Homeowners often rely on everyday household cleaning products to keep floors pristine, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens. However, a flooring specialist has revealed seven cleaners that should never be used on wood floors to prevent scratching, discolouration, and warping.
Expert Warns of 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."
The Seven Products to Avoid
1. Bleach
Bleach is far too abrasive for many flooring materials and can cause fading, discolouration, or even deterioration. Chenery noted: "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 spilt, it should be addressed immediately to avoid damage.
2. Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Ammonia-based cleaners are abrasive and can quickly wear down protective coatings, leaving floors vulnerable to marks and stains. Chenery advised: "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
While vinegar is a popular cleaning solution, its acidic properties can strip away or dull protective finishes on hardwood or laminate flooring. Chenery said: "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."
4. Steam Mops
Steam mops can cause moisture to penetrate flooring joints, raising the risk of warping, especially on moisture-sensitive surfaces like laminate. Chenery 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
Harsh scrubbers can remove protective coatings and create scratches. Chenery recommended using a soft microfibre cloth designed for flooring instead.
6. Furniture Polish
Furniture polish can leave a slippery residue that makes floors unsafe to walk on and builds up over time. Chenery advised prioritising pH-neutral floor cleaner instead.
7. Too Much Water
Excessive water use during cleaning can cause warping. Spills should be dealt with immediately. Chenery concluded: "By avoiding these cleaning tools, anyone can enhance the longevity of their flooring."
