When it comes to cleaning your floors, you might wonder: Can I just grab my all purpose cleaner for mopping? After all, these cleaners are versatile, so why not use them on floors too? Let’s dive into whether an all purpose cleaner is up to the task, and we’ll even share a better option that gives you top-notch results.

Can You Use All Purpose Cleaner to Mop?

The short answer: Yes! You can use an all purpose cleaner to mop floors like tile, vinyl, or laminate. These cleaners are designed for a wide range of surfaces, which makes them a convenient go-to for cleaning up spills and dirt on your floors.

But here’s the thing: while they get the job done, all purpose cleaners might not be the best choice for a shiny, streak-free floor. If you don’t dilute them correctly, they could leave behind a sticky residue. Plus, you won’t get the same level of shine or long-lasting cleanliness that a dedicated floor cleaner provides.

Is All Purpose Cleaner Good for Floors?

An all purpose cleaner can work for mopping, but it’s not perfect for floors. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons:

Benefits:

  • Convenience: You can use the same cleaner on multiple surfaces, making it great for quick cleanups.

  • Affordability: All-purpose cleaners are usually more budget-friendly than specialized floor cleaners, which is a win for care homes or anyone looking to save.

  • Versatility: These cleaners are useful for a variety of floor types. They’re handy for quick fixes when needed.

Drawbacks of All Purpose Cleaner for Floors

  • Residue and Streaking: If not diluted properly, all purpose cleaners can leave a sticky residue. That means dirt might stick, and you could end up with streaky floors.

  • Less Shine: Floor-specific cleaners are designed to give floors a shiny, polished look. You won’t get the same level of shine with an all purpose cleaner.

  • Limited Disinfection: In spaces with heavy traffic, like care homes, you need more than just a basic clean. All purpose cleaners might not have the disinfecting power you need.

How Do Professionals Clean Floors?

Professional cleaners, especially in places like care homes, tend to use products designed specifically for floors. Why? Because they want the best results. These cleaners are formulated to clean deeply without leaving any sticky residue, and they often leave floors with a streak-free shine.

Why Professionals Prefer Specialised Floor Cleaners

  • Better Results: Specialized cleaners remove dirt and stains more effectively and leave floors cleaner without any residue.

  • Streak-Free Finish: Floor-specific cleaners ensure your floors shine without streaks. This is crucial in high-traffic areas that need to look their best.

  • Protection: Many floor cleaners, like Eclipse Lemon Floor Gel, help protect the floor’s finish and reduce wear and tear.

  • Tailored Formulas: Professionals choose cleaners that match the type of floor they’re cleaning—whether it’s vinyl, tile, or wood.

All purpose cleaner might work for a quick clean, but if you want a thorough, long-lasting clean, floor-specific products are the way to go.

Why Choose Eclipse Neutral Floor Cleaner Over All Purpose Cleaner?

While all purpose cleaner can work in a pinch, there’s a lot to love about a specialised cleaner like Eclipse Neutral Floor Cleaner.

Made for Floors: Eclipse Neutral Floor Cleaner is designed specifically for hard floors. It removes dirt and grime without leaving streaks or dulling the surface, helping your floors maintain their natural look and finish.

Neutral Formula: Unlike stronger cleaners that may damage delicate surfaces, the neutral pH of Eclipse Neutral Floor Cleaner makes it safe for use on a wide variety of flooring types, including vinyl, marble, rubber, and polished floors.

Cost-Effective: A little goes a long way with Eclipse Neutral Floor Cleaner. Because it delivers excellent results with minimal product, you save money over time and reduce the need for re-cleaning.

Safe and Effective: Perfect for high-traffic environments such as care homes, it’s tough on dirt yet gentle enough to protect your flooring investment.

To mop it up: Yes, you can use an all purpose cleaner for mopping, and it will clean your floors. But if you want better protection, longer-lasting cleanliness, and less effort overall, a specialised floor cleaner like Eclipse Neutral Floor Cleaner is your best bet.

Whether you’re in a care home or managing a busy household, a cleaner made specifically for floors will make your life easier and keep your floors looking their best.

Need help figuring out the best way to clean your floors? Book a hygiene consultation with me today!


All Purpose Mopping FAQ’s

It’s safe for quick cleans, but professionals recommend specialised floor cleaners for high-traffic care home environments where hygiene and shine matter most.

If used too strong, it can leave behind sticky residue. This attracts dirt and makes floors look dull instead of clean.

All purpose cleaner is versatile but not optimised for shine. Floor-specific cleaners are designed to give a polished, streak-free finish and protect flooring over time.

Specialised neutral floor cleaners, like Eclipse Neutral Floor Cleaner, deliver professional results—safe, streak-free, and cost-effective for busy care environments.

Not always. Many don’t provide the disinfection needed in high-use areas. A proper floor cleaner or disinfectant is the better choice for infection control.