Tile and natural stone floors are notoriously difficult to keep clean. Is there really an effective way to deep clean your hard-surface floors? And what are the advantages of steam cleaning? Jack Haughee of Hydro Clean in Mishawaka, Indiana says that steam cleaning is superior to other cleaning methods for a number of reasons. Haughee, whose company provides steam cleaning in South Bend and the surrounding areas, says that steam is the only way to ensure that your hard-surface floors are both clean and sanitized.
Hard Surfaces and Traditional Cleaning Methods
“One of the reasons I got into the steam cleaning business,” Haughee says, “is that I really wanted to specialize in hard surfaces.” There is no traditional cleaning method, he says, that can remove the buildup that occurs on hard-surface floors. Because they are porous, tile and natural stone floors accumulate soil just like a carpet does. Just as soil buildup in a carpet can cause discoloration and odors, so too can soil accumulation on hard floors.
Mopping and sweeping don’t lift dirt and grime from the surface of the floor. Instead, they just push the dirt from the surface of the tile into the grout, which causes staining and continued buildup. This accumulated soil fosters mold and bacteria growth, contributing to unpleasant odors and creating an unhealthy environment.
Why Steam is Best
Steam cleaning, says Haughee, is a safe and effective way to not only remove ugly dirt and buildup from hard-surface floors, but also to sanitize them. “The advantage of water that’s been heated to 180 degrees,” he explains, “is that it allows you to do more than just clean – you can also remove mold and bacteria.”
The Right Equipment
To achieve the best results, Haughee relies on more than just steam. He also uses state-of-the-art equipment. “Hard-surface floors require special treatment,” he explains. “It’s not just a matter of using a carpet wand on a tile floor. You can’t just spray heated water onto the surface.” The equipment that Haughee uses is specifically designed to clean and extract at the same time.
Haughee’s self-contained cleaning unit allows all of the soil and buildup that’s lifted from the floor to be immediately removed permanently. “The soil is lifted away,” Haughee says, “so it’s not blowing all over the place and there’s no standing or splashing water.” This is a particularly nice feature, he says, in kitchens with very nice (and even delicate) cabinetry or furniture. In fact, 95% of the water that’s used in the cleaning process is immediately removed, leaving only a very small amount of surface water to dry after the cleaning is complete.
According to Haughee, you can expect your hard floor to dry after steam cleaning within about 30 minutes. And the result of your cleaning will be stain-free, sanitized floors with no leftover puddles or residue. “You can walk on the floor immediately after it dries,” he says. “We do the job quickly and effectively, and then you’re back in business right away.”