Hardwood, laminate and luxury vinyl floor care

What this guide covers

Hardwood, laminate and luxury vinyl can all be plank-shaped, but their surfaces, joins and tolerance for moisture differ. The correct routine depends on the exact floor and finish. This guide focuses on loose-soil removal, controlled damp cleaning and preventing avoidable damage.

Check the surface or item

Find the flooring brand, product name, installation paperwork or spare plank. Confirm whether wood is oiled, lacquered or another finish; whether laminate has water-resistant specifications; and whether vinyl is gluedown, click or another construction.

Inspect for open joins, chipped edges, lifted planks, worn coating and water damage. A cleaning method cannot repair a failed finish or moisture entering beneath the floor.

Check the vacuum head and wheels for grit and confirm the maker permits that equipment. Disable a rotating brush when it may mark the surface.

Before you start

Remove dry grit first with a soft broom, dust mop or suitable vacuum. Grit under a mop acts like an abrasive. Clean spills promptly using the floor maker's instructions and place warning signs or control access while any hard floor is damp.

Use a clean microfibre mop and prepare only the approved floor product at its labelled dilution. Patch test when the product or floor history is uncertain. Wring the mop thoroughly for materials that require only slight dampness.

A conservative approach

For hardwood, the National Wood Flooring Association recommends routine sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming with a bare-floor setting, and prompt attention to spills. Follow the finish manufacturer's cleaner guidance rather than treating all wood alike.

For laminate, manufacturer guidance commonly starts with dry cleaning and uses a slightly damp mop for periodic care. Keep liquid controlled, avoid leaving water on planks and dry the floor as instructed.

For luxury vinyl, remove loose grit and use a pH-neutral cleaner approved for vinyl flooring where the manufacturer permits it. Mop up spills, remove excess liquid and allow the floor to dry before use.

Work in small sections and change dirty water or pads. If a floor looks streaky, investigate product residue and equipment cleanliness before adding more cleaner.

What to avoid

• Do not flood hardwood, laminate or plank joins.
• Do not use a steam cleaner unless the exact flooring manufacturer explicitly approves it.
• Do not apply polish, wax, oil or restoration coatings intended for a different finish.
• Do not use bleach-based, abrasive or high-pH household products on vinyl unless its manufacturer names them as suitable.
• Do not scrub a raised edge or damaged coating.
• Do not use furniture polish or silicone products that can create a slippery film.
• Do not drag furniture or allow grit to remain beneath mats.

When to stop and seek advice

Stop when planks swell, edges lift, finish transfers to the pad, colour changes, the surface becomes unexpectedly slippery, or moisture may have entered below the floor. Isolate a wet area when it could create a slip or electrical risk.

Ask the flooring manufacturer, installer or a floor-care specialist about unknown finishes, widespread scratching, blackened wood, persistent odour, loose sections or water damage. These conditions need diagnosis before further wet cleaning.