Anyone Use a Steam Cleaner for Floors?

that is all I use. I do not to use any products that may be harmful to me or my children. I had new hardwood floors put in and it does not harm them at all. Sometimes I get a spray bottle with white vinegar and water mixed and spray that on my floors first and then use the steamer to wipe it up. I also like the steam mop because it dries within seconds and does not streak.

Hope this was helpful.

I've been looking at the Shark for a long time. I have maple hardwood floors. They are awful floors. They were supposed to be super durable, but that turned out to be a big joke. They are more expensive and looked great in the model, but they stink!!!! Not a big fan of Coleman floor company that's for sure....but that's another story.

I have tried the Boni product they recommended but it left so much residue that the first tiny feet that walked on it left footprints. I tried other products from Menards specifically for wood floors. I finally just started getting on my hands and knees with a bucket of water and a tiny two drops of dish detergent. I wring out the rags thoroughly and it cleans the floors well with no residue or streaks. Problem is my knees and back are killing me after only part of the floors are done......

so I'm curious what others will say with this one.

I would never use a steam cleaner or a carpet shampooer on hardwood floors. Both are bad and can permanently damage them. Damp mop only for any stains. If you have any stains that a damp mop can't get it could be that the stain is actually now in the wood.

Steam cleaners are okay for carpeting and rugs. They do not get the carpet as wet as the normal carpets shampooers so the carpet dries out faster. Steam can remove the scotchguarding in carpets though whereas regular carpet shampooers do not.

My entire first floor is hardwood, so I was in your same predicament not too long ago. I looked at all of the steam cleaners, but felt that I would have to have purchase many extra pads to change once they were dirty. I ended up purchasing a Hoover hard surface cleaner. It sucks the water right back into the machine. When you push forward a minimal amount of water is dispersed (and the brushes scrub) and as you pull the machine back, it sucks the water up (there is a squeegee on the front of it). I mopped my floor first, then used this machine and the amount of dirt that was in the water floored me (no pun intended). It does wonders for my floors as it can be used on tile as well. While doing research on products the cost was a bit more than I wanted to spend. Luckily, I found one at Target for a about $130. Convincing my husband was the key, but he agress that it was a great investment. I have had it for about 7 months and couldn't be happier. With little ones who constantly spill it is perfect. This can also be used to suck up spills quickly. In case you're interested, here is a link to view what it looks like and the details:
http://www.hoover.com/product.aspx?model=H3045&ds=false#

The woman that said that steamers are bad for your hardwood floors is incorrect. The steamers actually use less water. It is warm water so it cleans it much better and it dries in a mattter of 2 min. It is wonderful. I actually use it almost everyday, especially after my 15 mos. old is done eating, dragging things around and rolling around on the floor. :)
It's so much easier than mopping. Just be sure to sweep first.
Hope this helps.

I would say not to use a steam cleaner on new hardwood floors. I bought a steam cleaner and seldom use it. I am older and doing things the old fashioned way works for me. Some Murphy's Oil Soap in a bucket with water and down on your hands and kknees, use knee pads if you must, and wipe it down with a rung out rag from the bucket and then dry it off with a big old terry towel. I rarely wash my hardwood floors, but then they are only in bedrooms. If yours is in a high traffic area and needs cleaning a lot, then make up a solution of Murphy's oil in a spray bottle, spray it on and wipe it off with a dry large rag, and it is done in a second and your floors will not be harmed.

I too would be afraid to use a steam cleaner on hardwood. I am a Murphy's Oil soap gal too. And don't mop all the time, just when needed. Dustmop or vaccuum with brush.

There's a great steam cleaner just for hardwood floors. It uses no chemicals, water only! It's called the Bissell Steam Mop. My sister loves hers!

I got the one that was on TV and I just love it. I use it on my wood floors. ( not every week just when they need a good cleaning. The steam makes the floors wet for just a minute and they dry to a luster. I actually think it is helpful this time a year because it adds moisture to the wood. The steamer is especially great in the bathrooms as well ( ceramic) They shine and I know that the germs are killed as well.

Hi J.,
I use Method on my wood floors. You can get the whole kit including mop with washable pad, dry pads and solution for about $30 at Target. The solution by itself is about $4.
Method is non toxic for everyone and is natural with a yummy almond smell. It gives my wood floors a nice luster.
They also have a solution for tile which I have also tried. Both my daughter and husband love the smell.
Hope this helps and good luck!

I bought a Shark steam cleaner for my floors. I got the $99.00 model instead of the $79.00 model, the main reason is it has a longer cord, and comes with 5 mop pads. I love it. I use it on laminate flooring. No matter which one you choose; you should use distilled water in them. It's great; you don't have to use a bucket and it gets the floor cleaner than the "swifter type" mops. There are no chemicals so you don't have to worry about the kids crawling around and it sanitizes it too. There's no water left on the floor, the steam dries in a few seconds so I think it would be fine on your hardwood floors, but I'd check with the manufacturer to make sure.

Steam would only intensify the water making it hot. Your wood will seperate, split and loose the shine. No chemicals either. Murphys Oil soap does beautifully dissolved in a little warm water and well squeezed out mop. It'll keep your floors georgous.

I have one and I believe it says to be used on "sealed hard wood floors". Don't know the difference. I only have a small kitchen area to clean. I'm still using the mop and bucket and cleaner. I tried using the steam and it did pick up the dirt, but I think if I don't "smell" the clean, that it isn't clean? Odd, I knw! Have to say after using the steamer, it did dry very quickly. You may want to go onto a website or google it to see if you can use it on your floors. I got mine from QVC, it was on sale. Sorry could be more help.

I have a Hoover Steam Cleaner. I love it because I no longer have to scrub the floors or carpet by hand. It does all surfaces. I have not used it on wood floors my brother used it on his and liked the results. I can do it in 15 to 20 minutes. The machine clean up is easy. My floors look great. This is my second one. My first one was stolen. I hope you find one you like.