Can You Steam Clean Laminate Floors?

Laminate flooring is a staple in many homes thanks to its affordability, durability and how easy laminate is to lay, even for novice DIYers. Steam cleaners are also very popular, with interest in these products rising drastically since 2022 – for busy homes, a very powerful, chemical-free cleaning option is too good to pass up! 

However, not all cleaning products are suitable for all surfaces, which raises the question of if you can steam clean laminate floors. In this guide, we’ll look at whether you can safely steam clean laminate flooring, if you can use a steam mop on your floors, and what alternatives you can use to help you keep your floors looking brand new. 

Can you steam clean laminate floors?

The question we’re all here to answer – can you steam clean laminate floors safely? Unfortunately for all you steam-lovers, we do not recommend the use of a steam cleaner on laminate flooring for the following reasons:

Moisture damage

Laminate floors have a core layer that comprises High-Density Fibreboard (HDF) which, if overexposed to moisture, can absorb it. Steam cleaners force very hot water into every groove of the flooring, so the moisture can seep into the seams and edges of laminate planks, which can lead to your laminate swelling or lifting. Over time, this can cause the planks to warp or even delaminate, resulting in permanent damage.

Finish deterioration

Laminate floors have a protective finish that can be damaged by the intense heat from steam. This can result in the finish losing its shine or becoming scratched, dull, or discoloured, and due to the nature of the flooring, it often cannot be refinished. 

Long-term damage

Steam cleaning your laminate floors once or twice may not have any visible negative impact, which might make you think that it’s safe to use every time. However, it could be doing damage beneath the surface, which might mean that rather than having to replace one or two planks, in a short time you’ll need to rip up and replace the entire floor. 

Can you use a steam mop on laminate?

Steam mops differ from traditional steam cleaners as they are designed for cleaning hard floors like tile or hardwood, and generally produce a gentler steam at a more moderate temperature than their traditional counterparts, so they’re likely to do less damage to more sensitive flooring like laminate or vinyl.  

While you could use steam mops on laminate floors, we typically would not recommend it, as any moisture getting into the HDF layer of your flooring could cause irreparable damage.

Alternatives to steam for laminate flooring

So if you can’t steam clean laminate floors, how can you keep them pristine? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other ways to clean your laminate!

• Dry mop or sweep: The best thing you can do is regularly remove any dust and dirt from your floor with a dry mop, microfiber cloth, or broom. This prevents any harder debris from scratching your laminate floor, and any softer bits of debris from getting trodden into the laminate and staining.
• Damp mop: Mix water with a cleaning solution designed for laminate floors and immerse your mop. Wring or spin it out so the mop is damp but not soaking, and use this to take care of any light spills or marks.
• Vinegar Solution: Mix a small amount of vinegar with water to create a gentle cleaning solution and spot-clean with a microfibre cloth. This can help remove dirt and stains without harming the floor.

Take a look at our flooring advice guides for more detailed information on how to clean laminate floors!

Quick tips for keeping on top of laminate flooring maintenance

• Frequently give your floor a quick once-over clean to prevent the build-up of dirt or debris.
• Spot clean any spills straight away so they don’t have a chance to stain your floor – you can use a lightly damp mop, a microfibre cloth or even just some kitchen roll to wipe it up before it sets.
• Avoid harsh cleaning agents and stick to products designed for use on laminate floors.
• Don’t overuse water for the reasons given above. 

So while you can’t steam clean laminate flooring, there are plenty of other ways to keep it clean. With proper care and maintenance, laminate flooring is highly durable, giving you all the style of wood flooring for a fraction of the price with significantly less required maintenance. If you’re considering buying laminate flooring for a high-traffic room or an area prone to spills and messes, have a look at our range of kitchen laminate flooring and laminate floors for hallways.