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Guide

Surface cleaning, material by material

Learn the right way to clean every surface in your home. From hardwood to granite to leather, this covers all of it.

In this guide

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The five rules that prevent almost every avoidable bit of damage.

Surface by surface

Eight materials, each with what to do, what to avoid, and the one thing to reach for.

Hardwood floors

Do

  • Dust mop or vacuum regularly
  • Use cleaner made for wood floors
  • Wipe up spills immediately
  • Use felt pads under furniture

Don't

  • Use excessive water
  • Use vinegar or ammonia
  • Use steam mops
  • Drag furniture across floors

Clean with: Wood floor cleaner or very lightly damp mop

Granite and marble

Do

  • Use stone-safe cleaner or dish soap
  • Wipe up spills immediately
  • Seal periodically
  • Use soft cloths only

Don't

  • Use vinegar, lemon, or acidic cleaners
  • Use abrasive scrubbers
  • Let liquids sit on surface
  • Use generic all-purpose cleaners

Clean with: Stone-specific cleaner or mild dish soap with water

Stainless steel

Do

  • Wipe with the grain
  • Use microfiber cloths
  • Dry completely after cleaning
  • Use stainless steel cleaner for polish

Don't

  • Use abrasive scrubbers
  • Use chlorine bleach
  • Let water spots dry
  • Use circular wiping motion

Clean with: Dish soap and water, or stainless steel cleaner

Glass and mirrors

Do

  • Use lint-free cloth or newspaper
  • Clean on cloudy days (prevents streaks)
  • Spray cloth, not the surface
  • Buff in a Z-pattern

Don't

  • Use paper towels (leaves lint)
  • Clean in direct sunlight
  • Use too much cleaner
  • Use circular motions

Clean with: Glass cleaner or vinegar-water mix (1:1)

Tile and grout

Do

  • Sweep before mopping
  • Use warm water and mild cleaner
  • Scrub grout with baking soda paste
  • Seal grout annually

Don't

  • Use oil-based cleaners
  • Let grout cleaner dry on tiles
  • Use colored cleaners on light grout
  • Use vinegar on unsealed grout

Clean with: Tile cleaner or dish soap. Grout: baking soda paste

Upholstery and fabric

Do

  • Vacuum regularly
  • Check fabric care code
  • Blot spills immediately
  • Test cleaners in hidden area

Don't

  • Rub stains (spreads them)
  • Over-wet fabric
  • Use bleach on colors
  • Skip the vacuum

Clean with: Based on care code: W=water-based, S=solvent, WS=either, X=vacuum only

Laminate flooring

Do

  • Dust mop or vacuum regularly
  • Use laminate-specific cleaner
  • Use damp (not wet) mop
  • Wipe up spills quickly

Don't

  • Use excessive water
  • Use wax or polish
  • Use steam mops
  • Use abrasive cleaners

Clean with: Laminate floor cleaner or vinegar-water (1:10 ratio)

Leather

Do

  • Dust with soft cloth weekly
  • Condition 2-4 times per year
  • Keep away from direct sunlight
  • Blot spills immediately

Don't

  • Use water or wet cloths
  • Use all-purpose cleaners
  • Place in direct sunlight
  • Use heat to dry

Clean with: Leather cleaner and conditioner only

Quick reference: what not to use

Six cleaners and the materials they should never meet.

CleanerAvoid on these surfaces
VinegarNatural stone, cast iron, aluminum, egg stains
BleachColored fabrics, stainless steel, wood, aluminum
AmmoniaHardwood floors, natural stone, aluminum
Abrasive scrubbersStainless steel, glass, non-stick cookware
SteamLaminate floors, unsealed wood, delicate fabrics
Hot waterLeather, silk, blood stains, egg stains

Questions

Frequently asked questions

  • No! All-purpose cleaners can damage natural stone, unsealed wood, and some metals. Always check if a surface needs special care before using any cleaner.

  • Use a solution of water and vinegar (or glass cleaner) with a microfiber cloth or newspaper. Clean on a cloudy day - direct sunlight causes the solution to dry too fast and streak.

  • Use coasters, avoid placing hot items directly on wood, dust regularly, and apply furniture polish or wax periodically. Clean spills immediately.

  • Yes - don't use vinegar on natural stone (granite, marble), cast iron, aluminum, or unsealed grout. The acid can etch or damage these materials.

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