A steam mop is great for deep cleaning. It is an effective method of disinfection without the use of chemicals. There are special considerations when using steam cleaners in a home with laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is sensitive to moisture and needs to be handled with care. Can I clean laminate flooring with a steam mop? This technique will perfectly remove dirt without harming the delicate surface, if you follow some rules.
Features of laminate care
Laminate flooring is designed to last, but it can still become damaged or stained. Damage typically ranges from surface defects to multi-layer penetration. Here are some common sources of damage to laminate flooring:
- Moisture. The less water on the laminate during cleaning, the better. Water leads to irreparable swelling of the boards.
- Use of cleaning products. The wrong chemical cleaner makes the floor dull.
- Improper cleaning. Vacuuming or sweeping can also be harmful. No matter how soft the broom or roller brush is, it will leave scratches on the flooring.
- Sunlight. Unfortunately, the rays of the sun falling on the same place of laminated panels gradually discolor these areas.
Damage to laminate flooring can be catastrophic, so it's best to keep it away from water, sunlight and abrasive cleaners whenever possible. You can only vacuum and sweep with a soft brush, and use specialized cleaning products for washing.
Note! If food or dirt gets on the laminate, do not scrape it off with metal objects. Instead, only wooden or plastic items are used.
What you need to know when choosing cleaning products
Many people, when they come to the store to buy a cleaning product, fall into a stupor. There is so much choice that it is not so easy to understand what exactly you need. When choosing laminate cleaning products, consider the following:
- If the product contains sodium carbonate, then it is not suitable for you.
- Compare the composition of a universal liquid with the composition of a specialized one, most likely you will not find any differences, so there is no point in overpaying.
- You can even skip washing with cleaning products and add a little table vinegar to the water.
When using detergent, do not allow it to come into contact with the skin of your hands - minor injuries may occur. It is recommended to use rubber gloves for cleaning.
How does a steam mop work?
Before cleaning a laminate floor, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basics of how a steam mop cleans a floor. When steam cleaners operate, they heat water to a boiling point, which can kill most germs and liquefy any dirt deposits that have accumulated in floor cracks.
The mop will produce steam containing approximately three to five percent moisture as long as the heat source remains constant. Steam is applied to the surface to be cleaned, then the user wipes off the slightly moistened and steamed dirt using a rag attachment.
How to choose a steam mop in terms of price/quality ratio?
Most manufactured steam mops do an excellent job of their basic duties, such as washing the floor and treating it with hot steam, which almost instantly softens the dirt and further disinfects the room, which significantly increases the cleaning efficiency. The differences are related to the appearance, design features and power of the devices in question.
Therefore, when choosing a steam mop, it is worth considering the following parameters:
- design features - steam mops can be traditional, intended exclusively for wet cleaning, or combined, that is, combined with an electric broom or vacuum cleaner;
- the shape of the sole nozzle is rectangular, rigidly fixed and non-rotating, or ergonomic triangular, mobile and easy to clean in corners and other narrow areas;
- power is a parameter that determines the heating speed and readiness of the device to start working - the higher it is, the faster the owner can start cleaning: from 10-30 seconds with a power of 1500 W and higher to 45-60 seconds with a power of about 1200 W;
- steam pressure, which usually ranges from 1 to 3 bar, and supply intensity - the higher these values, the more successfully and quickly the steam mop will cope with old and stubborn dirt;
- ease of control - the presence of a regulator that changes the intensity of the steam flow, for example, when working on various floor coverings;
- volume of the water tank - the average value ranges from 300 to 500 ml - the larger the tank, the less often you will have to add water to the tank, however, the heavier the mop itself will be;
- continuous operation time - on average varies from 10 to 45 minutes, for cleaning a small room 10-15 minutes of work is enough, and for large rooms you should prefer devices that can work for at least 20-30 minutes;
- weight of the device - this parameter does not matter if the mop will be used only for washing the floor, but it will be quite important if you plan to use it to wash walls, mirrors, steam curtains, etc.;
- a sufficient number of attachments and accessories - a scraper for washing glass and mirrors, a cone for spot cleaning dirt, a brush with metal bristles, attachments for steaming fabrics, cleaning carpet and upholstered furniture, protective mittens for hands, etc.;
- attaching napkins to the sole - usually using Velcro, a ribbon or a drawstring.
Using a steam mop on laminate flooring
Even if the panels are considered waterproof, they are still not completely protected from moisture. It is extremely important to take extra care when using steam mops to clean laminate floors. It is recommended to check in advance whether the manufacturer allows cleaning laminate floors with a steam mop.
Only waterproof laminate with sealed joints will withstand cleaning with a device that supplies steam under pressure. It should only be used for occasional deep cleaning. For daily use, hot, humid steam is very harmful. The temperature on the device is chosen to be the lowest, and the steaming mode is the most gentle.
Which laminate can be washed?
Reference! Laminate is a four-layer board, the base of which is made of chipboard or fiberboard. It is protected from below by plastic or resin-impregnated cardboard. A decorative layer covered with a film of synthetic resin is applied on top. Different categories of flooring differ in moisture resistance and wear resistance.
Manufacturers believe that a steam mop is suitable for cleaning laminate flooring, which has water-repellent properties, and only if it is installed on an adhesive base and the joints are sealed. Their caution is understandable. But the fact is that during ordinary wet cleaning, no less water is consumed than during steam treatment. In addition, the surface remains dry immediately after using the steam tool, so there is virtually no risk of floor deformation.
Choosing a mop
When looking for a steam mop designed for laminate and similar sensitive floors, there are a few things to consider first:
- Water container. A larger tank means longer cleaning sessions without interruptions, but it also means a larger, heavier, and bulkier steam mop.
- Water. Tap water is the cheapest, but as it evaporates in a steam mop, it leaves a residue on the heater and even on cleaned floors. To avoid such marks and damage to equipment, it is strongly recommended to use distilled water.
- Water heater. Good steam cleaners should have adjustable heat settings so that the user can set the steam strength depending on the situation and the surface being cleaned.
On a note! Any cleaning head will work for cleaning laminate flooring. The rectangular shape allows you to clean larger areas faster, while the triangular shape cleans more thoroughly, especially around the edges and corners.
Requirements
Laminate flooring can be a home decoration.
The listed types of tools have features, advantages and disadvantages. When choosing, you need to take into account that the new floor has a number of limitations during operation and maintenance. These restrictions must be observed so that the appearance and properties of the coating remain unchanged for many years.
- The rubbing surface must be soft.
- It must have high absorbency. You should always remember that laminate is afraid of water penetrating into the seams.
- Detergents can only be used of a special brand that is suitable for this type of floor.
Therefore, it is worth deciding in advance which mop to choose for laminate flooring.
Using a steam mop to clean laminate flooring step by step
When working with an electrical appliance, it is easy to make certain mistakes, due to which the device will work less efficiently or even become dangerous for the user. All modern steam cleaners are easy to use and maintain, but before using them for the first time, be sure to read the manual for the device:
- Floors should be vacuumed or swept before steaming. If you skip this step, all the dirt, sand, dust, crumbs, and hair on the surface will be caught by the steam mop, hindering its performance. Cleaning floors without a vacuum cleaner also means you'll have to change your mop cloth more often.
- After switching on, the device heats up quickly. Before doing this, first fill the tank with water. Then attach a rag to the head. Connecting to the electrical outlet should always be the last step. If the water tank needs to be refilled during the cleaning process, it is best to unplug the mop before refilling.
- The minimum steam level must be set; adding steam manually is very slow. Minimum flow results in less surface heating. When steam cleaning, the main goal is to not only clean the laminate, but also not damage it.
- Sometimes housewives get distracted while waiting for the mop to heat up. If the phone rings and you need to answer, you should turn off the device. Heat accumulates very quickly - within a few seconds for some models. If a steam mop is left in one place for too long, it will apply a lot of steam and heat to a small area and possibly damage the floor.
- Begin cleaning the laminate with repeated movements, running over the same surface several times. To achieve brilliant results, it is better to clean the floor in small sections. A steam mop is passed over the surface in the same way as a regular mop, and it is better not along the panels, but across them.
What mop should I use to clean laminate flooring? Types of brushes and their advantages
Most people have long ceased to associate the word “mop” with the ordinary wooden product that our grandmothers used to wash floors. Now the market is full of a wide variety of types of this cleaning equipment, starting, by the way, from those classic wooden mops to high-tech electronic devices. Let's get acquainted with all types.
The classic wooden mop is the same old variation of the product. Structurally, it is extremely simple and has already been recognized as obsolete, but still sells. True, it costs a penny - around 100-150 rubles. It has a fairly long base on which a regular rag is located. The base itself is attached to a wooden handle. I had to wring out the rag with my hands. It’s quite suitable for laminate – the main thing is to wring out the cloth well. Advantages:
- cheap;
- simple design;
- environmental friendliness;
- ease of use;
- you can do it yourself.
Flaws:
- you have to press it manually;
- poor maneuverability;
- morally outdated.
Flounder is a flat mop, quite simple, and belongs to the category of ordinary household ones. It has a regular or telescopic handle, to which a base for a rag is attached at the bottom. The base is partially movable, making the mop more maneuverable than a traditional one. Instead of a regular rag, a special attachment is used that has Velcro or “pockets” into which the “wings” of the base are inserted. Suitable for laminate. Advantages:
- relatively inexpensive;
- moderate maneuverability;
- you can buy a lot of different attachments;
- can be adjusted to suit any height;
- ease of use.
Flaws:
- the nozzle must be wrung out by hand;
- often breaks.
A sponge mop with a mechanical spin is one of the bestsellers. It has a plastic handle and a base with a sponge attachment attached to it. If the latter is dry, it becomes very hard and must be thoroughly soaked with water before use. The mop also has a simple wring mechanism that allows you to wring out the sponge part using a conveniently located lever on the handle—you don’t have to rinse the sponge in dirty water with your hands. It is suitable for laminate flooring, but it is better to use it for washing porcelain tiles or painted wood.
Important! For laminate flooring, such a mop can only be used by thoroughly soaking the sponge attachment. Otherwise it will leave scratches on the coating.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- no need to wring out rags - mechanical wringing;
- The nozzle absorbs water well.
Flaws:
- The spin mechanism often fails;
- may scratch the laminate;
- the price is higher than other mops.
A universal mop is a product that has a “double” attachment. On one side there is a rubber scraper, on the other there is an abrasive sponge for removing heavy dirt. Universal because it allows you to clean different surfaces. including washing glass. But to use such a mop when cleaning laminate flooring, you need to buy a special attachment - you cannot use standard ones, because... Scratches may appear on the coating. Advantages:
- suitable for different surfaces;
- removes heavy dirt well;
- ideal for cleaning in the kitchen, where grease stains often need to be removed.
Flaws:
- expensive;
- may scratch the laminate - the standard nozzle is too hard.
On a note! There are also mops for professionals. They have a very large base that allows you to quickly clean floors in large rooms. Strong and durable products. But they are not very convenient for use in apartments due to their large dimensions.
There are also steam mops. These are already high-tech devices that require electricity to operate. In appearance they look like ordinary mops, but they have a special water tank and a steam generator. Such products perfectly clean surfaces, and there is no need to use detergents - steam perfectly disinfects everything in the area of influence, including pathogenic bacteria. So this is the best option for allergy sufferers and apartments where small children live. They are suitable for laminate, despite the hot steam - the main thing is to set the temperature mode suitable for this floor covering.
On a note! Some steam mops can be used not only for cleaning floors, but also as a clothes steamer and cleaning upholstered furniture.
Advantages:
- do not require the use of household chemicals;
- suitable for allergy sufferers;
- highly effective;
- modern;
- simple and easy to use;
- Suitable for steaming clothes.
Flaws:
- Requires power supply to operate;
- are expensive.
Below we present the top 10 steam mops that are preferred by users. For convenience, the rating is divided into two categories - expensive and cheap steam mops.
Tips for removing stains from laminate flooring
Without taking precautions, you can damage the laminate during cleaning. Here are some tips to avoid this:
We recommend:
Silent vacuum cleaner: rating of quiet models
- If the floor is very dirty, you may need to change the cloth pad several times.
- Always use minimal heat for laminate flooring. Movements should be quick to prevent the floor from overheating. Do not leave the steam mop in one place.
- You should start from the far corner, making equal strokes so as not to miss any areas. If you need to take a break, turn off the mop.
- Never use all-purpose cleaners on laminate flooring. They can make laminate flooring look dull. Light steam is all you need for a good cleanse.
Floor cleaning instructions
Before using a steam mop to clean laminate flooring, you should do some preparatory work.
- Collect all large debris with a broom or special brush.
- Remove any remaining dust with a vacuum cleaner. The main thing is to use a nozzle with a retractable brush so that the plastic edges do not scratch the floor.
- Take a specialized cleaning product and dilute it with warm water.
- While wetting the nozzle, wipe the coating with small fragments. After each wetting, the nozzle or sponge must be thoroughly wrung out to prevent excessive moisture from the floor.
Before you start cleaning your floor, carefully read the instructions on the cleaning product box.
Rating of the best steam mops for laminate floors
Kitfort KT-1010
A simple steam mop that doesn't cost much is probably a good choice. It is lightweight and easy to use; housewives will enjoy the ease of use and its quality. A five-meter power cord allows you to clean several rooms without disconnecting from the network. Manual steam control gives excellent control over performance.
The device is compact, so it is easy to store regardless of the size of the apartment.
Endever Odyssey Q-606
The device is useful for high-traffic surfaces that are prone to stains, spills and dirt. This is the choice for a home with children, pets and owners who lead an active lifestyle. The steam cleaner has 3 modes to suit specific needs and comes with a triangular shaped nozzle that removes dirt from corners.
How to properly remove various stains from laminate flooring with a steam mop
The appearance of stains and damage to the laminate surface is almost impossible to avoid. But it is quite possible to clean them, especially if the floor covering was laid using the adhesive method. Then you can safely call on washing vacuum cleaners and steam mops for help.
Most stains can be removed with special chemicals, powder or soap solutions, alcohol or aerosols. Under no circumstances should abrasive products be used. Contamination is wiped with a sponge or rag with the applied substance and thoroughly washed off with water.
Small scratches can be repaired with tint sealant or wax crayons. After treatment, the laminate is cleaned with a steam mop, leaving it crystal clean.
Household Appliances Steam Mop
Benefits of cleaning laminate flooring with a steam cleaner
- Simplicity. You don’t need to select floor cleaning products or spend a long time understanding the device’s structure. Everything can be done quickly and easily.
- Environmental friendliness. The process does not use aggressive chemicals, saves water, and wastewater is not contaminated with chemicals.
- Hygiene. Steam cleaning with a Karcher cleaner destroys up to 99.99% of harmful microorganisms on hard surfaces.
- Convenience. The variety of attachments and the ergonomic shape of the device make cleaning easier and reduce cleaning time.
Working with complex contaminants
If the contamination is complex, then prolonged exposure to steam on a certain area of the laminate is allowed without the risk of serious deformation. This way you can remove grease and caustic stains. To make it easier to remove stains from laminate flooring, you can rub the area with a cotton cloth after steaming.
Alternating exposure to steam and wiping will remove serious stains.
It is recommended to carry out cleaning at least a couple of times a week, this will avoid the appearance of difficult areas to clean, and you will not have to use steam on the same area.
Conclusion
A steam cleaner is a great way to clean laminate flooring. It will allow you to quickly clean the surface from almost any type of dirt and will be an excellent analogue of wet cleaning. The steam cleaner is safe for laminate, does not cause deformation and is easy to use.
