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A steam cleaner is an excellent addition to your cleaning closet.
It provides a deeper clean that is also more hygienic than other methods.
5 things you should never steam clean
1.
Hardwood floors
Although steam cleaners work well on carpets, keeping them away from hardwood floors is best.
You should always avoid using excessive water and heat when cleaning hardwood floors, she says.
Excessive water can cause the wood to expand, splinter, and damage the integrity of the floor.
Instead of a steam cleaner, Webber suggests [Using] a dry mop or a wood-safe cleaner.
Remove dust and debris first with a vacuum cleaner, then sweep gently with a microfiber dry mop.
Learnhow to clean hardwood floorscorrectly to help them look good for longer.
Steam can soak in, discolor it, or even cause cracks over time.
The result is a dull-looking and potentially dangerous flooring surface.
Be careful steam cleaning the grout around tile, as well.
As Webber explains, Unsealed grout absorbs moisture like a sponge.
Steam can soak in and harm the grout, leaving behind mildew or making future cleaning much more difficult.
Left untreated, damp grout can be a haven for mold.
To clean grout properly, youll need to use some elbow grease.
Use a grout brush and cleanser to perform a standard scrub, advises Webber.
Instead, use window cleaner or ahomemade solutionto keep your windows clean and streak-free during colder weather.
Delicate and synthetic fabrics
Steam can remove wrinkles from clothes and freshen them up without washing and ironing them.
But steam doesnt mix with certain synthetic and delicate fabrics.
Knoll adds that steam can also ruin delicate materials.
Painted or wallpapered walls
When was the last time you cleaned your walls?
But keep that steam cleaner away from them.
Consider steam to be the companion of a paint remover, says Webber.
Paint may bubble, peel, or fade as a result.
And wallpaper is no exception.
Use a soft cloth and a mild cleanser instead of steaming painted surfaces, recommends Webber.
You won’t have to repaint your walls after each cleaning because they will remain intact.
For wallpaper, he suggests using Gentle wipes or a wallpaper-specific cleaner.
A steam cleaner can be an excellent addition to your cleaning arsenal, but its not meant for everything.
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