Are Steam Cleaners Good For Vinyl Floors

Is it safe to use a steam mop on vinyl plank flooring.

Are steam cleaners good for vinyl floors.

But is it truly safe for the longevity of your floor. Persistent steam and water will loosen the corners of these tiles and the adhesive will weaken and fail. Quick effective and minimal steam mops are the favorite tool in many a homemaker s broom closet. Vinyl adhesive tile floors using a steam mop on any surface bonded by adhesive is a mistake which disqualifies all of the peel and stick products that are popular for inexpensive remodeling.

Using a steam mop is an excellent way to clean more in depth than just sweeping while minimizing the use of excessive water. Not every steam cleaner is great to use on all types of floors. At the good housekeeping institute we clean ceramic tiles vinyl floors inside an oven gas hobs windows and if applicable carpet with each steam cleaner we test. However vinyl is made of plastic with a backing of wood particles so it could still be susceptible to heat damage.

To get back that shine on your vinyl floors and get rid of dirt stains and germs you will need to use the steam mop properly. Check your steam mops manual to see whether your model is recommended for use. The drying time for steam mopping is about 30 seconds. Steam mops are generally safe for vinyl ceramic and porcelain tile floors however it is always a good idea to check with your flooring brand to be sure using steam won t void your floor s.

Each type of cleaner is made to target specific types of floors while others can clean up multiple types of floors. Since a steam mop emits both heat and moisture other cleaning methods may work better for your vinyl plank floor. While it s not recommended to use traditional steam cleaners on the vinyl floor there are certain models that can be used safely without damaging the finish or weakening the glue. Check out the best steam cleaners for vinyl floors here.

While vinyl plank is more tolerant to water than laminate and hardwood overuse of moisture can seep into the cracks and loosen the glue used to attach the floor.