Choice of agent depends on floor type: material considerations (natural stone is acid-sensitive), a floor type→consideration overview and stain removal by stain type. The actual floor treatment (polish, boning, machines) has its own article.
Introduction
Different floors tolerate different agents. The key principle follows the pH scale: acid-sensitive surfaces (natural stone, limestone, marble, lime-based terrazzo) must not meet strongly acidic agents (pH approx. 0–5), which etch the surface. Always choose according to floor type and the data sheet's instructions.
| Floor type | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Natural stone / marble / limestone | Acid-sensitive — avoid acidic agents; use pH-neutral. |
| Floor tiles / tiles | Withstands most things; acidic sanitary cleaner can be used against limescale, but mind the joints. |
| Linoleum | Sensitive to strong alkali; usually neutral cleaner and limited water. |
| Vinyl | Neutral cleaner; tolerates wetter method than linoleum; can be polished. |
| Wood | Limit water; use a product suited to the specific surface finish. |
| Epoxy / cast | Robust; neutral to mildly alkaline cleaner; watch slip hazard when wet. |
| Rubber | Neutral cleaner; some rubber floors don't tolerate polish/solvents. |
| Concrete (polished/impregnated) | Porous if untreated; impregnation/treatment determines the method. |
| Terrazzo | Often limey — treat as acid-sensitive; can be polished/crystallised. |
| Carpet | Vacuumed daily; spot and carpet cleaning by type (powder/extraction). |
Floor treatment and machine choice
The actual floor treatment — deep cleaning vs. daily maintenance, cleaning/scrubbing, polish application in thin coats, drying time, buffing, crystallisation and choice of scrubbing/rotary and high-speed machine — is a discipline in itself. It is fully described in the article 'Floor treatment: polish, scrubbing and buffing', so it only appears in one place.
Stain removal by stain type
Stains are removed depending on what they are: grease/oil is dissolved with an alkaline cleaner, lime with an acid cleaner (but not on acid-sensitive stone), and many stains are easiest to remove while they are fresh. Always try mild before strong, and test on a less visible area first. On carpets work inward toward the centre, so the stain doesn't spread.
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