6 Types of Floors to Never Steam Mop, According to Cleaning Experts

A steam mop is a useful cleaning tool that uses heat and moisture to sanitize surfaces. While it's great for cleaning bathroom and kitchen tile and refreshing fabrics and upholstery, there are certain areas of your home that can't withstand the high heat a steam mop releases. It's especially important to be careful when steam mopping your floors, as the steam and moisture can cause warping, staining, etching, and other damage. Ahead, cleaning experts share the types of floors you should never steam mop—and the reasons why.

Types of Floors to Never Steam Mop

The heat and moisture from a steam mop can damage various flooring, such as laminate, unsealed or waxed hardwood, engineered wood, and many types of vinyl plank. "These floors may look durable, but they're very sensitive to heat and moisture," says Becky Rapinchuk, the founder of Clean Mama.

Stone

Natural stone floors, particularly marble or travertine, can be damaged by steam. "Steam can break down sealers over time and leave the surface more exposed to staining or etching," says Robin Murphy, cleaning expert and chief cleaning officer of Maid Brigade.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are sensitive to excessive moisture, making it unsuitable for steam mopping. "With hardwood, the concern is moisture getting into the seams," says Murphy. "Over time, that can lead to cupping, warping, or dulling of the finish. Older floors are especially vulnerable because the seal may not be as strong."

Laminate

Laminate is a synthetic flooring material known for its durability. However, it is extremely susceptible to moisture damage—even more so than hardwood. "Steam can seep into the joints and cause swelling or bubbling, and once that happens, it’s not reversible," Murphy says.

Vinyl Plank

Often chosen for its cost-effectiveness and sturdiness, vinyl plank flooring is mostly waterproof, but it won't withstand high heat. "The extreme heat can actually warp the planks themselves or cause the adhesive underneath to fail," says Rapinchuk.

Cork

Cork is a naturally porous material, and many cork floors are layered or have a fiberboard core. "Steam can work its way into seams, stress the finish, and eventually cause swelling, warping, or separation in the layers," Murphy says.

Waxed and Oiled Floors

Floors with a waxed or oiled finish are susceptible to damage from improper cleaning. "Steam can strip or unevenly alter the wax and oil finishes, leaving the floor looking patchy," Murphy says.

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What to Do Instead of Steam Mopping

The best way to clean these flooring materials is by using a low-moisture approach. "A barely damp microfiber mop is the gold standard for all of these floor types," says Rapinchuk. "You can use a gentle DIY solution of equal parts water, rubbing alcohol, and white vinegar, or just a drop of Castile soap in warm water." Dampen the mop with the solution and gently go over your floors without applying too much pressure. "The keyword is barely damp; you never want standing water sitting on these floors," Rapinchuk adds.

Mistakes to Avoid When Steam Mopping

If you do choose to steam mop your floors, our experts warn against the following mistakes.

• Using too much water: The biggest mistake people make when steam mopping is using too much water or not drying the floor immediately after, as this can cause warping.
• Using tap water: Rapinchuk says to always use filtered or distilled water, never tap, when steam mopping to prevent mineral buildup and residue.
• Assuming more steam is better: Although steam sanitizes surfaces, too much can be damaging. "Holding the steam in one place or going over the same area repeatedly can push too much heat and moisture into the floor," says Murphy.
• Using steam on floors with wear: Using a steam mop on floors that already have small gaps or wear allows moisture in and causes damage, Murphy warns.