steam mop on hardwoods?

[mtemm]

I got a steam mop the other day (the eureka one) and used it on my marble kitchen floors, but am wondering if I can use it safely on my hardwood? does anybody use them on their hardwood floors?

 

[Sarah7401]

I got a steam mop the other day (the eureka one) and used it on my marble kitchen floors, but am wondering if I can use it safely on my hardwood? does anybody use them on their hardwood floors?

You can use it if they are sealed hardwood.

I got the Shark the other day and I just can't decide about it. My floors looked all streaky when I got done.

 

[bettymae1121]

You can use it if they are sealed hardwood.

I got the Shark the other day and I just can't decide about it. My floors looked all streaky when I got done.

If you used chemical cleaners prior to getting the Shark, it could just be left over residue from the cleaners. That should go away as the residue washes/wears off.

I like my shark, but after reading reviews I wish I'd gotten the Bisel instead!


And to answer the OP, as long as they are sealed, it should be fine for hardwoods.

 

[kim929]

what about laminated wood floors? I just bought the eureka, (waiting for it to come in) I have hardwoods in all my rooms but the kitchen.

 

[mtemm]

dumb question...how do I know if they are sealed or not?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I have a bissel and I love it. I had a shark but after an unfortunate tumble down the stairs it broke. We use them all the time. The wood floors are so much cleaner. If you are getting streaks that is because it is getting all the residue off from previous chemical cleaners. The only way your floors aren't sealed is if you have raw wood on them. Plywood or just planks that were never stained and shellacked (sp?). I would venture to guess that all wood floors in homes are sealed.

 

[pilotwife_02]

I have the bissel and love it. Just make sure you don't use too much water at one time and it shouldn't streak when it dries. Not sure if I can explain it right, but on mine there is a button that makes the steam, you shouldn't be holding it down the whole time while cleaning the floor. If you do it lets out too much water and that's when it streaks (at leasts that what I found to be true).

 

[amez]

I just got my Eureka about two weeks ago-I've used it on my hardwood and it works wonderful. I wish I had gotten a steam mop years ago.

Amy

 

[mtemm]

thanks all. I used it and wow, they look great! I only did one room and cannot wait to do the rest. very happy with the results!!!!!

 

[minnie56]

I thought water and hardwood didn't mix? My installer told me not to even use a Swiffer? No?

 

[mtemm]

maybe because this makes it barely wet? its not like regular mopping at all.

what did he recommend you using?

 

[Melrosgirl]

I just asked this question to my flooring guys and they said they would never use a steam mop on hardwood.

The steam mop people say it's okay though. Hardwood floor care is pretty confusing. Steam is a form of water though and water is not good for hardwood, so I can see that argument.

 

[pilotwife_02]

So...then what ARE you supposed to use to clean it?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I don't care what anyone says. I don't want dirty floors so I will take the risk.