Hard floors like wood, tile, laminate, and vinyl can get just as dirty as carpets. While you may be tempted to use your carpet cleaner on these surfaces, is it safe?
The short answer is yes, you can use a carpet cleaner on hard floors with some precautions. Let’s dive deep into this
What Are The Benefits of Using Carpet Cleaners on Hard Floors?
Using a carpet cleaner on hard floors provides some advantages:
More cleaning power – Carpet cleaners have stronger suction and scrubbing ability than regular mops and brooms. This allows them to lift up tough, stuck-on messes.
Deeper cleaning – Carpet cleaning solutions and hot water can penetrate pores and grout lines better than just using a mop. This removes bacteria and provides a deeper clean.
Large area cleaning – Cleaning large hard floor areas like hallways can be tiring with a mop and bucket. Carpet cleaners make quick work of big spaces.
How Carpet Cleaners Work on Hard Surfaces
Carpet cleaners use a combination of hot water, cleaning agents, brushing, and suction to clean. Here is how these mechanisms work on hard floors:
Hot water/cleaning solution – This mixture is sprayed and brushed over the floor to lift dirt. The chemicals break up oils and grime.
Rotating brushes – Nylon or bristle brush rolls scrub the floor to agitate stuck-on messes. Bristles can get into grout lines.
Powerful suction – Vacuums up the dirty water so it’s not left behind. Gets floors drier than regular mopping.
No damage – Carpet cleaner brushes are soft enough not to scratch or dull hard floor surfaces as long as suggested cleaner is used.
Tips for Using Carpet Cleaners on Hard Floors
To safely use a carpet cleaner on hard floors:
- Use a hard floor cleaning solution instead of carpet cleaner. This prevents overly-sudsy messes and residue.
- Check brush roll and suction settings. Adjust to the lowest scrubbing level and turn off any beater bars.
- Go slowly and evenly. Don’t let water pool or oversaturate the floors.
- Make extra passes to suck up excess moisture. Leave plenty of time for floors to fully dry.
- Test an inconspicuous area first and check for any damage or leftover cloudiness.
Floors That Can Be Cleaned With Carpet Cleaners
Here are the hard flooring types generally safe to clean with a carpet cleaner:
Sealed hardwood – The protective coating prevents water damage and streaking. Stay away from unsealed floors.
Vinyl – Vinyl is waterproof and stands up well to carpet cleaners as long as the solution is compatible.
Laminate – Laminate is also sealed to resist water. Check manufacturer guidelines first. Avoid using too much liquid.
Tile – Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles do fine with carpet cleaner usage. Focus on grout area scrubbing.
Linoleum – Made from linseed oil, this flooring is highly water-resistant. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Tips for Preparing Hard Floors for Carpet Cleaner Use
To get your floors ready for carpet cleaner cleaning:
- Sweep or vacuum up any loose debris that could get tangled in the brush rolls.
- Remove any furniture, area rugs, or other objects that may obstruct the cleaning path.
- Inspect for pet urine stains, which may require pre-treating prior to using the carpet cleaner.
- Fill in any cracks or gaps in flooring planks where dirty water could seep down.
- For tile, use a grout brush to scrub grime out of grout lines first.
- Mix up a hard floor cleaning solution according to carpet cleaner model specifications.
What to Look for in a Hard Floor Carpet Cleaner
If shopping for a carpet cleaner specifically for hard surface cleaning, look for:
- Adjustable scrubbing brush rolls with an off setting
- Hard floor attachments like a bare floor tool
- Options for only suction, no brush roll
- Low flow or water volume controls
- Separate hard floor detergent reservoir
- Fast drying time
Tips for Using a Carpet Cleaner on Hard Floors
Follow these tips when tackling hard floors with a carpet cleaner:
- Double check the flooring can handle the moisture. Do a closet or inconspicuous spot first.
- Use the recommended hard floor detergent and set the concentration dial correctly.
- Turn off spinning brush rolls and rely on suction only if unsure about scrubbing.
- Make multiple dry passes to suck up all moisture after the wet pass.
- Run a fan or dehumidifier and allow extra time for drying. Moisture under boards or tiles can cause damage.
- Rinse twice with just hot water to prevent detergent residue build up.
- Check bottoms of furniture legs and mats for color transfer from excess moisture.
Alternative Cleaning Solutions for Hard Floors
If leery about using a carpet cleaner, try these other options:
- Robot vacuums or stick vacuums for quick daily cleaning
- Microfiber mops wet with just water or mild cleaner
- Traditional string mops with removable and washable heads
- Soft brush attachments to dust floors prior to mopping
- Steaming mops providing a chemical-free clean
- Specialized hardwood floor cleaners and kits
- Periodic waxing or refinishing to protect and restore shine
Bottom Line
While carpet cleaners can be used on some hard floors, not all can withstand the excess moisture and scrubbing. Always check to make sure your floors can be safely cleaned with carpet cleaner solutions and brushes before use. When in doubt, stick to gentler cleaning methods like mopping, sweeping or using specially formulated hard floor cleaners.