The best way to keep any floor looking new is to clean it the right way from day one. The wrong product or technique won't always show damage immediately, but it adds up over months of mopping. Here's how to care for each of our five ranges, and what to steer clear of.
Laminate
Sweep or vacuum regularly to keep grit from scratching the surface, then damp-mop with a well-wrung mop and a laminate-safe cleaner. Never wet-mop or flood the floor with water, since standing moisture can seep into the seams and swell the particleboard core. Wipe up spills immediately rather than leaving them to dry.
Avoid steam mops entirely on laminate. The heat and moisture combination is one of the fastest ways to damage the wear layer and core.
Hybrid
Hybrid is the easiest of our ranges to clean, thanks to its waterproof SPC core. Sweep or vacuum first, then mop with a damp (not soaking) mop and a pH-neutral cleaner. Because it's genuinely waterproof, the occasional heavier clean or wet mop won't hurt it the way it would laminate or timber. See our Hybrid vs Laminate comparison for more on why that is.
Stick to non-abrasive cleaning pads. Hybrid's wear layer is tough, but scouring pads or abrasive powders can dull the surface finish over time.
Vinyl
Vacuum or sweep, then mop with warm water and a vinyl-appropriate cleaner. The "Ultra Clean Guard" surface coat on our vinyl range is designed to resist staining, so most spills wipe up with minimal effort.
Avoid solvent-based or oil-soap cleaners, which can break down the surface coating and leave a dull residue over time.
Engineered timber
Vacuum with a hard-floor setting (not a beater-bar attachment, which can scratch the finish) and use a barely-damp microfibre mop with a timber-specific cleaner. Never wet-mop engineered timber. Because it's a real timber veneer, excess water can seep between boards and cause cupping or swelling that isn't repairable.
Use felt pads under furniture legs and a doormat at entries to cut down on the grit that causes most scratching.
Bamboo
Care for bamboo much like engineered timber: dry sweep or vacuum, then a barely-damp mop only when needed. Bamboo is harder than most timber, so it resists dents well, but it's still a natural material and standing water is its biggest enemy.
Keep bamboo out of direct, sustained sunlight where possible, as UV exposure can gradually shift the tone of some finishes over the years.
General rules that apply to all of them
- Wipe spills up straight away, regardless of material.
- Use furniture pads, and lift (don't drag) heavy furniture.
- A doormat at every entry point does more for floor longevity than any cleaning product.
- When in doubt, check the specific product's care instructions rather than assuming one cleaner suits every range — what's safe for hybrid can damage laminate or timber.
Not sure which range you have, or want advice on a specific stain or mark? Get in touch and we're happy to help.
Related Reading
Still choosing a floor and want to factor in how much upkeep it needs? Our how to choose a floor guide and full flooring comparison cover maintenance alongside price and durability. Households with kids or dogs should also see our guides to safe floors for kids & pets and best flooring for dogs, and if moisture is a bigger concern in your space, see our guide to best flooring for bathrooms & wet areas.