Many people are curious about how to handle vinyl flooring. We get lots of questions regarding steam mops on vinyl floors. Are they safe? Are they effective? So we thought we’d take a minute and answer some of the most common questions about steam mops for vinyl floors here.
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Can you use a steam cleaner on vinyl flooring?
Vinyl floors are well known for their durability. They can withstand any kind of scratches and stains through a wear layer found in its surface. One thing that will make them react very differently though is being exposed in very high temperatures. It can destroy it and it will allow moisture to penetrate in the unsealed areas of your vinyl floor. For this reason, many have been discouraged to use steam mops or steam cleaners on a vinyl floor. Just to add, this high temperature can also be an advantage. It can help eliminate any germs and bacteria that can thrive in your floor.
Despite the fact that vinyl is known for its resistance to water and that cleaning messes are done with ease, the moisture released by the steam cleaner can possibly destroy vinyl planks. It also has the possibility of emitting a very unpleasant odor that can trigger allergies.
There are so many dangers that using a steam cleaner improperly can do to your vinyl floors but the general consensus is that using it would not cause any untoward damage to your vinyl flooring. Yes, you read that right. Almost all insulated hard surfaces are resistant to steam and that includes vinyl. The best solution is to get to know the type of vinyl flooring you have and of course, the kind of steam cleaner that you want to purchase. Each unit is specifically built for a certain purpose. Reading through the user manual and guide will help you understand it better. You may also look for reviews from people who already purchased it to see an unfiltered response towards the product’s performance. If you want to hear more information and an assurance that using a steam cleaner is safe for your vinyl floor, you can always contact the product’s manufacturer to know better about its specifications.
If you are still unsure in purchasing a steam cleaner for your vinyl flooring, you may also opt to use different cleaning options. You may sweep or even vacuum any dirt and dust around your house. In addition to that, you can always do things manually and mop your floors the traditional way with a common household mop and a bucket filled with water. Another popular cleaning method for vinyl floors is to clean it with vinegar. All you have to do is mix a gallon of hot water with vinegar. After that, you may now start cleaning with a cotton towel or any soft cleaning tool soaked in the solution you just made.
In the end, the decision is yours to make. There are many options in the market now but you shouldn’t feel pressured in making a purchase. Whether or not you choose to use a steam cleaner for your vinyl flooring or not, at the end of the day, what is most important is leaving your floors sparkling clean and safe from any bacteria and germs. This is the most important thing especially to people living with their pets and their children.
Are steam mops safe for vinyl floors?
Over the last few years, the use of steam mops has been the most favorable option in floor cleaning and sanitization because the methods are simple to use, efficient, and it gives the impression of having a thoroughly cleaned area most especially in bathrooms and in those common and hard to reach areas. With the power of steam, it can remove any stain, dirt, grit, and grime that you can possibly encounter at home.
You may wonder, are steam mops really safe for vinyl floors? The answer for that is yes, but it all depends on the kind of vinyl floor that you have. Also, many manufacturers are creating more innovative steam mops which are tailored to the needs of a vinyl flooring. The key is to always do your research. Now, let us get to know what kind of vinyl floors are there.
For the most part, they are classified into four. First is the vinyl tile which is designed to look like those tiles made of stone. This kind is ideal for small spaces. Second is the vinyl sheet. This is great for areas that will occupy a large space. To install it, it just needs to be rolled like a sheet, as the name implies. Third are the vinyl planks which are made to look like real hardwood floors. Lastly, we have the LVT or also known as the Luxury Vinyl Tile. It is referred to as a thicker kind of vinyl flooring because it is almost 5 times thicker than your ordinary vinyl. It is the extra content that is in the LVT that gives the appearance of wood or stone more depth and realistic.
Generally, using steam mops in vinyl floors is proven to be safe. But it can be a terrible mistake to use it in vinyl floors which are bonded by an adhesive. The heat of the steam may loosen the hold of the adhesive to the surface. It won’t also do the trick in flooring with gaps or cracks as the moisture may seep deep into these entryways, ultimately damaging it. As for the other kinds, just use the steam mop with precaution because nothing could ever go wrong in using it the correct way. Be reminded to avoid using the high-power setting and always use a microfiber cleaning pad to prevent the steam from coming into close contact with the vinyl flooring.
As we are in the midst of a global pandemic that has disrupted our lives, our top priority is ensuring that the virus would not get into our homes. Due to the ability of steam mops to sanitize and disinfect, many are already using it in their homes and this is more proof of how safe it is to use even with those who have vinyl floors. For context, the University of California prepared a set of cleaning guidelines which can be read in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website. It was said that steam cleaners use moisture steam which was heated very low meaning no chemicals were used to induce it. To quote: “They are very effective and approved for food contact as well as other surfaces including carpets and upholstery. They are one of the most effective ways to remove bacteria that have formed a biofilm.”
If this is not enough reason to make the switch to steam mopping your vinyl floors and trust its safety, then you’re truly missing something.
What’s the best way to clean vinyl flooring?
Vinyl floors are known to be durable as it is waterproof and it can bear large weights. When your flooring at home or maybe in your office is of the vinyl kind, you should be aware of the proper ways for its upkeep. Each day, your vinyl floor will experience water spills, falling crumbs of food, dust, strands of hair, and every possible dirt. And what should you do to clean them up? Let us get to know the several ways in doing it below.
Ideally, vinyl floors are deep cleaned once a week. During this process, you may use a steam mop to get rid of any dirt or grime stuck on the floor. On most days though, you may choose to sweep and vacuum the dirt or to mop those unwanted messes. If you happen to spill any liquid, don’t wait any longer and immediately wipe it up. You can use water in mopping or you may choose to use a cleaning solution. There are several commercial cleaning solutions out there from different brands, just make sure to read the label to know where and how to use it. If you would like to create your own cleaning solution, you can do it too! One of the most popular mixtures is water and vinegar. Others would also prefer to add in liquid dishwashing soap.
Here are the steps in cleaning your vinyl floors:
- Getting rid of dust and dirt by sweeping all the areas of your house.
- Prepare your cleaning solution and start mopping your floor. Remember to only use the right amount.
- After mopping, do not forget to rinse the floor. You can fill a bucket with water. Afterwards, submerge your mop to dampen it.
This is how it is commonly done but if there are unwanted marks and stubborn stains which can’t be removed by simply moping, then I suggest you use a different method and a different kind of cleaning solution. Well, why bother going through the hassle of doing manual work when there is a more efficient way of doing it? You read it right. Today, there are many convenient devices for cleaning and one of them is a steam mop.
Steam mops work by using heat to produce steam, resulting in softening those stuck-on stains and at the same time disinfecting your floor. All you need to do is fill its tank with water and it will be heated up to temperatures reaching 120 degrees Celsius. The steam aids in soaking the cleaning pad in the mop’s head (which is usually made of microfiber) and the removal of dirt on the floor. Steam mops, unlike your standard mops, will not leave a stain on the floor. Steam mops can clean, shine, eliminate dust mites, and clear certain stains from floors.
If you want to cut down on the time and effort it takes to finish one of the most hated chores, mopping, try using a steam mop and you will never want to come back in using the good old mop and bucket combo.
