Floors take a beating every day—whether it’s from constant foot traffic, accidental spills, energetic pets, or the occasional scrape from moving furniture. Yet, they don’t always get the care they deserve. The tricky part? Not all floors can be cleaned the same way. The wrong products or techniques can lead to scratches, dullness, warping, or worse, permanent damage.

So, how do you clean different types of floors properly? And which common cleaner should you avoid no matter what type of flooring you have? Let’s break it down. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, house cleaners in Marysville are ready to help.

How do you clean the different floors in your home?

Keeping your floors looking their best means using the right cleaning methods for each type. Here’s how to tackle different flooring surfaces in your home the right way:

Hardwood floors

Hardwood is elegant and durable, but it’s sensitive to moisture and harsh chemicals.

How to clean: Sweep daily with a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber mop to remove dust and debris. Use a damp (not wet!) mop with a pH-neutral wood cleaner once a week.
Avoid: Excess water, vinegar, steam mops, and harsh chemicals. Water seeps into wood, causing warping, while vinegar dulls the finish over time.

Pro tip: If your hardwood floor has a worn-out finish, try buffing with a microfiber cloth and a drop of olive oil for a natural shine boost.

Laminate flooring

Laminate mimics hardwood but needs a different approach since it’s highly water-sensitive.

How to clean: Dry mop or vacuum with a soft brush attachment regularly. Use a damp microfiber cloth with a laminate-safe cleaner—never soak the floor.
Avoid: Vinegar, ammonia-based cleaners, and steam mops. These can cause swelling, warping, and a cloudy residue.

Pro tip: If you notice streaks after mopping, try buffing with a dry microfiber cloth to restore its original sheen.

Tile floors

Tile is durable, but its grout lines collect dirt quickly.

How to clean: Sweep or vacuum to remove dust and grit. Use warm water with a pH-neutral cleaner to mop. For grout, a mix of baking soda and water, scrubbed gently with a toothbrush, works wonders.
Avoid: Acidic cleaners like vinegar and bleach, which can erode grout and dull glazed tiles.

Pro tip: Seal grout annually to prevent staining and keep it looking fresh for years.

Vinyl floors

Vinyl is resilient and low-maintenance, but it can lose its luster if not cleaned correctly.

How to clean: Sweep daily and mop with a mild detergent and warm water. A microfiber mop works best to prevent scratching.
Avoid: Abrasive scrubbers, steam mops, and wax-based products. These can strip the protective coating or make the floor dangerously slippery.

Pro Tip: To remove scuff marks, rub them gently with a tennis ball or a melamine foam eraser.

Stone floors

Natural stone, like marble, granite, and slate, is luxurious but highly porous and prone to stains.

How to clean: Use a damp mop with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. For daily upkeep, dust mop with a microfiber pad.
Avoid: Vinegar, lemon juice, and harsh chemicals. Acids eat away at natural stone, causing etching and dullness.

Pro Tip: If your stone floor gets water stains, buff it out with a dry, soft cloth rather than adding more liquid.

Which cleaner is mostly avoided for all types of floor?

If there’s one common household cleaner that can do more harm than good across all flooring types, it’s vinegar. While it’s often praised as a natural disinfectant, its acidic nature can strip protective finishes, dull shine, and erode materials like stone, wood, and laminate.

Where can I find expert house cleaners in Marysville?

Want to cut down on allergens in your home? Or maybe you have a small space and aren’t sure how to keep it spotless? From meticulous window cleaning to deep cleaning every corner, our locally owned and operated company works with trusted, experienced house cleaners who deliver top-quality results. We’re committed to eco-friendly cleaning, using safe products, advanced equipment, and detailed checklists for a thorough and efficient clean. No matter where you are in Marysville, we’re here to help—just reach out!