The Best Floor Cleaner

Buying Guide

Sweeping and mopping can be among the toughest tasks you’ll tackle in your housecleaning chores. But part of the work can be done for you if you choose the right cleansers to tackle that layer of dirt and grime.

Today, there’s no shortage of floor cleaners on the market. They’ll promise the moon, but you won’t really know the results until you’ve used them to take on your floor challenges. If you look at the elements that make a good floor cleaner, you can track down one that will do the job well the first time.

First, though, it’s important to understand your floor types and make sure you’re choosing a cleaner that will keep them safe. You don’t want to damage your floors by using the wrong cleaner. Even if a cleaner promises to be safe for the type of flooring you have, check the manufacturer’s directions for your flooring and use only products that are approved.

Some floor cleaners say they’re safe for finished hardwoods. Unfinished hardwoods need special care, because these floors lack the sealing that keeps wood protected against moisture and harsh chemicals. Unfinished hardwoods are often found in older homes and are highly prized. White vinegar and mineral spirits are usually recommended for use on unfinished hardwoods.

Before applying cleaners to your floor, first check the ingredient label closely and follow the directions. Many cleaners are designed to be diluted in water, so you’ll probably only use a small amount in one or two gallons of water. Overdoing it could harm your floors or leave residue behind that makes your floors look not so clean.

If you aren’t 100% confident that your chosen floor cleaner is safe, don’t use it on the entire area just yet. Instead, do a patch test on a section of the floor and wait a couple of days to make sure you’ve gotten the desired results. Then you’ll be able to clean with confidence.

• As you’re considering quantity, look to see if you’ll need to dilute the cleaner in water. Often, you’re only using a small portion in a gallon or two of water. That means one container will likely last you a while.
• Vinegar can be a great floor cleaner, but many find the smell unpalatable. If you go this route, make sure you choose a cleaner that neutralizes the vinegar odor.
• Scents are often added to cleaners to make your house smell great. Lemon is a popular fragrance, but you can find other scents as well.
• If you’re eco-conscious, look for a cleaner made from plant-based ingredients.
• As valuable as cleansers can be to remove dirt, if they leave streaks or residue, your surfaces won’t look so clean. Make sure you’re choosing a cleaner that leaves a shiny, clear surface behind.
• The best way to keep your floors clean is to reduce dirt buildup. Doormats can go a long way in removing dirt from your shoes and the shoes of your visitors. You should also implement a shoes-off policy in your home, at least with regular occupants. Much of the dirt your floor cleaners are removing is carried in from outside on your feet.
• Some floors, like ceramic, can be cleaned with just water. Try that first before progressing to harsher cleansers.
• The type of mop also comes into play. The disposable pad floor cleaners are great for quick daily cleanups, but you’ll need a full bucket of water with cleanser at least once every week or two to get floors truly clean. A damp mop will do the trick with some flooring types, though, so make sure you know your floors and adjust your cleaning efforts accordingly.