How to Clean Linoleum | Helping Hands Cleaning Services

How to Clean Linoleum Flooring Properly

Linoleum is one of the first flooring options in American homes and commercial buildings. It became popular in the 1900s and is still available today because it is environmentally friendly, durable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic. It is made from linseed oil, pine resin, cork dust or wood flour, and also comes in different colors and designs. 

Linoleum can last for more than a decade if you know how to take care of it. If you want to make the most of your linoleum flooring, check out the tips on how to clean linoleum flooring properly.

Benefits of Using Linoleum

The only enemy of linoleum is standing water. It can cause damage like warping and discoloration, which makes it unsuitable for bathroom flooring. Standing water can also cause the floor seams to loosen. Although linoleum is not ideal for bathrooms, you can still use it in all the other parts of your house. Here are the benefits you can get from using it. 

Linoleum is Durable

It can easily withstand dirt and tough stains. Because the design and pigments of pattern go throughout the linoleum flooring, it can hide scratches, is self-healing and can also prevent fading.

Linoleum is Hypoallergenic

Linoleum is free from plasticizers and chemical solvents that can emit harmful fumes in your home, especially in enclosed areas. It also doesn’t create static clings that attract dust and other allergens into your home.

Linoleum is Antibacterial

Bacteria, mold, mildew, and other germs cannot grow and breed on linoleum, thanks to the linseed oil’s antibacterial properties.

Linoleum is Environment Friendly

It is made up of natural, biodegradable, and renewable materials. It can even be recycled as a fuel source and works similar to coal. You don’t need to worry about tossing old linoleum flooring into the landfill because it doesn’t take a lifetime to break down. It barely leaves any carbon footprint and does not emit harmful gasses or fumes in the air..

Linoleum Comes in Lots of Colors and Designs

You have the power to be creative in your house flooring because linoleum comes in a wide range of designs. It is visually appealing because of its solid, deep and rich colors. Different patterns are also available like marbles, faux finishes, streaked, mottled, etc.

Cleaning Tools and Supplies to Clean Linoleum Flooring

Below is the list of tools and supplies needed to keep your linoleum always looking good as new.

Broom or Vacuum Cleaner

Remove surface dust and dirt by sweeping using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Don’t forget to clean spaces under furniture and appliances, corners and crevices. Do this before mopping to lessen the chances of dust or other particles scratching your linoleum flooring.

Bucket, Hot Water and Dishwashing Liquid

In a bucket, mix 1 gallon of water and 6-8 drops of dishwashing liquid. Stir slightly before using. This will serve as your cleaning solution.

Microfiber Mop and Cloth or Old Towel

Dip the mop in the bucket with the cleaning solution that you made. Wring it out to remove excess water from the mop. Your mop or cloth should just be damp enough to clean, and not dripping wet. 

Divide the floor into four sections. After finishing 1 section, dip the mop back into the bucket, wring out excess water and start mopping the new section. Repeat this until you finish cleaning all four sections.

Throw the dirty cleaning solution and clean the bucket and the mop. Fill the bucket with new and clean hot water and repeat mopping the floor like before to remove any cleaning solution residue. Use clean, old towels or cloths to dry the entire floor to ensure no water will be left that might cause damage to your linoleum flooring.

Scrub or Old Toothbrush

For stains and dirt or gunk buildup, clean using a scrub or an old toothbrush, plus some elbow grease.

Putty knife

This is optional, just in case you have a stubborn gunk buildup that can’t be removed even with scrubbing.

Baking soda

If you want some gentle scrubbing or scouring without doing the extra work, sprinkle baking soda on the floor before damp mopping it.

Linoleum Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Below are other tricks that can help you clean your linoleum. 

Deep Clean Once a Month 

Well, this will all depend on how often your floor gets dirty. For example, residential floors have less traffic than commercial ones, so they need less frequent cleaning compared to the others. 

Daily cleaning by sweeping or vacuuming is the best way to remove dirt and dust and prevent buildup. Daily mopping or spot cleaning can also help keep your linoleum floors clean. On the other hand, deep cleaning to remove stains and smudges can be done at least once a month.

Don’t Use Ammonia-Based Cleaners

Ammonia has the same effect on linoleum as it does on hardwood floors. It causes discoloration, deterioration and dulling of your linoleum floor finish. Cleaning solutions that are too acidic or too basic can both dull your linoleum floor finish, so better choose one that is pH-neutral.

Natural Cleaning Options

Some homeowners swear to the power of natural cleaners in removing dirt and grime from their linoleum floors. A cup of white or apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water is a good cleaning and disinfecting solution. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can opt for lemon juice instead for a clean and crisp scent. You can level up the cleaning by sprinkling baking soda on the floor before mopping it with the vinegar or lemon cleaning solution.

Natural Linoleum Polish

Mix a cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of baby oil to 5 gallons of water in a bucket. 

Dip the mop and begin mopping the linoleum floor as usual. While the vinegar deeply cleanses your floor, the baby oil leaves a shiny finish. Watch out, though, on the baby oil, because adding more than what is asked for will leave your linoleum flooring greasy. There are also linoleum waxes on the market that can bring a nice shine to your floor.

To make sure your floor will just be shiny without the grease, dry or buff the floor with a dry cloth. 

If you want an affordable, low-maintenance, durable and eco-friendly flooring for your home or office, linoleum is your best choice. With some love and proper care, your linoleum flooring will love you back by lasting for a decade or more.

You Don’t Want To Do The Cleaning?  

We understand if you do not have the time for cleaning. Don’t sweat it out as we can do the heavy lifting for you. At Helping Hands Cleaning Services, we provide excellent cleaning services. Our professional cleaning experience has earned us the trust of our clients. 

With our years of consistent outstanding services, you’ll be in good hands. Call us today!