Vinyl flooring is fast becoming a popular choice. It gives the look of wood but is much more durable. If you dislike spending time and money on the maintenance of your flooring, vinyl flooring is a great option for you.
However, a question that is frequently asked is if it is safe to steam mop vinyl flooring. It is completely safe to do this. Although you must take a few precautions while doing this to prevent damage from overheating. Let’s explore this further.
Do Steam Mops Damage Vinyl Floors?
Steam mops do not damage vinyl floors. In fact, they are much better than old-fashioned mops because they minimize the use of excessive water. Steam mopping only takes 30 seconds to dry, so it is an easy and fast process.
Vinyl flooring is more durable when it comes to tolerating moisture than traditional laminate flooring. This makes many people think it’s okay to use an old-fashioned mop on such floors. This can damage your floor as excess moisture can seep into the cracks. This will loosen the glue that was used to attach the floor.
Hence, you must only use a steam mop to clean your vinyl flooring. Remember to use a vacuum cleaner on your flooring before using your steam mop. This will ensure the vacuuming picks up larger specks of dust.
How to Use a Steam Mop on Vinyl Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove all the furniture that you can from the room. This will make sure you have enough space to clean your floor.
- Prepare the pads on your mop to avoid trailing dirt while you are cleaning. The mop pad should be clean itself. If it is not, wash it first or change the pad.
- Attach the pad to your steam mop and fill the water reservoir. Power up your mop using the instructions mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual. It is recommended that you use the light steam setting on your map as too much heat will destroy your floor.
- While wiping, keep the mop moving. Don’t allow it to stop at any one spot as you may risk damaging your floors from overheating.
- Check your pad regularly. Once it gets dirty, you should change it or else you’ll accidentally make your floor dirty again.
Congratulations, your floors are clean now.
Precautions for Steam Cleaning Vinyl Floors
There are some things you should be careful about while steam cleaning your vinyl floors. If it’s your first time, you must be careful about using too much heat.
Check Your Floors
Before you begin the process of cleaning, ensure that your floors are properly sealed. If they are not, the hot steam from the mop may cause damage to them.
Check the Temperature
Check your device settings to note the highest temperature of steam it can reach. This will affect the amount of pressure your mop produces. A good steam cleaner can generate heat up to 250ºF.
Also, check how long is it taking for your mop to reach that temperature. Many mops let you change the pressure and temperature according to your individual needs.
Collect the Dust
Before steam mopping your floor, use a vacuum cleaner to collect the big grains of dirt. You can also use a broom to do this step.
Move Your Mop without Stopping
Excessive heat will damage your vinyl flooring. While sweeping, make sure your mop doesn’t stay in one spot for too long. Fast strokes will give you perfect results. If you do need to pause, turn off your mop and keep it aside.
Use the Cleaning Solution
Many steam mops allow you to use a cleaning solution. They come with a sprayer that you can use to clean. Ensure you are adding the right amount of chemicals to the water.
Special Steam Mops Built for Vinyl Floors
Now that you’ve read so many benefits about using steam mops, here are some of the best steams mops specifically built for vinyl floors.
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Shark Steam Pocket Mop
The shark steam pocket mop is a great option if you’re looking for a perfect steam mop. This map lets you clean with both sides which makes the cleaning process faster. It comes with double-sided pads made of microfiber that prevent your floors from staining. This steam mop can kill 99% of germs.
The steam settings are adjustable according to your needs. It is environmentally friendly. It cleans and sanitizes your floors without the use of any harsh chemicals. This makes it safe for kids and pets.
You can easily remove the cleaning pads once they are dirty and wash them for repeated use. This mop comes with swivel steering which allows fluid movement across the floor. This makes it perfect for use by beginners.
Features
- Pads are double sided
- Smooth movement
- Kills 99% of germs
- No harsh chemicals required
You can buy the Shark Steam Pocket Mop here.
BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop
This mop is ideal for sanitizing vinyl floors and is perfect for home use. It is manufactured using advanced technology that allows this mop to kill 99.9% of germs. You do not need to add any cleaning solution for cleaning your floors. The steam is enough for efficient cleaning.
It comes with an easy scrubber that you can flip down. This scrubber helps you clean the stubborn stains on your floor easily without making any mess. The cord that is attached to the mop is 23-foot long. This makes it easy to maneuver the device around the house without any difficulty.
The vapor settings are adjustable. You can choose between different levels of steam depending on the type of surface you want to clean. This is a versatile product that you can use to clean windows, doors and other such surfaces. It comes with extra accessories such as extra pads, fragrance disks and a carpet glider.
Features
- Cleans 99.9% of germs
- Versatile
- Doesn’t require a cleaning solution
- The power cord is 23-foot long
You can buy the BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop here.
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner
This is a pet-friendly mop that comes with many features that you can use for different purposes. It glides on the surface without requiring much effort. This makes the cleaning process is easy and fast. The mop is lightweight so anyone can easily use it.
It comes with a flexible hose that you can use to clean your carpet and other such surfaces. You don’t need any chemicals to clean your home. It is easy to install and comes with a reservoir that you need to fill with tap water.
Features
- Multipurpose steam mop
- Pet and child friendly
- 340 ml water reservoir
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
You can buy the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner here.
Conclusion: Can You Steam Mop Vinyl Flooring?
It’s completely safe to steam mop your vinyl flooring. In fact, it’s better. It’s a perfect way to sanitize your floors without working too hard or using any harsh chemicals.
Steam cleaning your vinyl floors is much better than regular cleaning. Steam mops clean your floor faster and the cleaning is much more thorough. While regular cleaning can be tedious, it only takes a few minutes to clean with a steam mop. The hot temperature from the stream cleans germs and bacteria.
