Have you ever cleaned a laminate floor with a steam mop? I have Alloc laminate floors that I just can't get clean. There is a salt water aquarium in this room and the floor is coated with salt residue and is very dull and dingy. I've tried getting on my hands and knees with a damp cloth, Swiffer mop, etc. and the floor is still dingy. I just bought a steam mop and want to try it on the floor. I know it will void the warranty...I just want my floors to look good again. Alloc is supposed to be a higher end flooring (at least it was more expensive :-) ) and is supposed to have good water resistance but I don't want to ruin it. We put the floor in 7 years ago. If you've used a steam mop on laminate floors, did it work good? How often do you clean the floors with it? Thanks for your comments.
I should add I only plan on using the steam mop to get the salt residue off the floor and very infrequently after that if at all.
So....I tried the steam mop and it did remove some of the residue on the floor but I was afraid to use it too much in fear of ruining the floor. So my husband got on his hands and knees and cleaned it with vinegar, lots of vinegar and water. I can actally see the light reflect off the floor again. It's not perfect, we'll need to clean it at least once more but straight vinegar from a squirt bottle with a damp cloth did the trick. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, experiences and information.
I use my Shark steam mop on my laminate floors. Since it drys almost instantly there is no water for the floor to absorb. It works great.
Here is a web site that might be helpful. I googled "laminate floors and steam mop." Several sights said not to use a steam mop. This site said that you might be able to use a steam mop if done judiciously and with some types.
http://homerenovations.about.com/od/laminateflooring/f/La...
It also has guidelines for cleaning.
What is the warranty on the floor, if using manufacturer approved cleaning methods don't bring the floor back it may be covered for replacement if it didn't last. Many are 10,25 year warranty so before voiding it, aee if a new floor can be had as quality laminate should last longer. Just looked it up, go online and check out the use of warranty before using the steamer as many times steam cleaners will raise the laminate off the pressboard and cause buckling which is more unsightly than dingy.
I have. Our last house that we were renting had wood laminate floors and I steam mopped them. They were SO shiny and nice looking after! It made the floor look great.
No No No NO!
Steam/moisture is the worst thing for laminate floors.
People do use them - but they are ruining their floors.
If your floor finish isn't shiny now, steaming it won't improve it and may make it worse.
According to Pergo:
Q:
Can I use a steam cleaning system such as those seen on TV home shopping networks?
A:
No, you should not use these systems as they can press water into the joints, which should always be avoided.
http://www.pergo.com/en-gb/Consumer/Product-info/Laminate...
http://www.findanyfloor.com/article/SteamCleaningLaminate...
For the best cleaning recommendations - check with the manufacturer.
http://www.pergo.com/en-gb/Consumer/Product-info/Laminate...
