As valuable as cleansers can be to remove dirt, if they leave streaks or residue, your surfaces won’t look so clean. Make sure you’re choosing a cleaner that leaves a shiny, clear surface behind. Scents are often added to cleaners to make your house smell great. Lemon is a popular fragrance, but you can find other scents as well.

The best way to keep your floors clean is to reduce dirt buildup. Doormats can go a long way in removing dirt from your shoes and the shoes of your visitors. You should also implement a shoes-off policy in your home, at least with regular occupants. Much of the dirt your floor cleaners are removing is carried in from outside on your feet. As you’re considering quantity, look to see if you’ll need to dilute the cleaner in water. Often, you’re only using a small portion in a gallon or two of water. That means one container will likely last you a while.Some floors, like ceramic, can be cleaned with just water. Try that first before progressing to harsher cleansers. Vinegar can be a great floor cleaner, but many find the smell unpalatable. If you go this route, make sure you choose a cleaner that neutralizes the vinegar odor.