Can I steam clean my laminate flooring? I read various reviews on the Internet, someone writes that it is possible, others argue that it is not. I saw an advertisement for a steam cleaning vacuum cleaner for carpets and tiles. I would like to purchase such a model, but I doubt it. We have a couple of carpets in our apartment, the bathroom floor is tiled, and the corridor and kitchen are covered with laminate. Will I be able to clean the whole apartment with a washing vacuum cleaner?
Igor Markov
Steam cleaning is recommended for surfaces such as tiles and rugs. This cleaning method will not only remove dirt, but also rid you of bacteria. But there is no definite answer regarding the steam cleaning of the laminate. It all depends on the quality of the laminate and on its model. Let's take a closer look.
What types of laminate are there?
On the market, the choice of laminate is quite large, but not all of them can be wet cleaned. Some models are strictly forbidden to wet, not to mention using a washing vacuum cleaner. These types of laminate flooring include:
- Created using the caching method (it is strictly forbidden to wet it);
- Produced by direct lamination. Even the slightest contact with liquid can ruin it;
Wet cleaning is possible if you have the following type of laminate:
- Created using constant pressure technology, moisture is absolutely not afraid of it;
- Direct printed laminate. Such a floor can withstand one wet cleaning per week, after which it must be thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth;
- High pressure laminate flooring.
Laminate manufacturers often claim that their coating will withstand any moisture. Don't trust them, they are doing this to increase sales. To test laminate flooring, buy one board and moisten it thoroughly at home. The laminate is swollen - choose another. If you did not have time to test it before laying, then do the test in an inconspicuous place (for example, under the bed).
It is very important: its stability will depend on how the parquet was laid. The seam-to-seam and glue methods leave minimal gaps between the parquet floors, moisture can easily get there and spoil your beauty. The most optimal option is the locking method of fastening the board.
Therefore, before you start cleaning the laminate with a washing vacuum cleaner, find out what type of coating you have. Since you laid the laminate in the kitchen, most likely you have taken care of all the nuances in advance (quality of material, type of fasteners, etc.) and your floor can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing a model.
Choosing a washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring
Even if you have an expensive moisture-resistant laminate, you should not take the risk of pouring water on it with buckets. After all, it is quite possible that the phrase "resistant to moisture" refers to a slightly damp cloth, after which the laminate will be wiped with a dry cloth. If this is your situation, then a vacuum cleaner is not your option. Especially if you were planning to buy a cheap model, because it leaves wet prints on the floor. In order to choose a good vacuum cleaner, it will not be superfluous for you to learn the technique of this device.
A washing vacuum cleaner, under the influence of high pressure, sprays water, then collects it back, along the way, taking debris and dust. If your vacuum cleaner has a steam cleaning function, it will emit steam, which helps to clean the surface more thoroughly. This feature is very useful if you have carpets or tiles. If you covered the floor with laminate, then you do not need the steam cleaning function, as it can ruin even a high-quality coating. The hot steam will swell your laminate flooring and eventually ruin your floor.
It is allowed to use a simple washing vacuum cleaner. Just before buying, be sure to check the availability of a specialized nozzle. Also check out the instructions to see if the model is suitable for wet cleaning laminate floors. This model evenly sprays moisture and immediately collects it back, leaving the floor dry, and it should also not leave drips.
Here are a few key indicators of laminate floor cleaning vacuums:
- Sufficiently high suction power (at least 450 kW);
- The laminate should only be slightly moistened and not flooded with water;
- Specialized nozzle for laminate floors.
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is better to give preference to a well-known brand that has been on the market for a long time. Then you will definitely not have to regret buying. Don't forget about specialized laminate cleaners.
Coming back to your question, vacuuming your laminate flooring is only possible if you have a high-quality, water-resistant coating. In addition, the vacuum cleaner must be designed for cleaning laminate flooring. But the use of steam to clean the laminate is strictly prohibited!
