Steam cleaning is a popular deep cleaning method, but is it safe to steam clean hardwood floors? Below, we explain why homeowners should never steam clean wood floors, and what to do instead.

Can You Steam Clean Hardwood Floors?

Experts agree that homeowners should not steam clean hardwood floors. While steam mop manufacturers say that you can steam clean wood floors, this is only true if the wood is perfectly sealed. Due to natural wear over time, most wood floors aren’t completely sealed. Steam cleaning will likely penetrate the surface and cause damage.

Why You Shouldn’t Steam Clean Hardwood Floors

Steam mops can easily damage wood floors due to excess moisture and high heat. Wood floors naturally wear over time because of environmental shifts, daily use, and regular foot traffic. Dings, scratches, and dullness can impact the appearance of wood, while temperature changes or exposure to excess moisture can cause damage.

Steam mops are powerful tools for cleaning and sanitizing, but they should not be used to clean hardwood floors. Steam cleaners rely on high temperatures and water, which can cause irreparable damage to wood floors.

The risks of steam cleaning wood floors include:
● Warping and cupping
● Dullness
● Staining
● Mold
● Finish deterioration
● Voided warranties

Is It Better to Steam or Mop Hardwood Floors?

For wood floors, mopping is better than steam cleaning. Mopping doesn’t expose wood to high heat and it’s easy to control how much water is used.

What Floors Should Not Be Steamed?

Steam cleaning is safe for sealed tiles floors and fabric cleaning. Homeowners should avoid using a steam cleaner on any of the floor types below.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are particularly sensitive to moisture and heat, so steam cleaning is not a safe way to clean wood. Using steam mops on wood can lead to swelling, warping, mildew, and expensive repairs.

Laminate

Steam mops can cause permanent damage to laminate floors and should not be used. While this synthetic material is known for its durability, excess moisture will cause laminate floors to bubble and swell.

Waxed and Oiled Floors

The powerful steam pressure that lifts dirt can also strip the wax and oil from floors, producing a patchy, uneven appearance. Once the wax or oil is compromised, floors are more susceptible to future damage.

Stone

Steam cleaning can easily strip the sealer from stone floors, cause staining or visible damage to the surface, and even crack stone.

Cork

For porous floor types like cork, steam cleaning should be avoided. Steam can penetrate seams and create swelling. Steam mops can even trigger separation of corks' interior layers.

Vinyl Plank

While vinyl plank is waterproof, high heat will cause warping and can even destroy the adhesive below.

Safe Alternatives to Steam Cleaning

Mopping is the best alternative to steam cleaning. Spray mops, microfiber mops, and spin mops are all safe, effective tools for cleaning wood floors.

The Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors

A low-moisture, quick-drying cleaning method, like a spray mop or microfiber mop, is the best way to clean hardwood floors. To prevent damage over time, use a pH neutral floor cleaner that’s specifically formulated for wood floors.

Bona Premium Spray Mop & Bona Microfiber Mop

Bona mops are the safest, most convenient way to clean wood floors. Unlike steam mops, Bona Premium Spray Mop dispenses the perfect amount of floor cleaner to prevent excess moisture while mopping. Bona Microfiber Mop offers a convenient and equally effective alternative for those who don’t want a spray mop.

Both all-in-one cleaning tools include Bona Microfiber Cleaning Pads , which traps and absorbs dirt as you mop. Plus, the extra large mop head cleans 40% faster than the leading competitor.

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaners

It’s important to use a floor cleaner specifically formulated for wood floors. For over a century, professionals and homeowners have chosen Bona to clean and care for wood floors. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaners safely and effectively remove dirt and grime from hardwood floors.

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaners are quick-drying and residue-free, so they won’t oversaturate wood or cause build up over time. Every Bona Floor Cleaner is pH neutral, Safer Choice Certified, and made from USDA certified biobased content. With Bona, homeowners can maintain clean and care for hardwood floors for years to come.