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Can You Use a Steam Mop on Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Updated April 18, 2022 By Household Advice Staff

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steam mop on vinyl plank flooringWith the trend of vinyl plank flooring becoming an affordable alternative to hardwood, learning how to maintain your floors will help prolong the life of them.

Vinyl plank is a popular choice for people who like the look of wood but want something more durable than some types of laminate and even hardwood.

Can you use a steam mop on vinyl plank flooring?

The answer is yes. But you need to use a few precautions to prevent damage from overheating.

Also if the manufacturer of your flooring does not recommend it, it is probably not a good idea, and it could potentially void the warranty.

Traditional Mopping and Too Much Moisture

Contents

  • 1 Traditional Mopping and Too Much Moisture
  • 2 Eco-Friendly Sanitizing
  • 3 Use Caution with Heat to Protect Vinyl Plank Flooring
    • 3.1 Related Posts:

traditional moppingVinyl plank flooring tends to stand up to moisture better than traditional laminate.

So, many homeowners think breaking out the old-fashioned mop is a good idea for vinyl.

While vinyl plank is more tolerant to water than laminate and hardwood, overuse of moisture can seep into the cracks and loosen the glue used to attach the floor.

Using a steam mop is an excellent way to clean more in-depth than just sweeping while minimizing the use of excessive water.  The drying time for steam mopping is about 30 seconds .

BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop
BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop
Best Choice for Cleaning Vinyl Plank Floors:

  • 3 different heat settings (select low for vinyl)
  • Flip down scrubber for tough stains and crevices
  • Featured by Household Advice as Best Steam Mop of 2021
Check Today's Price on Amazon

So, you’ll have cleaned vinyl plank flooring without drowning in water and detergents.

Always sweep or vacuum your vinyl plank flooring before using your steam mop.

Vacuuming first will pick up larger grains of dirt. Check the microfiber cloth before and during use.

If the pad gets noticeably dirty mid-clean, you’ll need to change it out for a new one.

Eco-Friendly Sanitizing

Steam mopping can be a great way to sanitize your floors without harsh chemicals.

The steam from these mops can kill nearly 100 percent of bacteria and viruses.

Several people opt to install vinyl plank flooring in basements and bathroom where there is minimal ventilation.

Using steam to clean without harsh chemicals is essential in areas like these.

Use Caution with Heat to Protect Vinyl Plank Flooring

use caution with heatThe heat from steam mops is the concern you want to be most careful about when it comes to vinyl floors.

One of the main differences between vinyl plank flooring and other types of laminate or wood floors is the use of glue.

When you use a steam mop or vinyl plank flooring, always set it to the lowest heat level.

You need to avoid overheating the glue and therefore warping your floor.

If the glue warms too much, it can cause the flooring to bend, slip, or loosen.

Never hold the steam mop in one spot for an extended period.

Use quick, straight strokes while cleaning.

BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop
BISSELL Power Fresh Steam Mop
Best Choice for Cleaning Vinyl Plank Floors:

  • 3 different heat settings (select low for vinyl)
  • Flip down scrubber for tough stains and crevices
  • Featured by Household Advice as Best Steam Mop of 2021
Check Today's Price on Amazon

The continuous movement will help prevent too much heat from hitting any one spot for too long.

Never pause with the steam mop on one place. Use rapid strokes and turn off the mop if you need to stop for a moment.

Many vinyl plank floors have a wood-like texture to them. Be sure to mop with the grain to avoid depositing tiny particles of dirt into the grooves.

Are you interested in the best steam mops of 2021? Check out our regularly updated top list here.

Related Posts:

  • Can You Put Heavy Furniture on Vinyl Plank Flooring?
    Can You Put Heavy Furniture on Vinyl Plank Flooring?
  • Can You Use Swiffer on Vinyl Plank Flooring?
    Can You Use Swiffer on Vinyl Plank Flooring?
  • Vinyl Plank Flooring Lifting at the Edges - How to Fix It
    Vinyl Plank Flooring Lifting at the Edges - How to Fix It
  • Does Vinyl Flooring Expand and Contract?
    Does Vinyl Flooring Expand and Contract?
  • Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring On Stairs
    Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring On Stairs
  • Which Direction Should You Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
    Which Direction Should You Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?

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