How to Clean Every Type of Floor: Tiles, Marble, Granite & Kota Stone

Too much cleaner

Extra cleaner doesn't clean better. It leaves a sticky layer that attracts dust and footprints.

Dirty mop water

Mopping with grey water spreads the dirt back over the floor and leaves streaks.

Hard water

Minerals in hard water dry into a faint white haze, especially on dark tiles and granite.

Wrong product

Acidic or harsh cleaners slowly etch marble and Kota stone, so they lose their shine.

Sweep or dry mop first. Remove dust, hair and grit. Grit under a wet mop scratches the floor and turns into muddy streaks.

Dilute correctly. Add the amount of cleaner given on the label to a bucket of water. More is not better.

Use two buckets. One with cleaning solution, one with plain water to rinse the mop. Your solution stays clean for longer.

Mop from the far corner towards the door. Work in small sections in an "S" or figure-of-eight pattern, so you never walk over the clean, wet floor.

Change the water when it turns grey. For a large home, change it after every room or two.

Let it dry, then clean the mop. Open windows or switch on the fan and keep people off the floor until it is dry. Wash the mop head and dry it in the sun.

✔ Do

• Sweep or dust mop before every wet mop.
• Follow the dilution on the label.
• Use a neutral pH, stone-safe cleaner on marble, granite and Kota stone.
• Wipe up spills, especially oil, tea and turmeric, straight away.
• Keep the room ventilated while the floor dries.
• Wash mop heads regularly and dry them fully.
• Store floor cleaners closed and out of reach of children and pets.

✘ Don't

• Never mix floor cleaner with bleach, phenyl, toilet cleaner or acids. Mixtures can release harmful fumes.
• Don't use toilet cleaner, acid, vinegar or lemon on marble or Kota stone.
• Don't pour in extra cleaner "for more fragrance". It leaves the floor sticky.
• Don't flood wooden or laminate floors.
• Don't let children or pets walk or crawl on the floor until it is dry.
• Don't keep using a smelly, dirty mop. It spreads germs and odour.

Daily

Sweep or dust mop, then wet mop kitchen and entrance areas.

Alternate days

Wet mop bedrooms and living areas with diluted floor cleaner.

Weekly

Clean under furniture, corners, skirting and tile joints.

Monthly

Deep clean the mop and bucket, and replace worn mop heads.

Why is my floor sticky after mopping?

Usually too much cleaner or dirty water. Mop once with plain water to remove the residue, then use the dose on the label and change the water more often.

Which cleaner is safe for marble?

A neutral pH, stone-safe cleaner. Never use acids, vinegar, lemon or toilet cleaner on marble. They etch the surface and leave dull patches that cleaning cannot remove.

Floor cleaner or phenyl: which is better?

Both can be used. Phenyl is a traditional disinfectant with a strong smell. A good floor cleaner cleans and disinfects with a pleasant fragrance and is easier to use every day. Never mix the two.

Is it safe for homes with children and pets?

Use it diluted as directed, keep children and pets off the floor until it is completely dry, and store the bottle closed and out of their reach.