How to Steam Clean Hardwood Floor

If your family suffers from allergies aggravated by harsh chemicals, it may be worth your while to learn how to steam clean hardwood floors to eliminate those allergen triggers from your household.

Steam cleaning is about deep cleaning.

Hardwood floors last for years with minimum maintenance. Normally, all that's needed is a damp mop cleanup to keep them looking great. However, if you want a deeper clean, that takes care of allergens, bacteria and more you may want to consider purchasing a portable steam cleaner that's made for hardwood floors.

If you want to do more of a deep clean than the damp mop provides, a vapor steam cleaning system let's you sanitizes and deodorizes all kinds of surfaces around the house without the use of chemicals or detergents. It helps eliminate mold, mildew, grease, regular everyday dirt, and in some cases are said even to kill dust mites. Not only will you be able to use your steamer on your sealed wood floors, but they are also good for cleaning:

• Bathrooms
• Bedding
• Carpets
• Fabrics
• Grills
• Linoleum
• Mirrors
• Ovens
• Windows
• Tile

When shopping for a steam cleaner safe for hardwood floors, double check the manufacturers recommendations for use. If the cleaner isn't made for sealed hardwood floors, look for one that is. The following is a list to help start the process of comparison shopping:

Designed for use in the home for people who suffer from asthma or allergies, or environmentally conscious individuals who rather not pollute the air they breathe with fumes and chemicals. The White Wing Steamer is a hot dry vapor steam system that works chemical free. It kills:

• Bacteria
• Mildew
• Mold
• Viruses

The Bissell Steam Mop Bare Floor Steam Cleaner is a light weight steam mop that's easy to use. It's long power cord helps you reach the entire floor and the specially designed handle reduces "mopping stress". It comes equipped with two terry cloth cleaning pads, and features a clear plastic filter so you know when it's time for a change.

Another steam cleaner safe for your hardwood floors is the Sargent Steam system. It only weighs 15 pounds when filled, uses no chemicals, and is designed to clean your floor with regular tap water. Cleaning with this system not only eliminates chemical toxins from your environment but also saves you money!

Although it isn't difficult, it's important to know how to steam clean hardwood floors before you begin. Here are a few easy steps to follow:

1. Before you steam clean remove dust and grit from the floor as this is the number one cause of scratches.
2. Many steamers are designed to run on water alone, but if you choose to use a cleaning solution in your steamer, be sure to use a neutral cleaner with a pH that's not too high or low.
3. Be sure your hardwood floors are sealed. If you have worn spots, don't use the steamer on them because the moisture can seep into the wood and cause it to warp.
4. Use a steamer designed to clean hardwood floors such as those mentioned above.

• Fill steamer's water canister (add cleaning solution if needed) with hot tap water
• Check to be sure your filer is clean before you start cleaning your floor.
• Place canister into position and heat water to steam
• Start at one corner work from one side of the room to the other.
• Push the cleaner forward releasing the steam
• Pull it back allowing the cleaning pad to wipe away dirt and grime.
• Continue the process until the entire room is clean.

Steam removes dirt, food particles, and unseen allergens from your floor with less effort.

To reduce strain on your back and arms, before you buy a steam cleaner take it out of the box and hold it as if you're cleaning the floor. Is it a good height for you or does it require you to be hunched over in an awkward position. Remember, that's the position you'll be in for however long it takes to clean your floor.

Other questions to ask yourself before you buy include:

• Is it well made?
• How hard is it to fill and empty?
• Does it come with a reusable filter or will that be something you have to purchase in the future?
• What do others say who have used this product? Check with sites like consumer reports to know what you're buying before you spend a dime.

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