To disinfect any type of floor, start by sweeping away dust, dirt, and hair. Have the right types of mops handy as well as a strong disinfectant.
A diluted bleach mixture, commercial disinfectant, and isopropyl alcohol are all good choices. A vinegar solution can work quite well to clean floors, but it is a weak disinfectant. Depending on the type of floor, your approach will vary. Depending on the type of floor, your approach will vary.
Disinfecting Hardwood Floors
If your facility includes hardwood floors, it's essential to understand the type of hardwood you're working with—solid or engineered—as this determines the safest and most effective disinfection method. Using the wrong approach can lead to warping, staining, or long-term damage, especially in high-traffic or healthcare environments where disinfection is frequent.
Types of Hardwood Floors
Understanding the construction and finish of your hardwood flooring is the first step in choosing the right cleaning protocol:
Solid Hardwood:
Milled from a single piece of natural wood, solid hardwood can either be finished (sealed with a protective coating) or unfinished (left raw and porous). Unsealed solid hardwood is more sensitive to moisture and chemical exposure, so disinfection methods must be especially gentle.
Engineered Hardwood:
Engineered wood is built from multiple layers of material, topped with a thin layer of real hardwood. It is almost always pre-finished with a protective sealant. This construction makes it more stable and moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, but still not immune to damage if exposed to harsh chemicals or standing water.
General Preparation
Before applying any disinfectant, it's important to prep the surface to avoid grinding dirt into the wood or trapping debris beneath a layer of disinfectant:
Sweep or vacuum thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and larger particles.
Dry mop if needed to ensure a smooth, clean surface that's ready for treatment.
Spot-check for finish damage or gaps that might allow moisture to seep into the wood.
Choosing the Right Disinfectant
Different hardwood finishes require different levels of care:
Unfinished or unsealed hardwood: These surfaces are very porous and should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals, especially bleach—even when diluted. Moisture can easily soak into the wood, leading to warping, staining, or microbial growth. Stick to alcohol-based sprays or disinfectants labeled as safe for use on unfinished wood surfaces.
Sealed or finished hardwood: These surfaces are more resilient. Disinfecting wipes or solutions containing bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds may be suitable—but always check the product label for compatibility with hardwood floors. Brands like Lysol often indicate surface compatibility, making them a good starting point for general disinfection.
Step-by-Step Disinfection (For Sealed Hardwood Floors)
Sweep or vacuum to remove any dust or debris.
Mix your disinfectant solution according to the product’s instructions. If using Lysol multipurpose cleaner, dilution is typically not required.
Apply the solution evenly across the floor using a microfiber mop. Avoid over-saturating any area.
Allow it to dwell for 5 minutes to ensure adequate kill time for viruses and bacteria.
Rinse and wring out the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirt or disinfectant buildup.
Dry the floor immediately with a clean, absorbent towel or dry mop to prevent moisture from seeping into seams or cracks.
Optional: Steam Cleaning (For Sealed Hardwood Only)
Steam cleaning offers a chemical-free method of disinfection by using high temperatures to kill bacteria and viruses. It can be highly effective on sealed hardwood floors, but it requires careful handling:
Preheat the steam cleaner fully before beginning.
Wait for full pressure before starting to avoid under-heated steam that may not disinfect effectively.
Hold the steam mop over each area for 15–20 seconds, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Move in slow, steady strokes to cover the floor without oversaturating any one area.
Avoid steam cleaning unfinished or damaged floors, as moisture can penetrate and cause swelling or warping.
Always consult your flooring manufacturer’s care recommendations before introducing steam into your disinfection process.
Disinfecting Vinyl Floors
Vinyl floors are known for their durability, water resistance, and ease of care—making them a popular choice in commercial, healthcare, and residential settings alike. Disinfecting vinyl flooring is a straightforward process that requires just a few basic supplies, but it’s important to follow the right steps to ensure surfaces are both clean and safe without causing damage to the finish.
Basic Supplies
To get started, gather the following:
Dry mop or vacuum (preferably with a hard floor setting)
Sponge mop or microfiber mop
Disinfectant solution (either commercial or homemade)
Optional: white vinegar, dish soap, baby oil for shine
Step-by-Step Disinfection Process
1. Dry Clean the Floor
Start by removing loose debris that could scratch the surface or reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants. Use a dry mop, soft-bristle broom, or vacuum with a hard floor setting to clean:
Corners where dust and dirt tend to collect
Along baseboards, which often trap hair and lint
Under furniture and equipment, especially in high-traffic areas
This step creates a clean surface for disinfection and prevents dirt from spreading during mopping.
2. Disinfect With Bleach Solution
A diluted bleach solution is one of the most effective ways to disinfect vinyl flooring—especially in healthcare or food service environments.
Mix ¾ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water in a bucket.
Use a clean sponge or microfiber mop to apply the solution evenly across the floor.
Avoid letting excess liquid pool—vinyl is water-resistant, not waterproof.
Rinse and wring out the mop frequently in hot water to avoid reapplying dirty solution.
After cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds to prevent irritation or chemical exposure from the bleach.
Note: Always ensure the room is well-ventilated when working with bleach to minimize fumes.
3. Alternative: Vinegar-Based Cleaning Solution
For a gentler, more natural approach (suitable for day-to-day disinfection or low-risk areas):
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with a few drops of mild liquid dish soap in a bucket of warm water.
Mop the floor using this solution, focusing on sticky spots or areas with visible grime.
Mop a second time with just vinegar and water to remove any residue.
Optional: Add a couple of drops of baby oil to the rinse water for a streak-free shine and added gloss.
Vinegar is naturally antimicrobial and won’t strip away the protective coating on your vinyl flooring.
4. Use Commercial Disinfectants
There are many floor-safe disinfectant products formulated specifically for vinyl. Choose from:
Bleach-based solutions for deep sanitization.
Bleach-free disinfectants for more frequent use or sensitive environment.
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s label for proper dilution, dwell time, and drying instructions. Many commercial options are also safer for staff or residents with sensitivities to harsh chemicals. With proper care and regular disinfection, vinyl flooring can remain clean, sanitary, and looking like new for years. Want help sourcing high-quality cleaning supplies? Ask us about how Alsco Uniforms can help support your facility’s hygiene and maintenance needs.
Disinfecting Laminate Floors
Laminate flooring is a popular choice in many facilities due to its durability, affordability, and attractive appearance. However, its layered construction makes it sensitive to excess moisture and harsh chemicals. Disinfecting laminate floors requires a gentle yet effective approach that balances cleanliness with care—ensuring you maintain both hygiene and the integrity of the flooring surface.
General Preparation
Before disinfecting, always start with a dry clean:
Use a dry mop, broom, or vacuum to remove dust, dirt, hair, and loose debris.
Focus on edges, baseboards, and under furniture, where buildup often collects.
If mopping is needed, use warm (not hot) water, as high heat can cause the laminate to swell, buckle, or warp.
Laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof, so it’s essential to limit standing moisture at every step.
Step-by-Step Disinfection Process
1. Prepare a Bleach Solution
To create a safe disinfectant for laminate floors:
Mix 4 teaspoons of household bleach per quart of water (or 1/3 cup per gallon).
This creates a diluted but effective solution that helps eliminate bacteria and viruses without compromising the floor’s surface.
Tip: Never apply undiluted bleach to laminate flooring—it can strip away the protective coating and lead to discolouration or surface damage.
2. Mop the Floor Gently
Use a well-wrung sponge or microfiber mop dampened with the bleach solution.
Avoid soaking the mop or allowing excess liquid to pool on the floor.
Mop evenly and gently, working in small sections to ensure consistent coverage.
Aim to disinfect at least once every other day in high-traffic or shared spaces.
After disinfecting, you may choose to do a quick second pass with clean water to remove any chemical residue.
3. Clean Your Mop After Use
Disinfect your mop or cleaning tool after each use to prevent spreading germs:
Soak in a fresh bleach solution for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Alternatively, use an alcohol-based cleaner (at least 70%) if preferred or if the mop was used with a non-bleach product.
Let your mop dry completely before storing to avoid mildew or bacterial growth.
Consider Commercial Cleaning Products
If you prefer not to mix solutions, commercial laminate-safe disinfectants are available and often easier to use:
Look for products specifically labeled safe for laminate flooring.
Many no-rinse or fast-drying options exist for facilities where time and safety are priorities.
Always read the label instructions carefully, especially for dwell times and ventilation requirements.
Using the right product ensures effective disinfection without damaging the floor’s protective finish.
Safety Tips
Disinfecting often involves strong chemicals, so take proper precautions:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling bleach or commercial cleaners.
Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of fumes.
After cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if gloves were worn, to reduce chemical exposure.
With the right method and attention to detail, laminate floors can remain both visually appealing and hygienically safe in any commercial or residential space. Want help streamlining your facility’s cleaning routine? Ask Alsco Uniforms about professional support for cleaning products and supplies.
Use Our Floor Cleaning Supplies Service
At Alsco Uniforms, we know how important clean floors are. Clean floors keep your employees safe and are critical for a positive first impression when customers enter your facility.
We provide the best cleaning products for floor care, including wet and dry mops, disinfecting solutions, microfiber mops and industrial towels. We can manage your inventory, so you don’t run low on supplies. When you’re ready, reach out to us to get started.