Soft soap

A capful in a bucket of warm water is a general floor and surface wash. It lifts everyday dirt without stripping finishes, which is why it survives on sealed wood where stronger cleaners do not.

Rinse afterwards on anything glossy. It cleans well and leaves a faint film if the water is hard, which is the one complaint people have about it.

Mild enough for regular use without gloves. Slippery — a floor washed with it stays slippery until dry.

Not for microfibre: soap film is exactly what clogs the fibres. Use it with a cotton mop or a rinsed sponge.