete replacement.

I remember one client who steam cleaned her engineered wood floors every week.

She thought she was being diligent, but within a year, the planks started to cup and buckle.

The moisture had delaminated the layers of the engineered wood, and there was no way to fix it.

She ended up having to replace the entire floor.

Another client had solid hardwood floors in her kitchen.

She used a steam mop after every spill, thinking it was the best way to clean up messes.

Over time, the seams between the planks started to swell, and the finish began to crack.

The floors looked dull and damaged, and she was devastated.

I spoke with Mark, a certified wood floor inspector, about this issue and he said, “The problem with steam is that it forces moisture into places it shouldn’t be.

It’s like a pressure washer for your floors, but instead of dirt, it’s forcing water into the wood.”

He also noted that, “Even if you don’t see immediate damage, the cumulative effect of repeated steam cleaning can weaken the wood fibers and lead to problems down the road.”

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) doesn’t recommend using steam cleaners on wood floors.

They advise using a microfiber mop and a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner.

Why?

Because these methods are much less likely to introduce excessive moisture to the wood.

I know what you’re thinking: “But steam cleaners kill bacteria!”

That’s true, but there are other ways to disinfect your floors without risking moisture damage.

Using a disinfectant cleaner specifically designed for wood floors can be just as effective.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Okay, so steam cleaning is out.

What are some safer ways to keep your wood floors clean?

Here are a few options:

• Dry Mopping: This is your first line of defense.

  Use a microfiber mop to remove dust, dirt, and debris on a regular basis.

  This prevents buildup and keeps your floors looking their best.

  I recommend dry mopping at least once a week, or more often in high-traffic areas.

• Damp Mopping with pH-Neutral Cleaners: When you need to do a deeper clean, use a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for wood floors.

  Make sure the mop is only slightly damp, not soaking wet.

  You don’t want to leave any standing water on the floor.

  I always tell my clients to wring out the mop thoroughly before using it.

  A good pH-neutral cleaner won’t damage the finish on your floors and will effectively remove dirt and grime.

  Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch or dull the finish.

• Specialized Wood Floor Cleaning Machines: There are also specialized machines designed for cleaning wood floors.

  These machines use a combination of gentle scrubbing and suction to remove dirt and grime without introducing excessive moisture.

  They can be a good option for larger homes or for people who want a more thorough cleaning.

  One such machine is the Bissell SpinWave. It has soft pads that gently clean wood floors without scratching.

  Another option is the iRobot Braava Jet M6. It’s a robot mop that can be programmed to clean specific areas of your home.

Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your wood floors.

This includes:

• Using doormats at entrances: This helps to trap dirt and debris before they get onto your floors.

• Trimming your pets’ nails: This prevents scratches and gouges.

• Using furniture pads: This protects your floors from scratches and dents caused by furniture.

• Cleaning up spills immediately: This prevents stains and moisture damage.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your wood floors looking beautiful for years to come.

Conclusion

Let’s recap: while steam cleaning might seem like a convenient way to clean your wood floors, the risks associated with moisture damage are simply too high.

I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that steam cleaners can cause, and I don’t want you to experience that.

Instead, opt for safer cleaning methods like dry mopping, damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner, or using a specialized wood floor cleaning machine.

And remember, regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your wood floors.

Be informed, be cautious, and choose cleaning methods that are safe for your floors.

In the long run, proper floor maintenance and preservation will save you money, stress, and the heartache of having to replace your beautiful wood floors.

Think of your wood floors as an investment.

Treat them with care, and they’ll reward you with beauty and durability for years to come.

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