Homes in Toronto and Mississauga face unique floor cleaning challenges every day. Winter salt, summer moisture, and heavy foot traffic can damage even the most durable floors when incorrect cleaning methods are used. Scratches, stains, and warping are often the direct result of improper care.
This guide shows you how to identify your floor type and clean it properly, step by step.
When regular cleaning is not enough, professional Mississauga home cleaners from Now It’s Clean provide expert floor care for homes across Toronto, Mississauga, and the GTA.
1. How to Clean Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors add warmth and beauty to your home, but they need gentle care. Using the right cleaning methods helps protect the wood and keeps your floors looking good for years.
How to Identify Hardwood Floors
Real hardwood features unique grain patterns, so no two boards look exactly the same. When you tap on the floor, it should sound solid rather than hollow. To confirm, check near air vents or along baseboards; you’ll see that hardwood is solid wood all the way through and may even show small nail holes from the original installation.
When to Clean Hardwood Floors
- Every day: Sweep or dust mop with a soft-bristle broom or microfiber mop to pick up dirt and debris
- Every week: Vacuum on the hard floor setting. Make sure the beater bar is turned off
- Every month: Damp mop using a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner
How to Clean Hardwood Floors Step by Step
Hardwood floors get damaged easily by water. Too much moisture causes permanent problems like warping and swelling of the wood.
Step 1: Remove all loose dirt by sweeping or vacuuming the entire floor. Never skip this step. Mopping over dirt can create scratches.
Step 2: Mix a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner with warm water. Read and follow the directions on the bottle. Never pour cleaner directly onto the floor without mixing it with water first.
Step 3: Dip your microfiber mop into the cleaning solution and squeeze it very well until it feels almost dry. If water drips when you lift the mop, it is too wet.
Step 4: Mop in the same direction as the wood grain. Work in small areas one at a time. This helps remove dirt and prevents scratches.
Step 5: Dry each area right away with a clean, soft cloth before moving to the next section. Never let water sit on hardwood floors, even for a few minutes.
Step 6: Once the entire floor is completely dry, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff it. This gives the floor extra shine.
Avoid These Hardwood Floor Cleaning Mistakes
- Too much water is the biggest enemy of hardwood floors. It makes the wood swell and bend in ways that cannot be fixed.
- Steam mops push heat and moisture deep into the wood, which causes serious damage over time.
- Vinegar and other acidic cleaners make the finish look dull. Repeated use can damage the protective coating.
- Wax or oil-based products leave a sticky layer behind. This attracts dirt and makes floors look cloudy.
Natural Cleaning Solution for Hardwood Flooring
Mix one gallon of warm water with two to three drops of mild dish soap. Test this mixture in a hidden corner first to make sure it works well on your floors.
Want to improve your overall cleaning routine? See our guide on 12 cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.
2. How to Clean Laminate Floors
Laminate flooring looks similar to real wood but needs different care. The top layer is a printed wood image covered by a clear protective surface, with a fiberboard core underneath. If laminate is cleaned like hardwood, it can be damaged quickly.
How to Identify Laminate Floors
To identify laminate flooring, look for repeating patterns. Because the surface is a printed image, knots and grain details will repeat across different boards. Sound is another clue; laminate floors are usually installed as floating floors, which can create a hollow clicking noise when you walk on them. Finally, check the edge of a board near a vent. Laminate shows layered materials instead of the continuous grain of solid wood.
When to Clean Laminate Floors
- Every day: Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop
- Every week: Vacuum on the hard floor setting. Make sure the beater brush is turned off
- Every month: Damp mop using laminate floor cleaner
How to Clean Laminate Floors Step by Step
The fiberboard inside laminate floors swells when it gets wet. Water that gets into the seams between boards can cause bubbling and bending. For this reason, it is very important to keep water away from the seams.
Step 1: Sweep or vacuum thoroughly to remove all loose dirt and dust.
Step 2: Mix laminate floor cleaner with water or add just a few drops of dish soap to warm water. Avoid products containing oil, wax, or polish, as these will leave a dulling residue on the surface.
Step 3: Spray the cleaning mixture directly onto your mop pad instead of spraying it on the floor. This helps you control how much liquid touches the floor. It also protects the seams between boards.
Step 4: Mop in sections using light and smooth strokes. Work quickly so the floor does not stay wet for long.
Step 5: Right away, go over the wet area with a dry microfiber cloth. Soak up any water left behind before it can leak into the seams.
Step 6: Let the floors dry completely before you walk on them again.
Avoid These Laminate Floors Cleaning Mistakes
- Too much water causes the fiberboard core to swell, leading to bubbles, warping, and gaps between boards.
- Steam mops force moisture deep into the layers, which can cause permanent damage.
- Wax, polish, or oil products leave a film behind. This makes laminate look cloudy or yellow over time.
- Letting spills sit gives liquid time to soak into the seams and cause damage.
Natural Cleaning Solution for Laminate Flooring
Mix one gallon of warm water with one teaspoon of unscented dish soap or baby shampoo. Use very little liquid on your mop. Dry the floor right away after mopping.
3. How to Clean Vinyl and LVP Floors
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for many GTA homeowners. Modern luxury vinyl planks (LVP) mimic the appearance of real wood or stone while offering superior water resistance. This makes vinyl an ideal option for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements because these are areas where moisture would typically damage hardwood or laminate.
How to Identify Vinyl Floors
Press your fingernail gently into the floor surface. Vinyl has a little bit of softness and gives a little when you press. Hard floors like tile do not bend at all. Vinyl feels warmer under your bare feet than tile does. It also feels softer than laminate. Vinyl is waterproof on top, so water sits on the surface instead of soaking in. When you walk on vinyl barefoot, it feels cushioned and comfortable with a slightly rubbery texture.
When to Clean Vinyl Floors
- Every day: Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt, sand, and small sharp bits
- Every week: Damp mop using vinyl floor cleaner or mild soap mixed with water
- Every month: Deep clean with vinyl cleaner. Focus on the busy areas that get the most foot traffic
How to Clean Vinyl Floors Step by Step
Dirt and small sharp particles are the main enemies of vinyl floors. Even though vinyl is tough, sharp bits can scratch the surface if you let them pile up.
Step 1: Sweep or vacuum carefully with a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the floor.
Step 2: Mix warm water with a vinyl floor cleaner, or add one cup of apple cider vinegar to one gallon of water.
Step 3: Dip your microfiber mop into the mixture and wring out the extra water. Vinyl handles moisture better than wood or laminate, but you should not leave puddles on the floor.
Step 4: Mop in sections. Start from the far end of the room and work your way toward the door.
Step 5: For tough spots and stains, let the cleaning solution sit on them for a few minutes. Then scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth.
Step 6: Rinse with clean water if you need to. Then let the floor air dry.
Avoid These Vinyl Floors Cleaning Mistakes
- Rough or gritty cleaners can scratch vinyl surfaces and make floors look dull and worn.
- Oil-based cleaners leave a sticky film that attracts dirt instead of keeping the floor clean.
- Using straight bleach without diluting it can discolor vinyl.
- Dragging heavy furniture across vinyl can cause scratches and dents. Always lift furniture or use felt pads under the legs.
Natural Cleaning Solution for Vinyl Flooring
One cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with one gallon of warm water effectively removes grease and grime. It does not leave chemical residue behind. Add a few drops of essential oil if you want your floors to smell fresh.
4. How to Clean Tile and Grout Floors
Tile floors are common in Toronto bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways because they handle water and heavy foot traffic well. The tile surface is easy to clean, but the grout between the tiles is more challenging. Grout is porous, which means it has tiny holes that quickly absorb dirt, stains, and germs.
How to Identify Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Flooring
Tile floors have visible grout lines between each piece. The tiles are usually the same size and shape with straight edges. If you place a small drop of water on the surface, glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles will cause the water to bead up instead of soaking in. Tile also feels cooler to the touch than vinyl or laminate.
When to Clean Tile Floors
- Every day: Sweep busy areas to stop dirt from getting ground into the grout lines
- Every week: Mop with pH-neutral tile cleaner or diluted vinegar
- Every month: Deep clean grout lines using baking soda paste
How to Clean Tile Floors Step by Step
Grout needs extra attention because it soaks up dirt and stains. Regular mopping cannot get these stains out.
Step 1: Sweep or vacuum using a soft brush attachment. This gets dirt out of the grout lines.
Step 2: Mix one gallon of warm water with one quarter cup of white vinegar and a small squeeze of dish soap. Do not use vinegar on natural stone tiles.
Step 3: Mop in small sections. Change your water often when it gets dirty. Mopping with dirty water just spreads the grime around instead of cleaning.
Step 4: For grout cleaning, mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Spread this paste on the grout lines. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Scrub the grout with a stiff nylon brush using firm circular motions. Do not use metal brushes. They can scratch the tile and damage the grout.
Step 6: Rinse the whole floor with clean water. Dry it with a clean cloth to stop water spots and mineral buildup from forming.
Avoid These Tile Flooring Cleaning Mistakes
- Sponge mops push dirty water into grout lines instead of lifting the dirt out.
- Letting tile air dry leaves mineral spots and water marks on the surface.
- Skipping grout cleaning makes even clean tile look dirty and grey.
- Steel wool or rough scrubbers scratch the shiny glaze on tile surfaces.
Natural Cleaning Solution for Tile Flooring
The vinegar and dish soap mixture works great for tile. Baking soda paste is perfect for cleaning grout. Both are completely safe and have no toxic chemicals.
5. How to Clean Natural Stone Floors
Natural stone floors, such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and slate, add beauty and luxury to any home. They also require the most careful cleaning of all floor types. Using the wrong product even once can cause permanent damage, including etching, staining, or color changes.
How to Identify Natural Stone
Natural stone has unique patterns that do not repeat, so every piece looks different. Marble usually has flowing veins, granite has small speckled dots, and slate has layered textures you can see and feel. When you run your hand across the surface, you can feel the depth and texture. Marble feels smooth and cool, while granite feels slightly grainy and rough.
Another way to identify natural stone is with a simple test. Place a small drop of vinegar on a hidden area. If it fizzes or bubbles, the stone is calcium-based, such as marble or limestone. Rinse the vinegar off immediately after testing.
When to Clean Natural Stone Floors
- Every day: Dust mop with a clean dry mop
- Every week: Damp mop using pH-neutral stone cleaner mixed with water
- Every month: Deep clean and check if the floor needs to be sealed again
How to Clean Natural Stone Floors Step by Step
Natural stone reacts badly to acids and harsh chemicals. Acidic cleaners can etch and dull stones like marble and limestone, and this damage is permanent. Always use pH-neutral cleaners made specifically for natural stone.
Step 1: Dust mop or vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Get rid of all dirt and grit that could scratch the surface.
Step 2: Mix a pH-neutral stone cleaner with water and follow the directions on the bottle carefully. Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or any acidic cleaners on natural stone.
Step 3: Dip your microfiber mop in the mixture and wring it out well. Stone absorbs water easily, so use as little liquid as possible.
Step 4: Mop small areas at a time. Rinse your mop often in clean water so you do not spread dirt around.
Step 5: Dry the floor completely with a soft clean cloth. Never let water sit on natural stone. Do not let it air dry either.
Avoid These Natural Stone Flooring Cleaning Mistakes
- Vinegar, lemon, and other acidic cleaners permanently damage marble, limestone, and travertine. Once this damage occurs, it cannot be repaired.
- Many regular floor cleaners contain acids or harsh chemicals that can harm natural stone.
- Letting spills sit causes stains because stone absorbs liquids quickly.
- Forgetting to seal the stone leaves it unprotected. Most natural stones need fresh sealant every one to three years.
Natural Cleaning Solution for Natural Stone Flooring
Plain warm water with just one drop of pH-neutral dish soap cleans safely. There is no risk of acid damage. Always test any cleaner in a hidden spot first before using it on the whole floor.
6. How to Clean Concrete Floors
Concrete floors have moved beyond basements and garages into stylish living spaces all across GTA homes. Whether polished to a high shine or left with a simple matte look, concrete floors are tough and easy to take care of when you use the right methods.
How to Identify What Type of Concrete You Have
- Polished concrete has a shiny and reflective surface. It looks almost like polished stone.
- Sealed concrete has a matte or slightly shiny finish. Water beads up on top instead of soaking in.
- Stained concrete shows color on the surface or all the way through the concrete.
- Unfinished concrete looks rough and grey. Water soaks into it right away.
When to Clean Concrete Floors
- Every day: Sweep or dust mop polished concrete to prevent scratches
- Every week: Mop with pH-neutral cleaner
- Every month: Deep clean and take care of any stains
How to Clean Concrete Floors Step by Step
Concrete has tiny pores that can absorb stains, especially if the floor is not sealed. Cleaning up spills quickly helps prevent permanent staining.
Step 1: Sweep or vacuum to get rid of all loose dirt and dust.
Step 2: Mix pH-neutral floor cleaner with warm water.
Step 3: Mop in sections using a microfiber mop. Sealed concrete can handle more water than wood or laminate floors.
Step 4: For stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it on the stain and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then scrub with a soft brush.
Step 5: For oil stains on unfinished concrete, pour cat litter over the stain to soak up the oil. Leave it overnight. Then sweep it up and scrub the spot with dish soap and warm water.
Step 6: Rinse with clean water and let the floor dry completely.
Avoid These Concrete Floors Cleaning Mistakes
- Acidic cleaners can dull the shine on polished concrete and damage the finish.
- Too much water on unsealed concrete causes stains or leaves white salt marks.
- Not sealing concrete makes it much harder to keep clean.
Natural Cleaning Solution for Concrete Flooring
Warm water with a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap works great for everyday cleaning. Baking soda paste handles tough stains safely without harsh chemicals.
When to Call a Professional Cleaning Company
Sometimes floors need more than regular home cleaning. Dirt and grime build up deep in grout lines, seams, and surface pores where normal cleaning cannot reach. Professional deep cleaning removes this buildup and restores the look of your floors.
You should call a professional when stains will not come out, floors still look dull after cleaning, or grout stays grey no matter how much you scrub. Homeowners also rely on professional cleaning to remove renovation dust, fix winter salt damage, and prepare a home for sale.
Now It’s Clean provides reliable house cleaning and floor care across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Scarborough, Etobicoke, North York, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Thornhill. Our trained, background-checked, and fully insured cleaners handle all major floor types and offer transparent pricing, eco-friendly options, and over 700 positive Google reviews with a satisfaction guarantee.
Conclusion
Cleaning floors properly comes down to knowing what type of floor you have and using the right method for it. A cleaner that works well on tile can damage hardwood, and a method that is safe for vinyl can ruin natural stone. Using the wrong approach often leads to scratches, stains, and long-term damage.
In the GTA, floors deal with extra stress from winter salt, summer humidity, and everyday dirt tracked indoors. When you understand your floor material and follow the correct cleaning steps, you can protect your floors and keep them looking good year-round.
When regular home cleaning is not enough, Now It’s Clean helps homeowners across Toronto, Mississauga, and the GTA with professional residential cleaning. Contact us for a quote and enjoy clean, well-maintained floors without the guesswork.