A Note About Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it’s best used cautiously on delicate, glossy, or easily scratched surfaces.
For laminate and varnished floors, using less baking soda—or leaving it out altogether—is the safer approach.
The goal is to clean the floor without damaging its protective finish.
How to Keep Your Floors Cleaner for Longer
Cleaning is only part of the solution. A few simple habits can significantly reduce the amount of dirt that reaches your floors in the first place.
1. Use a Doormat
Place a doormat at the entrance of your home. It can help catch dirt and moisture before they are tracked indoors.
2. Remove Shoes at the Door
A no-shoes rule can help reduce the amount of outdoor dirt, dust, and debris brought onto your floors.
Keep slippers or indoor shoes near the entrance so the habit is easy to maintain.
3. Place Rugs in High-Traffic Areas
Hallways, entrances, and areas around frequently used doors can benefit from washable rugs or runners.
These areas generally receive more foot traffic and can become dirty faster than the rest of the home.
4. Vacuum Regularly
Pay special attention to corners, along baseboards, beneath furniture, and other places where dust tends to collect.
Removing dry dirt regularly can reduce the amount of grime that eventually needs to be removed with a wet mop.
5. Clean According to Your Home’s Needs
Rather than relying on a rigid schedule, consider your household’s traffic level.
A quiet home may need less frequent mopping, while homes with children, pets, or heavy foot traffic may need more frequent cleaning.
For routine cleaning, you might find that a 7- to 10-day interval works well, with spot cleaning in between whenever necessary.
