Can laminate flooring be washed with a steam vacuum cleaner?

Laminate flooring is a little tricky to use and requires special handling. If you handle the coating incorrectly, the result will not be long in coming. The laminate will fade, become covered with stains or scratches, which will make its appearance completely unsightly. Many housewives would like to use a steam mop to clean such a floor - this modern and convenient device cleans any surface much better than a regular rag and mop. However, it is worth considering the features of the laminate so as not to damage it with hot steam.

Is it possible to clean parquet floors with a steam mop?

Only the waterproof version can be washed with a steam mop. IMPORTANT! Maintenance with steam is allowed if the parquet is laid with glue, all joints are treated with sealant, and the surface is not waxed.

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Washing instructions

Using a steam mop to wet clean laminate flooring doesn't seem overly complicated. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions, and then a pleasant result will not keep you waiting.

At the first stage, large debris and dust are collected with a regular vacuum cleaner or broom. Then pour water into a special tank and turn on the device. Set the required temperature and mode. After the steam appears, you can begin direct cleaning, passing the brush over the surface. If it is necessary to add water, the device must first be turned off, and after cleaning the excess water is poured out.

Proper use of the device will help extend its service life.

Important! The device should not be left in one place for more than 1 minute, in which case the laminate may significantly change color.

Range of Bona products

From us you can buy effective and economical cleaners for parquet and parquet boards, tiles, laminate:

Bona Cleaner. Cleaning product with a slightly alkaline composition, intended for daily care of parquet and cork flooring;
Bona Pad electrostatic microfiber composition for dust control;
Universal composition Bona Pad Crare Refresher, designed for application to floor surfaces made of natural wood, stone, tile, laminate and vinyl using a mop;
Bona Polish. Laminate and tile care product that maintains a glossy surface;
Bona Soap. Detergent for daily cleaning of parquet floors under tinted or clear oil coating and a number of other care products for matte and glossy floors.

Why us?

Our online store offers effective, high-quality floor care products from a well-known manufacturer.

We offer affordable prices, convenient methods of cash and non-cash payment and delivery, including express delivery of purchased goods.

You can buy floor care products in any quantity at a time convenient for you. The quality of our products will not let you down!

You can wash laminate flooring with a steam mop, but take precautions. You need to study the features of the coating, and then familiarize yourself with the best cleaning units on the market.

Types and purpose of products

A well-known manufacturer produces floor cleaning products in different versions.

Detergent concentrates for varnished materials and oil-based coatings. Such products carefully remove dirt without negatively affecting the varnish layer, preserving its shine. Concentrates for caring for oiled coatings contain vegetable fats, have a high cleaning effect and create a non-slip protective film.
Restorative agents are designed to renew wooden panels by creating a protective layer, improving appearance, and increasing wear resistance.
Protective matte and glossy emulsions based on polyurethane enhance the strength of the surface and improve its appearance.

All types of liquids are safe, economical, and easy to use. By following the manufacturers' recommendations reflected in the instructions, you can easily clean the floor. The main thing is to choose the right product, taking into account the characteristics of the floor covering.

Several features of working with a steam cleaner

As mentioned above, if you decide to do such an experiment, you should use a special brush and napkin for cleaning. The napkin must be folded in half, blotted with steam and begin cleaning. When using this method, there are no streaks left on the parquet, and its cleanliness and aesthetic appearance are maintained for a long time. When cleaning with a steam cleaner, it is not recommended to use a constant supply of steam. This can damage the parquet.

Find out how to properly care for parquet!

Popular makes and models

Depending on your financial capabilities, you can choose the appropriate model for your home.

Inexpensive

H2O Mop X12 is a model with several functions. 12 attachments included. Several operating modes. Will cope with cleaning and disinfection, cleaning clothes and curtains. Disadvantage: no brush for collecting debris, fragility.
Endever Odyssey Q-604 is an inexpensive device. Suitable for floor cleaning only. Including laminated. Disadvantage: does not have additional attachments. The power is low.

Middle class

Kitfort KT-1003 is a multifunctional device with a removable steam generator. Capable of cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces. Including vertical and complex ones, for example, windows, blinds. A very powerful device. There is a mode suitable for laminate. Disadvantage: due to the high power, the device is noisy.
Tefal VP6555RH is a convenient device for cleaning horizontal surfaces. Suitable for delicate cleaning. Disadvantage: there are no attachments for cleaning vertical surfaces.

Premium mops

Polti Vaporetto SV450 Double - 2 in 1 system. Mop and steam cleaner. High power, quick steam heating, several modes. These advantages make this mechanism almost an ideal cleaning tool. Disadvantage: You cannot use detergents.
Black&Decker FSMH13101SM is a universal device that can clean the entire house - from the floor to the linen. Can be disassembled for separate use of the steam generator. Disadvantage: the kit does not include a nozzle for carpets, otherwise the system is perfect.

Care products in the online store “Papa Carlo”

Are you looking for high-quality, safe and effective care products for different types of coatings? The Papa Carlo online store offers a wide range of cleaning products from the famous brand Bona.

The catalog on our website presents products for a well-thought-out comprehensive system for caring for different types of floor coverings: natural wood, tiles, stone, vinyl and laminate.

Using polishes, stain removers, and sprays, you can carefully and effectively care for your floors, preserving their original appearance and performance. It's no secret that often the wrong products can ruin the appearance of the floor covering and shorten its service life.

How to properly clean laminate flooring with a steam cleaner

The process of such cleaning is incredibly simple, and is not much different from the usual use of a steam cleaner, but it is worth remembering simple rules. They will not only allow you to safely wash laminate flooring with a steam cleaner, but will also provide better cleaning, and the device itself will last longer:

The entire space is first cleared of large foreign objects, as they may interfere with the process. Of course, you don’t need to remove all the furniture from the room, we are talking about scattered things and bulky garbage.
The steam generator must be filled with the specified amount of water, otherwise the steam cleaner will fail prematurely.
If you are going to remove hair or visible dirt from the surface, it is better to put a microfiber cloth on the device. It is often included with the steam cleaner, but you can use any piece of microfiber you have at home. It will allow you to collect debris, which can then be removed by rinsing the napkin under water.
Steam should be released in batches. Constant operation quickly damages the steam generator and also reduces the impact force, forcing you to walk over the surface several times.
If the stain cannot be removed with a steam cleaner, you can apply a small amount of vinegar or any detergent that does not contain beeswax and glycerin, since they will melt from the steam generator and turn into a new stain on the laminate.
When removing regular dust from laminate flooring, it is recommended to use a base brush; this will avoid scratches by gently picking up dust from the surface.

Attention! You cannot use a steam cleaner for laminate flooring if the surface has been treated with wax or mastic. They melt under the influence of temperature and leave stains that are almost impossible to remove.

Tips for removing various stains from laminate flooring

It happens that you did not immediately notice some kind of damage or stain, and it is no longer possible to wipe it off with acetone. What to do in such cases and how to clean the surface?

If wax gets on the laminate, wait until it dries and carefully pick up the blot with a knife. Remaining marks can be wiped off with a mild soap solution.
To remove various stains, you can use both specialized sponges and linen cloth.
Many stains can be easily wiped off with a window aerosol that contains alcohol.
You can get rid of scratches on the surface using special putties or colored sealant.
If your shoes have left streaks on the surface, you can remove them using a regular rubber band.

Don't be afraid to wash or clean the covering, because lack of cleaning can cause it to become damaged just as much as careful care.

If you chose the adhesive method when laying the laminate, then you acted extremely wisely. In this case, you can use steam mops, washing vacuum cleaners, and other technological advances. If this is not the case, then you will have to make some efforts to maintain the floor in its original form.

Which laminate can be washed?

Reference! Laminate is a four-layer board, the base of which is made of chipboard or fiberboard. It is protected from below by plastic or resin-impregnated cardboard. A decorative layer covered with a film of synthetic resin is applied on top. Different categories of flooring differ in moisture resistance and wear resistance.

Manufacturers believe that a steam mop is suitable for cleaning laminate flooring, which has water-repellent properties, and only if it is installed on an adhesive base and the joints are sealed. Their caution is understandable. But the fact is that during ordinary wet cleaning, no less water is consumed than during steam treatment. In addition, the surface remains dry immediately after using the steam tool, so there is virtually no risk of floor deformation.

What are mops for laminate flooring?

Household mop - simple and practical
You should start choosing products for cleaning laminate floors with a tool. The main thing is, of course, the mop. Despite the apparent abundance of this item in hardware stores, the purchase will not be easy. The new floor poses too many conditions for the owners. But, as you know, beauty requires sacrifice, so before going to the household goods department, you should figure out which mop is best to wash laminate flooring.

There are 5 types of mops:

household Cheap and simple type of tool. It is a working platform with a washing attachment attached to it. The platform is attached to the handle using a hinge, allowing it to rotate and penetrate into hard-to-reach places;
with bucket and wringer. More expensive, but convenient and functional. It wrings out the nozzle until it is almost dry and is therefore more suitable for cleaning the floor;
universal. Equipped with rubber or silicone nozzles that will allow you to remove the water film from the floor covering. On the other side of the nozzle there is a hard spray with abrasive particles to remove heavy dirt. Suitable for cleaning windows and other surfaces. The option is profitable;
Steam Mop. An electrical device with a steam generator, based on the action of steam on pollution. Removes dirt from the laminate without wetting it, which is the main requirement for cleaning this coating;
professional. Used for cleaning large rooms, halls and offices.

Knowing all types of cleaning products, it is easier to decide which mop is best for laminate floors.

What you need to know when choosing cleaning products

Many people, when they come to the store to buy a cleaning product, fall into a stupor. There is so much choice that it is not so easy to understand what exactly you need. When choosing laminate cleaning products, consider the following:

If the product contains sodium carbonate, then it is not suitable for you.
Compare the composition of a universal liquid with the composition of a specialized one, most likely you will not find any differences, so there is no point in overpaying.
You can even skip washing with cleaning products and add a little table vinegar to the water.

When using detergent, do not allow it to come into contact with the skin of your hands - minor injuries may occur. It is recommended to use rubber gloves for cleaning.

Features of laminate care

Laminate is a popular material for flooring in residential and office premises. The covering is made of wood fiber boards with grooves for joining the sheets. From below and above, the lamellas are protected from deformation and abrasion by a stabilizing polymer layer. Laminate flooring from different manufacturers is marked with a certain strength class and differs in price range. Lamellas of budget classes 21-23 are less resistant to mechanical stress and moisture than coatings of classes 32-33. To ensure that the laminated floor in the room always looks neat, it is important to understand the issues of caring for the coating.

As dust and small debris accumulate on the floor, regular dry cleaning with a broom, dry cloth, brush or vacuum cleaner is recommended. After dry cleaning, you can carry out gentle wet cleaning. It is important to follow the cleaning technology, use the right tools, and protect the laminate from scratches and blisters. Make sure that no puddles or stains remain on the surface after wet cleaning.

It is not recommended to use hot water for wet cleaning. Evaporating moisture penetrates deeply into the wood layer, which leads to deformation of the lamellas. This is especially true for budget-class coatings with poorly sealed joints.

Benefits of Bona chemistry for floors

Let's start with the fact that the products of this brand have received approval and certification from Greenguard, which indicates the environmental safety of these products and strict compliance with high international standards.
After cleaning the floor with products from a well-known brand, the air in the room will remain clean, without foreign odors and harmful emissions.
Made using the latest technologies and formulas, Bona care products for wooden floors, laminate, parquet and other types of coatings are of high quality.
Each product offered is accompanied by a technical sheet indicating the characteristics and recommendations from the manufacturer for the use and storage of Bona household chemicals.
All floor covering care products are supplied to the consumer market in convenient containers made of plastic or metal with special devices for application to the surface, which allows you to save money and effectively clean floor surfaces from dirt.
Thanks to carefully selected balanced compositions of cleaning products and passing the necessary tests, floor care chemicals are absolutely hypoallergenic and safe for people and animals.