Can I Use a Steam Cleaner Inside on a Painted Concrete Slab Floor?

Benefits of Steam Cleaning

• Steam cleaning your indoor painted concrete slab is less expensive than using traditional cleaners. Although the initial investment of the steamer may be more, over time you will save money by not having to buy expensive cleaning products. Steam cleaning is also eco-friendly since it only uses water to clean. The extreme temperature of the steam is effective for removing tough stains and loosening dirt. Not only does steam get the floor clean, the high heat also disinfects the surface.

Preparing for Steam Cleaning

• Before steam cleaning the concrete slab, all loose dirt and debris must be removed from the floor. Sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly. Plug the steamer into an outlet and fill it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the machine heat up. The exact usage instructions for steam cleaners will vary among models, so it’s important to read the user manual for the specifics of your model.

Using the Steamer

• Once the steamer has heated up completely, it’s time to clean. Start at the back of the slab and work your way out of the room. This will prevent you from ever having to walk on the wet floor. Move the steamer slowly over the floor. Overlap each stroke of the steamer to ensure you don’t miss any spots. If the steamer runs out of water, unplug it, let it cool down, and fill it back up. Have a rag handy to wipe away the loosened dirt and grime as you are steaming.

Warnings

• Your steam cleaner will get very hot, so do not put your hands near the area where the steam is emitted. Keep the steamer moving across the floor at all times. If there is a stubborn stain or spot, hold the steamer plate over the spot for no more than 15 seconds at a time to loosen the grime. Leaving the steamer in one spot for too long can leave unsightly marks on the concrete. Never fill the steamer with water while the unit is plugged in or still hot. This can cause steam to spew out of the machine, which could seriously burn you. Let it cool down before adding water.