How to mop your different floors

Wet-cleaning floors – what do we really mean?

 

Wipe, mop, scrub – we have many words for it, but usually we mean the same thing: wet-cleaning the floors in one way or another.

Different flooring 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 the list below with recommendations for different types of flooring.

1. Scrubbed floors made of softwood

Softwood floors such as spruce or pine that have not been varnished are usually called scrubbed floors. Scrubbed floors stain easily but become like new again after scrubbing. These floors can withstand plenty of soap and water.

How to do it:

1. Use superfatted soap – this is important because the soap’s fat content treats the floor.

2. Scrub with cold water and a brush (preferably a levang, a scrubbing brush with a handle).

3. Add 1–3 dl of soap per 10 litres of water.

4. Scrub until you are satisfied with the result.

 

2. Painted or varnished wooden floors

These floors require significantly less soap than scrubbed floors.

How to do it:

1. Use 1–2 tablespoons of pump soap per 10 litres of water.

2. Wipe with a soft mop – do not use a scrubbing brush, as it may damage the paint or varnish.

3. Work in even strokes to remove all the dirt.

 

 

3. Plastic floors and vinyl flooring

Plastic is not a natural material and does not absorb grease, so very little soap is needed.

How to do it:

1. Use warm water and a small amount of all-purpose soappump soap.

2. If the floor becomes sticky from using too much soap, wipe it again with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.

 

 

4. Marble floors

Marble is a lime-rich stone that is both hard and delicate.

How to do it:

1. Use fatty soap pump in a small amount (1–3 pumps in 10 liters of water).

2. Wipe with a soft mop—no hard brushes.

3. Never use vinegar. Marble is sensitive to acids that dissolve lime.

 

5. Parquet floors

 

Parquet floors consist of hardwood in thin pieces and cannot tolerate much moisture.

How to do it:

1. Use very little water and all-purpose soappump soap.

2. For daily cleaning, use a damp microfiber mop.

3. For more thorough cleaning, wring out the mop well and use a small amount of soap.

4. Avoid acidic cleaning products and vinegar.

 

 

6. Linoleum floors

 

Linoleum contains natural ingredients such as linseed oil, wood resin, and cork flour.

Things to keep in mind:

- If you have new linoleum floors, follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

- Are you unsure whether the floor is linoleum or plastic? Feel the surface—if it gives slightly and smells faintly sour when mopped, it is probably linoleum.

- Excessive caution regarding linoleum floors is often due to a desire to sell special products—use common sense!

 

7. Tiles and stone

These durable floors benefit from thick soap.

How to do it:

1. Measure 1 tbsp pump soap per 10 litres of water.

2. Use thick soap (e.g. Västerbottenssåpa) to keep the floor shiny and reduce the need for tile oil.

 

Soap for every floor! Choose a gentle and effective soap suited to your floor. See our full range here! 

 

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Questions and answers 

1. Which type of floor requires plenty of soap and water when wet-mopping?

Scrubbed floors made of softwoods, such as spruce or pine, need plenty of soap and water to restore them to their fine condition.

 

2. What should you avoid when cleaning a marble floor?

When cleaning a marble floor, it is important to avoid using vinegar, as marble is rich in lime and can be damaged by acids.

 

3. Why should you use little water when cleaning parquet floors?

Parquet floors, made of thin pieces of wood, should be cleaned with very little water to avoid damaging the wood.

 

4. How can you tell whether a mat is made of plastic or linoleum?

A plastic floor mat feels rigid with a hard surface, while a linoleum mat gives slightly when you feel it with your fingernail and may also emit a slight sour smell when wet-mopped.

 

Order natural cleaning products here: Västerbottenssåpa