Floor and carpet cleaners are cleaning solutions used to remove dirt, stains and debris from hard and soft flooring surfaces. They are also used to maintain the quality of floor surfaces from the wear and tear of daily foot traffic. Some examples can include carpet cleaners, vacuum cleaners, polishes, stain removers and spot removers.

You can use a mixture of warm water, white vinegar and a drop of dish soap for cleaning sealed surfaces like tile, vinyl and linoleum. The acid in the vinegar helps dissolve water spots and light grime, while the dish soap helps lift dirt and grime and the water dilutes the mixture. This mixture is not ideal to use on hardwood because over time the acid and soap can dull the finish. Test with a small amount before applying to your floor.

Rather than using a regular mop to clean your floors, you can use a wet-dry mop. Wet-dry mops like Swiffers have a convenient and lightweight design that means you don’t have to worry about carrying a bucket around. Their flat, low-profile heads allow you to manoeuvre around low furniture and toilet bases. You can also use a spray mop that uses a built-in spray bottle and microfibre pad. It sprays the cleaner and traps the dirt in the pad instead of pushing it around.

The best way to clean a carpet is to start by vacuuming it thoroughly and pre-treat any heavy stains or spots with a dedicated cleaner. Gently work the cleaner into the fibres with a cleaning brush to loosen any grime. Use a carpet cleaner or extractor with water to remove the dirt and the excess soap. Lastly, set up fans or open windows to let the carpet dry.