Can you steam clean linoleum floors? Linoleum floors are made of natural materials, linseed and oil. Pigments give the material its color. When mixed with other natural materials like ground limestone, ceramic and powdered cork, it is pressed and heated into a flat surface. Just like its look-a-like counterpart, vinyl, linoleum is easy to care for and can be safely steam mopped. In the following article, i will show you 5 best steam mop on linoleum floors.
Contents
- What is linoleum floors
- Can you steam clean linoleum floors
- Best steam mop on linoleum floors
- #1 – Bissell – 19404 PowerFresh Steam Mop
- #2 – Shark Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner with Swivel Steering XL Water Tank (S3501)
- #3 – Oreck Steam-It Steam Mop, Steam100LRH
- #4 – VonHaus 1200W Microfiber Steam Mop Cleaner
- #5 – Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop, Handheld Steamer And Scrubbing Tools, And Clothing Steamer Tool, 2075a
- What kind of floors are suitable for using steam mop on?
- How to clean linoleum floors by using a steam mop
- Some tips to make linoleum last longer
What is linoleum floors
Linoleum, also called Lino, is a floor covering made from materials such as solidified linseed oil (linoxyn), pine rosin, ground cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate, most commonly on a burlap or canvas backing. Pigments are often added to the materials to create the desired colour finish.
The finest linoleum floors, known as “inlaid”, are extremely durable, and were made by joining and inlaying solid pieces of linoleum. Cheaper patterned linoleum came in different grades or gauges, and were printed with thinner layers which were more prone to wear and tear. High quality linoleum is flexible and thus can be used in buildings where a more rigid material (such as ceramic tile) would crack. – Wikipedia
Pros of Linoleum Flooring:
- It’s very durable, with warranties that range up to 25 years. With proper care, a linoleum floor can last 40 years or more.
- In addition to being made with renewable materials, linoleum is biodegradable and won’t take up space in landfills.
- Linoleum does not emit harmful VOCs (brand new linoleum does have a harmless odor from the linseed oil content that dissipates after a few weeks).
- Linoleum flooring maintains it’s good looks because the pigments are throughout the thickness of the material, not just on the surface like vinyl and laminate floorings. That helps camouflage scratches and dings.
- Linoleum requires little maintenance, needing only occasional sweeping and damp mopping.
Cons of Linoleum Flooring
- Resilient linoleum can get dented by high heels and furniture legs. Sharp objects may cut the materials.
- Linoleum may darken or turn yellowish when exposed to sunlight, a process called “ambering.” Linoleum with a factory-applied protective coating helps prevent ambering.
- Linoleum can be susceptible to moisture and isn’t recommended for installation in bathrooms, laundry rooms or other areas that may have spills, splashes and high humidity. Below-grade basements should be dry and free of any history of leaks or water damage.
- New and freshly waxed linoleum flooring can be slippery.
Can you steam clean linoleum floors
- Linoleum is a durable, moisture-resistant flooring option used in the bathroom and kitchen areas of many homes.
- These areas are constantly in contact with soap scum, food crumbs, dirt and other bacteria that leaves the flooring dirty and unattractive.
- A basic cleaning with a mop or broom may not always suffice, especially when the linoleum is aged or has been left uncleaned for a long period of time.
- A best steam mop will provide a much more thorough cleaning and lift heavy residue from the linoleum.
Best steam mop on linoleum floors
#1 – Bissell – 19404 PowerFresh Steam Mop
- Sanitize floors with the BISSELL PowerFresh Steam Mop, which eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria when used as directed
- Shine floors while you clean sticky dried-on spots 2X faster than the leading steam mop with the built-in Easy Scrubber or scrubby microfiber mop pad
- Remove tough spots with the built-in flip-down Easy Scrubber. Power Rating : 1500 watts
- Customize your clean with the SmartSet digital variable steam control
- Neutralize odors with Odor Eliminating Fragrance Discs included
Last update on 2021-05-08 at 03:30 - Details
#2 – Shark Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner with Swivel Steering XL Water Tank (S3501)
- Clean and sanitize with both sides
- Steam on demand
- 99.9% sanitization
- Sanitization with no harsh chemicals
- Swivel steering
Last update on 2021-05-08 at 03:30 - Details
#3 – Oreck Steam-It Steam Mop, Steam100LRH
- Produces approximately 40 minutes of steam (on high setting) on a full tank. Can sanitize hard floor surfaces by focusing steam while mopping for at least 5 seconds.
- Chemical-Free cleaning. Great for tile and grout. Cleans using only tap water. Works upside down without spillage. High temperature dry steam melts away dirt and grime.
- As an option for the customer, the Steam-It includes a universal cleaning clip which allows the customer to use household towels
- Adjustable steam settings for optimal cleaning on multiple surfaces
Last update on 2021-05-31 at 04:21 - Details
#4 – VonHaus 1200W Microfiber Steam Mop Cleaner
Last update on 2021-05-31 at 04:21 - Details
#5 – Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop, Handheld Steamer And Scrubbing Tools, And Clothing Steamer Tool, 2075a
- Every BISSELL purchase helps save pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- Powerful handheld steam cleaner and steam mop in one
- Clean and sanitize sealed hard floors without the use of harsh chemicals; eliminate 99. 9 percent of germs and bacteria with the natural power of steam
- Superior clean above floors with the extension tube and extra-long 25 ft power cord to reach those difficult areas in your home
- On board storage kit allows you to carry tools while you steam clean - grout tool, angle tool, flat scrapper tool, bristle scrub brush
Last update on 2021-05-31 at 04:21 - Details
What kind of floors are suitable for using steam mop on?
Tile Floors
Steam mops are perfect for cleaning tiles. This makes them a very handy tool for kitchens and bathrooms, and if your steam mop has adjustable steam levels you can use a more powerful steam on tiled surfaces as they are very durable.
Wooden Floors
It is a good idea to use a steam mop on wooden floors as the floors will be left without any streaky residue. However, steam cleaners are unsuitable for any floor with a waxed surface. Caution should be used to avoid overly vigorous mopping, particularly in older and uneven floorboards, where there is the risk that moisture can seep between the gaps – never a good thing! If you are planning to use a steam mop on wooden floors, look for a steam mop that allows you to change the cleaning cloth quickly and easily.
Linoleum Floors
Linoleum, or ‘lino’ as it is more commonly called, is a hard-wearing surface that is found in many homes. It is safe to use steam mops on linoleum floors, provided that you read the manufacturers instructions carefully.
Vinyl Floors
Vinyl is a tough and durable man-made material that offers the same external appearance as tiled or laminate floors. Vinyl floors are notoriously difficult to get clean, especially if they are textured as dirt has a tendency to get stuck in the texture and grains of the vinyl.
How to clean linoleum floors by using a steam mop
Manufacturers will differ in instructions, but if you stick to the fundamentals, then you will know how to clean you linoleum in the best possible ways. We have found you some effective procedures that you can pursue, if you want.
- Start by sweeping the floor or vacuuming it first and then go on to the next step
- Now add a few drops of dish washing liquid to the water that you may be using for mopping
- Alternatively, you can also use a couple of drops of lemon juice to make it shine
- Another thing to do would be to divide a room into sections and then mop it
- This will help you clean the floor easily and you can do this with flair
- Keep changing the water if possible as that will keep the floor sanitized for sure
- Additionally, you can scrub the floor if you have stains on it (if you have pets and children at home)
Some tips to make linoleum last longer
You can make your lino last longer by taking certain preventative measures. Most of these take a matter of seconds, but they can add years to your flooring.
- Keep out dirt and bacteria with door mats: Small particles and stones have the potential to cause tiny tears in lino, so place mats at all exterior entrances in order to pick up these foreign bodies before they enter your home.
- Clean little and often: As soon as you notice a spillage, wipe it up immediately.
- Stick to low-impact cleaning methods: The less pressure you apply to lino, the longer it will last. This is why using a Shark steam mop is ideal
- Never drench vinyl: Flooding your flooring with soapy water might deliver results, but it can lead to water finding its way into cracks and seams – undermining your lino from underneath.
- Stick to baking soda and dishwashing detergent: You will NEVER need anything more than baking soda and dishwashing detergent to get your lino sparkling. Waxes and other chemicals may actually damage your floor, and they don’t offer any benefits that can’t be delivered by soap and water.
- Lino is an uncomplicated, hard-wearing floor surface that is ideal for use in kitchens. Stick to regular cleaning with steam, baking soda and soap, and your lino flooring should always look fantastic.
