Hoover FloorMate

[justjunque]

Hi all,

Realistically, I don't need this. But, I like toys.
I'm wondering if anyone can convince me or talk me out of buying a Hoover FloorMate or something similar.
We have polyurethane sealed hardwood floors everywhere. (And yet, I collect mostly vacuums with power nozzles. Go figure!)
In the two small bathrooms, we have vinyl.
Every once in a while, I'd like to "clean" the floors. I'm not crazy about the idea of mopping. Plus, a mop isn't really a fun toy. I know there's things like the Swiffer Wet Jet. But, ever since I discovered the FloorMate, I've had the urge to get one. There's also the Bissell Crosswave, I believe it's called.
I know some models of the FloorMate come with two sets of brushes; one set that's softer, for wood flooring.
I'd love to hear what you think of these. If you'd recommend a newer or older version.
I've seen some reviews that say they don't last. People claim to have used it only a few times, and the motor quit. Is that true, or was that probably misuse?
I'll shut up and wait to see what the experts say!
Thank you in advance!

Barry

 

[panasonicvac]

If you ask me, they are a complete waste no matter how old they are. They work but they can quickly grow to be annoying. They require alot of work and time to fill it up, clean out, and use since they do take longer to mop. In fact, I just threw mine out cause I had bearing problems after a few uses and it would've costed just as much as buying a whole new machine. It didn't last for very long.

 

[justjunque]

Hey Alex,

Thank you for the reply.
I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with yours. I was hoping more members would have experience with them, and I'd get a mix of positive and negative reviews to weigh.
Did you buy yours new? If not; is it possible that it may have had a rough life before you got it?
If your bad experience is the only response I get, I guess I'll try to resist the temptation to buy one.
Thank you again.

Barry

 

[panasonicvac]

It was bought brand new.

 

[wstonehockertv]

JustJunque

I think Hoover needs to discontinue the Floormate if it's too much trouble. Anyone agree with me?

 

[justjunque]

Is there a similar alternative that anyone would recommend?
The Bissell? Something as simple as the Swiffer Wet Jet? I've read reviews that said the Wet Jet left streaks on wood floors.
I'm just looking for something other than a mop and bucket, or going through the entire house on hands and knees.
Plus, the whole "new toy" aspect.

Barry

 

[panasonicvac]

The mop that I use is actually a Rubbermaid wall scrubber but I find that it does an excellent job on floors as well. All I do is just taking a pad or two and wring it out on hot water. And repeat the process a few times to make sure that the pads come out clean. Also the pads are machine washable and they last for several years. Best mop that I've ever used.

 

[huskyvacs]

I have a linoleum floor and I just dump some ammonia and hot water down and hit it with a junky 1960's General Electric floor polisher I bought for this purpose and scrub the floor clean, then mop up the excess dirty water with a sponge mop. Once the floor dries I throw some wax on it and job done.

 

[ericaustin]

Proper Use and Care

I swear by Bissell Crossways and older gen Hoover Floormates. Think about it - with a mop you are literally spreading dirty water on the floor. Yes it is a bit more set up and clean up, but if you properly care for the machine it will last longer. Another tip is to not store the dirty water tank on the machine. The bearings in the motor are hot after use and the moisture in the filter and the tank is literally pulled into the motor causing early motor failure. Just my few cents.

 

[justjunque]

Ericaustin,

Thank you for your input.
I was hoping there would be at least some positive responses.
I'm still undecided. But, if I were to take a chance on an older machine; say, if one eventually showed up at a local thrift store, I obviously wouldn't have any way of knowing how well the previous owner took care of it.
I feel like I would be fine with the set-up and post-use cleaning. It's not like it's something that I'd be using daily. And I appreciate the tip about storing the dirty water tank off the machine. If I eventually do get one, I will certainly remember that!

Barry