Can You Use a Steam Mop on Linoleum Floors?
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Keeping our floors clean can seem like an endless task, and with so many different types of flooring, it’s difficult to know what are the best methods or products to use in your home.
Here, we’re going to look at linoleum flooring in particular, and answer the question, “Can you use a steam mop on linoleum floors.” We’ll look at the benefits of linoleum flooring, as well as the best methods for cleaning it, and some products that can make this process even more quick and easy.
Steam mops are extremely effective and efficient when it comes to cleaning floors, but they’re not a suitable option for all flooring types. On some floors, the steam can cause warping and lifting, which can completely ruin the condition and look of the space.
But given how convenient and effective steam mops can be, many of us are intrigued as to whether or not we can use them within our homes. They run solely on water, so they’re extremely safe and are non-toxic for you and anyone else that lives in your home. This is a key concern for many of us and more and more people are seeking out natural cleaning solutions to replace the use of harsh chemicals or toxins found in so many of our daily store-bought cleaning products.
Let’s start by looking at what Linoleum flooring is and why so many people choose to use it throughout their homes.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Shark S1000 Steam Mop
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Value  | PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Can You Use a Steam Mop on Linoleum Floors?
Steam mops are safe for use with linoleum flooring and should not cause damage to the floor. As we have stated, linoleum is waterproof so won’t suffer from water damage as a result of using steam.
Steam mops are generally effective. With that being said, however, you do want to make sure to choose a good-quality mop, as some lower-quality mops can cause streaking or scratch your floor.
Steam mops use only water, so you don’t need to worry about damage from any chemicals or harsh products, and an added benefit of this is that you know the steam mop is completely safe to use around your pets or children.
Why is Linoleum Flooring So Popular?
Linoleum is popular and widely used in homes predominantly because it’s notoriously easy to clean. The flooring can be swept, vacuumed, and wiped and will generally come up looking brand new and sparkling clean.
It’s great for those of us with pets or children running around, as spills and stains can be easily removed.
It also looks great and comes in an endless range of colors, designs, and patterns. Linoleum is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about water damage as you would with wood floors or some laminate flooring.
PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1 with Convenient Detachable Handheld Unit
While it’s extremely easy to clean, most of us don’t like the idea of getting on our hands and knees multiple times a day to clean up the many spills that can occur. This is where many people look for other, more convenient cleaning solutions.
Mops are great at getting out stains and dealing with spills, but traditional mops tend to come with buckets, which can be difficult to fill and you can end up wasting a large amount of water if you only need to mop up a small area.
Steam mops, on the other hand, are extremely efficient and typically give even better results than a traditional mop and bucket. But are steam mops suitable to use with linoleum flooring?
The Best Way to Cleaning Linoleum Flooring
First and foremost, you must sweep or vacuum your floor thoroughly before using your steam mop. This removes any loose dirt or dust and ensures that your floor won’t be scratched while running the steam mop over it. It also allows the mop direct access to the flooring for the most effective cleaning.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Choice  | Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | BISSELL 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Value  | eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Next, if there are any large or particularly stubborn stains or grease marks on your floor, it’s best to try and get rid of these before going in with your steam mop. Apply a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar to the stain and allow this to sit for a short while, usually, ten to fifteen minutes will do, and then wipe this away with a microfiber cloth.
After this, you can go in with your chosen steam mop and give the linoleum or vinyl floor a thorough, overall clean. A good quality steam mop shouldn’t leave your floor saturated in water so there should be no need to go back in afterward to dry the flooring. Simply allow a few minutes for the floor to air dry and you’re all done!
Related: The Best Hand Held Steam Cleaner for Grout
The Best Steam Mops for Linoleum Flooring
Below are a couple of great quality steam mops that will effectively clean your linoleum floors, removing dirt, stains, grime, and grease without leaving any streaks or scratches on your floors.
Shark Steam Mop
Shark S1000 Steam Mop
Shark’s Steam Mop is great for removing grease, grime, and stains from your linoleum floors. The mop doesn’t require any chemicals or cleaning agents. It runs purely on water and is ready to steam within thirty seconds of switching on. The extra-large water tank is easy to remove and refill and the mop itself is extremely lightweight and easy to use.
The mop comes with two of Shark’s dirt grip microfiber pads that loosen and lift stubborn dirt and leave floors dry within seconds of use. The pads are washable and can be reused again and again. Simply hand wash or wash the pads in your washing machine and allow them to dry before reusing.
Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop
Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop
Shark’s Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop is considered a step up from the standard steam mop and gives the same excellent cleaning power as the basic model. Additionally, the Pro Steam Pocket Mop comes with multiple settings for optimal steam cleaning of your floors and garments. The mop converts into a portable, hand-held steamer that can be used for laundry steaming and above-floor cleaning.
The three-setting intelligent steam control enables you to increase the intensity and remove extremely stubborn stains and dirt. The mop is also excellent for thoroughly sanitizing linoleum flooring and leaves floors sparkling clean.
Given the additional functions, the Pro Steam Pocket Mop is heavier than the standard steam mop, so might not be so convenient for those who struggle to carry large objects. The same mop pads are provided as with the standard steam mop, however, the Pro Steam Pocket Mop also comes with the Intelli-Mop Head with Steam Blaster for a more intense clean. Again, these are washable and reusable and the mop runs solely on the water with no harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
Related: The Best Mop for Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Linoleum Floor
There are a few things you can do or methods you can implement into your regular cleaning routine that make it even easier and more efficient to clean your linoleum floors.
1. Clean As You Go
Firstly, it’s a great idea to keep on top of dirt and spills as soon as they happen. If you can catch a spill before it becomes sticky or tough to remove, this is generally much more efficient. The steam mops listed above will be ready to use within seconds of switching them on, so great for catching spills on the go.
2. Avoid Using Too Much Pressure
Secondly, applying less pressure to the linoleum will allow it to last longer and will reduce fading or scratches. The Shark spray mops are great for this as the plush microfiber mop pads require little force and are extremely effective.
3. Stay Away From Nasty Chemicals
Finally, it’s always best to avoid any harsh chemicals or cleaning products. Not only are these terrible for the environment and potentially harmful to the health of you and any other people or pets within your household, but they’re also likely to contribute to the earlier deterioration of your Linoleum flooring. Harsh chemicals will cause the flooring to fade much quicker and can cause the surface to become dull or discolored.
The great thing about spray mops is that they work purely with water, so no need to worry about this.
Related: The Best Spin Mops of 2021
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Shark Lift-Away Pro Steam Pocket Mop
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Shark S1000 Steam Mop
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Value | PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Final Thoughts on Can You Use a Steam Mop on Linoleum Floors?
Steam mops are great for cleaning linoleum floors and will leave your floors looking and smelling fresh and clean, all without the need for any chemicals or toxic ingredients.
They’re extremely easy to use and the examples listed in this article are highly efficient and effective. Linoleum floors are great given that they can be easily vacuumed and wiped clean, but when looking for a convenient and thorough cleaning solution, spray mops really are the way to go.
By following the tips and advice listed here in this post about, “can you use a steam mop on linoleum floors,” you should be able to keep your linoleum flooring consistently clean without needing to fill a heavy mop and bucket, reducing water wastage and the use of unnatural cleaning products.