- Grit is the enemy. Mats at every door and regular sweeping or vacuuming do more than any cleaner.
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner, ideally the one your floor's maker names. Some warranties require it.
- Never steam-mop hardwood or laminate. Many vinyl warranties ban it too.
- Damp, not wet. Wring the mop out.
We've seen floors ruined in a year by the wrong cleaner, and 15-year-old floors that look new. Here's the routine that works, by floor type.
Every floor, every week
- Vacuum (hard-floor setting, no beater bar) or dust-mop. Grit from wet Lower Mainland shoes is basically sandpaper.
- Mats outside and inside every exterior door.
- Felt pads under chairs and furniture. Replace them when they get dirty or flat.
Hardwood and engineered
- Use: the maker's cleaner or a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner, sprayed on a microfibre mop.
- Never: steam mops, vinegar, ammonia, oil soaps, wax or "shine" products on a urethane finish. Several brand warranties are voided by the wrong cleaner.
- Oiled floors (hardwax or UV oil) need the maker's soap and a maintenance oil every few years.
- Keep humidity in the warranty's range in winter.
Vinyl plank
- Use: a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp microfibre mop.
- Avoid: steam mops (many warranties exclude them), abrasive pads, and rubber-backed mats, which can stain some vinyl.
- "Waterproof" doesn't mean flood the floor. Water can get through the seams.
Laminate
- Use: a barely damp mop and a laminate cleaner.
- Never: wet mopping or steam. Standing water at the seams swells standard laminate.
- Wipe spills quickly. Even water-resistant laminate is rated in hours.
Porcelain tile
- Neutral tile cleaner. Seal cement grout if it's not already sealed.
- Avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone.
Robot mops and Swiffers
Robot vacuums are great for grit. Robot mops are fine on vinyl and sealed tile, but set them to the lowest water setting on wood and laminate. Spray-mops are okay if the solution is pH-neutral. Check the bottle.
Common questions
Can you use a steam mop on vinyl plank?
Many vinyl plank warranties exclude steam mops because heat and moisture can damage the planks and seams. Check your product's care guide. A damp microfibre mop with pH-neutral cleaner is the safe choice.
Is vinegar safe for hardwood floors?
No. Vinegar is acidic and can dull urethane finishes over time. Use a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner, ideally the one your floor's manufacturer recommends.
How do you clean laminate floors without damaging them?
Vacuum or dust-mop, then use a barely damp microfibre mop with a laminate cleaner. Never wet-mop or steam-mop, and wipe spills quickly.
Can the wrong cleaner void a flooring warranty?
Yes. Several hardwood brands require their own or approved cleaners, and many warranties exclude damage from steam mops, wax, oil soaps or harsh chemicals.
Who's writing this: Rose and Thorn Flooring is a flooring company in Surrey, BC. We install floors for a living, so yes, we'd love to do yours. But nobody pays us to say nice things about a product, and we don't earn commission from any brand. If something here is wrong or out of date, text us at 604-716-4160 and we'll fix it.