How to care for different types of flooring? What products and methods to use for cleaning floors? Tips, hacks, and cleaning solutions

Flooring is one of the most heavily used surfaces in any interior. Its appearance, durability, hygiene, and even the safety of your household depend directly on how well it's maintained. Dust, bacteria, mold, and microscopic dirt particles can penetrate deep into the material's structure, causing internal damage and creating a breeding ground for pathogens.

Professional floor care isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about preventing long-term problems, extending the lifespan of your floors, and protecting your health. But how do you clean floors the right way? Let’s break it down step by step.

How to Clean Different Floor Types: Features and Risks

Every type of flooring requires a tailored approach. Mistakes can be costly — from excess moisture and incorrect pH levels in cleaning solutions to harsh scrubbing or neglecting disinfection. Here's a breakdown of the most common floor types and the best care methods for each:

• Laminate - beautiful and practical, yet sensitive to moisture. The main risk is warping due to water absorption. Clean with a slightly damp microfiber cloth and a neutral pH solution. Avoid steam mops and abrasive tools as they can damage the protective layer. Monthly disinfection with an alcohol-free antibacterial solution like Chistolain Universal is recommended.
• Parquet and solid wood floors - Natural and elegant, but delicate. Highly sensitive to both acidic and alkaline cleaners. Use only specialized wood floor products, ideally with plant-based antiseptics. Keep humidity low during cleaning, and consider using a humidifier in the room to stabilize the indoor climate.
• Tile and porcelain Stoneware - Resistant to moisture and strong chemicals, but avoid abrasive sponges. Regular cleaning should also include grout care, as that’s where mold and microbes thrive. Use mildly alkaline solutions for tough stains and disinfect every 2–3 weeks using a product like Chistolain Universal.
• Vinyl (PVC) flooring moisture-resistant but vulnerable to alcohols and solvents. Daily cleaning with a mild soapy solution is enough. Once a week, sanitize with a disinfectant that won’t degrade the vinyl surface — Chistolain Universal works well for this purpose.
• Carpet and carpet tiles - require regular deep cleaning due to their tendency to trap dust and organic matter. Daily vacuuming with high suction and vibration is ideal. Monthly extraction cleaning and antimicrobial treatment in high-risk zones will help maintain hygiene.
• Natural stone (including marble) - these porous materials require extra care. Sensitive to acids and abrasives, they must be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and a pH-neutral solution — no vinegar or citric acid. Always dry the surface afterward with a clean, dry cloth to avoid streaks and preserve shine

Expert Disinfection Tips for Floor Care

When done correctly, even the most demanding flooring can look flawless for years. Here are a few professional hacks to upgrade your floor care routine to sanitization-level:

• Use water at 30–40°C (86–104°F): Hot water can break down protective coatings and increase the risk of laminate or parquet swelling.

• Add essential oils: A few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil to the water provide natural antiseptic properties and a pleasant scent without harming surfaces.

• Change the cleaning water after each room: This minimizes microbial spread and prevents streaking.

• Clean your mops, cloths, and attachments regularly: They accumulate bacteria, spores, and mold, which can be spread during future cleanings.

These tips are rooted in professional sanitation standards and years of collaboration with cleaning services and public health experts.

Cleaning Products and Frequency

Choosing the right cleaning product depends on the floor type, but there are a few universal rules:

• Avoid harsh chlorine-based products in residential areas. While effective, they are toxic and degrade many materials.

• Alternate physical and chemical cleaning: For example, vacuum and mop one day, disinfect with an antiseptic solution the next.

In professional cleaning, preference is given to specialized products — they are pH-balanced, highly effective even at low concentrations, leave no streaks, and provide antimicrobial protection. Unlike general household cleaners, pro-grade products are built for regular use, especially in homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers.

Chistolain Line: Pro-Grade Floor Care

Two standout products for everyday hygiene:

• Chistolain Floor — a specialized cleaner for hard floorings. Contains: purified water, organic solvent, citric acid, amphoteric surfactants (<5%), and preservative. Gently removes mineral buildup and dirt while preserving surfaces.

• Chistolain Universal — a multi-surface solution with powerful surfactants and mild antiseptics like 2-phenoxyethanol. It prevents water stains and is ideal for glossy or moisture-sensitive surfaces.

Both are excellent choices for safe, effective cleaning without compromising surface integrity.

Recommended Cleaning Schedule

• Daily: Dry or damp mopping in high-traffic areas (e.g., kitchen, hallway).

• Every 2–3 days: Damp mopping in all rooms.

• Weekly: Disinfection, especially in homes with children, pets, or allergies.

• Monthly: Deep cleaning of baseboards, grout, under furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Floor care is not just about aesthetics — it’s an essential part of everyday hygiene. The better your method, the cleaner and safer your home. There’s no one-size-fits-all product — consider the surface material, usage conditions, and hygiene standards. And remember: consistency, gentle formulas, and attention to detail are the three pillars of professional floor maintenance.