One of the biggest selling points of Karndean flooring is how easy it is to maintain. But easy doesn’t mean you can use just anything. We regularly speak to customers who’ve accidentally dulled their floors or voided their warranty by using the wrong cleaning products or methods.
So if you’re wondering how to clean Karndean flooring properly, you’re in the right place. As experienced installers, we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what to avoid at all costs. Here’s our complete guide to keeping your Karndean looking its best for years to come.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters
Karndean is a premium flooring product with a protective wear layer that keeps it looking fresh and resists scratches. However, that wear layer can be compromised by harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, or excessive heat. Clean your floor correctly and it’ll maintain its appearance for decades. Get it wrong and you could find yourself facing a dull, damaged surface far sooner than expected.
The good news? Once you know what to use to clean Karndean flooring, the process is genuinely straightforward. It just requires a little knowledge upfront.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Karndean Flooring
Here’s our recommended routine, broken down into daily maintenance and deeper periodic cleaning.
Daily and Regular Maintenance
For day-to-day upkeep, you don’t need anything complicated. A quick sweep or vacuum removes loose dirt, dust, and debris before it gets ground into the surface. This simple step prevents the micro-scratches that can gradually dull your floor’s finish over time.
Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting. Avoid vacuum heads with rotating brushes designed for carpet, as these can potentially scratch the surface.
For light cleaning, a dry microfibre mop works brilliantly. It picks up fine dust and hair without needing any water or products at all.
Weekly Mopping
Once a week, or whenever your floor needs a proper clean, mopping is the way forward. Here’s how do I clean Karndean flooring when it needs more than a quick sweep:
First, sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt. Never skip this step, as mopping over grit is a recipe for scratches.
Next, fill a bucket with warm water. Hot water isn’t necessary and very hot water should be avoided. Add the recommended amount of Karndean’s own cleaning product, which we’ll cover below.
Dip your mop, wring it out thoroughly, and mop the floor in sections. The key here is using a damp mop rather than a wet one. You shouldn’t be leaving puddles or excess water sitting on the surface.
Allow the floor to air dry. With a properly wrung mop, this should only take a few minutes.
Periodic Deep Cleaning
Every few months, or if your floor has experienced heavy use, a deeper clean helps restore its lustre. Karndean recommends using their Refresh product for this purpose. It removes built-up residue and leaves a protective layer that enhances the floor’s appearance.
Apply Refresh sparingly with a clean mop, allow it to dry, and you’ll notice the difference immediately.
What Products Should You Use?
When it comes to what to use to clean Karndean flooring, the safest option is always Karndean’s own range of cleaning products. These have been specifically formulated to work with the floor’s wear layer without causing damage.
The core products to know about are Karndean Clean, which is their routine floor cleaner designed for regular mopping, and Karndean Refresh, which is a periodic treatment that cleans and protects in one step. Karndean Remove is also available for stripping away old polish or stubborn marks before reapplying Refresh.
If you prefer not to use branded products, a pH-neutral floor cleaner diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions is generally safe. Avoid anything acidic, alkaline, or containing bleach, ammonia, or wax. These can strip the protective layer, cause discolouration, or leave a filmy residue that attracts dirt.
Whatever you do, never use undiluted cleaning products directly on the floor. Always mix with water as directed.
The Best Mop for Karndean Floors
We’re often asked about the best mop for Karndean floors, and our answer is consistent: a flat microfibre mop is hard to beat.
Microfibre is gentle on the wear layer, highly effective at picking up dirt, and easy to wring out properly. The flat mop design covers ground efficiently and gets into corners better than traditional string mops.
Spray mops can also work well, provided you fill them with an approved cleaning solution rather than water alone or harsh chemicals. The controlled spray helps prevent over-wetting.
Avoid sponge mops, which tend to push dirty water around rather than lifting it, and can be difficult to wring out sufficiently.
Can You Use Steam Mops on Karndean Flooring?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is clear: no, you should not use steam mops on Karndean flooring.
We understand the appeal. Steam mops feel like a hygienic, chemical-free cleaning solution. But the intense heat they generate can cause serious problems for luxury vinyl flooring.
Steam can penetrate the seams between planks or tiles, potentially affecting the adhesive bond beneath. The high temperature can also damage the wear layer over time, leading to warping, discolouration, or a cloudy appearance. Perhaps most importantly, using a steam mop will void your Karndean warranty.
It’s simply not worth the risk. Stick to a conventional damp mop and approved cleaning products, and your floor will thank you for it.
Quick Tips for Ongoing Care
Beyond regular cleaning, a few simple habits will help protect your Karndean investment.
Place doormats at entrances to catch dirt and grit before it reaches your floor. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching when items are moved. Wipe up spills promptly, though Karndean’s waterproof nature means there’s no need to panic. Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the surface.
If you have pets, keep their claws trimmed. Karndean is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof, and sharp claws combined with enthusiastic running can leave marks over time.
Looking After Your Investment
Karndean flooring is built to last, but it performs best when treated with a little care. Follow the guidance above and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance floor for many years.
If you’re considering Karndean for your home, or you’d like advice on caring for an existing floor, our team is always happy to help. Visit our showroom to see the full range in person, or contact us to discuss installation and aftercare.
