How to Clean Floors the Right Way

Floors serve as the foundation for every room—both literally and visually—whether it's a kitchen, bathroom, hallway, or any living space.

Different floor types—hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl—require different care, and simply sweeping or mopping isn’t always enough. Dirt, germs, and bacteria can build up over time, especially in high-traffic areas, making it important not just to clean, but to disinfect.

Using trusted products like Lysol^® Multi-Surface Liquid Cleaner, which kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria^*, helps ensure your floors aren’t just visibly clean—but hygienically clean, too.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the safest, smartest ways to clean and disinfect every type of flooring, so your home stays fresh, healthy, and truly clean from the ground up.

How to clean floors

Follow these steps to clean your floors effectively.

Part 1: Clearing and sweeping the floor

1. Before you start sweeping, remove all obstacles from the floor, including chairs, rugs, the trash bin, and furniture, to ensure you have full access to the area.
2. Use a small, soft-bristled broom or dry microfiber mop to sweep up the dust, dirt, crumbs, and pet hair. Start at a far corner, sweeping along the room’s edges while paying attention to dust-prone areas. Make sure to reach corners and under appliances where dust tends to gather. Additionally, accumulate the dust and dirt into a central pile for easy disposal.
3. Grab a paper towel and dampen it slightly. Collect the dust and dirt that you've gathered in the center of the floor. Using one hand, scoop the small pile into the towel, and then discard it in the trash can. Another option is to sweep the dust and dirt into a dustpan and empty it into the trash can.

Part 2: Mopping the Floor

1. Fill a bucket (with a capacity of at least 1 gallon, or 3.78 L) about three-quarters full with warm water. Then, add 1.5 capsules of Lysol^® Multi-Surface Liquid Cleaner. This cleaner cuts through grease and grime, kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria^*, and provides a long-lasting freshness.
2. Immerse the mop head in the bucket containing the bathroom cleaner solution. Lift it out and wring it to eliminate excess liquid, ensuring the head is thoroughly damp but not dripping wet.
3. Begin mopping from the corner opposite the door. Position yourself in that corner, place the mop head on the floor, and sweep it sideways as you move backward toward the door.  This technique helps avoid walking on already cleaned areas or becoming trapped at the far end, waiting for it to dry.
4. When you get to the corners, press the mop into them and twist the mop head to dislodge any dirt, dust, or grime. Along the sides of the room, glide the mop along the floor, making sure it touches the baseboards to clean the area where the floor meets the wall effectively.

Part 3: Drying the floor

1. Once you've finished mopping, it’s important to let the floor dry completely to prevent slips and streaks. Open windows or turn on a fan for better airflow and faster drying.
2. For wood or laminate floors, use a dry microfiber cloth or mop to wipe away excess moisture immediately—too much water can cause warping or damage. Ensure that no puddles remain, and refrain from walking on the floor until it’s fully dry to maintain cleanliness and safety.

^*When used as directed.

FAQs

How often should I clean my floors?

Generally, daily sweeping or vacuuming, along with mopping once a week, is ideal for most floor types.

Can germs really build up on my floors?

Yes, floors can harbor a surprising amount of germs, bacteria, and viruses, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids. Regular cleaning is important—but for a truly hygienic home, it’s essential to disinfect your floors with products like Lysol^®, which kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria^*.

Can I use the same mop for all floor types?

It’s best to use different mop heads for different surfaces to avoid cross-contamination and damage, especially between tile and wood floors.

How do I prevent streaks when cleaning floors?

To prevent streaks when cleaning floors, ensure that you wring out your mop thoroughly, use clean water, and dry the floor immediately after mopping—especially on glossy or laminate surfaces.

How do I keep my floors smelling fresh?

To keep your floors smelling clean and inviting, use disinfecting products with pleasant, long-lasting scents. Lysol^® cleaners are available in refreshing options like Classic Lemon and the Brand New Day^™ range, which help eliminate odours while keeping your surfaces germ-free.