Things you should never use a steam cleaner for: warnings from cleaning pros

Steam cleaners are often touted as an environmentally friendly way to effectively clean a variety of surfaces. The main advantage is that you don't even have to use chemicals when cleaning.

However, experts say that the steam that comes out of the end of a mop or portable cleaner is not so harmless for certain surfaces. Experts told us what things you should never use a steam cleaner for.

Delicate upholstery and fabrics

While a low steam stream can work wonders to smooth out wrinkles, a steam cleaner should only be used on certain types of upholstery and fabrics.

"It turned out that steam cleaning delicate fabrics like velvet on upholstered chairs can lead to wrinkles and discoloration," said Dela Gomasi, CEO of MaidForYou.

Cashmere and even cotton can also be overly sensitive, so always read the labels before cleaning. Colored fabrics need careful attention because the heat and moisture from steam cleaning can cause dyes to fade, especially if the fabric has not been properly treated

Wooden floor

Moisture from steam can seep into leaky wood floors, which eventually leads to warping and rotting.

Experts also advise reconsidering the procedure of using a steam cleaner for sealed wood floors.

"It's better to use a steam mop with a temperature setting," said Gomasi.

Painted walls

Steam is a surefire way to damage paint. Especially when it comes to latex-based paint. Using a steam cleaner can completely ruin the walls.

Electronics and appliances

Hopefully, you already know that wired appliances should be kept away from moisture. Don't use a steam cleaner for any wireless devices either, even if your phone or keyboard needs a deep clean.

Colorful carpets

Yes, steam cleaning is usually a good way to clean carpets. But you should avoid using a steam cleaner on colorful surfaces.

"The steam cleaner caused the yellow paint from the carpet to bleed onto the white areas when we applied the heated steam solution. We couldn't fix the situation, and it was an expensive lesson learned," says Taylor Riley, founder of Impact Cleaning Professionals.

Do a test on a small area to make sure the dye doesn't spread or fade when exposed to heat and moisture. In addition, use the lowest available steam and heat settings and keep the steam cleaner moving to avoid concentrating heat in one spot.

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