Can I Use A Steam Mop On Laminate Floors?

Laminate floors can make a beautiful addition to your home or business. Much more affordable and practical than hardwood, laminate floors can be an excellent choice for many different settings. But to make the most of your flooring choice, you need to know the best way to clean and maintain your laminate floors.

Can I Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Floors?

When cleaning your flooring, you might naturally be tempted to use a steam mop. These mops are all natural and non-toxic, and they’re environmentally friendly.

Steam cleaning is a great choice when you live with people with allergies. A steam mop is quick and effective, and you won’t have to deal with wet floors, like you would with a traditional mop, which is a safety benefit, especially if you have kids.

But steam mops aren’t always the best choice for laminate floors. While you can steam mop your laminate floor, you need to be careful when doing so and only use the steam mop sparingly.

Because laminate floors are only water-resistant, you can’t use excessive steam or moisture on them. Plus, too much heat from your mop could damage the floor.

It’s best to only steam mop when necessary. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove any dirt and debris.

When you use the mop, only put it on its lowest setting, and move it in quick strokes so it doesn’t sit on and heat up any one area of your floor. It’s also important to use minimal steam, and avoid getting the floor wet.

As soon as you’re done, wipe up any remaining moisture with a towel or microfiber cloth.

Additional Ways to Maximize Your Laminate Floor’s Life

When cleaning your laminate floor, it’s always important to follow the product manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, there are many other ways that you can prolong your floor’s lifespan.

Choose the Right Product

Ensuring that your laminate tile or plank flooring will last starts with choosing the right product for your needs. Consider where you’ll be installing your flooring and any specific qualities that you need it to have.

You’ll find that laminate products can vary when it comes to durability. Some are designed for commercial applications, while others are a good choice for residential use only.

The flooring’s wear layer will affect its durability and its potential use. Laminate is a multi-layer flooring, and the upper layer is designed to prevent wear, including scratches and color fading.



That wear layer can vary in thickness, with thicker layers offering more protection and being better suited for areas that will see a high amount of traffic. Thinner wear layers are still effective, but often best for areas that won’t see quite as much traffic.

If you’re looking for highly durable flooring, then consider whether the laminate flooring is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. Some of these products include warranties that last up to 35 years when installed in residential settings, ensuring you’ll get the maximum use out of your flooring.

It’s also important to consider the care instructions available for each product. Many laminate products are low-maintenance and can be traditionally mopped, but consider how well each product will fit into the time that you have to invest into caring for your flooring.

Follow Installation Instructions

While many of these products are designed for a quick installation, it’s important to follow the installation instructions precisely. Installation methods can differ from product to product, so the method you use might work well for one product, but might lead to problems with another product.

Consider the type of installation that you prefer before you choose your laminate flooring. Many of these floors support a DIY installation, while others may require that you hire a professional.

Keep Floors Dry

Keep in mind that most laminate floors are not entirely waterproof. While they’re designed to resist water, repeated exposure to water, or exposure to a significant amount of water, could cause that water to soak into the flooring and ruin it.

Instead, keep the flooring as dry as possible. If you’re using laminate flooring in an area that’s prone to moisture, like a mudroom, put down mats and shoe trays to reduce the amount of moisture that comes into contact with the flooring.

If spills do occur or the floor gets wet, clean up the liquid immediately. Use a mop to soak up as much liquid as possible, then thoroughly dry the floor with a towel to prevent damage.

Finding the Right Laminate Flooring

At Greatmats, we offer many laminate plank floating floor systems for you to choose from. These systems feature a variety of wood finish options, so they’re suitable for many decor styles.



If you have questions about which product is right for your needs, please contact our Greatmats customer service team. We’ll be happy to help you find the product that’s best for your project.