What are common DIY mistakes when cleaning hardwood floors?
Common DIY mistakes include:
Using too much water: Excess moisture can seep into seams and cause warping.
Steam cleaning: Heat and moisture may damage the finish and wood.
Harsh cleaners: Ammonia, vinegar in high concentrations, or abrasive products can dull the finish.
Skipping regular sweeping: Dirt and grit can scratch the surface.
Using rough tools: Scrub brushes or beater-bar vacuums can leave marks.
Not checking the finish type: Different finishes require different cleaning methods.
Using manufacturer-approved products and a lightly damp mop can help protect hardwood floors. If you're unsure, a professional cleaner can typically help you avoid these mishaps.
How do I hire a pro to clean my hardwood floors?
When looking for a professional floor cleaner, make sure you complete the following steps:
Verify their insurance: A reputable cleaner should have general liability insurance to cover any potential damage to your property. Other licensing requirements vary by region.
Get several estimates: A proper estimate should detail the total cost, the cleaning method they plan to use, the types of cleaning solutions, and the total square footage being serviced. It should also provide a clear timeline for the work.
Read their reviews: Look for comments that mention professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail. Red flags include mentions of floors being left too wet, scuffs or scratches appearing after the service, or unexpected fees.
Look at their portfolios: Check for before-and-after photos of projects similar to yours. The pictures should show a noticeable improvement and a consistent, streak-free finish across the entire floor.
Find out if they have warranties: While formal warranties are uncommon for cleaning services, ask about a satisfaction guarantee. A good professional will stand by their work and address any issues if you’re not happy with the results.
Ask important questions: Before hiring, ask questions like, “What cleaning products do you use, and are they appropriate for my floor’s finish?” and “How do you protect my furniture and baseboards during the process?”
What factors affect the cost of cleaning hardwood floors?
There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:
The size of the area: The total square footage of the floors you need cleaned is one of the biggest factors in the final price.
The condition of your floors: Floors with heavy soiling, deep-set stains, or significant scuffing may require more time and effort to restore.
The type of cleaning service: A basic cleaning will cost less than more intensive services like deep cleaning, buffing, polishing, or minor scratch removal.
Furniture and prep work: The cost can increase if your pro needs to move a lot of heavy furniture out of the way before starting the job.
Your location: Labor costs for home services can vary from one region to another.
How do you clean hardwood, concrete, vinyl and laminate floors?
After you get new floors installed in your home, make sure you maintain them. Use these tips to keep your floors clean, shiny and polished.
How to Clean Concrete Floors
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the entire surface to remove loose debris. Mopping will require different substances based on the type of concrete floor. For a polished concrete floor, use a specialized polished concrete cleaner. For a painted concrete floor, use a mild all-purpose cleaner. A sealed concrete floor can be cleaned with dishwashing liquid, while an unsealed floor is best cleaned with trisodium phosphate and stain removers. Use kitty litter or cornstarch for grease stains, and distilled white vinegar for rust stains.
For more tips on how to clean and maintain your concrete floors, consult with your professional concrete flooring contractor.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
Cleaning hardwood floors typically requires a mop, bucket and some type of hardwood floor cleaner. Start by removing furniture and objects. Vacuum up all debris (or use a dust mop), moving with the grain. Spray your cleaner on a small section of the floor, and mop in a figure-eight motion, working backward. Make sure there are no puddles.
In high-traffic areas, you should mop one or two times per week. Low-traffic areas should be mopped at least once per month.
To ensure you're cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors properly, speak with your hardwood flooring installation specialist.
How to Clean Laminate Floors:
Start by vacuuming to remove dust, dirt and other debris. The best mop for laminate floors is a microfiber mop with a sprayer feature. Spray and mop one small area at a time to avoid standing liquid on the floor. Go over the floor with a dry microfiber cloth after mopping to make sure all liquid is gone.
Although you can use a damp mop, never use a wet mop on laminate floors. Moisture can cause the flooring to bubble, swell and buckle. Instead, use a dedicated laminate floor mop with a laminate floor cleaner spray. The best mop for laminate floors is typically made with microfiber, which picks up dirt and absorbs moisture well.
Consulting with your laminate flooring installer is a good idea if you've never had laminate floors and need more tips on how to clean them properly.
How to Clean Vinyl Floors
Cleaning vinyl plank flooring is easy. Start by sweeping and vacuuming up dirt, dust and debris. Then use a damp — not wet — mop or rag with warm water. While vinyl is waterproof, an excessive amount of water can leak between the seams and affect the glue bond with the floor. When you feel a chemical is needed, make sure to choose cleaning products safe for vinyl planks.
Reach out to your vinyl flooring installer for tips on how to further maintain and care for your vinyl floors.
For more tips, read our guide on how to clean and maintain all types of flooring.
How often should I get my hardwood floor professionally cleaned?
The recommended frequency for professional cleaning depends on foot traffic, pets, and overall wear.
General recommendations include:
Low-traffic homes: Every 12–18 months.
Homes with pets or kids: Every six to 12 months.
High-traffic areas: Every three to six months as needed.
Before refinishing: To remove buildup and assess the finish.
Regular sweeping and damp mopping between professional cleanings can extend the life of your floor’s finish and maintain its appearance.
Is professional hardwood floor cleaning worth it?
Professional cleaning can be worth it if you want to keep your hardwood floors looking their best for longer.
Benefits include:
Removes deeply embedded dirt and grit that DIY methods miss
Restores shine and uniform appearance
Helps maintain the protective finish
Uses appropriate products that won’t harm the wood
Can identify wear areas before they become damaged
If your floors are heavily soiled, dull, or haven’t been cleaned in a long time, a pro can often achieve better results than typical home methods. For routine upkeep, DIY maintenance between professional cleanings still helps.
What do pros use to clean hardwood floors?
Professionals use specialized tools and wood-safe products to clean hardwood floors without damaging the finish.
Common tools and products include:
Commercial-grade vacuums: With soft brush attachments to remove grit safely.
Microfiber mops: Designed to trap dirt while using minimal moisture.
pH-neutral hardwood cleaners: Formulated specifically for sealed wood floors.
Auto scrubbers (low-moisture): Machines that clean efficiently without oversaturating.
Buffers: To restore shine on finished floors.
Protective finishes: Maintenance coats or refreshers when needed.
Experienced pros should know how to avoid excess water, harsh chemicals, and steam to protect the wood and its finish.