Many homeowners rely on common household cleaning products to keep their floors looking fresh, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. This becomes even more important when you have pets and children, and keeping it clean can be a chore. To avoid scratching, discolouration and warping, a flooring expert has shared seven cleaners to “never” use.
Expert warns against common cleaning mistakes
Owen Chenery, flooring expert at Floor Giants, said: “Keeping floors clean is essential for maintaining a tidy aesthetic in the home. However, a range of commonly used products can often do more harm than good, causing discolouration, warping, or affecting the finish, leading to costly repairs. With this in mind, homeowners need to understand which cleaning items should be avoided, as using the wrong product or method can affect both the appearance and lifespan of their flooring.”
1. Bleach
According to the expert, bleach is way too harsh for many flooring materials and can cause fading, discolouration, or even damage. The expert said: “This is particularly important for people with laminate, vinyl or wooden floors, as bleach can leave flooring looking dull when used over prolonged periods. If bleach is accidentally spilt on these materials, it should be addressed immediately to avoid potential damage or colour changes.”
2. Ammonia-based cleaners
Owen said: “Additionally, I also recommend avoiding ammonia-based cleaners when addressing surfaces with a protective coating. These cleaning products are abrasive and can quickly wear down the finish, leaving the floor more vulnerable to marks, stains and general wear. While ammonia is commonly found in some household cleaning products, it is not always suitable for flooring. They’re generally used to clean glass or mirrors, so opting for a pH-neutral floor cleaner is a much safer way to remove dirt without damaging the surface.”
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is typically recommended for cleaning floors, but according to the pro, it depends on the surface material. It definitely shouldn’t be used on hardwood or laminate flooring, as the acidic nature can strip or dull finishes. Owen added: “While diluted vinegar can be useful for some household cleaning tasks, it’s generally best to avoid using it on flooring, as there are much safer alternatives that won’t risk harming the lifespan.”
4. Steam mops
Steam mops are an easy way to clean floors, but they should be used with caution, especially on moisture-sensitive surfaces, such as laminate. According to Owen, the steam can cause moisture to seep into the flooring joints, increasing the risk of warping. He added: “Even if the floor seems dry on the surface, repeated exposure to moisture from steam mops can cause a risk, so it’s best to avoid them unless the manufacturer specifies that they’re safe to use.”
5. Abrasive scrubbers
A common mistake people make when cleaning is using scrubbers that are too abrasive. This can strip protective finishes, cause scratches, and shorten a surface's lifespan. The expert said: “Instead, I recommend using a soft microfibre cloth, specifically designed for flooring. There are plenty of scrubbers available that can effectively target dirt, dust and stains without causing a risk of damage.”
6. Furniture polish
The flooring expert continued: “Some people use furniture polish when trying to make their floors look shinier, but this can actually create more problems than it solves. Furniture polish is designed for tables, cabinets and other furniture, not flooring, and can leave behind a slippery residue that makes the surface unsafe to walk on. This can quickly build up over time, causing more reasons to regularly clean. Instead, as mentioned, it’s best to prioritise pH-neutral floor cleaner.”
7. Too much water
It’s also important to avoid applying too much water to certain materials during the cleaning process to minimise the risk of warping. Any spillages should also be addressed immediately for the same reason. Owen added: “Overall, there are plenty of factors to consider when cleaning floors and using the right product can go a long way in achieving a tidy look throughout the home. By avoiding these cleaning tools, anyone can enhance the longevity of their flooring.”
