How to Clean Different Types of Floors: A Simple Guide from Your Local Flooring

Are you cleaning your floors the right way? Many homeowners in Spokane accidentally damage hardwood, tile, or vinyl. Using the wrong products or methods can ruin a floor's finish in just a few cleanings.

As a trusted flooring supplier in Spokane, we've helped thousands of homeowners choose and care for their floors. This guide shares the simple cleaning steps that protect your investment.

Below, you'll learn how to deep clean hardwood, tile, and vinyl floors safely. We'll also cover daily maintenance tips and signs it may be time for new flooring.

How Do You Properly Clean Different Types of Floors?

To properly clean different types of floors, match your method to the material. For hardwood, use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner—never soak the wood. For tile, mix warm water with mild dish soap and scrub grout lines with a soft brush. For vinyl or linoleum, sweep first, then mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner. Avoid bleach, steam mops on hardwood, and abrasive scrubbers on all surfaces. Clean high-traffic areas weekly and deep clean monthly.

One of the most common mistakes we see at our Spokane showroom? Customers using steam mops on hardwood. The heat and moisture seem like a good idea, but they break down the finish and cause boards to warp over time.

How to Deep Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add warmth and value to any Spokane home. But they need gentle care to stay beautiful. Too much water is the enemy of wood flooring.

Start by sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment. This removes grit and dirt that can scratch the surface. Do this before every deep clean.

Next, use a damp microfiber mop—not a wet one. Wring out as much water as possible. The mop should feel barely damp to the touch.

Choose a pH-neutral cleaner made for hardwood floors. Spray it lightly on the mop, not directly on the floor. Work in small sections and buff dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association, proper maintenance helps wood floors last for generations. They recommend against wet mops and steam cleaners, which can damage finishes over time.

Do:

• Sweep or vacuum before mopping
• Use a barely damp microfiber mop
• Choose pH-neutral or hardwood-specific cleaners
• Buff dry after cleaning

Don't:

• Use vinegar or acidic cleaners
• Steam mop hardwood floors
• Soak the floor with water
• Let spills sit on the surface

Looking for new hardwood or laminate flooring? → See our wood and laminate flooring selection

How to Deep Clean Tile Floors

Tile floors are durable and easy to clean when you use the right approach. The key is caring for both the tile and the grout between them.

Start by sweeping or vacuuming loose debris. This prevents dirt from turning into mud when you mop.

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or a tile-specific cleaner. Mop the floor in sections. For grout lines, use a soft-bristle brush—never metal, which can scratch.

Rinse the floor with clean water to remove any soap residue. Leftover cleaner can leave a dull film on your tiles.

Seal your grout every one to two years. Unsealed grout absorbs stains and moisture. Over time, this leads to discoloration and even mold growth. We've seen many Spokane homeowners need early tile replacement simply because their grout was never sealed.

Ceramic

• Most forgiving
• Handles most mild cleaners well

Porcelain

• Very durable
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers

Natural Stone

• Use stone-specific cleaners only

How to Deep Clean Vinyl or Linoleum Floors

Vinyl and linoleum floors are popular in Spokane homes for good reason. They handle moisture well and require less upkeep than hardwood. Still, the wrong products can cause fading and damage.

Sweep daily in high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways. This keeps grit from grinding into the surface when you walk.

For deep cleaning, mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner or a simple mix of water and dish soap. Use a soft mop and work in sections. Rinse with clean water if needed.

Wipe up spills quickly. Vinyl resists water, but standing liquids can seep into seams and cause staining. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.

3 Products to Avoid on Vinyl:

1. Bleach—can discolor and weaken the surface
2. Ammonia-based cleaners—breaks down the finish over time
3. Abrasive scrub pads—leaves visible scratches

Daily and Weekly Floor Maintenance Tips

Good habits keep your floors cleaner between deep cleans. A few minutes each day saves hours of scrubbing later.

Place doormats at every entry to your home. Spokane's seasons bring mud, rain, and grit that wear down floors fast. Mats catch most of it before it spreads.

Sweep or vacuum high-traffic zones every two to three days. Focus on hallways, kitchens, and living areas where dirt builds up quickly.

Wipe spills the moment they happen. This applies to hardwood, tile, and vinyl alike. Quick action prevents stains and water damage.

Use furniture pads under table legs, chairs, and couches. Area rugs in busy spots add extra protection. Both reduce scratches and wear patterns.

Schedule a deep clean once per month. Mark it on your calendar so it becomes routine.

Weekly Floor Care Checklist:

Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas

• Every 2–3 days

Wipe up spills

• Immediately

Shake out doormats

• Weekly

Check furniture pads for wear

• Weekly

Deep clean all floors

• Monthly

Try Our Flooring Visualizer Before You Buy

Our flooring visualizer takes out the guesswork. You can see your space changed right away.

Upload a photo of your room. Pick a product from our collection. Watch what happens instantly. The realistic picture shows you exactly how different floors will look in your actual space.

| Step 1: Upload your photo. | Step 2: Pick a product. | Step 3: See the change right away! |

Use the visualizer to pick your favorites online. Then ask for those specific samples to test in person. This gives you both online ease and hands-on proof.

Try the Pro Floors and Blinds Flooring Visualizer today!

When It's Time to Replace Your Floors

Even with perfect care, floors don't last forever. Here's how to tell if yours need replacing.

Deep scratches, gouges, or warping that cleaning won't fix are clear signs. If your hardwood has cupped or buckled, refinishing may not be enough.

Persistent stains or discoloration in vinyl and linoleum mean the damage has gone below the surface. No amount of scrubbing will bring back the original look.

Cracked or chipped tiles create safety hazards. Broken edges can cut bare feet, and moisture seeps into the subfloor beneath.

Water damage shows up as soft spots in hardwood or bubbling in vinyl. Press down with your foot—if the floor feels spongy, the subfloor may be compromised.

Laminate and vinyl floors typically last 15 to 25 years. Hardwood can last 50 to 100 years with proper care, but heavy wear without maintenance shortens that lifespan. When repairs cost more than replacement, it's time to consider new flooring.

Signs Your Floors Need Replacing:

• Deep scratches or gouges that won't buff out
• Warped, cupped, or buckled boards
• Permanent stains or fading
• Cracked, chipped, or loose tiles
• Soft spots or water damage
• Visible wear beyond what refinishing can fix

If your floors show these signs, it may be time for an upgrade. Visit Pro Floors and Blinds showroom at 6018 E Broadway Ave Suite #1 in Spokane or call us at (509) 866-6776 for a free flooring estimate.