Homes can be filled with diverse types of flooring, from hardwood to ceramic tile, and everything in between. No matter what flows from room to room, it’s important to know the appropriate cleaning methods for taking care of each flooring type. Our team of cleaning experts compiled a list of the most common floorings, with details for how to clean each surface. Their expertise, combined with regular cleaning will leave your floors looking shiny and new for years to come
Hardwood
First dust mop or vacuum, without using the roller blade or on the bare floor setting, to pick up any dust and debris. Then, using a wood cleaner, diluted per the manufacturer’s instructions, dampen a microfiber cloth and wring out thoroughly. Mop the floor with the microfiber cloth, going with the grain, and repeat as needed. Dry the area with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Steer clear of any acidic vinegar solutions when cleaning hardwood floors as they can dull the finish over time.
Laminate Floors
Standing water on laminate floors can cause bubbles, fading, and seam separation. It’s important to immediately dry any areas that have gotten wet to avoid these issues. For cleaning, sweep the area or dust mop to pick up loose debris. For the best results, use cleaning products specifically made for laminate floors and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Mix ½ cup white vinegar with 1 gallon warm water in a large bucket and set aside. Sweep the tile floor to remove any loose debris and dirt. Dip the microfiber mop in the vinegar solution and wring out, making sure that the mop is damp, but not overly saturated. Mop the floor starting at the back corner of the room and working your way out of the area. For tough stains, sprinkle baking soda on the wet tile or grout and scrub using a microfiber cloth. Wash over the area with the dampened mop and allow to air dry.
Vinyl Plank
Vinyl plank is one of the lowest maintenance floor types, which is great for upkeep. To help it maintain its shine, use a microfiber dust mop to pick up dust and debris that has collected on the floor. In a spray bottle, add a 4 to 1 ratio of warm water to white vinegar with 1 drop of neutral dish soap. Dampen your microfiber mop head with water and wring out, using the soap mixture spray a small area at a time and wipe with a damp mop. Repeat as needed. For stuck-on stains, spray the soap mixture directly on the area and scrub gently with a soft, microfiber cloth. Allow the area to air dry. Additionally, you can use a steam cleaner on vinyl floors, if you have one available, for a deeper clean.
Marble
Marble is extremely porous and retains moisture and stains easily. To maintain its appearance, dust-mop on a daily basis and damp-mop on a weekly basis. The materials needed are hot water, a pH-neutral cleaner or dish soap, microfiber mop and cloth, and bucket. Add a 5 to 1 ratio of hot water to dish soap in the bucket, soaking the microfiber mop and then wringing out. Damp-mop the surface and allow to air dry. For spills, clean immediately with warm water, dish soap, and a microfiber cloth to reduce the chance of staining.
Concrete
Many are opting for concrete floors as they are extremely durable and easy to clean. However, for polished concrete floors, a gentle cleaner, such as a pH-neutral dish soap, is a must. Dust mop the floor, then mix a 4 to 1 ratio of warm water to soap, dampen the microfiber mop, wring out, and wipe down the area. Allow to air dry.
For the best results, dust mop or vacuum daily or as often as possible. On a weekly basis, wet mop high traffic areas such as entry ways, kitchens, and bathrooms, and do a deep, thorough clean monthly of all flooring areas within the home.
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