Steam cleaners may sound like a dream: no chemicals, just heat and water, and poof — grime gone. But if you’ve been using one on your hardwood or laminate floors, listen up. Even if your machine’s manual claims it’s safe to use on these surfaces, the cleaning pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab say otherwise.
“While manufacturers say that steamers are safe to use on sealed hardwood — and they may be — most floors in homes are not perfectly or completely sealed,” said Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “They’re walked on by people and pets, so the finishes likely have fine scratches and worn spots, which makes steam, pressure and moisture more likely to penetrate.” The result? Warping, dulling and even voided warranties.
The convenience just isn’t worth the potential cost. Instead, the best way to maintain the look and feel of your wood floors is to treat them with some TLC: leave shoes at the door, clean up spills promptly, keep pet nails trimmed and vacuum regularly using a suction-only vacuum or one with the brush roller turned off to prevent scratches.
When it’s time for a deeper clean, use a light application of a hardwood floor cleaner and work in small 3-foot-square sections to avoid over-wetting the surface. Wipe in the direction of the wood planks for quick touch-ups, and go with and against the grain for a more thorough clean that lifts dirt from crevices.
But don’t overdo it. The GH Cleaning Lab recommends damp-cleaning floors only when they truly need it, since over-washing can do more harm than good. And skip the DIY hacks — vinegar is acidic and can dull the finish over time. Abrasive cleaners, waxes, oils, furniture sprays and anything containing ammonia can also damage both the finish and the floor itself.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
