Floor cleaning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What floor cleaning is

Floor cleaning covers sweeping, scrubbing and mopping hard floors, or machine scrubbing larger areas, using a cleaner matched to the floor material. Done wrong, the wrong product can dull wood, etch stone or leave vinyl sticky, so the material decides the method.

Signs you need it

  • Hardwood or laminate looks cloudy or has a sticky film from old cleaner residue
  • Grout lines and tile corners hold grime that a mop only smears around
  • Vinyl or linoleum has a dull path where the traffic runs and a tacky feel underfoot
  • Concrete in a garage, basement or shop has oil stains and a gray haze
  • Floors feel gritty or crunch under bare feet within a day of mopping

What the pro does

  • Identify the floor material and any finish, sealer or wax before choosing a cleaner
  • Sweep or dust mop the whole floor to lift grit that would scratch the surface if wet
  • Pre-treat stains, scuffs and sticky spots with a product matched to the floor type
  • Scrub grout and joints with a brush or a machine, then rinse the floor with clean water
  • Mop with a damp mop or a microfiber system so the floor is not left soaking
  • Dry the floor or let it air dry, and point out any finish that needs refreshing

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Total floor area and the number of rooms and transitions between floor types
  • Floor material, since hardwood, stone, tile and concrete each need a different method
  • Amount of grease, oil or sticky residue that needs extra time
  • Whether grout scrubbing or machine scrubbing is needed for larger areas
  • Whether the floor has a sealer or finish that must be kept intact
  • Furniture that has to be moved, and the access needed to reach the edges

What a written quote should spell out

  • The rooms and floor types covered and whether edges and corners are included
  • The cleaner or method used for each floor type, and why it suits that finish
  • Whether grout scrubbing or machine scrubbing is included
  • Drying time and what you should avoid on the floor after cleaning
  • Whether any finish or sealer is refreshed, and whether that is a separate charge

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What cleaner do you use on hardwood, stone and vinyl, and will you tell me before using anything new
  • Will you check the finish before cleaning and tell me if it is worn or sealed
  • Do you use a machine for large open areas, and does the machine leave the floor wet
  • How do you handle sticky residue from old cleaners or adhesive
  • How long should I wait before walking on the floor and placing rugs back
  • Will you move furniture, and do you put it back in the same place

Red flags

  • A crew that wants to use a strong or acid cleaner on natural stone, unsealed grout or wood
  • Heavy water use on hardwood or laminate, which can cause swelling at the seams
  • A floor left damp for a long time after mopping, which invites staining and odor
  • A quote that does not name the floor types it covers

What you can do yourself

You can sweep or vacuum daily, wipe spills right away and use a cleaner the manufacturer approves for your floor. Call a professional for grout scrubbing, large concrete areas, and any floor where the finish has worn through or the cleaner choice is unclear.

Licenses and permits

Floor cleaning is not commonly licensed. Check with your state or local licensing agency for any business registration that applies to a cleaning company in your area.

Floor cleaning questions

Can I use vinegar on my floors?

Check the manufacturer's care guidance first. Vinegar can dull some finishes and damage natural stone, so a professional should know your floor before using it.

Why does my floor look dull after mopping?

Usually residue from a cleaner or too much product. A correct rinse and a light touch with the mop often fixes it, but a worn finish may need refreshing.

How often should floors be cleaned this way?

Most floors need a sweep or vacuum every few days and a full clean on a schedule that fits the traffic. Ask the crew to set the schedule based on the room.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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