How To Clean Your Floors Like a Professional

Want your floors to sparkle like they were cleaned by a pro? Whether you’re maintaining hardwood, tile, laminate, or stone, the key to cleaning the floor correctly is knowing which method works best for each surface type.

Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, the right tools to use, and what cleaning solutions work best – so you can get results that truly shine.

Start with the Basics: Know Your Floor Type

There are 5 common types of hard floors you may be cleaning:

1. Swedish Finish Wood
2. Old Wood
3. Tile or Linoleum
4. Pergo or Bamboo (Laminate)
5. Stone, Terrazzo, Granite, or Marble

Each requires a different approach when it comes to cleaning the floor effectively and safely.

Cleaning Swedish Finish Wood Floors

These floors are common in modern homes and have a shiny, hard surface.

• Solution: 1 tablespoon white vinegar per 1 gallon of warm water
• Tools: Damp microfiber mop
• Process: Mop lightly, then dry the floor thoroughly to avoid water spots
• Avoid: Murphy’s Oil Soap – it leaves residue and causes squeaks or dullness

Cleaning Old Wood Floors

Older floors are often porous and worn, soaking up more moisture and dirt.

• Solution: Either:
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon warm water, or
  • 1/4 cup Murphy’s Oil Soap in 1 gallon warm water
• Tools: Damp mop (not dripping)
• Tips: Never place a wet mop bucket directly on the floor – use a towel underneath. Always dry the floor to prevent water spots or rings.

Cleaning Tile or Linoleum Floors

These floors are more durable and forgiving, but they still benefit from proper care.

• Solution: 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 gallon warm water
• Spot Treatment: Use a soft-bristle brush or the scrubby side of a sponge
• Finish: Dry the floor to avoid streaks or mineral spots

Cleaning Pergo & Bamboo (Laminate) Floors

These floors are beautiful but sensitive to moisture and residue. Always treat them like laminate – not real wood.

• Solution: 1 tablespoon vinegar in 1 gallon warm water
• Alternative: 1:1 vinegar and water spray bottle for spot mopping
• Tools: Damp microfiber mop or terrycloth over a Swiffer
• Tip: Always dry immediately to prevent streaks and damage

Cleaning Stone, Terrazzo, Granite, or Marble Floors

These natural materials are highly sensitive to acids like vinegar. Acidic cleaners will etch and ruin the surface.

• Solution: Warm water only, or water with 1/2 teaspoon Murphy’s Oil Soap per gallon
• Tools: Soft mop or microfiber
• Important: Dry the floor thoroughly to avoid mineral spots

Cleaning the Floor Steps

Sweep or Vacuum First

Before cleaning the floor with any liquid, remove all dust, debris, and hair.

• Vacuum preferred: Canister vacuums are ideal for hard floors
• Why it matters: Cleaner mop water = cleaner results. Don’t just smear dirt around.

Mopping the Floor

• Choose the right cleaning solution based on your floor type
• Use a microfiber mop or one with a removable, washable head
• Mop lightly – the goal is to wipe up, not soak
• Re-wet your mop regularly and change the water when it gets dirty
• Place a towel under your bucket to prevent scratches on delicate flooring

A damp mop should act like a dishcloth – enough to lift dirt, not flood the surface.

The Pro Secret: Dry the Floor

Drying is a crucial step in cleaning the floor that most people skip.

• Why dry?
  • Removes leftover dirt from mop water
  • Prevents water spots and streaks
  • Helps floors dry faster and safer
• How to do it:
  • Use a clean towel on hands and knees, or
  • Use a “sh-mop” (a mop with a removable cotton towel) to dry while standing
  • Swap out towels as they get damp or dirty

Tip: You’ll be surprised how much grime is left behind – even after mopping.

Optional Add-Ons for Better Cleaning

If you need extra cleaning power (grease or sticky floors), try this homemade solution:

• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1/3 cup water
• 2–3 drops dish soap

Spray lightly, mop, and dry immediately. Ideal for laminate or vinyl – not for natural stone.

Cleaning the Floor Right

Getting floors clean like a professional is about using the right method for the surface, keeping moisture to a minimum, and drying after mopping.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Match your cleaner to your floor type
• Sweep or vacuum first
• Use a damp, not soaked, mop
• Dry every time for spotless results

Your floors will look freshly cleaned, streak-free, and cared for – without spending a fortune or calling in the pros.