Housekeeping · Floor surface care

Before using a steam mop on wood or laminate floors

Steam can force moisture into flooring seams. Check the flooring maker's specific permission before use.

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A steam mop exposes flooring to hot vapor even if little standing water is visible. Pergo warns that steam pressure can drive moisture into seams, damaging layered flooring, and recommends vacuuming and lightly damp mopping instead. Shaw explicitly advises against wet or steam mops for its hardwood. Follow the exact floor manufacturer's rules, not general steam-mop marketing.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Identify whether the floor is solid wood, engineered wood, laminate or vinyl; find the installed product's care guide.
Do not steam-clean unless the flooring manufacturer explicitly permits it. The steam-mop maker's advertising alone is insufficient.
Remove sand and grit with a floor-safe vacuum or soft broom before any wet cleaning.
Use the cleaner and water amount approved for the floor; wring out a microfiber mop so it is barely damp.
Avoid pooling water at joints and edges, and blot spills immediately with a soft dry cloth.
If joints rise, discolor or swell, stop moisture cleaning and contact the floor supplier.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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