Tips for Cleaning Linoleum Floors

Cleaning Linoleum Floors

Linoleum is a durable flooring material that has a strong resistance against kitchen stains and mud. While it may withstand stains and appear fine for a long time, cleaning these types of flooring on a regular schedule could help maintain its strength and durability. 

Using the best ways of cleaning linoleum floors, may it be as simple as a proper wash or as complicated as reducing discoloration and preparation for deep cleaning, guarantees that it remains as appealing as it was the day you installed it. 

The first step to cleaning linoleum floors is to know what linoleum flooring is and what materials it is made of. Linoleum is made from natural ingredients including linseed oil, wood flour, and limestone. Though it is used interchangeably with vinyl flooring, they are not the same.

Vinyl flooring does not use the same materials as linoleum floors. It is a blend of synthetic and natural resources. This is why it is important to be certain what type of flooring you have to be sure of what method of cleaning to use. 

Tips for Cleaning Linoleum Floors

People have tried many different methods to find how to clean linoleum floors. A few succeeded and some have not.   

Here, we are going to share with you the best ways we found to clean linoleum floors starting from the most simple but tested homemade methods to some commercial options.  

Now, let’s get your floors looking sparkly and new! 

Remove Dirt from the Surface

Before putting any cleaner on your linoleum floors, it is important to clean it using your broom or vacuum first. This will ensure that you will not push the dust into the ground further or make a muddy mess. It will also limit the amount of dirty water splashing around the floor.  

Use Your Dish Soap

The simplest way to clean your linoleum floors is to use your dish soap. 

Yes, linoleum floors are durable and could withstand scrubbing and cleaning, but you should avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia to clean them. Using gentler cleaners is the best way to go!  

Materials to use:

  • A tablespoon of dish soap
  • A gallon of water
  • Bucket

What to do:

  1. Pour a gallon of warm water into the bucket, then add a tablespoon of dish soap. This will serve as your linoleum cleaner. 
  2. Make sure that your dish soap and water are thoroughly mixed. Avoid creating suds. These will be hard to eliminate.
  3. Dip your mop on your cleaning solution and start mopping! 
  4. Using clean water, go over the floor again.

When cleaning the floors, make sure you remove any excess water before mopping. Mop in little sections and completely dry that area when you finish. This step will ensure that no watery spots are left.  

Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution

If you are looking for a stronger method, using vinegar and baking soda is also an option. If the smell of vinegar makes you wrinkle your nose, use apple cider instead of the normal vinegar. 

Vinegar is an all around cleaner that can be used all around your home and even your vehicles. It can get the grime out of your bathrooms or even on your cars. Mixed with baking soda, it could be a strong cleaner without damaging the flooring material.  

Using vinegar and baking soda is as simple as using your dish soap.  

Materials to use: 

  • 2 cups of baking soda
  • 4 cups of vinegar
  • 4 cups of water
  • bucket

What to do:

  1. Mix the baking soda, vinegar, and water. 
  2. Dip you mop on your cleaning solution and start mopping! 

For deeper clean you may also scrub the solution using a brush. Brush the solutions to clean grout lines.

If you don’t want it to smell too much, you may also spray the solution on your floors instead of having your mop dipped in the bucket. This way, not much of the solution will be used.   

Castile Soap and Water Solution

Another cleaner from our natural cleaner categories, castile soap. 

Castile soap is made from olive oil and vegetables and comes in both bar soap and liquid form. It is odor-free and less hazardous than most cleaners but be wary of the health warnings. 

For this solution it is best that you use the liquid form of castile soap. If you have the bar form, you may use a tiny piece and dissolve it in water before proceeding. 

Materials to use:

  • 2 tablespoons of liquid castile soap
  • 1 gallon of hot water
  • bucket

What to do:

  1. Mixed liquid castile soap and hot water
  2. Dip the mop to the solution.
  3. Stir the solution slowly to avoid suds. 
  4. Using a well-wrung mop, start mopping.
  5. Using water, go over the floor again. 

Take your time rinsing the Castile solution as it may leave a flimsy residue if not well rinsed. 

Borax and Water Solution

Borax has been around since 1891. It has been used as the go-to deodorizer since then. 

Be careful when using Borax, it is harmful if absorbed or ingested. Be sure to store it away from children or pets. 

Materials to use:

  • 2 tablespoons of borax
  • 1 gallon of warm water
  • bucket

What to do:

  1. Mix two tablespoons of borax to a gallon of water. 
  2. Make sure that the borax is completely dissolved before using.
  3. Dip the mop in the solution and slowly stir.
  4. Using a well-wrung mop, start mopping.
  5. Carefully apply gentle pressure to soiled areas.
  6. Rinse with warm water.

You may also use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt from tile grouts.

High-Performance All Floors Cleaner

This is one of the commercial cleaners available in the market. It is pH balanced and could remove contaminants without harming the floor underneath. 

You can simply dilute the mixture in a bucket and spray it on the floor before mopping. There is no need to rinse the mixture off the floor. Just leave it to dry and it is ready to use. 

Takeaways

It is important to clean linoleum floors on a regular schedule to make sure that the material maintains its appearance and to prolong its lifespan. It may be a hassle for some, but for sure it will be all worth it.

If cleaning the floors is not for you, you should try and hire a professional cleaning company to do the job. They have trained professionals that will take care of your floor cleaning and maintenance to guarantee sparkly and safe floors for you, your clients, and your employees. 

Interested? Contact us. We have professionals ready to assist you.