A good floor laid well should look great for years, and keeping it that way is mostly about a few simple habits. This guide from Goodwood Floors in Gepps Cross covers how to clean and care for laminate, hybrid, luxury vinyl, engineered timber and carpet, what to avoid, and how to deal with everyday scratches, spills and sun fade.
The golden rules for every hard floor
Whatever you have underfoot, these five habits do most of the work:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly. Grit is the enemy. It is what scratches a finish over time. A soft broom or a vacuum with the beater bar turned off does the job.
- Mop barely-damp, never wet. A well-wrung microfibre mop and a pH-neutral cleaner is all a hard floor needs. Skip the steam mop and do not let water pool.
- Mats at the doors. They catch the worst of the dirt and moisture before it reaches your floor.
- Felt pads under furniture. Cheap, and they save your floor from chair and table legs.
- Blinds in the hot months. Strong direct sun fades any floor over the years. Closing blinds in the heat of the day helps.
How to clean laminate flooring
Laminate is low-maintenance but does not like standing water. Vacuum or sweep to lift grit, then go over it with a barely-damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral laminate cleaner. Wipe up spills promptly so moisture cannot work into the joints, and never use a steam mop or wax/polish. Browse our laminate range.
How to clean hybrid flooring
Hybrid is the easiest of the lot because it is 100% waterproof. Sweep or vacuum, then damp-mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. You can be a little more relaxed with water than on laminate, though there is still no need to flood it. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh solvents that could dull the wear layer. See our hybrid range.
How to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring
Vinyl is similarly forgiving and waterproof. Regular sweeping plus a damp microfibre mop keeps it looking new. Use a cleaner made for vinyl or a pH-neutral product, skip the steam mop, and put felt pads under heavy furniture, as vinyl is softer and can mark under concentrated weight. See our vinyl range.
How to care for engineered timber flooring
Real timber asks for a little more, but not much. Sweep or vacuum regularly, wipe spills before they sit, and use a mop that is barely damp with a cleaner made for timber floors. Felt pads under furniture are a must, and keep pet claws trimmed. The big payoff with engineered timber is that many floors can be re-coated down the track to bring them back to new. Browse our timber range.
Caring for carpet
Vacuum regularly to stop grit grinding into the pile, deal with spills quickly by blotting (not rubbing), and book a professional clean every 12 to 18 months. Good underlay also helps carpet last. Our Carpet Buying Guide covers fibres and wear.
What not to do
- No steam mops on laminate, hybrid, vinyl or timber. Heat and forced moisture cause damage and void warranties.
- No flooding the floor with water or wet string mops.
- No harsh or abrasive cleaners: bleach, ammonia, solvents and scouring pads can dull or strip the finish.
- No dragging furniture across the floor, lift it, and use felt pads.
Dealing with scratches, spills and sun fade
Scratches: light marks on timber can be buffed or touched up with a matching repair pen; individual laminate, hybrid and vinyl planks can usually be swapped out by an installer. Spills: wipe promptly, especially on timber and laminate. Sun fade: rotate rugs occasionally and use blinds or UV-filtering window furnishings to keep colour even. We can help with made-to-measure blinds too. Always test any cleaning or repair product in a hidden spot first.
Ask us about your specific floor
Every range has its own quirks, so when you buy from us we will send you off with the simple do's and don'ts for whatever you have chosen. Got a question about a floor you already have? Get in touch or visit our Gepps Cross showroom. New to flooring? Start with our plain-English guide to choosing the right floor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean laminate floors?
Sweep or vacuum (beater bar off) to remove grit, then mop with a well-wrung, barely-damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral floor cleaner. Never flood laminate with water or use a steam mop, as moisture can swell the core through the joints.
Can I use a steam mop on hybrid, vinyl or laminate flooring?
No. Steam mops force hot moisture into the joints and can damage the wear layer and core over time, and they usually void the warranty. Use a barely-damp microfibre mop with a pH-neutral cleaner instead.
What is the best mop for hard floors?
A flat microfibre mop that you can wring out well. The goal is barely damp, not wet. Avoid string mops that hold a lot of water, and avoid letting water pool on the surface.
How do I get scratches out of timber or laminate flooring?
Light surface marks on engineered timber can often be buffed with a recommended floor cleaner or touched up with a matching wax or repair pen. Deeper damage in timber may need spot re-coating. On laminate and hybrid, individual planks can usually be replaced by an installer. Always test any product in a hidden spot first.
Does flooring fade in the sun?
Strong, direct Adelaide sun will fade any floor and carpet over the years. Closing blinds during the hottest part of the day, and using UV-filtering window furnishings, slows it down and keeps colour even.
How often should I clean my floors?
Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas every few days to lift grit, and damp-mop hard floors weekly or as needed. Wipe spills promptly, especially on timber and laminate.
