It's just a given that floors get a lot of foot traffic. And if you have an indoor pet, forget it, right?

While you can help keep things clean by having people take off their shoes and placing doormats or heavy-duty rugs in front of doorways, there's no escaping the seemingly constant cleaning. Whether you have hardwood, laminate, tile or carpet, here are a few practical tips to simplify your cleaning life and keep your floors looking spotless.

Hardwood

For regular maintenance, a simple dusting, sweeping and/or vacuuming should do the trick.

"A regular once-over with a broom or dust mop will do wonders. How often you have to do this chore depends on the traffic your hardwood floors see...dust wood floors with a mop that has been treated with a dusting agent to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair that might scratch the floor surface. Options for the best mop for hardwood floors include those with a microfiber head," reports Better Homes and Gardens.

Also take note that when vacuuming, use a floor-brush attachment since a beater bar can scratch a wood floor's finish.

For a deeper cleaning, use a wood floor mop and a wood floor cleaning agent according to the label's instructions.

Tile

"Modern resilient tile is so easy to maintain that the biggest problem you're likely to experience is the tendency to overdo it. Too much maintenance causes premature wear and dulling," explains Better Homes and Gardens.

Sweeping, dusting and vacuuming your tile floor throughout the week keeps your tile floor looking clean and fresh. Damp-mop it at least once a week to keep it in premier condition. Like hardwood floor, steer clear of vacuuming with a beater bar attachment, since it can scratch the floor.

Laminate

Laminate flooring has the best of both worlds: beauty and ease of maintenance.

"Laminate flooring is easily maintained, does not need to be varnished or waxed, is stain resistant, and has an excellent long-lasting wearing surface," according to Giant Carpet One Floor & Home.

However, make sure to wipe up spills immediately since "Water + Laminate = Disaster," according to DIY Network. And never polish your laminate flooring, as it can damage the floor's finish.

To maintain, dry-mop or vacuum at least once a week. For a more thorough cleaning, lightly mop with a tiny bit of soapy water and vinegar. "Avoid pine scented cleaners. These leave a dull, soapy residue," says DIY Network.

Carpet

With carpet, the important thing to remember is to blot.

"When cleaning up any mess from your carpet blot the excess mess ... (then) apply a detergent solution onto a damp towel and blot the messy area ... don't rub it," says Giant Carpet One Floor & Home.

Also, take note that vacuuming regularly is your secret weapon. "Vacuum at least two times a week and more if the room gets a lot of foot traffic. Your vacuum is the best defense against early retirement for a carpet so keep it maintained," according to the DIY Network.

Another way to make your carpet last longer is to get it professionally cleaned at least twice a year.

For more information about these (and more) types of flooring, visit Giant Carpet One Floor & Home.

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