Cleaning Different Types of Floors

An Independent Living Skills Post

The most useful tools for cleaning most types of floors are a vacuum, broom and mop (either wet or dry). You might also want to consider using a scrub brush or rags with a bucket.

For Carpeted Floors and Rugs
Vacuuming removes inevitable dirt best from these fabric surfaces. For stains, use a commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning product.

For Wood Floors

Proper cleaning of wood floors depends on their surface treatment. Are they surface-sealed? Or are they oil- or penetrating-sealed? To tell, rub your finger across the floor and look for a smudge. No smudge means the floors are surface-sealed. If there is one, the floors are oil-or penetrating sealed.
Surface-sealed: Use mild dish soap, white vinegar or ammonia diluted with warm water. Or try glass cleaner. Do NOT use hot water.
Oil- or penetrating-sealed: Use a broom or dry mop to remove large debris, then vacuum. NEVER use floor products with acrylic or water-based waxes.

For Linoleum and Laminate Floors
To preserve the surface of these floors, DO NOT use hot water, abrasives, solvent-based products or waxes. Clean linoleum or laminate floors with a dry or damp mop. If you feel you do need a cleaning solution, use a small amount of diluted ammonia or a weak vinegar solution.

For Tile and Stone Floors
NEVER use brush roll vacuums or abrasive cleaning products on tile or stone; it will leave scratches. Follow directions for the particular floor product. For stains, use diluted dish soap or oxygen or chlorine bleach.