When it comes to choosing the right cleaning products for your floor, a higher price tag doesn’t always equal better results. There are plenty of cheap floor cleaning solutions available that do the trick, first time. The key is to use the right product for your flooring type.
Read on to find the best cleaning products for your wood, vinyl or laminate floor, along with some expert tips and tricks for keeping things squeaky clean underfoot.
What makes a floor cleaning solution effective?
So, how do you know if a floor cleaning product is worth the money? An effective cleaning solution should:
- Be effective on dirt and stains
- Be safe for your specific flooring type
- Provide a streak-free finish
- Be non-toxic (especially for homes with pets or young children)
- Be great value for money
Best cheap floor cleaning products by floor type
It’s important to use a cleaning product that’s designed specifically for your flooring type. This is to avoid any accidental damage and ensure your flooring stays looking its best for years to come.
Here’s a quick look at the most affordable cleaning solutions by floor type:
| Floor Type | Cheapest Cleaning Solution |
| Laminate | Mix of water & mild detergent (lightly damp mop, not soaked) |
| Vinyl | Warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid |
| Wood (sealed) | Dry cleaning or a small amount of mild pH-neutral specialist cleaner |
| Wood (unsealed) | Dry cleaning (microfibre mop) or small amount of specialist cleaner |
Now, let’s take a closer look…
Best laminate floor cleaning solutions on a budget
Laminate floors are renowned for being easy to clean. That being said, some upkeep is needed to keep them looking their best for the long term.
Regular cleaning should include:
- Sweeping, dusting with a dry cloth or vacuuming
- Mixing a mild cleaning detergent with water and using a slightly damp mop or microfibre cloth to clean (always remember to mop up any excess moisture afterwards and check the bottle to see if it’s laminate-friendly!)
Pro tip: Be sure to use non abrasive cleaning tools and avoid harsh chemicals to prevent any damage to the protective top layer.
Related: How to clean laminate floors
LVT and LVP floor cleaning solutions
Luxury Vinyl flooring is one of the more wallet-friendly options when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, as plain old water suffices for everyday cleaning.
To clean:
- Mix water and a mild detergent and use a slightly damp mop or microfibre cloth to clean - avoid making the floor too wet!
- Always dry after mopping so the water doesn’t sit on the surface
- For stains, cheap and cheerful bicarbonate of soda and warm water can be used on small areas
- Diluted bleach can be used for tougher stains, such as red wine. Just be sure to wipe away thoroughly and use a non-abrasive cloth
Pro tip: Adding a coir entrance matt by your doorway is a simple and cost effective way of keeping your vinyl floor clean, by catching dirt and grit before it can damage your floor.
Related: How to clean vinyl floors
Affordable wooden floor cleaning solutions
As with most flooring types, regular maintenance is the best (and cheapest!) way to keep your wooden floors clean and looking their best.
Regular maintenance should include:
- Daily or weekly sweeping with a soft brush and / or vacuum cleaner
- Avoiding excess moisture when mopping
- Protecting the surface and minimising scratches by adding felt protectors to furniture feet
- Nourishing the wood with natural maintenance oil for wooden floors
However, not all wooden floors are made equal!
- Solid wood floors are porous, so too much water can lead to warping
- Engineered wood floors can handle a little more moisture, but are still not waterproof
- Sealed wood floors are more resistant to water and stains. You can safely use a damp mop with a wood-safe cleaner
- Unsealed or waxed floors are more delicate and can be damaged by moisture so opt for dry cleaning methods or very lightly dampened cloths
When cleaning a solid wooden floor, it’s important to use a product that doesn’t dry out the pores in the wood and is designed specifically for the purpose. Anything too acidic risks damaging the surface over time, and some products can leave a residue that alters the appearance of the wood.
Woca natural soap spray
Unlike other cleaning products, this natural wood floor cleaning spray is not detergent based, meaning it won’t dry out the pores in the wood. Perfect for oiled and waxed wooden floors.
Suitable for: Oiled and waxed wooden floors
Application: Spray
Price: £26.88
Woca intensive cleaner spray
When dealing with grease or dirt on wooden flooring, sometimes you need a stronger product. This intensive cleaning spray for wooden floors can be used on any wooden surfaces on your home and is great for restoring older wooden floors to their former glory.
Suitable for: Brushed, oiled and lacquered flooring
Application: Spray
Price: £16.32
Budget floor cleaning tips & tricks
Want to clean even smarter? Try these money-saving tips:
- Use reusable mop pads and microfiber cloths instead of disposable wipes
- Choose multi-surface cleaners to avoid buying lots of separate products
- Spot-clean spills quickly to avoid staining
- Don’t skimp on the right tools! A good mop can make all the difference
- Schedule regular light cleans to minimise the frequency of deep cleans
- Always test any homemade cleaning solutions on a small patch first
Ask an expert! FAQs about the best budget floor cleaning products and techniques
Our flooring experts are on hand with some more advice to clean your floors safely and effectively…
What cleaning solution is best for floors?
The best cleaning solution for floors depends on the type of flooring you have. In general, pH-neutral cleaners are safest, especially for laminate, wood and vinyl floors. For a cheap and effective homemade option, a mix of water and white vinegar works well on tile and vinyl but should be avoided on natural wood. Always choose a solution that matches your floor type and is designed to clean without leaving residue.
What is the best thing to clean extremely dirty floors?
For very dirty floors, start by removing dust and debris with a vacuum or dry mop. Then use a targeted cleaner that breaks down grease and grime, such as Woca intensive cleaner spray for wooden floors.
What do professionals clean floors with?
Professional cleaners often use commercial-grade, pH-neutral cleaners tailored to the flooring type. However, they also rely on:
- Microfibre mops or flat mops for even application
- Auto-scrubbers or steam cleaners for commercial spaces (not used on wood or laminate)
- Dilutable concentrates
- Specialist wood or stone cleaners where needed
Final thoughts: Clean floors without the cost
You don’t need a cupboard full of expensive products to keep your floors looking fresh and clean. Regular maintenance, a select few multi-purpose cleaners and some simple know-how is all it takes to keep your floors gleaming on a budget.
Want more tips? Explore our collection of floor cleaning and maintenance guides to find step-by-step guides for cleaning your wooden, laminate, vinyl or LVT floor.
Or, shop floor cleaning and maintenance accessories for floor-safe products you can trust.
Want to speak to an expert? Call us on 0330 100 00 15 to learn more about the different types of flooring we have on offer and how to care for it.