Wooden floors have long been a popular choice for many families because they provide a clean, cozy space in the winter and cool in the summer. However, wooden floors are also very easy to damage if not cleaned properly.
In particular, housewives should also consider cleaning wooden floors, especially with steam mops, because it will bring unexpected potential risks.
Easy to cause blistering and warping of the surface
Whether it is natural wood or industrial wood, you should avoid wiping with too much water, especially hot steam from the mop can seep through small gaps, and will cause the floor surface to blister or warp over time.
Natural wood expands when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. Engineered wood with melamine or laminate coatings is more moisture resistant but is still affected by hot steam from the mop.
Therefore, the wooden floor will lose its natural beauty, and cracks or warps will appear, causing loss of aesthetics and costly repairs.
Damaged protective layer of wooden floor surface
Most wood floors are covered with a protective layer of paint or laminate to help protect the surface from water and scratches. However, high temperatures from steam can reduce the effectiveness of this protective layer.
Specifically, when exposed to hot steam frequently, the surface coating will peel off or reduce its waterproofing ability, making the wooden floor susceptible to damage when exposed to other liquids. The long-term consequence is that the wooden floor surface becomes dusty and difficult to clean...
Increased risk of mold
Water vapor seeps into the gaps between the wooden panels, creating conditions for mold and bacteria to grow. In places where it is difficult to vent, high humidity accumulates over time, not only damaging the floor surface but also causing unpleasant odors, affecting the quality of life and very easily harming the health of family members.
Reduces the life of wooden floors
Regular use of a steam mop will cause the surface of the wooden floor to deteriorate quickly. All types of wooden floors have a certain durability, but when exposed to high temperatures and humidity regularly, the structure of the wood will be greatly reduced.
Deteriorated wooden floors require frequent replacement or repair, costing the family a lot of money.