Which cleaning products are best for the type of flooring you have in your home or want to install in the future? The right cleaning products depend on the make-up of your flooring. Learn more with the guide from Geelong Tiles & Bathware.

Coastal-Living-Room-Engineered-Timber — Engineered timber flooring should be cleaned using a damp mop **Build:** VAND Builders **Design:** Holman Design + Mel Wilson Interiors **Image:** Nic Stephens

Engineered Timber Floors

Engineered timber is a luxurious and long-lasting option for flooring.

As it's made of layers of timber veneer with a plywood base, it offers precision and durability when compared with laminate flooring. The veneer gives smoothness and elegance, while the plywood provides resistance to water and longevity.

Using species such as European Oak or Australian varietals, the boards are pre-finished and come in a variety of colours to choose from. Timber flooring can be vulnerable to scratches, so be quick to sweep away debris and stones. A dustpan is fine for spot-cleaning, but it's advisable to sweep the entire floor with a microfibre mop or vacuum every week.

Engineered timber should be cleaned with a spray mop. Wood is inherently prone to water damage, it's critical to prevent it from getting too wet. Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent with a spray mop for best results.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is made up of multiple layers of different materials, crushed together to create a water-resistant and long-lasting floor covering. Not only is it cost-effective and aesthetically versatile, but it's relatively easy to keep clean, too.

For example, vinyl flooring is easier to clean than engineered timber. In contrast to engineered hardwoods, which warp if exposed to frequent sprays of water, vinyl flooring is resistant to moisture.

Vinyl allows for a wider range of cleaning chemicals. You can use a solution of vinegar diluted in water, whereas this kind of wash would risk destroying the finish of engineered timber flooring. However, it's still best to avoid bleach, ammonia or wax cleaners on vinyl flooring.

Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid flooring is made up of layers that serve different purposes, from durability to decoration to waterproofing, making it a versatile and durable option.

Because hybrid flooring is waterproof, basic cleaning is as simple as using water and a pH-neutral cleanser. Just use a damp mop, sponge or cloth. Avoid scratching or damaging the floors with nylon scouring pads, harsh chemicals or waxes, or a steam mop.

If your hybrid flooring doesn't need to be mopped, brushing or vacuuming is enough to remove the debris and dust.