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Learn how to effectively clean and maintain your linoleum floors with this step-by-step guide.
Resilient, water-resistant, and available in a plethora of designs and colors, linoleum floors are a low-maintenance flooring type that is pretty easy to clean, even if it gets dirty from heavy foot traffic, pet stains, and spills. Unlike wood, stone, or tile flooring, linoleum isn’t super finicky or fussy about how you clean it regularly. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind before taking out your broom and mop from the closet.
Below, we’ve reached out to two cleaning experts to get their best tips on how to clean linoleum floors using different methods, what to consider before getting started, what to avoid when cleaning your linoleum floors, and much more.
How Often To Clean Linoleum Floors
For general cleaning, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, recommends removing dust and debris in high-traffic areas daily using a dry microfiber mop. This will help prolong the life of your linoleum floors. Mopping should be done once a week. “I recommend doing a thorough clean once or twice a year,” she says.
Considerations Before Getting Started
Before you begin to clean your linoleum floors, it’s important to consider a few things. First, you’ll want to avoid using any harsh chemicals, as they tend to damage the floors. “We generally advise against using bleach to clean linoleum floors,” says Mock. “It’s a harsh and abrasive chemical that could lead to damage, discoloration, and deterioration of your floors.” The best things to clean linoleum with are generally dish soap, water and vinegar, or a steam cleaner.
Mock suggests using gentle cleaning tools to avoid scratching the flooring. It’s a good idea to test the cleaner in a small section of your floor to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration over time.
Additionally, there are a few safety precautions you’ll want to consider before diving in. Always make sure to follow manufacturer instructions on all cleaning products, and ensure that the area you’re cleaning is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes. “Keep all cleaning products away from pets and children to prevent ingestion or exposure to chemicals,” says Mock, “and be cautious of slippery surfaces while cleaning.”
What You’ll Need
- Broom or vacuum cleaner
- Mop or steam cleaner
- Hot water
- Bucket or sink
- Vinegar
- Dish soap
- Clean old towels or rags
How To Clean Linoleum Floors With Dish Soap
Step 1: Sweep The Floor
Even if you don’t see noticeable dirt on the floor, sweep to get rid of any dirt or debris. Allowing dirt and debris to sit on your floors can damage or scratch the surface during everyday use or when mopping.
Step 2: Make A Cleaning Solution
Add several drops of dish soap to a gallon of warm water and stir to combine.
Step 3: Mop The Floor
Dampen the mop with the cleaning solution and then mop the floor, cleaning in sections. After each section, rinse the mop in the bucket, wring it dry, and move to another section until the entire floor has been cleaned.
Step 4: Rinse
“Then, pour out your mixture and refill your bucket or sink with clean water,” suggests Mock. Mop the floor once again with the clean, damp mop to thoroughly remove any residue.
Step 5: Allow Floor To Dry
Finally, allow the floor to dry thoroughly before using, ensuring no standing water is on the surface. Use clean old towels or rags to ensure the surface gets completely dry.
How To Clean Linoleum Floors With Vinegar
Vinegar is effective at cleaning floors and disinfecting them, but for more cleaning power, add a few squirts of dish soap to the mix, which works well at removing grease and grime from floors.
- Sweep to get rid of any dirt or debris.
- Combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket.
- Dampen the mop with the vinegar solution and mop the floor in sections. Rinse the mop after each section, wring it dry, and move to another section until the entire floor has been cleaned.
- Pour out the mixture, refill the bucket with clean water, and mop the floor again with the clean water to thoroughly remove any residue.
- Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before using, ensuring there is no standing water.
How To Clean Linoleum Floors With A Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaning can help loosen stains without using harsh chemicals. “It’s best to choose a steam cleaner designed for hard floors and ensure it doesn’t use excessive water,” says Guldeste Tursunbaeva, a professional cleaner at Superb Maids in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Adhere to the steam cleaner’s instructions and make sure to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and moisture.”
- You’ll want to sweep or vacuum the floor first. If vacuuming, set the vacuum cleaner to the hard floor setting.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fill the steam cleaner with water.
- Once you start steam cleaning, hold the nozzle a few inches above the floor and move it slowly and evenly across the whole area, really focusing on any deep stains, suggests Mock.
- Allow the floor to dry completely.
- Lastly, “empty and clean the steam cleaner to ensure it stays working well as long as it can—this will prevent any buildup, mineral deposits, or bacteria,” explains Mock.
Tips To Keep Linoleum Floors Clean Longer
Regular sweeping and mopping will help keep linoleum floors looking their best. Avoid using excessive water to prevent damaging the floors.
“We recommend only using rugs with natural backings on a linoleum floor,” suggests Mock. “Using a latex or rubber-backed rug will cause staining.” Limit floor stripping to once a year, and avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as they can strip the polish and damage the floor. Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and debris, and apply a linoleum floor polish every few months to maintain its shine and protect against wear.
Removing Stains From Linoleum Floors
Linoleum floors can get stains and discoloration from heavy foot traffic, food spills, pets, or heavy furniture that’s been sitting on them for some time. Wipe up any spills as they happen to prevent stains from setting in, and clean floors regularly. “If all else fails, consider using a professional cleaning service,” suggests Mock. To remove stains:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and debris from the linoleum.
- Make a paste using equal parts baking soda and water, suggests Tursunbaeva.
- Apply the paste to stubborn stains on the linoleum.
- Gently scrub the paste with a soft brush, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse the area with water and dry thoroughly.
Frequently asked Questions
How do you know if a floor is vinyl or linoleum?
Linoleum is thicker than vinyl and has more of a matte finish. Vinyl is glossy. The patterns on vinyl floors are only on the surface, while linoleum’s patterns go all the way through the material. Linoleum flooring is made with natural materials like cork, limestone, and linseed oil. It also has longer wear. Vinyl is made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is nearly waterproof, while linoleum is water resistant.
How do you make old linoleum look new again?
To bring dingy linoleum back to life, use a steam mop for a deep cleaning. Remove any yellowing with a paste of lemon juice and baking soda applied to affected areas. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes, scrub with a soft brush or cloth, and rinse with clean water. Dry the floor thoroughly. You can also apply hydrogen peroxide to stains in the same manner.
Why is my linoleum floor still dirty after mopping?
If your linoleum floors still look dirty after cleaning them, it’s probably due to dirty mop water. Change the dirty water frequently. Also, make sure to rinse the cleaning solution from the floor after mopping, and use a clean mop head.
Related: How To Clean Vinyl Floors And Remove Stubborn Dirt And Scuffs
Read the original article on Southern Living
