Steam mop left floors sticky

[CountessYgritte]

Am I doing something wrong?

I have just bought a Vax steam mop. It was one of the Which Best Buys. Great reviews online. It is one for pet owners ( we have a new, lovely but mucky puppy).

I followed all the instructions, measured everything out properly, used the right Vax detergent and expected magic.

In reality it was harder work than I imagined and heavy to use. It didn't leave the house "smelling fresh". It made it smell of wet dog. And the floor is sticky - it looks clean, but sounds like we are walking on Velcro.

What am I doing wrong???

Mine has a dial to adjust the amount of cleaning fluid to water. If I don't turn it down to the minimum we get the Velcro floor effect.

I always use less detergent than it says (and indeed I use Zoflora even though it says use Vax own detergent).

Much quicker and dries quicker too.

I don't use detergent.

Thanks. Will try using less detergent.

Do you think you could use any detergent? Say, wooden floor cleaning liquid?

What kind of flooring do you have? On vinyl and tiles my steam cleaner is fine, but I would't use it on wood as it would be too hot and melt the varnish.