How to Clean NuCore Flooring With or Without a Steamer [5-Step Guide]

NuCore flooring’s pretty great, right?

It’s VERY easy to install, much more affordable than hardwood flooring and is quite comfortable to walk on. 

But, can you just clean it like you would hardwood flooring? Is it difficult to maintain?

The answer is, not at all! Floors in general are quite difficult to keep clean, but with the right tools and techniques (definitely not talking about steam cleaning here), it’ll be no issue.

In this article, I’ll be showing you exactly what you can and can’t do, and the best ways to clean these floors.

Why Steam Cleaning Your NuCore Floors Is a Good Idea

Okay, so maybe I’m talking about steam cleaning after all. And perhaps I’m about to make a list of exactly why I can’t stop talking about steam cleaning.

In fact, steam is one of the best ways to clean NuCore flooring. 

This kind of flooring, as strong as it’s claimed to be, doesn’t handle harsh and acidic chemicals very well. An ammonia-based cleaner could do a lot of damage and may even void the warranty! 

But if you do use chemicals, always use those with a neutral PH.

What beats the neutral PH, though, is cleaning WITHOUT these harsh and not-so-good-for-your-health chemicals. 

Here’s what a good steam cleaning can do for your NuCore floors:

• Gets to all the dirt in the cracks and crevices of the flooring.
• The heat KILLS bacteria and allergens.
• It protects your health by providing an all-natural solution to a common problem.

And this is just the top of the list, there’s a lot more!

Also remember that the hotter the steam, the more effective the steamer.

That’s not to say that you should head off to your nearest home store and buy the biggest steamer you can find, it’s just to say that a handheld steamer may not work as well as a larger steamer.

Word of Caution

If you do get yourself a large and expensive steamer, that’s great. Be careful though!

Heat can also damage the floors.

(And now you’re probably wondering how good these floors actually are.)

… It’s not like they’ll peel off at the first sign of heat. It’s just that you shouldn’t, just that you should focus on one spot for too long.

And in that same breath, you should make sure to use microfiber pads. 

This’ll add an extra layer of protection from the heat and aid with the overall cleaning process.

A Step-By-Step Guide to NuCore Floor Cleaning With Steam

NuCore floors are great, though perhaps not as tough as advertisers would have us believe. They also might not be as stain and scratch-resistant as we thought. 

That said, they do boast a lot of benefits.

The cork underlayer absorbs sound and reduces the noise from kids running around everywhere.

The hypoallergenic padding does a good job of preventing odors from fungi and microbes. The floors are also waterproof, which can save a lot of stress down the line. Plus, they’re a great and easy DIY project. So, overall, still a very solid choice.

But now, you’ve installed the floors, it’s been a while, and it’s time to clean.

Here’s how you do it steam cleaning style in just a few easy steps.

STEP 1: Set Up Your Steam Cleaner

First, you’re going to want to get your steam cleaner set up. (Now, if you don’t have one, there are some great steam mops online.)

You’re going to want some distilled water to use with the steamer, and you’ll most likely need a plug point. 

Once you’ve filled up the water container and plugged it in, we’re good to go to the next step.

STEP 2: Prepare the Floor for Cleaning

Yes, you got that right. You’re going to have to do a little bit of pre-cleaning before the actual cleaning.

Think of it as washing your windows before putting window cleaner on. It’s just something you have to do.

First, you should either vacuum or if you don’t own a vacuum cleaner, sweep the area you wish to clean.

STEP 3: Pre-Heat the Steam Cleaner

This shouldn’t take too long. Since it’s plugged in now, just turn it on and get it heated up at a reasonable temperature before you start.

STEP 4: Start Steaming

Don’t spend too long in any one spot, but try to move around the area in an up-and-down fashion, attending to every crook and crevice out there.

STEP 5: Clean Up The Moisture

Your steamer will likely leave behind some moisture on the floor. In this case, you can either use the microfibre padding already attached to your steam to mop it up.

Or you could opt to just use a regular old household mop to clean up the remaining moisture. 

If you are using the padding though, make sure to clean it afterward in your washing machine, or you can just hand wash it.

How to Clean NuCore Flooring Without a Steamer

If you’re not a fan of steam or just don’t feel like spending cash on a steamer, that’s totally fine.

The good old mop and bucket combo is always an option. Pour a few beads of your regular shampoo or some vinegar into the bucket with some lukewarm water and mop away.

The only thing to steer clear of is bleach and other chemicals that can damage the flooring.

Also, the thing with old-fashioned mops is that you really need to wring them well. NuCore can withstand some moisture alright, but having it drenched won’t cut it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you maintain a NuCore floor?

This involves a regiment of sweeping and vacuuming mixed with a good steam clean every so often. You could also give it a mop with warm water and apple cider vinegar for that extra level of assurance. The frequency needed of course depends on the activity level of your house: big families require a big commitment to floor maintenance. 

What is the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring? 

Steam cleaning is a great way to clean vinyl plank flooring like NuCore. It’s safer than those terrible chemicals we often used, and does a great job killing bacteria, allergens, and fungus! Just make sure to use microfiber pads to protect the vinyl from excess heat.

How do you clean and shine luxury vinyl plank flooring?

A good steam clean paired with an apple cider vinegar and water solution. Mix a cup of apple cider vinegar into about a gallon of warm water, add a couple of drops of baby oil, and get mopping!