There are many different ways and ideas when it come to cleaning hardwood floors. You could use a steam cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors, you could use a sweep like the one from Bissell, or you can get smart and have someone else clean your floors. If you have pets I would seriously stay away from hardwood floors or you will be constantly cleaning. Nothing is more frustrating than just cleaning your wood floors and then the dogs come running in on your floors.
There are two different kinds of hardwood floors: solid or laminate. Laminate floors don't leave much room to refinish if they get damaged. It's much easier to refinish a solid wood floor because you have a lot of area to sand and reapply the finish. These are the reasons to make sure you use the correct cleaning solutions, so you don't destroy the finish.
Bissell makes a product for hardwood floors that a lot of people really like. Others use a blend of water and vinegar and some people like to use the solution pads of a sweeper. The only way you will know what works best for your situation is to get many of these options a try.
Humidity is one factor that affects wood floors a lot. Depending upon where you live you might have to deal with humidity which will make your floors expand and contract. Even cleaning solutions can effect your wood floors. Basically anything with moisture will effect your floors if you don't get them dried quickly. A top choice of homeowners is a sweeper with cleaning pads. Very little moisture associated with these pads and the ability to clean and leave a shine is greatly increased.
Anyone who lives in a dry climate can use a steam cleaner. Make sure you use a steam cleaner that dries quickly because you don't water filling the seams or cracks of the wood. Research, reading reviews and talking to friends will help you figure out what is best for your home.
Machines are plentiful on the market from Hoover Floor Mate to Bissell Steam Mop or Bosch and even Euro-Pro. They all have some sort of steam technology that will kills germs and they can remove harmful chemicals while disinfecting your floor. What you will find is the shine will be restored after using a steam cleaner.
Around our home we do use the sweeper and steam cleaner. Replacement pads for the sweeper can get spendy if you clean often and some steamers leave a lot of water after you have cleaned. As you can see there are all kinds of options available to you. Deciding which option is best for your situation is all about trial and error, reading reviews, talking to people and then giving it a try.
