What Floors Can You Use a Steam Mop On?

Floor care is constantly evolving, and thanks to social media, so is our awareness of new or trendy ways to get the grimiest jobs in our homes done. Given that the tag “steam mop” has over 75 million views on TikTok, it’s safe to say that there’s a healthy appetite for grossly-satisfying cleaning.

Steam mops are a bit different from traditional mops, but they’re a hard-hitting tool to keep lined up and ready to clean and disinfect your floors. Not all floors are cut out to be steam mopped, though, so read on for a guide on the dos and don'ts of steam mops. 

Why Use a Steam Mop?

The beauty of this cleaning process in particular is that it uses only one ingredient to clean your floors: Water. “A steam mop not only cleans, but it sanitizes as well,” says Sara San Angelo, professional housekeeper and expert behind the blog Confessions of a Cleaning Lady. The high heat can kill many pathogens on the floor—without the use of harsh chemicals. Sara points out that steam mops have likely gained popularity because of this fact, so it’s a great option for homes with pets and babies who come into frequent contact with the floors. When used in the beginning of your routine (after vacuuming or sweeping) steam mops can be helpful in softening or lifting long-standing gunk, which often gets missed by a traditional mop.

What Floors Can You Use a Steam Mop On? 

Steam mops are generally safe to use on any type of flooring that’s sealed, Sara says, because the water will not be able to penetrate the cracks. Be sure to check the manual of the specific steam mop you own, but the below flooring types are generally safe to steam. 

Sealed Tile

Steam mops work particularly well on ceramic and porcelain tile, making them a great tool for sanitizing bathrooms. 

Linoleum

Since linoleum is often laid down in a single sheet (as opposed to individual pieces), you don’t run the risk of getting steam into the cracks or joints of the flooring. Just be sure to avoid areas of the floor that might be peeling or cracking, since trapped water can lead to mold. 

Water-resistant Laminate

Some laminate flooring is marked as safe for steam cleaning, as it’s made with waterproof resins in the core layer, but be sure to double check the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Which Floors Should You Not Use a Steam Mop On? 

While steam mops are certainly a worthwhile addition to your cleaning arsenal, they aren’t meant to be used for every type of flooring. 

Hardwood

“Many steam mop manufacturers say this is safe,” Sara points out, “but hardwood floor manufacturers beg to differ. Steam and wood do not mix, and even if the floor is sealed, steam can still warp the boards.” So to be on the safe side, avoid using a steam mop on your hardwood, which can be pricey and time-consuming to replace. Instead, use mops designed for hardwood floors.

Laminate Plank Flooring

Since laminate plank flooring is laid down without grout and isn’t sealed afterward, it’s not a safe option for steam mops. The steam can get inside the joints, either causing the floor to warp or bubble, or potentially pooling beneath the planks, which poses a mold growth risk. We recommend sticking to a dedicated laminate floor cleaner.

How to Use a Steam Mop 

Similar to a traditional mop, you’ll want to vacuum or sweep your floors before you steam mop, since they’re not intended to pick up large amounts of debris. “You don’t want to use any type of chemicals or liquids in a steam mop,” Sara emphasizes, since the steam will heat up the chemicals and create potentially dangerous fumes. “Even essential oils are not suitable in steam mops,” she adds, as “these are oils and not soluble in water so will not evaporate into steam. They also may gunk up and clog the internal mechanisms of the mop.”

Sara recommends starting from the far end of a room and working your way out while cleaning, just like you would with a regular mop. Once you’re finished, be sure to throw out or toss your used cleaning pad in the wash, instead of leaving it on the mop. If you put the mop and its pad away wet, there’s a good chance it will grow mold or mildew before the next use.