How to mop your different floors

Wet-cleaning floors – what do we really mean?

 

Wipe, mop, scrub – we have many words for it, but most often we mean the same thing: wet-cleaning 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 simply follow their care instructions.

If not, you can use the list below with recommendations for different floor types.

1. Scrubbed wooden floors made of softwood

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

Here's how:

1. Use a superfatting 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 long-handled scrubbing brush).

3. Add 1–3 dl of soap per 10 liters 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 wooden floors.

Here's how:

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

2. Wipe with a soft mop – do not use a scrubbing brush, as it can 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.

Here's how:

1. Use warm water and a small amount of all-purpose cleanersoap pump.

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 limestone-rich stone that is both hard and delicate.

Here's how:

1. Use a small amount of rich soap in a pump bottle (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 limestone.

 

5. Parquet floors

 

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

Here's how:

1. Use very little water and all-purpose cleanersoap pump.

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 vinyl? Feel the surface—if it gives slightly and smells faintly sour when mopped, it is probably linoleum.

- Excessive caution around linoleum floors often stems from wanting to sell special products—use common sense!

 

7. Tile and stone

These durable floors benefit from concentrated soap.

Here's how:

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

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

 

Soapa for all floors! Choose a gentle and effective soap suited to your floor. See our full range here! 

 

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Questions and answers 

1. What type of floor requires plenty of soap and water when mopping?

Softwood scrubbed floors, such as spruce or pine, need plenty of soap and water to be restored to their original 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 limestone and can be damaged by acids.

 

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

Parquet floors, made from 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 mat feels rigid with a hard surface, whereas a linoleum mat gives slightly when you feel it with your fingernail and may also emit a slight sour smell when mopped.

 

Order natural cleaning products here: Soapa