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Wesker
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Can I Use A Steam Mop On My Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is popular because of its great durability. However, heat is one of its weaknesses. That is why steam mopping isn’t recommended for vinyl floorings.

If you insist on going for this cleaning method, you may end up with irreversible damage. It happens quickly due to the reaction between glue and PVC under high heat. What you need is a string mop, while microfiber spray mops can assist with simple messes as well.

Steam Mops And Vinyl Plank Flooring

Steam mops are the first choice of many owners of hard flooring. They can deliver awesome cleaning and disinfection performance without involving chemicals or leaving sticky residue or streaks behind.

However, steam mops can do a lot of damage to your vinyl plank flooring - a material that can’t withstand high heat. This is true even if your floor belongs to one of the brands on this list https://www.royalroad.com/forums/thread/122009.

Remember that steam mops work by boiling water inside their canister. This is the principal process that creates hot steam (of up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit) for the cleaning, which in turn can penetrate your vinyl plank flooring.

The extreme heat of steam can permanently damage vinyl. Discoloration is one of the most common consequences. At those temperatures, vinyl can melt. The floor construction can get compromised, and the appearance can get distorted.

The melted areas get weaker as a result. Vinyl planks are usually glued down to the subfloor. When exposed to high heat, this glue can get weakened, causing the edges to curl up.

Alternative Mops For Vinyl Plank Flooring

Depending on what kind of messes you have to put up with on your vinyl flooring, there are several other options you can pick from the “best mop for Vinyl floors” list.

For instance, if you have dogs and/or kids who keep getting in and out during the mud season, you will need a big mop to freshen up the floor regularly. The heavier and dirtier the mess, the bigger mop you need.

String mops do well as a general-purpose tool for cleaning vinyl plank floors. The strings can absorb a lot of dirt and water after each wipe. Don’t know which to pick? Consult “A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Best Mop for Vinyl plank Floors”.

Mopping vinyl flooring also requires a big water bucket and strength. You will need to dump the dirty water and start fresh constantly. The best mop or bucket should come with a wringer to make the mop head damp instead of soaking wet.

But you won’t want to use a regular mop and budget all the time. Hauling them around and wringing the mop head is exhausting. Only use those tools when necessary. Simple messes can be cleaned with spray mops and microfiber pads, which are lighter to carry out and don’t use water that much.

It is important to note that you should vacuum or sweep the floor before mopping it. This way, you can get rid of any loose dirt, dust, and pet hair. Otherwise, the debris can get pushed around by the mop and result in a bigger mess.

A simple combination of broom and dustpan will do. Just make sure that your vacuum is running on the hard floor setting. A roller brush or a beater bar scratches the floor.

Conclusion

No, you should not use a steam mop on your vinyl plank flooring. Or at least you should never do that unless absolutely necessary.

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Best Mop for Vinyl Floors: TOP Options for Long-Lasting Flooring

Best Mop for Vinyl Floors: Buying Guide and TOP Suggestions