The Top Methods for Cleaning Any Floor Type

1. How to Clean Hardwood Floors

"Hardwood floors usually come with either a polyurethane or wax finish. Not sure what you're dealing with? Simply run your finger across the surface," explains Meg Roberts, president of Molly Maid. "If a mark shows up, it’s likely a wax finish."

Polyurethane-Finished Hardwood Flooring

Here’s how to clean your polyurethane-finished hardwood floors:

1. Combine a quarter cup of mild or pH-neutral soap with water in a bucket.
2. Use a microfiber mop to clean the surface.

Microfiber mops, such as the Libman Wonder Mop, are perfect for hardwood floors as they can be easily wrung out to avoid soaking the surface. This allows the floor to dry faster, letting you return to your kitchen or living room in no time.

Wax-Finished Hardwood Flooring

If you have waxed wood floors, you're somewhat in luck—just remember that water can easily damage this type of flooring. Avoid using damp mops and instead stick to sweeping, dust mopping, or vacuuming regularly.

2. How to Clean Laminate Flooring

Your laminate might look like hardwood or natural stone, but remember to maintain it as laminate. "The great news: Laminate floors are incredibly durable," says Bill Dearing, president of the North American Laminate Flooring Association. The planks are made with layers that resist sun and light damage, keeping them looking new for years.

However, it's crucial to prevent water from seeping under the planks. Dearing suggests dry mopping or vacuuming, ensuring your vacuum is set to tile mode (not carpet), so the beater bar stays raised. For any spots, clean with a slightly damp mop as needed.

3. How to Clean a Cork Floor

While cork is stunning due to its natural porous texture, that same characteristic makes it highly vulnerable to water damage. Most cork flooring is sealed because of its absorbent nature, but you must still handle it with care.

"Regular vacuuming helps avoid scratches, clean up spills right away, and wash your cork floors weekly," advises Leslie Reichert, the Green Cleaning Coach.

Reichert recommends skipping commercial cleaners in favor of a solution made with vinegar and soapy water. The natural acidity of vinegar combines with the soap to dissolve dirt, eliminate build-up, and sanitize the surface. Here’s how to clean cork floors:

1. Combine ¼ cup of vinegar, a drop of dish soap, and warm water in a spray bottle. Don’t shake it (as it could create suds); instead, gently mix the ingredients by rocking the bottle back and forth.
2. Spray a section of the floor at a time and wipe it clean with a damp microfiber mop as you go along.

4. How to Clean Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is eco-friendly, stylish—and sometimes softer and more vulnerable to scratches and nicks than hardwood floors. Unless you're using strand bamboo flooring (the toughest and most durable type), be diligent about regularly sweeping away dirt and debris. "Given the cost of bamboo, extra care is essential," says Roberts, who uses a tennis ball to gently buff out any marks.

She applies the same cleaning solution to bamboo as she does to hardwood:

1. Combine ¼ cup of mild or pH-neutral soap with a bucket of water.
2. Clean the floor with a slightly damp mop, and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up any excess moisture.

5. How to Clean a Linoleum Floor

We're not discussing virtually indestructible vinyl flooring (for that, see the next section). True linoleum is made from linseed oil, resin, limestone, wood fiber, and cork dust, and colored with mineral pigments.

"Treat this durable, natural flooring the same way you would treat cork," advises Reichert.

1. Mix a spray bottle with a few drops of dish soap and hot water.
2. Spray the floor in sections, then wipe it with a damp microfiber mop.

The floor should dry almost immediately, but if it feels a little sticky, simply wipe it again with a clean, damp microfiber mop or cloth.

6. How to Clean a Vinyl Floor

Vinyl flooring is a low-maintenance choice when it comes to cleaning. For daily upkeep, just vacuum your vinyl floors. Sweeping also helps remove accumulated dust and debris. If your floor needs a deeper clean, use a damp mop with neutral detergent to restore its shine.

7. How to Clean Natural Stone Flooring

"Whatever you do, keep the vinegar in the pantry," warns Kris Koenig, CEO of eco-friendly cleaning company Natura Clean in Middleton, Wisconsin. Even a small amount of vinegar can damage stone floors, as can bleach and ammonia. Instead, mop sealed stone floors with a pH-neutral, non-chelating cleaner that won’t harm the minerals in natural surfaces.

"For unsealed stone tiles, just mop with hot water and a microfiber mop; avoid chemicals as they could soak into the stone. For tougher dirt, use a steam cleaner," recommends Reichert.

8. How to Clean Porcelain Tile Flooring

For weekly upkeep, Reichert recommends using a simple spritz-and-dry mop method to keep tile floors sparkling:

1. Mix 1/4 cup vinegar in a 16-ounce spray bottle with a drop of dish soap and warm water.
2. Spray the floor one section at a time, then wipe with a damp microfiber mop as you go.

For occasional deep cleans, Reichert prefers a steam cleaner to tackle both the tile and grout. The steam works to eliminate stains (and bacteria!), making it feel less like a workout in the kitchen.

9. How to Clean Carpet

For regular carpet maintenance, a vacuum cleaner is your best friend. Vacuum cleaners pull up dirt and debris both on top and deep within the carpet fibers. Make sure to clear furniture and other objects from your way to reach all areas. Vacuum slowly, focusing on high-traffic spots and going over them a few times for a more thorough clean. If you don’t have a vacuum, alternatives like carpet rakes, sweepers, and brooms also do the job well.

For a deep clean (ideally every six months), consider using a carpet cleaner, steam cleaner, or hiring a professional. Alternatively, you can vacuum thoroughly and treat spots with a solution made of one part white vinegar to three parts cold water. Just be sure to spot test a hidden area of your carpet first to check how it reacts to the solution.