How to Clean Your Floors Like a Professional

We all know the feeling of a freshly cleaned room—the immediate feeling of calm and comfort. As much as we want this for every space in our home, sometimes cleaning can feel like a chore. If you spend too much time cleaning or don’t like the results, here’s how to clean your floors like a pro.

Essential Cleaning Tools

Before diving into cleaning techniques, it’s important to have the right tools for the job. Having the right equipment on hand can save you time and frustration, as well as make your cleaning more effective.

Vacuum Cleaner: This is a must-have for cleaning most floor types, especially carpets. Choose a vacuum with adjustable settings for different surfaces, including hard floors and deep carpets.
Broom and Dustpan: If your vacuum isn’t designed for hard flooring, a good broom and dustpan set is essential. Look for a broom with sturdy bristles that can pick up fine dust and debris.
Microfiber Mop: A microfiber mop is gentle on your floors while still effectively removing dirt and stains—great for hardwood, laminate, and tile. Make sure you have a mop head that’s easy to clean or replace.
Cleaning Cloths: Microfiber cloths are great for wiping up spills and cleaning surfaces. They trap dust and dirt without spreading it.
Floor Cleaner: Invest in a quality floor cleaner suited for your floor type. Wood floors, tiles, and carpets all require different cleaning solutions. Be sure to read labels to avoid using products that could damage your floors.

Spot-Treating Stains

Soapy sponge scrubbing out stain in carpet

Stains happen—whether it’s a spilled drink, a pet accident, or muddy footprints. The key to maintaining clean floors is knowing how to spot-treat stains quickly and properly. Different types of floors, especially carpets, need different ways to remove stains. It is important to use the right cleaner and method.

What Types of Cleaners to Use: For carpets, choose a stain remover made for your carpet type. It’s best to use one that is non-toxic. For hard floors, check that your cleaner is appropriate for your floor type, as some cleaners may damage certain finishes. A DIY mix of equal parts vinegar and water can help with many stains, especially on tile or laminate floors.
How to Treat Stains Effectively: When cleaning a stain, act fast. Blot (don’t rub) the stain with a clean cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Apply your cleaner and gently blot again. For stubborn stains, use a soft brush to gently lift dirt without damaging the surface.
How Quickly Do You Need to Clean a Stain? The sooner you tackle a stain, the better. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than dried ones, so try to address spills and accidents right away. If you miss the initial window, don't panic. Dried stains may require a little more elbow grease and a specialized cleaner, but they can still be removed with the right method.

By learning how to spot-treat stains quickly and correctly, you’ll prevent them from setting in and causing long-term damage to your floors.

Vacuum After Dusting and Cleaning Surfaces

One of the best ways to clean your floors is to follow a specific order. First, dust and clean surfaces. Then, vacuum the floors. If you dust and wipe down furniture and shelves first, you'll inevitably dislodge dust, dirt, and debris that will fall onto your floors. If you vacuum before, you’ll just need to vacuum again, wasting time and effort.

Here’s the ideal order for cleaning a room:

Dust and clean all surfaces, including shelves, tables, and counters.
Clean any other horizontal areas, like baseboards and windowsills.
Vacuum your floors thoroughly, working your way around the room, paying attention to corners where dust tends to accumulate.

By following this method, you’ll avoid having to backtrack and re-clean your floors after dusting and cleaning surfaces. It’s a simple but effective way to save time while ensuring your home stays clean.

Don’t Delay Cleaning a Mess: Build a Routine

When it comes to floor cleaning, procrastination can lead to big messes. It's easy to ignore crumbs, dirt, or spills when you're in a hurry. However, these small messes build up over time and become harder to clean. The key to keeping your floors spotless is to develop a regular cleaning routine that works for you.

Create a Schedule: One of the best ways to stay on top of cleaning is by scheduling regular cleaning times. If you can, try to vacuum or sweep at least once a week. For high-traffic areas, consider cleaning more often to keep dirt from building up.
Daily Touch-Ups: Even if you're not ready to do a full clean, try to do small touch-ups each day. Sweep up any debris, quickly spot-treat any stains, and wipe up spills as soon as they happen. This will prevent little messes from turning into major tasks.
Find Your Rhythm: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to cleaning routines. Some people prefer to clean in short bursts throughout the week, while others like to do one deep clean each weekend. Find what works best for you and stick with it. A regular routine makes floor cleaning feel less overwhelming.

By tackling small messes regularly and sticking to a routine, you'll save time in the long run.