How Does Cleaning Effect Hardwood Flooring?

Do you have hardwood flooring in your home? Perhaps it’s cleaning day, and you’re wondering which method you should use! While we usually promote steam cleaning as the number one method of cleaning, we won’t be doing that this time around! In fact, hardwood flooring is a naturally absorbent material, and since steam cleaning uses a lot of water, it can cause a lot of damage. Let’s take a look at what exactly happens when we steam clean hardwood floors.

What is Steam Cleaning?

First, let’s explain how steam cleaning, or hot water extraction, is used to tidy up our homes. It uses nothing but hot water and extreme pressure to eradicate dirt, dust, grime- you name it! It extracts these nasty materials from many different types of flooring and surfaces- carpet, natural stone, tile, and even the infamous, hard-to-reach grout! It’s completely safe for the environment and won’t leave behind any residue at all. This is why we typically encourage you to steam clean your home!

How Does Steam Cleaning Effect Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is simply too absorbent! A steam cleaner’s vapor can reach deep down into cracks and crevices of flooring, but when it’s used on hardwood flooring, it can cause many problems in the future, such as warping, molding, or plumping. We certainly don’t want your beautiful hardwood floors to be damaged, so it’s wise to use a different method (and yes- even try to avoid steam cleaners that are “safe,” for hardwood floors; you just never know!).

If your floors are looking dull and your normal cleaning routine is no longer cutting it, contact The Steam Team! We have the best products available to clean and restore your hardwood floors to their original condition without harming them. So don’t hesitate- give us a call today!