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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,257
Registered: ‎05-05-2010

Keeping hardwood floors clean

I will be moving to a condo soon that has all oak hardwood floors.  In the past I have had wood laminate in just one room, with carpet in the rest of the home.  To clean the hardwood I would just vacuum without the beater and occasionally use a liquid cleaner like Bona with a fabric mop.  I had a steamer for a while but it didn't last long before it conked out on me, but I liked the idea of a good steam clean once in a while. 

 

In my new place, since I will not have any carpet at all, I'm rethinking how I will maintain the floors.  Should I invest in another steamer and if so, what is a good brand/model?  Or, is there a good appliance that will vacuum up dust and miscellaneous particles and also have a wet cleaning and/or steam component combination?  I don't have pets or kids. 

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 134
Registered: ‎10-28-2014

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

@Suzeecat I have hardwood floors in my entry and kitchen.  I would get rid of them if they weren't in trend.  They are very hard to keep up with.  I sweep with a broom at least weekly, vaccum as well.  The best thing I have found is Murphy's Oil Soap and water.  I tried using Sharp mp this past weekend with the solution mixed in.  It worked ok except my four legged helper has left prints all over it.  I think I will go back to the Murphy's Squirt and Mop and a mop.  Please share if you find any good tips, I could sure use them.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,328
Registered: ‎02-07-2011

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

@Suzeecat  I'm in the same situation.  Had laminate in our previous kitchen where I used a steamer to clean the floor. Can't remember the brand but after 4 years it was still going strong and really liked how it cleaned.

 

Now in a condo that has bamboo floors everywhere except the bedrooms and bathrooms.  I've been vacuuming and then using a Swiffer pad to clean the wood floors.  Not sure if a steamer is a good idea to use on bamboo.  

 

Will be interested to read other opinions.

 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,206
Registered: ‎09-18-2010

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

@Suzeecat For my wood floors, I use a Bissell Power Fresh Steamer which I love.  It has 3 settings for the steam and 2 cloth pads that are washable.  Floors look fabulous with using plain water.  I have a Roomba that I am in love with!  I bought it for $ 300.00.  It is a pleasure especially with wood floors.  It comes with it's own docking station so it finds it's way home when finished.  I usually run it at night when I am sleeping, I chose to do each room separately since my home is 1800 sq. feet.  I have a Dyson vacuum as well that I use every other week.

 

Between the steamer and the Roomba makes maintaining my wood floors a breeze!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,328
Registered: ‎02-07-2011

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

@Somertime  Bissell, that was the steamer I had and it was great.  Have to check to see if I can use it on bamboo.

 

DH wants to get a Roomba but I'm not sure.  It's expensive and how much dirt does it hold?  Will get more info.

 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,719
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

The less water you use on your hardwood floors, the better.  I have red oak  and it still looks great after 20 years in this house.   I use Don Aslett's microfiber mop/duster along with Bona.  I would be afraid the steamer would be too harsh for my floors.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,206
Registered: ‎09-18-2010

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

@kaydee50   I see no reason why you could not use it on a Bamboo floor.  Look at Amazon, Target and Roomba website.  They do go on sale.  Amazon has a Roomba 675 for $248.00 and a Roomba 690 for $279.00.  I do one room at a time and I have a dog, it runs about 90 minutes and the reservoir is not huge but large enough to hold any dirt and dog hair.  I woudn't hesitate.  I was sorry I didn't purchase one when I was working, would have made my life so much easier!

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,903
Registered: ‎11-24-2011

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

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@Hoovermom  We have all hardwood floors, Australlian Cypress throughout our home and I use my little shark navigator everyday to do a quick clean up it works great on hardwood floors  I only wash my floors maybe twice a year but do spot clean ups when necessary. I like the microfiber mops they work really well. My floors are always shiny and beautiful.  I too think the less water the longer the floors will last.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,111
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

I've had pre-finished hardwood floors for many years now.  In my kitchen, dining room, foyer and powder room. Upstairs, I have them in my maste bedroom and the hall.  I've never used a steamer on them.  I either dry mop them, vacuum them, or use one of those hover mops with the pads dampened.  I always was afraid to steam my hardwoods.  If I really feel the need, the most I would use on mine woul be Bona.  After all these years, they still look brand new.  (I do not, however, have any pets.)

Valued Contributor
Posts: 926
Registered: ‎04-03-2013

Re: Keeping hardwood floors clean

When we had our wood floors refinished, we were told to avoid water and use Bona as a cleaner. 

 

I sweep them with a rubber broom and use a swiffer.