Can I Use a Steam Mop on LifeProof Flooring? A Complete Guide!

In case you were wondering, can I use a steam mop on LifeProof flooring?

Don’t worry, you are not alone! Just like you, I always wondered whether this is safe or not, and so, I did research!

Flooring is expensive, and it’s just right that you do complete research first before you embark on your journey.

Using steam mops on LifeProof or vinyl plank flooring is not the most recommended. This is because the high heat content of steam mops can cause irreversible damage to the adhesive of the flooring.

At first, I didn’t quite get why it’s not safe to do so until I did deep research to find out what LifeProof flooring is.

Understanding What LifeProof Flooring Is

In the simplest and easiest terms possible, LifeProof flooring is a vinyl plank.

Akin to vinyl plank floors, LifeProof flooring has three separate layers, the base, the middle, and the top layer.

These layers compose the three different PVC layers, which all have their own functions and purposes.

Both the base and top layers are usually treated with antimicrobial coating layers to prevent the buildup of moisture, mold, as well as stains.

Don’t confuse yourself by overthinking what it is – LifeProof flooring is still vinyl plank flooring.

For a more direct and categorized way of identifying it, it is the in-house brand of Home Depot’s Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. 

Can I Use a Steam Mop on LifeProof Flooring?

The short and simple answer is no, you should not. While steam mops have become a hit nowadays, it’s not the best and most ideal type of mop to use for your vinyl floors.

Your steam mops generate and emit heat, and it uses this particular heat to get rid of stubborn or sticky dirt on the floor.

It’s a one-stop solution type of device if you ask me because you would not worry about stickiness anymore.

However, the heat that these steam mops generate can damage and loosen the adhesive on your LifeProof flooring.

In turn, it can hasten the wear and tear process of your flooring.

Can’t You Just Enhance the Adhesive on Your Flooring?

As much as I’d love to do so, it does not work that way. I mean, what’s hard in taking the flooring off and adding better adhesive to it?

This was my initial thought while I was studying it, but no, it’s simply not just possible.

LifeProof vinyl plank floors are the most sensitive to water and moisture exposure. A simple mistake like this can lead you to redo your floors all over again.

This damage is irreversible. It’s not like the adhesive will go off and you can just stick it back in. It can warp the floor and can reshape it in many different ways.

By now, you could be asking, if this is as fragile as it sounds, how do I clean LifeProof vinyl flooring?

What Do You Clean LifeProof Floors With?

Just because steam mops aren’t the best and most ideal doesn’t mean you have to throw mopping out the window – you’ll still have to mop it, but gentler and more carefully.

Over the course of my journey in finding the perfect product to clean vinyl LifeProof flooring with.

I came across certain methods you can follow to ensure that your floors are kept well and dry, and at the same time, clean and bacteria-free.

Method #1: pH Neutral Floor Cleaners

The first, and probably the best product you can use in cleaning LifeProof flooring would be pH-neutral floor cleaners.

These are cleaners that have pH levels that are either close to pH 7.

What this means is that they’re neutral, but they have the capacity to cleanse and rejuvenate regular and common soils on the floor without causing damage.

To do the concoction, mix a gallon of water with about ¼ cup of pH-neutral solution. Mix it together until the solution suds.

Then, dip a mop for absorption, and wring out all the excess water from it.

NOTE: You can use solutions that do not have wax because LifeProof floors are laminated. Using wax is not the most ideal simply because it can eat the coating completely.

Method #2: Vinegar Mixture Cleaner

Apart from pH-neutral cleaners and solutions, you can also make use of the most common household or kitchen staple – vinegar.

Vinegar mixture cleaners are perfect if you loathe chemically induced products or if you can’t find time to purchase one.

To clean your LifeProof floors with vinegar, mix a solid cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Mix the concoction well, and then use it to mop your floors.

Method #3: Baking Soda

This last method, unlike the first two, is traditionally used if you have stains on your vinyl plank floors.

Since these floors won’t respond effectively to water and concentrated liquids, the best and most ideal product to use is baking soda.

So, here is how you can use baking soda to get rid of stains and unwanted marks on your LifeProof floors.

1. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with about 250 ml of water.
2. Add water or baking soda to get a paste-like consistency.
3. Then, dip a soft rag or cloth to get the paste you’ll use to clean the floors.
4. Rub it on the marked and stained area until the stain is gone.
5. Leave the concoction on the floor for a few minutes.
6. After that, remove excess paste on the flooring.
7. Lastly, clean it with a damp cloth to rinse and dry it at the same time.

These are 3 of the safest and most convenient ways of cleaning your LifeProof floors.

How Do You Mop LifeProof Flooring?

Mopping your LifeProof flooring isn’t rocket science – it isn’t as difficult and complex as you think of it.

You can use the first two products or methods I mentioned above, but the process?

Here’s how to do it.

1. Prepare your cleaning solution (either method 1 or method 2).
2. Mix the solution completely and properly.
3. Then, dip the mop in the solution and wring out all the excess liquids.
4. When the mop is damp, use it to clean your floors in large and straight strokes.
5. After mopping the floor, drain the solution and replace it with clean warm water.
6. Rinse the solution out with this warm water.

So, ditch the steam mop as it releases too much moisture, and just go with the standard or regular mop. Don’t forget to do it properly!

FAQs

It’s never wrong to get too much information, especially if you are clueless about it.

So, here are a few of the top questions asked about steam mops and LifeProof vinyl floors.

What Floors Can You Use a Steam Mop On?

Steam mops are ideal for whatever type of flooring that does not negatively react with water and moisture.

To give you concrete examples, you can use it on linoleum floors, hardwood floors, porcelain tiles, and in a few isolated and selected cases, vinyl floors.

Can You Use Swiffer on LifeProof Flooring?                        

Yes, both the standard Swiffer and the Wet Jet Swiffer can be used on your LifeProof flooring.

Swiffer products are known for their delicate gentleness, which can give you the assurance that no damage will be dealt with by your LVPs.

NOTE: For the Swiffer Wet Jet, ensure that the device would not let out excess moisture, as this too can damage your floors.

The Bottom Line

Many people I’ve met have asked me for my opinion, can I use a steam mop on LifeProof flooring?

Whether it’s LifeProof floors, luxury vinyl planks, or plain vinyl planks, it is not the most ideal.

If you have LifeProof flooring and you’re not sure how you can mop or clean it, then you can consider this heaven-sent.

Should you have no other choice, do it with a lot of heavy precautionary measures.