Confused about which cleaning method is best for your floor? Some cleaning solutions can work wonders on one type of floor and wreak havoc on another. We thought we’d make it a little easier. Whatever your floor type, check out our top tips on how to keep it in shape.

Carpets and Tiles

Regular vacuuming is essential for carpets as it prevents loose dirt and grit from penetrating the carpet pile and damaging the fibers. Upright vacuums are best, especially those with rotating brushes to dislodge embedded dirt. Use the suction head for loop pile rugs as beater brushes and heads can cause the rug to move. Manufacturers recommend annual steam cleaning. Clean according to wear. Whether you do it yourself or call in the professionals, high-traffic areas should be cleaned once every two years.

Natural medicine

Remove wine or grease stains from carpet by lightly sprinkling the area with baking soda. Rub in and add a bit more if needed. Leave on until the wine is absorbed, then vacuum up any remaining residue.

Natural Pavements

All good quality natural floor coverings should have a substantial latex backing to keep out dust and debris and ensure easy maintenance by vacuuming. A cylindrical brushless vacuum cleaner is the best option for natural floors so as not to damage the fibres.

Most high-quality natural flooring is sold with a stain inhibitor that protects it from dirt and extends its life, so ask your supplier about cleaning products for natural fibers. These should be used on stains immediately, not once the stain has been absorbed. Wipe clean with a clean cloth or kitchen paper. Do not use carpet mousse or shampoo as they can cause natural flooring to shrink.

Consider hiring a professional cleaning company if you want to give your floor a deep clean, but make sure they use a dry cleaning system rather than a wet one. Ask your dealer to recommend a company

Wooden floor

Sweep hardwood floors regularly or use a brush vacuum. Mop once a week or so with a well-wrung mop, using a soapy wood-specific cleaner. Do not saturate the floor or allow water to sit on it as this can cause damage. Wet clean waxed boards sparingly and polish with wax to improve patina. Dirty wax build-up should be removed with white spirit and the boards re-waxed. Treat engineered boards with oil or lacquer restorer, applied with a soft cloth.

Natural medicine

Remove scuff marks from hardwood floors by gently rubbing them with a pencil eraser.

Bring out the natural color of your hardwood floor by cleaning the surface with lemon oil and a dry cloth. However, this only applies to natural and waxed floors, not varnished floors.

laminate flooring

Laminate should be swept or vacuumed regularly. Using a damp cloth is fine, but never soak the floor in water, as they are designed to be waterproof. Most spills on laminate can be removed with household cleaners, but if the stain is from lipstick, ink, or permanent marker, try acetone. Never use scouring pads to remove stains on laminate flooring and remove liquid stains from flooring as soon as possible.

How to clean tile and stone floors

stone floors

The stone will often have been treated before leaving the factory. Otherwise it will stain easily, so it’s important to seal it with a proprietary sealer or, for terracotta and slate, use linseed oil. Once sealed, clean it with a mixture of mild detergent and water. However, it will need to be resealed at regular intervals to keep it looking its best.

Clean up any acid spill immediately.

Reconstituted stone should be sealed with a stain inhibitor and then impregnated with a top coat of water-based sealer. It will need to be resealed every two years. Ask your manufacturer or supplier for specific care advice and suitable products.

ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water solution and do not require sealing. Damp mop ceramic tile with a standard all-purpose cleaner. Dry the floor with a soft cloth to avoid scratches.

Never use harsh abrasive cleaners that can scratch the enamel.

slab, limestone, slate

Damp mop tile or slate floors with clean water, an all-purpose cleaning solution in warm water, or water to which fabric softener has been added. Wring out the mop until drip-free and apply it to the floor in slow, even motions. Ask the manufacturer to recommend the right cleaning product.

Clean up spills on unglazed floors right away or they could cause a stain.

Remove stubborn marks with white spirit, but always do a spot test first.

resilient floors

Vinyl, linoleum and rubber are durable and easy to care for. The amount of cleaning and maintenance depends on both your lifestyle and the color of the floor. Vacuum or brush regularly to remove dust and grit that could cause scratches on the floor, then clean weekly with your supplier’s recommended cleaning agent.

Remove scuff marks by gently rubbing with a scouring pad, the kind you’d use to clean nonstick cookware.

Clean the floor with mild detergent and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners, which can leave a dull film on your floor. Be careful with spray polishes and other silicone-based products, as they can make your floor very slippery, as can turpentine.