The first rule: remove grit
Grit acts like sandpaper under shoes and furniture. Sweep, dust-mop or vacuum (with the brush roll turned off or a hard-floor head) before you mop. Felt pads under chair and table legs prevent scratches, and doormats catch grit before it reaches the floor.
Laminate
Laminate has a fibreboard core that swells if water gets into the joints. Use a well-wrung-out mop or a spray mop with a small amount of cleaner made for laminate, and dry any wet patches straight away. Avoid steam mops unless the floor manufacturer says they're suitable, and don't use wax or polish – laminate doesn't need it and it leaves a slippery film.
Solid and engineered wood
How you clean wood depends on the finish. Lacquered floors have a protective coating and can be cleaned with a barely damp mop and a wood floor cleaner. Oiled floors need a cleaner designed for oiled wood, and periodic re-oiling to stay protected. If you're not sure which you have, check with the fitter or manufacturer.
Avoid steam, excess water, vinegar and general-purpose cleaners on wood – they can dull the finish or damage the wood over time.
Vinyl and luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
Vinyl and LVT are tough and water-resistant. A damp mop with a mild, pH-neutral floor cleaner is ideal. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive pads, which can scratch or dull the surface, and check the manufacturer's guidance before using a steam mop – some LVT products don't recommend them.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
These are the most forgiving. Warm water and a suitable floor cleaner work well, and most tiles can handle a steam mop. The grout is usually the weak spot – see how to clean grout. Rinse after using a cleaner so it doesn't leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt.
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Natural stone
Marble, limestone, travertine and slate need gentle care. Use only pH-neutral cleaners made for stone, and avoid vinegar, lemon and most bathroom cleaners, which can etch the surface. Many stone floors need periodic sealing.
Mopping technique
A few habits give a better result on any hard floor:
- Use less cleaner than you think – too much leaves smears and stickiness
- Change the water when it looks dirty
- Work from the far corner towards the door so you don't walk on clean floor
- Use a microfibre mop head and wash it after use
- Dry the floor afterwards if it's prone to water marks
Steam mops: when they help and when they don't
Steam mops are popular because they clean without chemicals and dry quickly. On sealed ceramic and porcelain tiles they work well. On laminate, wood, some vinyl and natural stone, the heat and moisture can cause swelling, damage finishes or loosen adhesive, which is why many floor manufacturers don't recommend them.
If you have a steam mop, check your floor's care guidance before using it, use the lowest steam setting, keep it moving and never leave it standing on one spot.
Choosing the right mop
The right mop makes the job quicker and safer for your floor:
| Mop | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat microfibre or spray mop | Laminate, wood, vinyl, LVT | Washing the pad regularly |
| Bucket and string mop | Tiles and large areas | Using too much water on laminate and wood |
| Sponge mop | Textured tiles and vinyl | Wearing out quickly; harbouring smells |
| Steam mop | Sealed ceramic and porcelain tiles | Laminate, wood and some LVT |
Which mop suits which floor
Scuffs and marks
Black scuff marks from shoes often come off with a tennis ball or a soft cloth rubbed gently. Sticky marks usually lift with warm soapy water. For anything stubborn, use a product recommended for your floor type and test it first.
If your floor is looking dull overall, it may be a build-up of residue from cleaners rather than dirt. A clean with plain warm water, then drying, often brings back the shine.
