Steam Floor Cleaner for Hardwood Floors?

I use the Shark Steam Mop. So far, no troubles with my hardwood floors. It is on sale this week at Target for $59.99, and that is the cheapest I have seen it.

I would not steam hardwood!

I have the Shark pocket steam mop and I LOVE it - works like a dream. I have miles of hardwood floors and the steam dries in about 5 seconds - way faster than my husband slopping water all over the place with the traditional mopping method - and it sterilizes without any chemicals. The owners guide says it is safe for sealed hardwood. I haven't had any issues.

I wouldn't steam clean a wood floor. Just use vinegar and water - and dry after each section.

Hi N. - I've wondered that myself. I've heard that the Shark is safe for sealed hardwood but I've been reluctant to try it.

We use Bona products and love them. We find them at the grocery store. Just spray on and mop off with a microfiber cloth. Our hardwood floor guy said do NOT use water/vinegar or Murphy's wood soap, etc. because they can dull the finish.

I had wood floors for 15 years. I would not steam clean a real wood floor. I would damp mop it-I mean hardly any water in the mop, and then DRY it with a towel immediately.
Moisture is bad for wood. Even a varnished floor will start to separate and show signs of water damage if you keep wiping it down with wetness long enough.

If you are looking to steam clean it, is the floor in really bad shape? In that case, you may need to refinish the floor. If the finish is in good condition, a good scrubdown will get it clean.

Also, you may need different types of cleaners depending on the type of finish on the floor. You shouldn't put any water at all (not even a little) on a polyurethane finish -- it will dull the finish -- there are cleaners specifically for those floors. Otherwise, I've used the same Murphy's Oil soap that I use on my furniture.

The Shark, as long as your floor is sealed with a poly finish. I've been using it on mine for several years. If the floor is old, it's probably not sealed. If it's in bad condition, it can be refinished and sealed. Steam won't it if it's sealed.

I agree with Gailski. Steam= wet, and wet= bad for wood floors. I've only ever heard of her suggestions to clean them, never steam cleaning.

We did a lengthy search to find the perfect steam cleaner for our bamboo flooring throughout the living room, kitchen, and dining room. Ordered a Eureka Envirosteamer from Amazon a few days ago: http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-313A-Enviro-Hard-Surface-Ste... Although it's a little pricey, it gets GREAT reviews. And, one of the top reviewers tested out a variety of steam mops and posted the results/comparisons of all, finding this one to be the best.