Can you Steam Mop Concrete Floors [Explained]?

The steam mop is one of the best tools for cleaning and sanitizing floors. The steam mop doesn’t require expensive chemicals and cleaning solutions. It is very easy to use and you don’t have to apply much force to cleaning as well.

You won’t even break a sweat cleaning the floor by using the steam mop and you can save a lot of your valuable time as well. It requires only a few seconds for the equipment to get ready so you won’t have to waste your time waiting.

You can use a steam mop on various surfaces. But can you steam-mop concrete floors?

You must have got a concrete floor in your house or office. Surely, you must take care of your concrete floor so that it will last long.

Using a steam mop might be tempting as it as you will be able to save a lot of time and effort.

Before using a steam mop in your concrete make sure to read this article until the end to find out whether you can use a steam mop on your concrete floor or not. But first, let’s get to know about concrete floors and their types.

Types of concrete floors?

Concrete is one of the most used substances besides water and it is used to build homes, commercial buildings, and various structures. It is formed by a mixture of cementing material, mineral aggregate, and water which is left to dry. The mixture hardens after drying and becomes durable like a stone. Similarly, a concrete floor is made out of a concrete flat slab.

There are various types of concrete floors which are listed below.

Epoxy Coated Concrete Floor

Epoxy-coated concrete floor is a type of concrete floor where the surface is coated with epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener. The two mixtures react to one another and create a cross-linking of the elements forming a hardened, rigid plastic coating. This type of floor is very durable and can withstand high heat and moisture.

Polished Concrete Floor

The polished concrete floor is a type of concrete floor where chemical densifiers are added to fill the pores. The surface of the polished concrete floor is polished with diamond polishing tools so the surface is very smooth and shiny. It is extremely durable and doesn’t require much maintenance. The polished concrete floor is not affected by dust, mold, mildew, or pollen, and it is very easy to clean.

Stained Concrete Floor

A stained concrete floor is a type of concrete floor that is stained with mostly two types of stains called water-based acrylic stains and acid-based chemical stains. It is eco-friendly and you can apply any color of stains on the concrete. As the stains deeply penetrate the concrete surface, it can slightly resist water and the colors won’t come off easily.

The acid-based stains are able to create natural color variations such as terracotta, tans, browns, etc. It is considered good for your floors designed to resemble wood. The water-based stain can broaden your options as different colors can be mixed. The mixture of pigments and acrylic polymers forms a semi-translucent surface on the concrete floor.

Stamped Concrete Floor

The stamped concrete floor is a type of concrete that is just normal concrete with some patterns, textures, or colors added to it to resemble other objects like tiles, bricks, etc. People use stamped concrete as it is quite cheap compared to real objects. It is very durable and can be shaped and designed into various types of objects. While it may be cheap it is not necessarily better than the objects it is designed to mimic. Furthermore, it is very difficult to repair once it gets damaged.

Unsealed Concrete Floor

Unsealed concrete floors are one of the most common types of concrete floors that are used in your basements, garages, and work rooms. It is quite durable as it can resist physical damage. However, the unsealed concrete floor is naturally porous and can easily absorb moisture.

Can you steam-mop concrete floors?

There are various types of concrete floors with different properties and usages. Steam mop produces high amounts of heat and moisture in order to sanitize and clean the floor and it might damage some kind of concrete floors. So, let’s discuss whether you can steam-mop each kind of concrete floor one by one.

The epoxy-coated concrete floors are quite resistant to heat and moisture so you won’t have any problem using the steam mop.

However, you must never add soap-based cleaners, citrus-based cleaners, or any other type of chemicals and liquid because not only does this damage the floor but it can also ruin the equipment.

Thus, only use distilled or demineralized water in the water tank of the steam mop.

The polished concrete floor can’t withstand much heat and moisture so it is better not to use a steam mop on this type of floor.

If you decide to use a steam mop nonetheless, you should use the steam mop with extreme care and only on a low steam mode.

One thing you must always remember before cleaning this type of concrete floor is to vacuum and sweep the floor as the smooth surface can easily be scratched or damaged due to dirt and debris.

Similarly, avoid using any kinds of cleaning solutions and chemicals on this type of floor besides distilled or demineralized water.

The stained concrete floor also can’t withstand much heat and moisture so we do not recommend using a steam mop on this type of concrete floor.

Keep in mind that, you must be extra careful using a steam mop and must use it on a low steam mode. Always test the steam mop in an inconspicuous area before you steam mop the entire area as you can avoid damage.

We do not recommend using a steam mop on the stamped concrete floor as it cannot withstand the heat and moisture of the steam mop. You can use other cleaning methods such as pressure washing, or simply washing with liquid dish soap and warm water. Never use a steam mop on this type of concrete floor.

The unsealed concrete floor can withstand high heat and moisture so a steam mop is highly recommended in this type of steam mop. However, do not use other chemicals or cleaning solutions instead of distilled or demineralized water as it can damage the concrete floor and equipment.

Best Steam Mop Concrete Floors

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Ovente Heavy Duty...	$48.99	Check on Amazon
2		Shark Steam Mop Hard...	$112.88	Check on Amazon
3		Shark S1000 Steam...	$59.99	Check on Amazon

How to properly steam clean your concrete floors?

You can steam clean on mainly two types of concrete floors, especially epoxy-coated and unsealed concrete floors, without any issue, However, you must still know how to properly use a steam clean your concrete floors as you can damage the concrete floors if you are not careful.

Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum the Concrete Floors:

The first step before steam cleaning your concrete floor is to thoroughly sweep or vacuum the surface.

While steam mops are effective at mopping and sanitizing, they are not designed to remove dust, dirt, or debris.

Failure to sweep or vacuum beforehand can result in dirt and particles getting stuck on the steam mop pads, reducing its efficiency.

Also, dust and dirt particles left on the floor can potentially scratch or damage the concrete surface during steam cleaning.

Step 2: Inspect and Prepare the Steam Mop

Before using the steam mop, inspect it to ensure it is in proper working condition.

Check for any damages or malfunctions and ensure all attachments and accessories are intact. Prepare the steam mop by filling the water tank with distilled or demineralized water.

Attach clean and dry mop pads, plug the steam mop into a power socket, and have all necessary accessories ready for use.

Avoid leaving the steam mop idle in one place for an extended period, as the accumulated heat and moisture could potentially damage the concrete floor. Continuously move the steam mop during use, and if you need to take a break, unplug or turn off the steam mop completely.

Step 3: Use Correct Attachments and Pre-Treat Stains

Some steam mops come with various attachments and accessories. It is crucial to use the correct ones for your concrete floor. Refer to the user manual to identify the appropriate attachments for different cleaning tasks.

For tough stains and stubborn grime, consider pre-treating the areas before steam cleaning to ensure more effective results.

Step 4: Properly Clean and Maintain the Steam Mop

After each use, make sure to clean the steam mop thoroughly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Allow the steam mop to dry completely before storing it.

it’s also a good idea to have extra clean mop pads on hand while steam cleaning to replace them as needed during the process.

Step 5: Allow the Floor to Dry

The water used during steam cleaning will evaporate quickly, so you won’t have to wait for an extended period before using the floor again. However, it’s still a good practice to give the surface some time to dry completely before placing heavy furniture or walking on it.

Step 6: Drain Excess Water and Store Properly

After completing the steam cleaning process, inspect the steam mop once again. Carefully drain out any excessive water from the tank to prevent potential leaks or damage. Follow the user manual’s guidelines for storing the mop pads and accessories, keeping them in a clean and organized place for future use.

FAQ: Steam Mop Concrete Floors