Surprisingly, cleaning companies rarely use harsh chemicals to achieve a high-gloss floor finish. The key to streak-free shine lies in the right physics, careful use of chemicals, and the right home remedies.

Here are the three biggest “secrets” of the pros and how you can implement them at home without chemicals:

The real secret of the pro: Less is more
The most common reason for dull or streaky floors is an overdose of cleaning agents. Regular all-purpose cleaners leave a thin layer of soap on the floor. With each wipe, this layer thickens, attracting dirt and dulling the floor’s shine.

Pro tip: Mop the floor several times with just lukewarm water and a clean microfiber or cotton cloth to completely remove old soap residue.

Preparing your mopping water correctly
The best home remedy depends largely on your floor:

For tiles, vinyl and laminate: The vinegar trick

Vinegar dissolves limescale and greasy deposits and evaporates without leaving a residue.

Recipe: Add approximately 50–100 ml of white vinegar (or a few drops of lemon juice) to a bucket of lukewarm (not hot!) water.

Important: Do not mop with water that is too hot, as the vinegar will evaporate too quickly and the acid concentration on the floor will increase.

For parquet and solid wood: A thin layer of oil

Wood needs moisture and oil to prevent it from drying out.

Recipe: A few drops of linseed oil or a sterile mixture of lukewarm water and a little liquid soap in the mopping water will create a natural protective layer and a silky shine.

Important: Always mop wood with a slightly damp mop!

Professional technique
Dry clean first: Vacuum or sweep thoroughly before mopping. The fine grains of sand act like sandpaper when wiping and cause microscopic scratches that ruin the shine.

Wipe with cold/lukewarm water: Hot water causes cleaning and care products to dry too quickly, leading to streaks.

The right cloth:

Tiles/vinyl: High-quality microfibre cloth (absorbs dirt without cleaner).

Real wood/laminate: Cotton cloth (microfibre can cause fine scratches on soft wood or sealants).

Summary: A splash of vinegar in lukewarm water, a clean cotton or microfiber cloth, and avoiding excessive soap are all you need to make any floor shine like new.