Hardwood Floors

• 1). Clean the surface of the hardwood floor with a dry mop to pick up loose dirt and dust. Alternately, vacuum the floor with a vacuum cleaner.
  
  
• 2). Mix 2 to 3 cups of warm water into a bucket, and add 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid to the bucket. Dip the mop in the mixture, and squeeze excess moisture from the mop.
  
  
• 3). Wipe down the polyurethane-coated hardwood floor with the damp mop in the direction of the wood grain to avoid accidental scratching.
  
  
• 4). Clean the floor in a back and forth motion, and dry it with a clean, soft cloth in a circular motion. The circular movement brings out the floor's natural shine. According to Real Simple, you can use a cloth diaper instead of a cleaning cloth due to the diaper's absorbent material.
  
  

Tile or Ceramic Floor

• 1). Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove as much loose dirt as possible. Open the windows in the room, which will help speed up the floor's drying time.
  
  
• 2). Mix 1/2 cup to 1 cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket, and submerge the mop in the mixture.
  
  
• 3). Wring out the excess moisture from the mop, and wipe down the floor in a circular motion to prevent streaks. Leave the room to allow the floor to air-dry.