Cleaning floors requires an understanding of the flooring material and the proper handling of cleaning products. Depending on the material, the need for soap and water varies. Here we present different types of flooring and recommendations for mopping them effectively and gently.
Last edited on March 6, 2025
Wipe, mop, scrub – we have many words for it, but most often we mean the same thing: to wet clean the floors in one way or another.
Different floor materials require different cleaning methods. If you have a new floor and know the manufacturer, you can easily follow their care instructions.
"If not, you can use this list below with recommendations for different types of flooring."
1. Softwood floors such as spruce or pine that have not been varnished are usually referred to as scrub floors. Scrub floors easily get stains but become like new again after scrubbing. These floors can withstand a lot of soap and water.
Here's how:
Use a over-fatty soap – this is important because the fat content in the soap treats the floor.
Scrub with cold water and brush (preferably a levang, a scrubbing brush with a handle).
Add 1–3 dl of soap per 10 liters of water.
Scrub until you are satisfied with the result.
2. Painted or lacquered wooden floors
These floors require significantly less soap than scrubbing floors.
Here's how:
Use 1–2 tablespoons soap per 10 liters of water.
Wipe with a soft mop – do not use a scrubbing brush, as it can damage the paint or finish.
Work in even strokes to pick up all the dirt.
3. Vinyl floors and vinyl carpets
Plastic is not a natural material and does not absorb fat, therefore very little soap is needed.
Here's how:
Use warm water and a small amount of soap.
If the floor becomes sticky from too much soap – wipe again with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
4. Marble floors
Marble is a calcium-rich stone that is both hard and delicate.
Here's how:
Use thick soap in a small amount (1–3 pumps in 10 liters of water).
Wipe with a soft mop – no hard brushes.
Never use vinegar! Marble is sensitive to acids that dissolve calcium.
5. Parquet floors
Parquet flooring consists of hard woods in thin pieces and does not tolerate much moisture.
Here's how:
Use very little water and soap.
For daily cleaning, use a damp microfiber mop.
For more thorough cleaning, wring out the mop properly and use a small amount of soap.
Avoid sour cleaning agents and vinegar.
6. Linoleum floor
Linoleum contains natural ingredients such as linseed oil, wood resin, and cork flour.
To think about:
New linoleum flooring – follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Are you unsure if the floor is linoleum or plastic? Feel the surface – if it gives a little and smells slightly sour when wet mopping, it is likely linoleum.
"Excessive caution around linoleum floors is often due to a desire to sell specialty products – use common sense!"
7. Clinker and stone
These durable floors benefit from fat soap.
Here's how:
Dose 1 tbsp soap per 10 liters of water.
Use fatty soap (e.g. Västerbottenssåpa) to keep the floor shiny and reduce the need for tile oil.
Soap for all floors! Choose a gentle and effective soap tailored for your floor. See our entire range here!
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Questions and answers
- What type of floor requires a lot of soap and water when wet mopping?
Softwood floors, such as spruce or pine, require a lot of soap and water to restore them to their fine condition.
- What should one avoid when cleaning a marble floor?
When cleaning a marble floor, it is important to avoid using vinegar, as marble is calcium-rich and can be damaged by acids.
- Why should one be sparing with water when cleaning parquet floors?
Parquet floors, made of thin pieces of wood, should be cleaned with very little water to avoid damage to the wood.
- How can you determine if a carpet is made of plastic or linoleum?
A plastic mat feels stiff with a hard surface, while a linoleum mat gives a little when you press with your nail and may also emit a slight sour smell when damp mopping.
Order natural cleaning products here: Västerbottenssåpa