Are you making these common floor cleaning mistakes? Experts warn that these simple slip-ups can damage your carpets and hard flooring

Whatever floor you have in your home – laminate, hardwood, tile, vinyl or carpet – chances are you chose it primarily on how it looks. Yet, accidentally making these common floor cleaning mistakes can make even the most beautiful flooring look past its prime.

You might have landed on the best flooring idea, and you may love the visual appeal that it adds to your home, but the truth is, it's easier than you might realise to make a costly cleaning mistake, especially when using common floor cleaning tools like the best vacuums.

This is echoed by Elizabeth White, floor care specialist at Bissell, who says, 'It can be easy to cut corners when keeping on top of clean floors, but in reality this can lead to dull finishes, damaged surfaces and even shorten the lifespan of your flooring.' So, these are the common floor cleaning mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Not understanding your floor type

One of the biggest floor cleaning mistakes people make is treating all floor types the same. In reality, how you clean carpets will ultimately always differ from how you clean wooden floors, and you generally need to use different cleaning products, too.

'Using a one-size-fits-all approach to floor cleaning can ruin certain surfaces,' says Roisin Smith, professional cleaner at Wecasa. 'For example, too much water can warp hardwood, while acidic cleaners can etch natural stone.'

Keeping your floors in great condition starts with knowing what you're working with, agrees Natasha Brook, cleaning and laundry expert at Dr Beckmann. 'What works on tiles can cause damage to wood or laminate, so it’s important to always check compatibility before you begin,' she says.

Because of this, you should always understand what your flooring type needs and then tailor your cleaning method accordingly. This is the case whether you want to vacuum, steam clean, or mop every type of floor the right way.

2. Using dirty tools

You might think this goes without saying, but the cleaning pros say you'd be surprised at how often people don't use clean tools, often resulting in a common vacuum mistake or mopping mistake that can even make your floors dirtier.

'It may seem obvious, but using a grimy mop, full vacuum bag, or unwashed cloth can do more harm than good to your floors. Dirty tools simply redistribute dirt – and in some cases, bacteria – around your floor,' warns Elizabeth from Bissell.

The good news is that this floor cleaning mistake is easily avoided, as you just need to ensure you're regularly keeping on top of cleaning the things that clean for you. 'Rinse mops thoroughly after each use, launder microfibre pads regularly, and clean vacuum filters and brush rolls every few weeks (or more often if you have pets),' says Roisin.

Thankfully, cleaning a mop head is often as simple as popping it in the washing machine and cleaning a vacuum cleaner will soon become second nature the more you do it.

3. Cleaning in the wrong order

If you've debated vacuuming vs mopping, you're not alone. Let's face it, it's not always easy to tell whether you should vacuum or mop first – but cleaning in the wrong order is one of the biggest floor cleaning mistakes you can make.

And according to the experts, following the right sequence is key. 'Always vacuum or sweep before mopping to avoid turning dust and crumbs into stubborn smears,' says Natasha at Dr Beckmann.

If you mop first, you're just pushing dust and debris around, adds Polya from Fantastic Services. 'Always sweep or vacuum before mopping or steam cleaning to pick up loose dirt and particles.'

If you want to get rid of stains in a carpet, you should also follow the correct order, especially if using one of the best carpet cleaners. Focus on blotting the affected area first, pre-treat the stain, use the carpet cleaner, and then finish with a vacuum once it's completely dry.

4. Leaving stains or spills to settle

Busy households are prone to everyday spills and mess, and it's easy to neglect tackling them right away, especially when you're juggling countless other things! However, you'll run the risk of creating long-term issues if you do leave stains to set, says Elizabeth.

'On hard flooring, you could be left with warping, water marks and even mould; whilst on carpets, a dried-in stain can be difficult to lift and completely remove,' she says.

Polya Petrova, an appliance and cleaning professional at Fantastic Services echoes this. 'Liquids can stain or warp certain types of flooring, especially hardwood or laminate, and sticky spots attract more dirt.'

'Avoid it by cleaning up spills immediately, and ensure you're using the right cleaner for the type of stain and surface,' Polya advises.

5. Using too much cleaner or water

Less is more when it comes to applying cleaning products and water to tackle dirty floors, says Roisin from Wecasa. 'Excessive detergent can leave a sticky residue, and too much water can damage floors or even encourage mould,' she says. And this is the case when mopping or cleaning carpets.

To avoid this floor cleaning mistake when mopping, she suggests, 'Follow dilution instructions precisely and wring out mops well before applying to the floor. Rinse with clean water if necessary to remove product residue.'

This is also the case when deep cleaning carpets, says Elizabeth from Bissell, as this can also lead to unwelcome mould build-up within the carpet fibres. In extreme cases, it could even damage them beyond repair.

'You don’t need to apply excess water to your carpet to give it a deep clean. It will take a long time to dry and may smell less fresh than before you started.' So, only use what is recommended by the manufacturer of the carpet cleaner you choose.

6. Not cleaning regularly enough

Love it or hate it, your floors need regular TLC to preserve their shine – which brings us to the last of the common floor cleaning mistakes to avoid. Leave it too long between cleans and you'll cause dust and grime to build up, making your floors look dull.

'The buildup of small dirt particles can become abrasive, causing scratches and wearing down protective coatings over time,' says Elizabeth.

'Sticking to a simple routine of giving your flooring a thorough clean every week will ensure they look their best for longer,' she says.

This means that it may work in your favour to set a regular cleaning schedule you can stick to. In most cases, sweeping or vacuuming high-traffic floors daily and opting for a bigger, deeper clean once a week should be enough.

Floor cleaning essentials

FAQS

What is the correct order to clean a house?

We clean our homes on a daily (or near enough!) basis, but have you considered whether you could be cleaning it in the wrong direction? According to those in the know, though, there's a technique to follow if you want to be more efficient.

The cleaning experts at Zoflora recommend starting from the highest points in your house, such as the ceilings, light fixtures, and shelves, and working your way down. 'Always start upstairs and make your way down. Go room by room and stick to a schedule to ensure cleaning tasks don’t build up, leaving you overwhelmed.'

What is the most important thing for a clean floor?

The secret to a clean floor? We'd love to tell you there's a quick fix, but, like most things, you need to put the effort in if you want to see satisfying results. And keeping on top of your cleaning routine and ensuring you're using the right products is key to a clean floor, says Elizabeth from Bissell.

And if you've got pets or your floors are prone to a lot of dirt, you'll need to tackle them as part of your daily cleaning checklist. What's more, it'll save you time in the long run. 'It’s easier to maintain clean floors with frequent light cleaning than to tackle tough grime after long periods of neglect,' believes Roisin from Wecasa.

If you've been making any of these common floor cleaning mistakes, don't worry, a few simple changes will make all the difference.