Do Steam Mops Damage Tile Floors?
Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by admin
Introduction
You toiled for years to get a lovely home built with handpicked tiles for flooring. Now that you are settled into your new home, you want to clean the floor and disinfect it to keep your children safe.
You buy or decide to buy a steam mop, but your new neighbour comes in and starts ranting about the dangers of steam mops and how they damage the tile floors. Naturally, you begin to worry about your floor is in danger of the hot steam. It’s a genuine concern, one who needs proper attention.
That’s why we decided to step in and relieve you of your fears with reliable answers.
We will guide you properly to save your flooring and also letting you clean the floor effectively. Within the next few lines, you will have an informed answer, one that is based on research instead of gossip or assumptions. Keep reading on, and we will take you to a ride where you will gather all the information required to make an informed decision.
So, let’s start this journey together!
How do the steam mops work?
Is there anything in the steam mop working process that makes your tiles vulnerable? When you want to know about the effects of steam mops on the floor, you must first know how a steam mop works.
If you find anything that is not suitable for the tile flooring, then you cannot use the steam mop. But, if the working is not harmful in any way, then you can rest assured that it is safe for your pretty tile flooring.
Steam mops work by heating water in a container attached to the steam mop rod that heats the water within 30 seconds after plugin. Once the water is boiled at about 120 degrees Celsius (248 degrees Fahrenheit), the mop is ready to be used. You mop around using the long handle of the mop, and your floor gets cleaned.
A typical steam mop comes with a water heating container, cleaning pads and a long handle with which the box is fixed and pads are attached. It is fairly simple to assemble and takes about 30 seconds to get it ready for cleaning. Another thirty seconds and the water is heated enough to produce steam which works like a charm.
What are the characteristics of tile floors?
We have seen the characteristics of the steam floor, let’s talk about the tile flooring and why we should take its safety seriously. For one thing, tile flooring is not easy to install or replace. It is durable and not easily damaged by everyday routines. This, however, makes it difficult to repair as new tiles are installed after considerable effort and expense. So, it is necessary to take precautions when cleaning the floor.
Luckily, tiles for flooring are made up of ceramics or other tough materials and withstands pressure and heat. Tiles are finished with hard material which can take many adverse actions done on the flooring surface.
One thing that must be considered is the type of bonding material used among the tiles. The material is called grout, and it is not part of the tiles themselves. You might have noticed the colour of grout different from the tiles and the steam mop used should be of an acceptable quality not to damage the grout.
Can steam mops damage the tiles?
The simple answer to the above question is No! They are good friends. But, like all good friends, there are limits and boundaries which must be respected.
Most tiles used for flooring can easily withstand temperatures way more than 120 degrees and are therefore are in no danger at all. This rule is for all the tile flooring regardless of colour or shade. Consequently, we can say that steam mops are an excellent choice for tile flooring
Now to the limits part, the tile flooring is not invincible. There are certain situations when steam mops can damage tile flooring. Let’s discuss those situations; which are in our control and can be easily avoided.
Using chemicals to clean the floor
Chemicals cause the surface of tiles to erode and make it rough. It is the kind of chemistry that doesn’t work between the tiles and the chemicals used. Acids, strong alkalis and toxic materials should not be used for cleaning tiles. You might be tempted to use such materials when there are tough stains on the tiles, but that would do more harm than good and must be avoided.
Leaving the mop on the same spot
When you keep the steam mop on the same spot for an extended time, the steam begins to infiltrate the surface, and the tiles are damaged. In a best-case scenario, it will leave a stain; in the worst case, it damages the tiles surface permanently. So, remember not to leave the mop running on the floor when you are doing something else and keep the mop moving while using it.
Cleaning the tiles again and again
Excess of everything is terrible, and steam mops are no exception to this rule. Don’t be obsessive about your fancy tiles. No doubt you like them neat and pretty, but you can’t let your emotions damage your floor permanently. Let the tiles breath, and they will be fine with the steam mop.
As long as you avoid doing the above, your tiles are good to go with the steam mops.
How to clean tile floorings with the steam mop?
Now that you are free from worries of steam mop damaging your floor let us give you some expert advice based on research and experience to help you keep your floor clean and improve its shine and durability.
1- Use the steam mop effectively: Using steam mop effectively means to prepare the floor first and try to keep it clean by using door-mats.
2- Clean the floor with a vacuum cleaner first: Steam mops are not supposed to pick up dirt particles or hair from the surface. They are disinfectants and must be used as such. Vacuum clean your floor first!
3- The steam mop is no scrubber, only a disinfectant: Do not rub the surface with steam mop pads. Tough stains should be removed with another product. It there is oil on the surface, it should be cleaned before using the steam mop
4- Do not go close-fisted on cleaning pads: Use the cleaning pads generously! They are for your wellbeing and must not be used too many times. An overused pad will not disinfect the floor. Worst still, it will transport the germs or dust to other rooms.
5- Use clean water: do not mix anything in the water! Hot water is enough to kill the germs, and no other material should be mixed; otherwise, the mop container could be damaged.
Final thoughts
To cut a long story short, you can safely use a steam mop on a tile flooring if we are smart about it. As long as you are not an obsessive cleaner or a self-styled scientist who wants to try different chemicals, your steam mop and tile floor will remain good friends. Chances are, you’ll love the steam mop once you get a handle on its usage guidelines and follow the old age principles of common sense.
