Using too much soap or floor cleaner can leave your laminate floors looking dirty or cloudy after mopping. Only use a teaspoon of soap or cleaning solution in a gallon of water. Additionally, always be sure to sweep or vacuum laminate floors before mopping to ensure you pick up dried grit, hair, and dust that can be harder to catch with a wet mop.

The best solution for mopping floors depends on the type of floor you have, but a good all-around or multi-purpose DIY floor cleaner is 2 cups of warm water, 5 to 10 drops of liquid dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This is safe to use on tile, laminate, wood, polished concrete, vinyl, and more, as it’s relatively neutral and lacks caustic and abrasive chemicals that could be harmful to children and pets. You can also use a multi-purpose commercial cleaner, but make sure to follow the directions for safety.

To maintain wood floors, sweep them regularly and mop using wood-safe cleaners. To protect the floors from wear and extend their lifespan, you should apply a sealant periodically and refinish them when needed.

You can regularly clean your Marmoleum® flooring by sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping with a neutral cleaner. Avoid using highly abrasive materials or high-pH cleaners to prevent cracking, warping, or discoloration, and never wet mop, as heavy water exposure can damage the floors. Marmoleum® floors have a topcoat called TopShield preinstalled, so you do not need to polish them.