A while ago, I asked this question on Hometalk: "Does anyone out there use a Swiffer? Do you like it? Do you not like it? Do you have an eco-friendly alternative? Is it the best thing since sliced bread, or could you live without it?"

Should I buy a Swiffer?

The answers I got were inconclusive, but leaned toward the negative. I wanted to know because I was considering buying a Swiffer. I needed a quick, easy, simple cleaning tool for wood floors. I wanted to combine the process of sweeping and mopping so that I could spend less time cleaning my floors.

Cons

Here is what I learned on the negative side: If you have pets, people say that the Swiffer will not adequately pick up pet hair. However, I do not have pets. I wasn't sold on the idea that it wouldn't be enough to clean up after two adults. All I usually have to clean up from my floor is dust bunnies and (human) hair. Others said that the Swiffer scratches their wood floors. As a renter, I want my security deposit back, so I am wary of anything that might scratch my floor. Also, I worry about creating more solid waste, as did some respondents, who took the environmental angle.

Pros

But then there were the Swiffer proponents. One person said, "I use a swiffer every time I clean ... I use the duster for floors and also the furniture duster ... I could not clean house without my swiffers ... love, love, love, them." The approximately 100 responses to my question seemed to be divided between folks like her and folks who were very anti-Swiffer.

Alternative floor cleaning methods

A tile contractor near Denver suggested using a lightly moistened damp towel to clean tile and to clean hardwood floors. I do that already, and it's OK, but I am looking for an ever faster, more convenient solution.

Question: Is it wrong to want something more convenient than wetting a towel? Am I lazy, or just busy?

Chaya Kurtz writes for Networx.com.

Updated August 20, 2018.