Cleaning Floors Dos and Don’ts: How to Clean Any Type of Floor

Even the best flooring materials need some TLC to stay fabulous. Whether you're rocking natural or synthetic materials, the way you clean your floors matters. This helpful guide will give you all the hot tips to maintain sparkling clean floors that shine for years. Say goodbye to fretting about grime!

How to Clean Wood Floors

When adding warmth and charm to your home, solid wood floors are the way to go. They’re not only stunning but a breeze to clean and maintain. Natural wood sets a welcoming tone. Follow these simple tips to keep your wooden floors looking polished and pristine.

Don’t:

• Overwashing or using a wet mop on your elegant wood floors can expose them to excess moisture. Though they likely have protection with a damage-resistant sealant, they’re not waterproof, so it’s best not to overexpose them to moisture.

• Using improper wood floor cleaners can damage your floors. In fact, many popular wood cleaners and polish actually do more harm than good. See a full list of what not to use on hardwood floors here.

Do:

• Banish dust and dirt from your floors with a trusty microfiber cloth mop. Rather than pushing dirt around and creating more mess, this simple strategy will keep your wood floors sleek and sparkling. 

• Make those floors shine and look their best with a quick, easy cleaning using a water-based cleaner appropriate for wood floors. Just damp mop the area, thoroughly wringing out the mop first to avoid excess water. This process limits the moisture on the floor and will also speed up the drying process.

• Only use wood floor cleaners recommended by your manufacturer or contractor.

How to Clean Laminate Floors

Step up your flooring game and achieve the elegant look of solid wood at a fraction of the cost with laminate floors. It's a smart choice for homeowners who want to save money without sacrificing style and durability. These cleaning do's and don'ts will help keep your laminate floors looking brand new.

Don’t:

• Go easy on those laminate floors, and resist excessive scrubbing with abrasive cleaners, paste, or solvent-based polishes.

Do:

• First, sweep or vacuum any loose dirt, and avoid using the spinning brush on your vacuum. Once most of the debris is gone, give your floors a mop using a gentle cleaner. 

• When searching for the perfect cleaner, don't settle for anything less than a product specifically designed for laminate floors. You don’t want to use any harsh chemicals like ammonia and chlorine.

Bonus tip: If you need a reliable way to remove tough stains caused by markers, tar, or paint, use acetone — aka nail polish remover. Apply a small amount to a clean white cloth and watch those pesky stains disappear. Don't forget to follow up with a quick wipe-down using a damp cloth to ensure all traces of acetone are gone. This cleaning hack is a game-changer.

How to Clean Linoleum Floors

Durable and affordable linoleum floors are the ultimate option for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. These floors are highly resistant to water and perfect for families with kids and pets. Maintain that brand-new look with these easy and practical steps.

Don’t:

• With linoleum flooring, there's no need to break out the abrasive or heavy-duty cleaners. Stick with mild cleaners and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance floor that'll stand the test of time. 

Do:

• Transform your dirty linoleum floors into polished perfection with these easy steps. Start with a broom and a vacuum to get rid of loose dirt. Don't forget those nooks and crannies. 

• Then, put 6–8 drops of your favorite cleaner into a pail of piping hot water. 

• Next, properly and thoroughly wring out your mop before getting to work. Leaving standing water on your floors can actually harm the surface. 

• After mopping the entire floor, refill your bucket with only hot water and give your floor one more quick mop. This magical step gets rid of any lingering soap residue and gives you the sparkling clean shine you love.

Plus, keep those floors looking good by adding a thin layer of wax every 2–6 months. 

How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors

With endless possibilities available in color, shape, and style, ceramic tile floors can turn any room into a lasting work of art. Keep your ceramic floors beautiful with the following tips. 

Don’t:

• Stay away from cleaners containing acids and ammonia. 

• Ditch the sponge mop and go for rag or cloth-style mops instead. Sponge mops may seem handy, but when it comes to getting rid of dirt and grime, they just push it around. 

Do:

• First, give your floors a little TLC by grabbing your trusty vacuum or broom and whisking away any dirt and debris. 

• Next, add 6–8 drops of your favorite gentle liquid detergent into a bucket of steaming hot water and start mopping away. Rinse your mop as needed and swap out the solution once it gets too grubby. 

• Complete the process by running a clean and dry cloth over the grout lines to mop up any excess water and keep them impeccable. This will help to prevent any mildew or grime buildup over time. Don't skip this critical last step; your tiles deserve this extra attention.

To keep your floors looking immaculate, you don't need harsh chemicals. Good old-fashioned hot water and mild soap are usually more than enough. As long as you’re doing your research to understand what types of floors you have and following manufacturer or contractor recommendations, your floors are sure to stay in excellent condition.

With your meticulous attention to the care of your home, you deserve a high-quality home with More Life Built In®. Discover stunning designs with flexible floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!