Floor Type Cleaning Guide
Different floor types require different cleaning methods and products. Using the wrong approach can cause permanent damage — from stripping sealant on hardwood to etching natural stone with acidic cleaners. This guide covers the most common floor types found in UK homes and commercial premises.
Floor Cleaning Reference
| Floor type | Cleaning method | Products to use | Products to avoid | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid hardwood (sealed) | Sweep/vacuum, then damp mop | pH-neutral wood floor cleaner, microfibre mop | Excess water, vinegar, steam mops, wax on polyurethane | Sweep daily; damp mop weekly |
| Solid hardwood (oiled) | Sweep/vacuum, damp mop with oil soap | Specific oil-finish soap (e.g. Osmo), microfibre | Excess water, polyurethane cleaners, bleach | Sweep daily; damp mop weekly; re-oil annually |
| Laminate | Sweep/vacuum, lightly damp mop | Laminate-specific cleaner or water with a drop of washing-up liquid | Excess water, steam mops, abrasive pads, wax polish | Sweep daily; damp mop weekly |
| Vinyl / LVT | Sweep, then mop with neutral cleaner | pH-neutral floor cleaner, warm water, microfibre | Abrasive cleaners, solvent-based products, rubber-backed mats | Sweep daily; mop 2–3 times weekly |
| Ceramic / porcelain tile | Sweep, then mop; scrub grout as needed | Tile & grout cleaner, warm water, stiff brush for grout | Oil-based cleaners, coloured detergents on light grout | Sweep daily; mop weekly; deep clean grout monthly |
| Natural stone (marble, limestone) | Sweep, damp mop with stone cleaner | pH-neutral stone-specific cleaner, soft mop | Vinegar, lemon, any acid, abrasive pads, bleach | Sweep daily; damp mop weekly; seal annually |
| Natural stone (slate, granite) | Sweep, mop with pH-neutral cleaner | Stone floor cleaner, warm water | Acidic cleaners, harsh chemicals | Sweep daily; mop weekly; seal every 1–2 years |
| Carpet (synthetic) | Vacuum regularly, spot clean, periodic extraction | Carpet shampoo, spot remover, hot water extraction | Excess water without extraction, bleach | Vacuum 2–3 times weekly; extract every 6–12 months |
| Carpet (wool) | Vacuum on low suction, professional clean | Wool-safe carpet cleaner, dry compound cleaning | High-alkaline cleaners, excessive water, beater bars | Vacuum 2–3 times weekly; professional clean annually |
| Concrete (sealed) | Sweep, mop with neutral cleaner | pH-neutral floor cleaner, degreaser for stains | Acidic cleaners (damage sealant), ammonia | Sweep daily; mop weekly; reseal every 2–5 years |
Floor Care Calculators
Use our free tools to plan floor cleaning jobs:
- Floor Cleaning Time Calculator — estimate time needed by floor type and area
- Floor Polish Calculator — calculate product quantities for floor maintenance
Always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first. Manufacturer recommendations take precedence over general guidance. Some floor finishes have specific care requirements — check with the installer or manufacturer if unsure.