Make sure you find a steam mop that allows you to adjust the steam output so you can control exposure.
It’s best to steam clean hardwood floors with as little moisture as possible. This feature is handy for some, but adds little for those who only need a cleaner for their hardwood floors.
Some work as portable steamers for deep cleaning other surfaces or areas of the home. Steam mops come in various configurations.
Keep in mind that a full water reservoir will increase the weight of your mop, so if a steam mop is a little heavy when it’s empty, it will only be more challenging to lift once it’s full. Select a lightweight steam mop so you can move around or carry the mop up and down stairs if needed. However, large water tanks make steam mops heavier, which may not be ideal for some users. If you have to maintain an especially large space, a bigger water reservoir will allow you to mop for longer and requires less refills. What to look for in a quality steam mop for hardwood floors Water reservoirĬonsider how much hardwood flooring you need to clean. If your floor is not sealed, do not clean it with a steam mop. A raw hardwood floor will soak the water in. A sealed floor prevents penetration, keeping the water on the surface. If you’re unsure if your wood floor is sealed, put a drop or two of water on it and see if it soaks in or stays on the surface. Never use a steam mop on a hardwood floor that has not been sealed, as you can warp the wood or encourage mold. Remember that wood absorbs water, and you can easily damage it with excessive moisture. Too much abrasion can remove its protective sealant and result in a dull appearance. If you’re cleaning hardwood floors, select a steam mop with soft cleaning pads as opposed to a model with abrasive brushes or pads. For example, steam mops that feature rigid bristles work best on textured surfaces or tiled floors with grout, which can trap dirt and grime. Some mops excel in cleaning one type of floor material but fall short on others. The hot steam loosens dirt and stubborn grime, kills germs and provides you with an effective chemical-free sanitizing system. The steam then soaks the pad and effectively cleans the floor. They carry their water inside a reservoir which is heated into steam and sent into the mop’s pad. Unlike traditional mops, steam mops don’t require you to repeatedly dunk their pads in a bucket of water. What to know before you buy a steam mop for hardwood floors How steam mops work And the multiple steam settings give you the flexibility needed to clean different floor surfaces. It’s small, lightweight and has a pivoting head that allows you to easily maneuver it around your home. The Shark S7000AMZ Steam Mop is a great choice, as it features dual-cleaning pads that spin independently to bring your floors to a glistening shine. Steam mops are excellent tools for gently and thoroughly maintaining your hardwood floor. However, they require special cleaning to ensure they look their best and prevent damage or stains.
Hardwood floors bring a warm, traditional aesthetic to interior space, whether they are weathered, reclaimed materials or brand new wood. Which steam mops for hardwood floors are best?