Can You Use a Steam Cleaner on Prefinished Hardwood?

World Floor Covering Association

• The World Floor Covering Association says it cannot find a hardwood flooring manufacturer that recommends the use of a steam cleaner on its products. It says sweeping and vacuuming should be sufficient, combined with occasional mopping, using a cleaning product recommended by the floor manufacturer.

Hardwood Floor Expert

• The Hardwood Floor Expert website describes steam cleaners as a "no-no." It acknowledges that on a sealed floor, a steam cleaner should be safe to use. However, in reality, it says there are always some small cracks between the boards, which the steam can penetrate.

  The website explains the danger by describing water and heat as a hardwood floor's "worst enemies." Together, it says, they can cause "cracking, warping and buckling."

Polti

• Polti, one of the world's major steam cleaner manufacturers, says steam should be directed at any one point on a wood surface for only a brief period, as prolonged exposure could lead to a change in the appearance. Polti also recommends the use of a double thickness cloth when steam mopping hardwood floors. This means the cloth should be folded over before being clipped to the cleaning head.

Hoover

• Hoover says its steam mop should only be used on sealed hardwood floors. It warns the appliance may dull the gloss on waxed wood and advises against its use on this type of surface.

Black and Decker

• Black and Decker's steam mop features a control that allows the volume of steam to be adjusted according to the floor type being cleaned. One of the settings is specifically for wood and laminate. The company also stresses the importance of not allowing the steam mop to sit in one position for any length of time when operational.

Conclusion

• If you have just installed a new hardwood floor, read the cleaning instructions carefully to see if any mention is made of steam cleaning. If you can find no reference to it, contact the manufacturers and ask if steam cleaning can be used on your floor surface. Be guided by them. If they say definitely not, use whatever method they recommend to ensure your floor looks its best for as long as possible.