Reply to Best method to “deep clean” hardwood floors?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Do not use steam on your hardwood floors. It can ruin them over time: https://www.consumerreports.org/steam-mops/why-you-shouldnt-use-steam-mop-on-wood-floors-a4257122605/[/quote]

DP.  I'm a huge fan of Consumer Reports (I'm a long time subscriber).  I don't think it's a well done article.  The CR test engineer basically says 'be careful' when you use them.  The manager of marketing and merchandising at Lumber Liquidators says don't use them.  Yet, CR went ahead and tested a bunch of steam mops and rates/recommends them.  If steam maps were so bad, why would CR recommend them?

I'm wondering if the Lumber Liquidators person is thinking of steam machines like I've seen on TikTok that people use on grout/bathrooms/kitchens. I could see problems if there's a direct spray of steam but I've used a steam mop for years and the pad prevents that spray.  It also isn't hot enough to penetrate/melt the finish.  Sure, there may be cracks/scratches in the finish steam could get into but it's not like you're hovering over a spot.

I grew up with hardwood floors in a big old farmhouse.  I LOVE my steam mop and have been using it for over 20 years.  I wish I'd had one back in the day.  I got one for my mom and she, too, loves it.  The key is to frequently change the mop head and don't saturate the floors.  The floors should be dry within a minute of mopping.  I also don't use distilled water.  I use plain old city water.  My mom uses softened water (she has a well).  Our big dog, even though his nails are always trimmed, has done more damage to the floors than the steam mop ever could. [/quote]

I don’t think the steam mop is a big deal, I just think it’s the same as using a bucket of hot water and a spin mop. [/quote]

You have never used a steam mop. You can't get a bucket of water hotter than 120F unless you boil the water on the stove.[/quote]

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