How to Clean Every Type of Flooring in Your Dubai Home
In This Guide
1. Before You Clean Anything — What Dubai Homes Get Wrong
2. Marble and Natural Stone Floors
3. Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors
4. Parquet and Wood Floors
5. SPC Vinyl Floors
6. Laminate Floors
7. Epoxy Floors
8. Micro Cement Floors
9. Carpet
10. Grout — The Most Neglected Surface in Any Dubai Home
11. Stain Removal Quick Reference — Every Floor Type
12. What Never to Use on Any Floor
13. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Before You Clean Anything — What Dubai Homes Get Wrong
The most common flooring damage in Dubai homes does not come from foot traffic or time. It comes from cleaning. The combination of strong chemical products widely available in Dubai supermarkets, a cultural emphasis on very clean homes that are cleaned frequently, and a lack of clear information about which products are safe on which surfaces leads to floors being damaged by the very products intended to maintain them.
There are four mistakes that appear repeatedly in Dubai homes across every floor type.
Using Bleach on Everything
Bleach is effective at disinfecting tile grout and some ceramic surfaces, but it destroys marble, natural stone, and wood floors on contact. It degrades the sealant on micro cement and epoxy. It discolours grout over time even on tiles if used excessively. In a Dubai home with marble or wood flooring, a cleaning helper using a bleach solution on the wrong floor can cause permanent damage in a single session. Every floor in the home needs a labelled cleaning product appropriate to its material — and household staff need clear, specific instruction.
Using Acidic Descalers on Stone
Dubai's tap water is extremely high in dissolved minerals. The white calcium deposits that form on bathroom floors, kitchen worktops, and around faucets are a daily reality in every Dubai home. The natural instinct is to reach for an acidic descaler — and on tiles and stainless steel, this is correct. On marble, travertine, limestone, and any calcite-based natural stone, an acidic descaler causes immediate chemical etching that removes the polish and surface layer of the stone permanently. It cannot be cleaned off. The only repair is professional re-honing and re-polishing.
Using Too Much Water on Wood and Laminate
Wood and laminate floors in Dubai are frequently damaged by wet mopping. Both materials absorb water through their edges and joints when a wet mop leaves standing water on the surface. In laminate, this causes the HDF core to swell and the surface to bubble — irreversible damage. In engineered wood, repeated wet mopping causes the boards to cup and the finish to cloud. The correct method for both materials is a barely damp mop — wrung out until almost dry — or a specialist wood floor spray and microfibre mop system.
Using Abrasive Scrubbing Pads on Polished Surfaces
Abrasive scrubbing pads — the green or grey scouring pads found in every Dubai home — scratch polished marble, polished porcelain, epoxy, and lacquered wood surfaces. The scratches are microscopic individually but accumulate into a visible dullness across the floor surface over months of regular use. Soft microfibre cloths and non-abrasive mop heads are the correct cleaning tools for all polished and sealed floor surfaces.
Need a floor professionally restored after cleaning damage? Find specialists on Taamir →
2. Marble and Natural Stone Floors
Marble is the most maintenance-sensitive flooring material in Dubai homes and the one most frequently damaged by incorrect cleaning. Understanding what marble is — a calcite-based natural stone with a polished surface that is chemically reactive to acids — is the foundation of maintaining it correctly.
Daily Cleaning
• Sweep or vacuum daily to remove the fine sand and grit that Dubai air deposits on every surface. Sand acts as an abrasive on the marble surface under foot traffic — removing it before walking across the floor is the single most effective daily maintenance action.
• Mop with a well-wrung microfibre mop and clean water only, or a pH-neutral stone cleaner diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never use more water than necessary.
• Dry the floor with a clean microfibre cloth after mopping — do not let water sit on marble, especially around grout lines where it can penetrate and cause subsurface staining.
Weekly Cleaning
• Use a purpose-made marble and stone floor cleaner — products labelled pH-neutral and safe for natural stone. Brands like LTP, HG Stone, and Lithofin are available in Dubai and formulated correctly for marble care.
• Pay attention to grout lines — use a soft grout brush with the stone cleaner rather than an abrasive pad.
Common Stains on Marble — How to Remove Them
Coffee and Tea
Blot immediately with a clean white cloth — do not rub, which spreads the stain. Apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution, available from Dubai pharmacies) to a clean cloth and dab gently onto the stain. Leave for five minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry. For set stains, a poultice paste made from hydrogen peroxide and white chalk powder left for twenty-four hours under plastic wrap is the professional method.
Oil and Grease
Blot immediately to absorb as much oil as possible. Apply a small amount of pure acetone (nail polish remover without added fragrance or colour) to a clean white cloth and dab onto the stain. The acetone dissolves the oil without reacting with the marble. Rinse immediately with clean water and dry thoroughly. Do not use washing-up liquid — it leaves a residue that attracts more dirt.
Hard Water and Calcium Deposits
This is the most common stain on marble floors in Dubai and the most dangerous to treat incorrectly. Do not use any acidic product. The correct method is a poultice of sodium bicarbonate and water — paste consistency — applied to the deposit, left for thirty minutes, then gently worked with a soft brush and rinsed. For persistent heavy deposits, contact a professional stone care specialist rather than escalating to stronger chemicals.
Red Wine and Juice
Blot immediately and generously. Apply hydrogen peroxide to a cloth and dab — do not pour directly onto the marble as it can bleach unevenly if left in puddle form. Rinse and dry. Time is critical with red wine — a stain that has had more than an hour to penetrate an unsealed or poorly sealed marble floor may require professional poultice treatment.
Rust Stains
Rust on marble — often from a metal plant pot or furniture leg left on the floor — requires a specialist rust remover formulated specifically for natural stone. Products containing oxalic acid are effective on rust but must be rinsed immediately and completely. Do not leave on the surface. Professional treatment is recommended for large or deeply set rust stains.
⚠ Never use vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, acidic bathroom cleaners, or standard descaling products on marble or any natural stone. Even a single application causes permanent etching that requires professional re-polishing to correct.
✓ Keep a sealed marble floor. A professionally applied penetrating sealant gives you significantly more time to blot and treat spills before they penetrate the stone. Reseal annually.
Find marble floor restoration and sealing professionals on Taamir →
3. Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors
Porcelain tile is the most forgiving floor to clean in any Dubai home. Its non-porous surface means that most spills sit on top of the tile rather than penetrating it, and it resists virtually every cleaning product without damage. The cleaning challenge with tile in Dubai is almost always the grout rather than the tile itself — covered separately in section 10.
Daily Cleaning
• Sweep or vacuum to remove sand and dust — essential in Dubai where fine particles scratch tile surfaces under foot traffic over time, particularly on matte and satin finishes.
• Mop with a microfibre mop and warm water. A small amount of pH-neutral floor cleaner can be added for a more thorough clean.
• On polished porcelain, buff dry with a clean microfibre cloth after mopping to prevent water spots from Dubai's hard water.
Common Stains on Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
Hard Water and Calcium Deposits
The most frequent cleaning challenge on Dubai tile floors, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Apply a diluted white vinegar solution (one part vinegar to four parts water) to the deposit, leave for five to ten minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive pad and rinse. For heavy calcium buildup, a purpose-made hard water remover from a tile supply shop is more effective. Do not use these acidic products on natural stone, epoxy grout, or micro cement — tiles only.
Grease and Cooking Oil
Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly to the stain, leave for two minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. For set grease, a degreaser spray — widely available in Dubai supermarkets — applied for five minutes before scrubbing is more effective.
Coffee, Tea, and Juice
On porcelain these stains are straightforward — blot the excess, apply a general-purpose tile cleaner or diluted washing-up liquid, scrub gently, and rinse. Porcelain's non-porous surface means these stains rarely set unless the tile has surface cracks or a heavily textured anti-slip finish where liquid can pool.
Ink and Dye
Apply acetone (nail polish remover) to a clean cloth and dab onto the stain. Rinse thoroughly. On coloured or patterned tiles, test in an inconspicuous area first as acetone can affect some surface prints on lower-quality tiles.
Soap Scum
A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water, applied with a soft brush and left for five minutes before rinsing, removes soap scum effectively from tile surfaces. For heavy buildup, a purpose-made bathroom tile descaler is more efficient.
✓ For textured anti-slip tiles in bathrooms — which collect grime in their surface texture — a stiff-bristled grout brush used weekly prevents buildup that is very difficult to remove once it sets into the texture.
Find and compare tile flooring professionals in Dubai on Taamir →
4. Parquet and Wood Floors
Wood floors require the most careful cleaning routine of any hard floor in a Dubai home. The enemies of wood flooring are water, acid, and abrasion — and all three are found in standard household cleaning products and practices. A correctly maintained wood floor develops a beautiful patina over years of use. An incorrectly maintained one clouds, swells, and loses its finish within months.
Daily Cleaning
• Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard floor setting — never a beater bar or rotating brush which scratches the wood surface.
• A dry microfibre dust mop is the most effective daily cleaning tool for wood floors in Dubai — it attracts and holds the fine sand particles that otherwise act as sandpaper underfoot.
Weekly Cleaning
• Use a specialist wood floor cleaner — Bona, Osmo Wash and Care, or equivalent. These are pH-neutral, leave no residue, and are safe for both oiled and lacquered wood floors.
• Apply the cleaner with a barely damp microfibre mop — the mop head should be wrung out until virtually dry. Never leave standing water on a wood floor.
• Work in the direction of the grain and allow the floor to air dry completely before walking on it.
Common Stains on Wood Floors
Water Marks and White Rings
Water marks on lacquered wood floors — white cloudy rings often left by glasses or plant pots — can sometimes be removed by rubbing very gently with a cloth lightly dampened with a small amount of mineral spirits, then buffing dry. On oiled floors, apply a small amount of the floor's maintenance oil to the mark, work it in with a soft cloth, and leave overnight. If the mark persists, the affected area may need spot-sanding and re-finishing by a professional.
Oil and Grease
On lacquered floors, blot immediately and apply a small amount of washing-up liquid to the spot, work into the stain with a damp cloth, and rinse with a barely damp cloth. On oiled floors, sprinkle a small amount of chalk powder or fine talc over the grease stain, leave for thirty minutes to absorb the oil, then sweep away and clean with a specialist wood cleaner.
Red Wine
Blot immediately — speed is critical on wood floors. Apply the wood floor cleaner immediately and work gently with a clean cloth. If any stain remains after cleaning, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and dab — do not rub — then rinse with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Deep stains that have penetrated the finish may require professional spot-sanding and re-coating.
Pet Stains
Blot immediately. Clean with a wood-safe enzyme cleaner — available from pet supply stores in Dubai — which breaks down the organic compounds in pet urine without damaging the wood finish. Standard household cleaners are not effective at removing the odour from wood floors. If urine has penetrated through a damaged finish into the wood fibres, the affected boards may require sanding and re-finishing.
Scuff Marks
Black rubber scuff marks from shoes or furniture legs on lacquered wood floors are removed by rubbing gently with a small amount of mineral spirits on a soft white cloth. On oiled floors, a small amount of maintenance oil rubbed into the scuff mark usually absorbs it.
⚠ Never use steam mops, wet mops, vinegar solutions, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners on any wood or parquet floor. Never use a vacuum with a rotating brush bar. Any of these will damage the finish or the wood itself.
Find and compare parquet and wood floor care professionals in Dubai on Taamir →
5. SPC Vinyl Floors
SPC vinyl is the easiest hard floor to clean and maintain in a Dubai home. Its fully waterproof, non-porous surface resists virtually every household spill and cleaning product and requires no specialist care products or techniques. The main cleaning mistake on SPC is unnecessary — people apply specialist products that are not needed and that can leave a residue that dulls the surface.
Daily Cleaning
• Sweep or vacuum — use a soft bristle attachment. SPC surfaces scratch under grit and sand, so daily removal of particles is the most important maintenance habit.
• Damp mop with clean water or a small amount of pH-neutral floor cleaner. SPC does not require specialist vinyl cleaners — a general mild floor cleaner is sufficient.
Common Stains on SPC Vinyl
Coffee, Juice, and Food
Wipe immediately with a damp cloth. For dried stains, apply warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid, leave for two minutes, and wipe clean. SPC's non-porous wear layer means almost no stain has time to set if addressed within a few hours.
Grease and Oil
Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly to the stain, work in with a soft cloth, and rinse with a clean damp cloth. Do not use solvent-based cleaners on SPC — they can soften the wear layer.
Scuff Marks
Rub with a clean pencil eraser — this works extremely well on rubber scuff marks on vinyl surfaces. For persistent marks, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth removes most marks without damaging the wear layer.
Ink and Marker
Isopropyl alcohol on a cloth dabbed onto the stain removes most ink from SPC. Rinse with clean water after.
Hard Water Deposits
A diluted white vinegar solution removes calcium deposits from SPC effectively. Unlike marble and stone, SPC is not acid-sensitive. Rinse thoroughly after.
⚠ Do not use steam mops on SPC vinyl. The heat from steam can soften the adhesive or deform the surface layer of some products. Do not use solvent-based cleaners or bleach in concentrated form.
✓ SPC vinyl in Dubai requires no waxing, polishing, or specialist coating. These products leave a residue that attracts dirt and dulls the surface over time.
Find and compare SPC vinyl flooring professionals in Dubai on Taamir →
6. Laminate Floors
Laminate floor cleaning follows similar principles to wood, with one additional critical rule — water is even more dangerous on laminate than on wood because the HDF core absorbs moisture faster and swells more dramatically. In Dubai, where laminate is often used in bedrooms and dry interior spaces, the main cleaning challenges are everyday dust, sand, and occasional dry spills.
Daily Cleaning
• Dry sweep or vacuum with a soft attachment. Never use a rotating brush bar on laminate — it can scratch the surface print layer.
• A dry microfibre dust mop picks up the fine sand particles that settle on laminate surfaces daily in Dubai and is the most effective daily tool.
Common Stains on Laminate
Everyday Spills — Food and Drink
Blot immediately with a dry cloth. Wipe with a cloth very lightly dampened with clean water. Dry immediately with a clean dry cloth. The key is speed and minimal moisture.
Grease
Apply a small amount of acetone on a cloth and dab the stain — do not rub and do not leave acetone on the surface. Wipe with a barely damp cloth immediately after and dry.
Ink and Marker
Acetone or isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, dabbed rather than rubbed, removes most ink stains from laminate. Rinse immediately with a barely damp cloth and dry.
Scuff Marks
A pencil eraser removes most scuff marks from laminate surfaces without scratching the print layer.
⚠ Never wet mop laminate. Never use a steam mop. Never use abrasive cleaners. Any significant water exposure will cause the HDF core to swell, which is permanent and irreparable.
Find and compare laminate flooring professionals in Dubai on Taamir →
7. Epoxy Floors
Epoxy floors are among the easiest to clean in a Dubai home. Their seamless, non-porous surface means there are no grout lines to harbour bacteria, no joints to trap dirt, and virtually nothing that a standard cleaning approach cannot handle. The main care consideration for epoxy is avoiding abrasion that scratches the glossy surface, and avoiding concentrated bleach that can dull the finish over time.
Daily Cleaning
• Soft broom or dust mop to remove grit and sand before mopping — critical in Dubai where sand particles scratch the gloss finish of epoxy under foot traffic.
• Damp mop with warm water and a small amount of pH-neutral floor cleaner. Epoxy does not require specialist products.
• Buff dry with a clean microfibre cloth to maintain the gloss finish and prevent water spotting from Dubai's hard water.
Common Stains on Epoxy Floors
Oil and Grease
Apply a degreaser diluted in warm water, leave for two minutes, scrub with a soft brush, and mop clean. Epoxy's chemical resistance means grease does not penetrate the surface — it sits on top and is easily removed if addressed promptly.
Rust Stains
Rust from metal furniture legs or plant pots on an epoxy floor is removed with a purpose-made rust remover. Apply, leave for the time specified, scrub with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly. Epoxy resists the mild acids in rust removers without damage.
Paint and Sealant Drips
Dried paint on epoxy is removed carefully with a plastic scraper — never a metal scraper which will scratch the surface. Soften with a small amount of mineral spirits if needed, then remove and clean with a damp cloth.
Chemical Spills
Most household chemicals — including cleaning agents, solvents in small quantities, and concentrated bleach — can be rinsed off epoxy without permanent damage if addressed immediately. Leave no chemical product sitting on epoxy for extended periods.
⚠ Do not use steel wool, metal scrubbing pads, or any abrasive cleaning tool on epoxy. These scratch the gloss finish permanently. Do not use highly concentrated bleach routinely — occasional use is fine but daily bleach mopping will dull the surface over time.
Find and compare epoxy flooring professionals in Dubai on Taamir →
8. Micro Cement Floors
Micro cement requires more careful cleaning than tile or vinyl because its surface — although sealed — is more sensitive to abrasion and certain chemicals than factory-fired ceramics. The sealant on a micro cement floor is its protection, and the cleaning routine must preserve that sealant rather than gradually stripping it.
Daily Cleaning
• Soft broom or dry microfibre dust mop. Sand and grit scratch the sealed surface of micro cement visibly over time — daily removal is essential in Dubai.
• Damp mop with clean water or a pH-neutral cleaner specifically recommended by the micro cement installer. Ask your installer for their recommended maintenance product at the time of installation and use nothing else.
Common Stains on Micro Cement
Coffee, Tea, and Juice
Blot immediately. Wipe with a damp cloth and pH-neutral cleaner. The sealant on a properly specified micro cement floor protects against most food and drink stains if they are addressed within a few minutes. Stains that are left to dry and penetrate the sealant may require a professional topcoat refresh.
Oil and Grease
Blot carefully — do not rub which spreads the oil. Apply a small amount of pH-neutral dish soap to a damp cloth and work gently. Rinse with a clean damp cloth. Do not use solvent-based degreasers — these strip the polyurethane sealant.
Hard Water Deposits
Remove with a damp cloth and a very small amount of pH-neutral cleaner. Do not use vinegar or acidic descalers on micro cement — the acid attacks the polyurethane sealant and eventually the cement layer beneath. For stubborn hard water deposits on a micro cement surface, consult the professional who installed the floor.
Ink and Dye
Dab — do not rub — with isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth. Rinse immediately with a clean damp cloth. Test in a small inconspicuous area first as some coloured micro cement finishes can be affected by isopropyl alcohol.
⚠ Never use acidic cleaners, bleach, abrasive pads, steam mops, or solvent-based products on micro cement. Any of these will damage or strip the protective sealant, exposing the cement beneath to permanent staining.
✓ Micro cement floors in Dubai should have their topcoat sealant professionally refreshed every two to three years. This single maintenance action extends the floor's life dramatically and is far less costly than a full repair or re-application.
Find and compare micro cement flooring specialists in Dubai on Taamir →
9. Carpet
Carpet cleaning in Dubai has two dimensions — daily maintenance to manage the sand and dust that settles into pile constantly, and stain treatment for the inevitable spills. Dubai's warm indoor environment also means that organic stains left untreated can develop odours and mould in the carpet backing faster than in cooler climates. Speed of treatment is always the priority.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning
• Vacuum thoroughly at least twice per week — more frequently in Dubai where fine sand settles into carpet pile daily. Use a vacuum with a rotating brush bar set for the pile depth of the carpet.
• Vacuum in multiple directions to lift pile and remove embedded particles from different angles.
• In high-traffic areas and near entrances, a daily dry vacuum pass prevents sand from working its way down to the carpet backing where it causes abrasive damage to the pile roots.
Common Stains on Carpet
Coffee and Tea
Blot immediately with a clean white cloth — absorb as much liquid as possible before treating. Mix one tablespoon of washing-up liquid with two cups of cold water. Apply to the stain with a clean cloth, blotting from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading. Rinse with cold water and blot dry. Repeat until the stain lifts. Do not rub — rubbing spreads the stain and damages the pile.
Red Wine
Blot immediately and generously. Pour a small amount of cold sparkling water onto the stain — the carbonation helps lift the wine from the fibres. Blot again. Apply a mixture of one tablespoon of washing-up liquid, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of warm water. Work from the outside inward, blotting rather than rubbing. Rinse with cold water and dry with a clean cloth. A specialist carpet stain remover is more effective for large spills or delayed treatment.
Grease and Oil
Sprinkle cornflour, baking soda, or talcum powder generously over the grease stain and leave for thirty minutes to absorb the oil. Vacuum away the powder. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent on a clean cloth and blot the remaining stain. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.
Pet Stains and Urine
Blot immediately to absorb as much liquid as possible. Apply a commercial enzyme-based pet stain cleaner — available from Carrefour and pet supply stores in Dubai — and follow the product instructions. Enzyme cleaners break down the organic compounds in pet urine that standard cleaners cannot address and eliminate the odour rather than masking it. Do not use steam to treat pet stains — heat sets the odour compounds permanently into the carpet fibres.
Ink and Marker
Apply isopropyl alcohol to a clean white cloth and dab — never rub — onto the ink stain. The alcohol dissolves the ink without spreading it. Blot with a clean dry cloth. Repeat until the stain lifts. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.
Wax and Chewing Gum
Place a bag of ice cubes over the wax or gum and leave for fifteen minutes until it hardens completely. Break away as much as possible by hand or with a blunt edge. Vacuum the remaining particles. Apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent to any residue and blot away.
✓ For professional deep cleaning of carpets in Dubai, a hot water extraction (steam cleaning) service every six to twelve months removes the embedded sand and organic material that vacuuming alone cannot reach. This extends the carpet's life significantly.
Find and compare carpet flooring professionals in Dubai on Taamir →
10. Grout — The Most Neglected Surface in Any Dubai Home
Grout lines are the maintenance Achilles heel of every tiled floor. They are porous — even sealed grout absorbs moisture and organic material over time — and they run throughout the entire floor surface at ground level, which in Dubai means they are constantly exposed to fine sand, hard water deposits, soap scum, and food spillage. Neglected grout is the single most common reason that an otherwise well-maintained tiled bathroom or kitchen floor looks old and dirty.
Regular Grout Cleaning
• Mix baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply to grout lines with an old toothbrush or a purpose-made grout brush. Leave for five minutes and scrub. Rinse thoroughly. This method is safe on all grout types and removes light soiling and mildew effectively.
• For more thorough cleaning, a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and warm water applied to cement grout lines and scrubbed with a stiff brush removes calcium deposits and soap scum. Rinse well. Do not use vinegar on epoxy grout — it is not necessary and unnecessary chemical exposure degrades the grout over time.
Mould and Mildew in Grout
Mould growth in bathroom grout is common in Dubai's warm, moist bathroom environment, particularly in areas with insufficient ventilation. A diluted bleach solution — one part household bleach to ten parts water — applied to cement grout lines with a grout brush and left for ten minutes before rinsing removes mould effectively. Wear gloves and ensure the bathroom is ventilated during treatment. Do not apply bleach to epoxy grout, natural stone, or any surrounding surface other than the cement grout itself.
For persistent mould that returns within weeks of cleaning, the root cause is usually inadequate bathroom ventilation rather than a cleaning problem. Ensure the bathroom exhaust fan runs during and for thirty minutes after every shower.
Re-Sealing Grout
Cement grout in Dubai bathrooms and kitchens should be sealed on installation and re-sealed every one to two years. A penetrating grout sealer — applied with a small brush along each grout line after thorough cleaning and drying — dramatically reduces the absorption of stains and moisture. This single maintenance action is the most effective way to prevent the grout discolouration that makes otherwise clean tiled floors look dirty.
If the grout in your floors is deeply discoloured and cannot be restored by cleaning, grout colourant products — available in Dubai tile supply shops — can restore the appearance without the cost and disruption of full grout removal and re-grouting.
Find and compare tile and grout restoration professionals in Dubai on Taamir →
11. Stain Removal Quick Reference — Every Floor Type
Use this section as a fast reference when a stain occurs. Always blot rather than rub, and always work from the outside edge of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
Coffee and Tea
• Marble and stone: hydrogen peroxide on cloth, dab, rinse.
• Porcelain tile: general tile cleaner or washing-up liquid, rinse.
• Wood and parquet: wood floor cleaner, barely damp cloth, dry immediately.
• SPC vinyl: damp cloth with mild cleaner.
• Laminate: barely damp cloth, dry immediately.
• Epoxy: damp mop with floor cleaner.
• Micro cement: damp cloth with pH-neutral cleaner, immediately.
• Carpet: blot, cold sparkling water, washing-up liquid solution, blot dry.
Grease and Oil
• Marble and stone: acetone on cloth, dab only, rinse immediately.
• Porcelain tile: washing-up liquid or degreaser spray.
• Wood and parquet: chalk powder to absorb, then wood cleaner.
• SPC vinyl: washing-up liquid, rinse.
• Laminate: acetone dab, rinse immediately.
• Epoxy: diluted degreaser, soft brush, rinse.
• Micro cement: pH-neutral dish soap on damp cloth, no solvents.
• Carpet: powder absorber, then dry-cleaning solvent.
Red Wine
• Marble and stone: blot, hydrogen peroxide dab, rinse.
• Porcelain tile: tile cleaner or general purpose cleaner.
• Wood and parquet: blot immediately, wood cleaner, hydrogen peroxide if needed.
• SPC vinyl: damp cloth, mild cleaner.
• Laminate: blot immediately, barely damp cloth, dry.
• Epoxy: damp mop, rinse.
• Micro cement: blot immediately, pH-neutral cleaner.
• Carpet: blot, sparkling water, washing-up and vinegar solution.
Hard Water and Calcium Deposits
• Marble and stone: baking soda paste only. No acid.
• Porcelain tile: diluted white vinegar or purpose-made hard water remover.
• Wood and parquet: specialist wood cleaner only. No vinegar.
• SPC vinyl: diluted white vinegar, rinse.
• Laminate: barely damp cloth only. Avoid all liquids near edges.
• Epoxy: pH-neutral cleaner, damp mop.
• Micro cement: damp cloth, pH-neutral cleaner only. No acid.
• Carpet: not applicable.
Ink and Marker
• Marble and stone: acetone dab, rinse immediately.
• Porcelain tile: acetone or isopropyl alcohol.
• Wood and parquet: isopropyl alcohol dab, rinse.
• SPC vinyl: isopropyl alcohol, rinse.
• Laminate: acetone or isopropyl alcohol dab, rinse immediately.
• Epoxy: isopropyl alcohol, rinse.
• Micro cement: isopropyl alcohol dab — test first.
• Carpet: isopropyl alcohol dab, blot dry.
12. What Never to Use on Any Floor
Some cleaning products are so commonly misused on floors in Dubai homes that they deserve a dedicated section. The following products should never be used on the floors listed — not even diluted, not even once.
Bleach
• Never on marble, travertine, limestone, or any natural stone — causes chemical bleaching and surface degradation.
• Never on wood or parquet — strips the finish and bleaches the wood fibre.
• Never on epoxy as a routine cleaner — occasional diluted use is acceptable but daily bleach mopping dulls the finish.
• Never on micro cement — strips the polyurethane sealant.
• Acceptable diluted on ceramic and porcelain tile grout for mould treatment — rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar and Acidic Cleaners
• Never on marble, travertine, limestone, or any calcite-based stone — causes immediate irreversible etching.
• Never on wood or parquet — strips the finish.
• Never on micro cement — degrades the sealant.
• Acceptable diluted on porcelain and ceramic tiles and SPC vinyl for hard water removal.
Steam Mops
• Never on wood, parquet, or laminate — the heat and moisture damage the finish and swell the core.
• Never on SPC vinyl — heat can deform the surface layer.
• Never on micro cement — heat damages the polyurethane sealant.
• Acceptable on porcelain and ceramic tiles and epoxy — though not necessary.
Abrasive Scrubbing Pads
• Never on polished marble — scratches the polish permanently.
• Never on polished porcelain — scratches the glazed surface.
• Never on lacquered wood — scratches the lacquer.
• Never on epoxy — scratches the gloss finish.
• Never on micro cement — scratches the sealant layer.
Furniture Polish and Wax
• Never on tile, vinyl, or epoxy floors — leaves a residue that attracts dirt and becomes slippery.
• Only use wax products specifically formulated for wood floors on wood and parquet — and only if the floor's finish type is compatible.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove hard water stains from my marble bathroom floor in Dubai?
Do not use any acidic product — vinegar, lemon juice, or commercial descaler will etch marble permanently. The correct method is a paste of baking soda and water applied to the deposit, left for thirty minutes, gently scrubbed with a soft brush, and rinsed thoroughly. For heavy or persistent deposits, contact a professional stone care specialist in Dubai rather than escalating the chemical approach.
My grout has gone dark and mouldy — can I fix it without re-tiling?
Yes. Clean with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) applied with a grout brush, left for ten minutes, and rinsed thoroughly. For grout that has been deeply stained for a long time, a grout colourant pen or grout paint — available from tile supply shops in Dubai — can restore the appearance without removing and replacing the grout. If the grout is crumbling or coming away from the joints, replacement is necessary.
How often should I have my marble floors professionally polished in Dubai?
Most Dubai marble floors benefit from professional polishing every two to three years, combined with annual professional sealing. High-traffic areas — entrance halls, living rooms — may need polishing more frequently. If the floor has lost its sheen, shows visible scratches, or has been damaged by acidic cleaners, professional diamond polishing can restore it to its original finish.
Can I use a robot vacuum on my wood floor?
Yes, provided the robot vacuum has a soft floor setting with no rotating brush bar, or the brush bar can be disabled. Ensure the robot vacuum does not leak water onto the floor. Dry robot vacuums are safe on wood floors. Robot mop-vacuum combinations should not be used on wood unless the moisture setting is set to its absolute minimum and the manufacturer confirms wood floor compatibility.
My SPC floor has a white haze after mopping — how do I remove it?
The white haze is almost always a residue from a cleaning product — either too much cleaner was used, or the cleaner was not rinsed off fully. Mop again with clean water only — no cleaner — and the haze will lift. To prevent recurrence, use less cleaning product and always follow with a clean water rinse pass.
How do I get rid of carpet odour in a Dubai home?
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet, leave for thirty minutes to two hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odour without damaging carpet fibres. For persistent odour from pet accidents or moisture, an enzyme-based carpet cleaner applied according to the product instructions addresses the organic source of the odour rather than masking it. Severe or embedded odour may require professional hot water extraction cleaning.
Is it safe to use a steam mop on my porcelain tiles?
Yes, steam is safe on porcelain and ceramic tiles and does not damage the tile surface or standard cement grout. It is effective at sanitising tile floors and removing grease from kitchen floors without chemical products. Do not use steam on epoxy grout, natural stone, wood, SPC vinyl, laminate, or micro cement.
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