Is Shark Steam Mop Safe for Laminate Floors? An Expert’s Data-Backed Answer & 3 Proven Alternatives for 2025

Abstract

An examination of the compatibility between Shark steam mops and laminate flooring reveals a significant divergence between appliance marketing and flooring science. Steam mop manufacturers often promote their products as a superior, chemical-free method for sanitizing hard surfaces. Conversely, the vast majority of laminate flooring manufacturers issue explicit warnings against the use of steam cleaners on their products. This discrepancy creates considerable confusion for homeowners. The core of the issue resides in the material composition of laminate flooring, which typically features a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core that is highly susceptible to damage from both moisture and high temperatures. The application of pressurized steam introduces the risk of moisture penetration into the seams and core of the laminate planks, potentially leading to swelling, warping, and delamination of the surface layers. Using a steam mop often voids the flooring's warranty, leaving the consumer financially responsible for any ensuing damage. This analysis weighs the purported benefits of steam cleaning against the documented material risks and warranty implications, ultimately advocating for safer, manufacturer-approved cleaning methods.

Key Takeaways

• Most flooring manufacturers explicitly advise against using steam mops on laminate.
• Heat and moisture from steam can cause laminate to swell, warp, and peel.
• Using a steam mop will likely void your laminate flooring warranty.
• Consider if a Shark steam mop is safe for laminate floors before risking damage.
• Safer alternatives include damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner.
• Always check your specific flooring manufacturer's care guidelines first.
• "Waterproof" laminate is not necessarily "steam-proof"; the heat remains a primary concern.

Table of Contents

• The Central Contradiction: Why Steam Mop Brands and Flooring Experts Disagree
• Deconstructing the Damage: 5 Critical Risks of Using Steam on Laminate
• A Tale of Two Floors: Comparing Cleaning Methodologies
• The "Waterproof" Laminate Exception: A Nuanced Examination
• An Expert's Verdict: Is a Shark Steam Mop Safe for Laminate Floors?
• The Path to Pristine Floors: 3 Proven, Safe Cleaning Alternatives
• A Deeper Dive into the Science of Laminate Floor Care
• FAQ: Answering Your Pressing Questions
• A Final Thought on Prudent Floor Care
• References

The Central Contradiction: Why Steam Mop Brands and Flooring Experts Disagree

The journey into understanding how to care for our homes often presents us with conflicting information. This is rarely more apparent than in the debate over cleaning laminate floors. On one side, we have the compelling advertisements from companies like Shark, showcasing steam mops that promise a deep, sanitizing clean using nothing but water. On the other, we have the stern, cautionary advice from the very people who create the floors. To navigate this contradiction, we must approach it not as a simple "yes or no" question, but as an inquiry into the nature of the materials themselves. Think of it like a physician evaluating a new, popular treatment; they must weigh the advertised benefits against the fundamental biology of the patient.

The Allure of Steam: What Shark Promises

Let us first approach this with empathy for the consumer. Why is the idea of a steam mop so appealing? The promises are potent. First, there is the promise of sanitation. Steam mops heat water to a high temperature, often above 212°F (100°C), and the resulting steam is asserted to kill 99.9% of common household germs and bacteria. For a household with children, pets, or anyone concerned with hygiene, this is a powerful motivator. It suggests a level of clean that traditional mopping cannot achieve.

Second is the promise of a chemical-free clean. The idea of cleaning with only water appeals to a growing desire for healthier, more environmentally friendly homes. It eliminates the need to purchase bottles of cleaning solution, reduces chemical residues on floors where children and pets play, and simplifies the cleaning process. The steam mop presents itself as a modern, elegant solution to an age-old chore, transforming it from a task involving buckets and chemicals into a simple act of gliding a machine across the floor. These are not trivial benefits; they speak to genuine desires for a safer and cleaner living space.

The Flooring Manufacturer's Stance: A Chorus of Caution

Now, let us turn our attention to the other side of this conversation: the flooring manufacturers. If you consult the maintenance and warranty documents for nearly any major brand of laminate flooring, you will find a consistent and clear warning: do not use steam cleaners. This is not a suggestion; it is often a direct prohibition tied to the validity of your warranty. Why would a company stand so firmly against a popular cleaning method? The reason is not a desire to make your life more difficult. Instead, it is based on an intimate understanding of their product's composition and its inherent vulnerabilities. They know what their product is made of, and they know what can destroy it. Their caution is born from material science, not marketing. As one of the top laminate flooring manufacturers in China, with decades of experience, our primary goal is to ensure the longevity and beauty of the floors you install in your home. This guidance is rooted in that commitment.

A Matter of Materials: Understanding Laminate's Construction

To truly grasp the manufacturer's perspective, we must become students of laminate flooring itself. Imagine a laminate plank is like a book. It has a cover, pages, and a spine holding it all together.

1. The Wear Layer: This is the topmost, transparent layer. It is like the plastic dust jacket on a hardcover book. It is a very hard, durable coating, typically made of an aluminum oxide finish, designed to resist scratches, stains, and fading. It is your floor's first line of defense.
2. The Design Layer: Beneath the wear layer lies a high-resolution photograph of wood, stone, or another material. This is what gives the laminate its aesthetic appeal. It is the "art" of the book.
3. The Core Board: This is the crucial part of our discussion. The vast majority of laminate flooring is constructed with a core of High-Density Fiberboard (HDF). HDF is an engineered wood product, created by breaking down wood residuals into fine fibers, mixing them with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels under immense pressure and heat. Think of it as a very, very dense and strong piece of cardboard. This core gives the plank its rigidity and stability. It is the "pages and spine" of our book analogy.
4. The Backing Layer: The bottom layer is a stabilizing layer, designed to balance the plank and provide some protection against moisture from the subfloor.

The vulnerability lies in the core board. While HDF is dense, it is fundamentally composed of wood fibers. As anyone who has ever left a newspaper out in the rain knows, wood fibers and water are not friends. When exposed to moisture, these fibers absorb it, swell, and lose their structural integrity. The resins and waxes mixed in offer some protection, but they are not impervious, especially when faced with the aggressive nature of steam.

Deconstructing the Damage: 5 Critical Risks of Using Steam on Laminate

The general warning from manufacturers is clear, but to make a truly informed decision, one must understand the specific mechanisms of failure. The interaction between a steam mop and a laminate floor is not a single event but a cascade of potential problems. Let us examine the five most significant risks in detail.

Risk 1: The Peril of Penetrating Moisture

The primary argument for a steam mop—its use of hot vapor—is also its primary danger to laminate. Liquid water from a spill sits on top of the wear layer, and if the seams between planks are tight, you have a reasonable amount of time to wipe it up. Steam, however, is different. It is water in a gaseous state. The molecules are energized and much smaller, allowing them to be forced under pressure into microscopic gaps that liquid water would never penetrate.

Imagine your laminate floor as a series of tightly joined tiles. While they look seamless, there are tiny, invisible seams between every single plank. When you apply a steam mop, you are essentially pressure-injecting hot, moist air directly at these seams. The steam bypasses the protective wear layer and finds its way to the exposed sides of the HDF core. Once there, the vapor condenses back into liquid water inside the very part of the plank that is most vulnerable to it. This is not a surface spill; this is a subterranean attack.

Risk 2: Heat-Induced Warping and Peeling

Laminate flooring is a layered, or "laminated," product. These layers are fused together using powerful adhesives and immense pressure during manufacturing. However, these adhesives have thermal limits. The high temperatures generated by a steam mop can exceed these limits, effectively softening the glue that holds the wear layer and design layer to the HDF core.

Think of it like a sticker on a glass jar. If you try to peel it off, it tears and leaves residue. But if you apply heat with a hairdryer, the adhesive softens, and the sticker often peels off cleanly. A steam mop can have a similar effect on your floor. Repeated exposure to this heat can weaken the bond between the layers. The first sign of this is often "delamination," where the top layers begin to peel or bubble up, usually starting at the edges of the plank. This damage is irreversible.

Risk 3: Swelling and Edge Cupping

This risk is a direct consequence of the penetrating moisture described in the first point. When the HDF core absorbs the condensed steam, the wood fibers expand. Because the plank is constrained by the planks around it, this swelling has nowhere to go but up. This results in a condition known as "cupping," where the edges of the plank become higher than its center, creating a concave, wavy appearance across the floor.

You can visualize this by imagining a dry sponge. It is flat and stable. Now, place it in a shallow dish of water. The bottom of the sponge absorbs water and swells, causing the edges to curl upward. This is precisely what happens to a laminate plank when its core is compromised by moisture from a steam mop. The result is a permanently damaged, uneven floor that can even become a trip hazard.

Risk 4: The Voided Warranty Catastrophe

This is perhaps the most straightforward and financially significant risk. A flooring warranty is a contract between you and the manufacturer. It guarantees the product against specific types of failure under specific conditions. By using a cleaning method that is explicitly forbidden in the warranty documentation, you are breaking that contract.

If your floor begins to peel, warp, or cup after you have used a steam mop, and you file a warranty claim, the manufacturer will likely deny it. An inspector can easily identify the characteristic signs of moisture and heat damage originating from the seams. The result is that you are left with a damaged floor and the full financial burden of repairing or replacing it. The few hundred dollars saved on cleaning solutions pales in comparison to the thousands of dollars it could cost to replace an entire room of flooring.

Risk 5: A Hazy, Dulled Finish

Beyond the catastrophic structural failures, steam cleaning can also cause aesthetic damage. While the aluminum oxide wear layer is very tough, it is not indestructible. The combination of high heat and moisture can, over time, affect its clarity and integrity. Some users report that after repeated steam mopping, their floors develop a persistent hazy or cloudy appearance. This can be due to mineral deposits from the water (if you are not using distilled water) being baked onto the surface, or it could be a more subtle degradation of the finish itself. The lustrous sheen that your floor had when it was new can be permanently dulled, robbing it of its beauty.

A Tale of Two Floors: Comparing Cleaning Methodologies

To make the choice clearer, a direct comparison is helpful. Let us place the methods side-by-side and evaluate them based on the criteria that matter most to a homeowner.

As the table illustrates, while steam mopping wins on the single point of high-heat sanitization, it fails on the most fundamental metrics of floor safety and warranty preservation.

The "Waterproof" Laminate Exception: A Nuanced Examination

The flooring market is always evolving, and in recent years, "waterproof" laminate has become a popular category. This leads to a logical question: if my laminate is waterproof, is it now safe to use a steam mop? The answer requires a careful, nuanced understanding of what "waterproof" truly means in this context.

What Does "Waterproof" Really Mean?

When a manufacturer labels a laminate floor as waterproof, they are typically referring to its ability to withstand topical, standing water for a specified period (e.g., 24, 72, or 100 hours). This is a significant advancement over traditional laminate. This resistance is achieved through several technological improvements:

• Hydrophobic Coatings: Special coatings are applied to the surface and bevels of the planks to repel water.
• Advanced Locking Systems: The interlocking mechanisms are designed to be much tighter, creating a more formidable barrier against liquid water seeping through the seams.
• Improved Core Materials: Some modern laminates use cores with higher concentrations of water-resistant resins or even composite cores that are far less susceptible to moisture than traditional HDF.

However, "waterproof" does not mean "hermetically sealed" or "steam-proof." These floors are designed to resist spills—liquid water at room temperature. They are not engineered to withstand pressurized, high-temperature water vapor. The heat component is a separate and equally important variable that the "waterproof" label does not address. Exploring the latest high-quality waterproof laminate flooring options can provide insight into these modern technologies, but the care instructions remain paramount.

Can You Use a Shark Steam Mop on Waterproof Laminate?

Even with the most advanced waterproof laminate flooring, the recommendation from nearly all manufacturers remains a firm "no." The reasoning circles back to our earlier points, which are still valid:

1. Heat Is Still the Enemy: The adhesives used to bond the layers of a waterproof laminate plank are still susceptible to high heat. The risk of delamination or peeling of the wear layer remains.
2. Steam Is More Aggressive than Liquid: While the seams may be tight enough to block liquid water for days, the intense pressure and tiny molecules of steam may still find a way to penetrate over time, especially as the floor ages and settles.
3. Warranty Is King: Crucially, the warranty for waterproof laminate flooring will almost certainly still prohibit the use of steam cleaners. The manufacturer's guarantee is based on the product's performance under specified conditions, and steam cleaning falls outside those conditions.

Think of it this way: a water-resistant watch can survive being worn in the rain or even while swimming. But you would never wear it in a sauna or a hot tub. The high temperature and steam can compromise the seals and damage the internal mechanism, even though it is rated for water resistance. The same principle applies to waterproof laminate flooring.

A Case Study: The Unfortunate Experiment

Consider the hypothetical but all-too-common story of a homeowner, let’s call him Alex. In 2024, Alex installed a beautiful, top-of-the-line waterproof laminate floor in his kitchen. The advertising promised durability and water resistance. Alex, a fan of modern gadgets, purchased a Shark steam mop, believing it was the perfect tool for his new "indestructible" floor. For the first few months, everything seemed fine. The floor looked clean and sanitized.

Around the six-month mark, he noticed a subtle change. The area near his sink, which he steam-mopped most frequently, seemed to have lost a bit of its sheen. By the one-year mark, the problem was undeniable. The edges of a few planks in that high-traffic area were slightly raised. It was subtle, but he could feel it with his bare feet. He had fallen victim to slow, cumulative damage. The heat had slowly weakened the finish, and the combination of heat and steam had imperceptibly compromised the seams, allowing just enough moisture to cause minor, but permanent, swelling in the core. When he contacted the flooring company, his warranty claim was denied the moment he mentioned his cleaning routine. His attempt to achieve a superior clean had led to the premature degradation of his beautiful, expensive floor.

An Expert's Verdict: Is a Shark Steam Mop Safe for Laminate Floors?

After examining the material science, the manufacturer warnings, the mechanisms of damage, and even the nuances of waterproof technology, we can arrive at a clear and responsible verdict.

Synthesizing the Evidence: A Clear "No"

From the perspective of a flooring professional dedicated to the longevity of your investment, the answer must be an unequivocal no. Using a Shark steam mop, or any steam mop, on laminate flooring is an unnecessary risk with a high probability of causing irreversible damage and voiding your product warranty.

The fundamental conflict is between the nature of the cleaning tool and the nature of the flooring material. Laminate flooring, at its core, is a wood-fiber product. Wood fiber's natural reaction to heat and moisture is to swell and change shape. Steam mops deliver both heat and moisture in a particularly aggressive form. There is simply no getting around this basic material incompatibility. The potential for a sanitized surface does not outweigh the near certainty of long-term material failure. The argument against it is not based on opinion, but on the predictable physics and chemistry of the materials involved (Wangaard, 1962).

When Personal Anecdotes Clash with Expert Advice

At this point, you might be thinking, "But my neighbor has been using a steam mop on her laminate for years, and her floors look fine!" This is a common and understandable point of confusion. Anecdotal evidence can seem very compelling. However, there are several factors that can explain these apparent exceptions:

• Quality of Flooring: A very high-quality, thick laminate with an extremely dense core and tight locking system may resist damage for longer than a cheaper, lower-quality product.
• Frequency of Use: Someone who steam mops once every few months is exposing their floor to far less cumulative stress than someone who does it weekly.
• Technique: A user who moves the mop very quickly and uses a lower steam setting might be doing less damage than someone who lets the mop sit in one spot.
• Hidden Damage: The damage may be occurring slowly and is not yet visible to the naked eye. The integrity of the core could be weakening, and the floor might be one major spill away from catastrophic failure.

Relying on an anecdote is like seeing someone smoke a pack of cigarettes a day and live to be 90. It happens, but it does not invalidate the overwhelming medical evidence that smoking is harmful. The scientific consensus and manufacturer directives provide a much safer guide for your actions than the isolated experience of one person.

The Path to Pristine Floors: 3 Proven, Safe Cleaning Alternatives

Abandoning the steam mop does not mean resigning yourself to dirty floors. On the contrary, it means embracing methods that are both effective and in harmony with the material you are cleaning. These three methods are recommended by flooring experts and will keep your laminate looking beautiful for its entire lifespan.

Alternative 1: The Two-Bucket Damp Mopping Method

This is the time-tested, professional-approved method for cleaning hard surfaces. It is simple, effective, and perfectly safe for laminate flooring. The "two-bucket" aspect is what elevates it from amateur to professional, ensuring you are always cleaning with a clean solution.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Dry Clean First: This is a non-negotiable first step. Use a soft-bristle broom, dust mop, or a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment (ensure the beater bar is turned off) to remove all loose dirt, dust, and grit. Mopping a gritty floor is like washing it with sandpaper; it will cause fine scratches in the wear layer over time.
2. Prepare Your Buckets: Fill one bucket with a warm water solution mixed with a pH-neutral laminate floor cleaner. Always follow the dilution instructions on the bottle; more is not better and can leave a residue. Fill the second bucket with clean, plain water.
3. Dampen and Wring: Submerge your mop (a microfiber string or flat mop is ideal) in the cleaning solution bucket. Then, move it to the clean water bucket to rinse out any excess soap. Finally, and this is the most important part, wring the mop out until it is merely damp to the touch, not wet. It should not drip when you hold it up.
4. Mop the Floor: Mop the floor in smooth, even strokes, following the direction of the planks. The floor should be dry within 30-60 seconds. If it is taking longer, your mop is too wet.
5. The Two-Bucket Advantage: After mopping a section, rinse the dirty mop thoroughly in the clean water bucket first. Wring it out. Then, you can re-submerge it in the cleaning solution to pick up fresh cleaner for the next section. This process prevents you from transferring dirt from the floor, to the bucket, and back to the floor again.

Alternative 2: The Microfiber Mop with a Spray Bottle

This method offers a more modern and convenient approach while providing even greater control over the amount of moisture applied to the floor. It is excellent for quick clean-ups and regular maintenance.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Dry Clean First: As always, begin by removing all loose debris from the floor.
2. Prepare Your Solution: Fill a clean spray bottle with either a commercial pH-neutral laminate cleaner or a simple homemade solution of one teaspoon of clear, unscented dish soap to a gallon of water. Some people use a highly diluted vinegar solution, but this can be too acidic and is not recommended by most manufacturers. Sticking to a pH-neutral commercial cleaner is the safest option.
3. Mist and Mop: Lightly mist a small section of the floor (about a 4×4 foot area) with your cleaning solution. Do not saturate the floor. A fine mist is all that is needed.
4. Wipe with Microfiber: Immediately wipe the misted area with a clean, dry flat-head microfiber mop. The microfiber pad will pick up the dirt and absorb the minimal moisture, leaving the floor clean and almost instantly dry.
5. Change Pads as Needed: As the microfiber pad becomes soiled, either switch to a clean one or rinse and wring it out thoroughly before continuing. Most microfiber mop systems come with multiple reusable pads for this purpose.

Alternative 3: Manufacturer-Approved Cleaning Systems

The most foolproof method of all is to use the cleaning products and systems sold or explicitly recommended by your flooring manufacturer. Many companies offer their own branded line of pH-neutral cleaners and microfiber mops that have been specifically tested and formulated for their products.

While these systems might be slightly more expensive, they offer complete peace of mind. Using the manufacturer's own system eliminates any ambiguity regarding warranty compliance. You are using exactly what the creators of the floor have instructed you to use. You can often find this information on the company's website or in the care and maintenance guide that came with your flooring. This is an area where our own company philosophy aligns; we believe in providing clear guidance to protect the customer's investment, which is a principle you can explore further by learning about our company.

A Deeper Dive into the Science of Laminate Floor Care

To truly become a steward of your floors, it helps to understand the "why" behind the rules. Proper care is not just about avoiding steam; it is about creating an environment where your floor can thrive.

Understanding pH: Why Acidic and Alkaline Cleaners Are Harmful

You will notice the repeated emphasis on "pH-neutral" cleaners. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral (like pure water). The aluminum oxide finish on your laminate floor is incredibly tough, but it can be chemically eroded over time by substances that are too far from the neutral center of the scale.

• Acidic Cleaners: Cleaners like vinegar (acetic acid) or some harsh bathroom cleaners can, with repeated use, slowly eat away at the finish. This can lead to a dulling of the surface and make it more susceptible to staining and scratching.
• Alkaline Cleaners: Cleaners like ammonia or bleach are highly alkaline and can be even more damaging. They can break down the resins in the finish and the core board, causing a hazy appearance and weakening the floor's structure.

Using a pH-neutral cleaner ensures that you are cleaning the dirt off the surface without launching a chemical attack on the protective wear layer itself (Obera, 2021).

The Importance of Dry Cleaning First

We have mentioned this in every cleaning method, but its importance cannot be overstated. Your home contains tiny, abrasive particles—sand, dirt, silica, and other forms of grit. When you mop a floor without removing these particles first, you are essentially dragging them across the floor under the pressure of your mop. The mop head becomes a piece of low-grade sandpaper. Each pass creates microscopic scratches in the wear layer. Individually, these scratches are invisible. But over months and years, their cumulative effect is a dull, hazy, and worn-out looking floor, especially in high-traffic areas. Sweeping or vacuuming first removes the "ammunition" before you begin the "battle" of mopping.

Long-Term Maintenance Strategies

Great-looking floors are the result of good habits, not just occasional deep cleans.

• Doormats: Place high-quality doormats at every entrance to your home. This is your first and most effective line of defense, trapping the majority of dirt, grit, and moisture before it ever touches your laminate.
• Furniture Pads: Apply felt or soft plastic pads to the bottom of all furniture legs. This prevents scratches when chairs are pushed back or tables are bumped. Regularly check and clean these pads, as grit can become embedded in them.
• Address Spills Immediately: While many modern laminates are water-resistant, it is always best practice to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Use a soft, absorbent cloth.
• Lift, Don't Drag: When moving heavy furniture or appliances, never drag them across the floor. Lift them completely or place them on furniture sliders designed for hard surfaces.

By adopting these simple, proactive strategies, you move from simply cleaning your floor to actively preserving it.

FAQ: Answering Your Pressing Questions

Q1: Can I use a Shark steam mop on the lowest, "damp" setting?

Even on the lowest setting, a steam mop is still producing steam, which means the water is heated above boiling point. This heat is still sufficient to potentially weaken the adhesives in the laminate over time. Furthermore, it is still forcing moisture into the seams under some level of pressure. While it might be "less bad" than the highest setting, it does not eliminate the fundamental risks, and it will still void your warranty.

Q2: What if my laminate flooring is advertised as "sealed"? Does that make it safe for steam?

The term "sealed" in the context of laminate usually refers to the factory-applied wear layer and the tight-fitting locking system. It does not mean the seams are hermetically sealed like a food container. As explained earlier, these floors are designed to resist topical liquid spills, not pressurized, high-temperature steam. The risk of heat damage and steam penetration remains, so the answer is still no.

Q3: Will using a steam mop just one time ruin my laminate floors?

It is unlikely that a single, quick use of a steam mop will cause catastrophic, immediate failure on a new, high-quality floor. However, it is not impossible, especially if the mop is left stationary for a period or if the floor has any pre-existing weaknesses. The more significant issue is that damage from steam is cumulative. Each use contributes a small amount of stress to the seams and adhesive bonds. The safest approach is to avoid it entirely from the beginning.

Q4: Are there any types of flooring that are safe for steam mops?

Yes. Steam mops are generally considered safe for materials that are non-porous and can withstand high heat without their structure or adhesives being compromised. These typically include ceramic and porcelain tile (though the grout can be a point of weakness), sheet vinyl, and some types of stone flooring like granite. They are not recommended for any wood-based product (hardwood, engineered wood, laminate) or for unsealed natural stone.

Q5: How can I fix laminate floor damage that was caused by a steam mop?

Unfortunately, most damage from steam is irreversible. If the planks have started to swell, cup, or peel, there is no way to un-swell or re-adhere them. The only effective solution is to replace the damaged planks. This can be difficult, as it may require disassembling a large portion of the floor to get to the affected area. Prevention is truly the only effective cure when it comes to steam damage.

A Final Thought on Prudent Floor Care

The decision of how to care for your home and the surfaces within it is a personal one, reflective of your standards for cleanliness and your respect for your investments. The allure of a steam mop is understandable, speaking to our desires for efficiency and hygiene. Yet, a deeper engagement with the material reality of laminate flooring reveals a fundamental incompatibility. The very properties that make steam an effective sanitizer—high heat and penetrating vapor—are the properties that threaten the integrity of a wood-fiber composite product. Choosing to forego the steam mop is not about settling for a lesser clean. It is an act of prudence, an informed choice to protect the beauty and longevity of your floor. By embracing the gentle, effective, and manufacturer-approved methods, you become a partner in your floor's preservation, ensuring it serves as a beautiful foundation for your home for many years to come.

References

California Flooring & Design. (2024, February 29). Is Shark steam really safe for wood floors? Uncover the truth! California Flooring & Design. https://www.cafloordesign.com/2024/02/29/is-shark-steam-safe-for-wood-floors/

North American Laminate Flooring Association. (n.d.). How to clean laminate floors. NALFA.

Obera, V. (2021). The ultimate guide to cleaning your floors. Good Housekeeping.

Stark, N., & Gardner, D. J. (2008). Performance of wood-plastic composites. In Wood-Plastic Composites (pp. 141-161). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1533/9781845694849.2.141

Wangaard, F. F. (1962). The effect of water-borne preservatives on the properties of wood. American Wood-Preservers' Association Proceedings, 58, 176-192. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19631101968