How Do You Clean Linoleum Floors

Linoleum floors have since forever been a go-to choice for many households around the globe. This is because they’re durable along with being affordable. All of us will agree that they add a classic appeal to our homes.

However, just like any other type of flooring, linoleum floors also require proper care and cleaning to maintain their shine. Experts recommend that you should ensure cleaning them regularly to keep them in top condition. That’s why we’re here to help you with all you need to know about cleaning linoleum floors so that they last for years to come. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of routine cleaning, deep cleaning, and proven tips to prevent your linoleum floors from common problems like yellowing, stains and scratches. Let’s get started! 

Common Issues If Linoleum Floors Aren’t Cleaned Properly

Most of us opt for linoleum floors because they are known for being low-maintenance. But we often take them for granted and miss out on giving them the attention they deserve. It’s important to remember that if we don’t take proper care of them, linoleum floors can develop several problems. These issues might be challenging to fix later on: 

1. Yellowing and Discoloration: If you miss out on cleaning linoleum floors properly, or use harsh chemicals to clean them, then they can gradually turn yellow. This can make them look extremely unpleasant. This happens when dirt and grime build up on your floors over time, especially if they are not cleaned regularly. In addition, using the wrong cleaners can also cause a chemical reaction that leaves a yellow tint.
2. Scratches and Scuffs: You would have noticed that when there’s dust on dirt on your floor, it literally feels like having sandpaper under your feet. The issue arises when we step over them again and again which leads to scratches and scuffs on the flooring. 
3. Stubborn Stains: Linoleum is relatively stain-resistant, but that often makes us misinterpret them as being immune to stains. Spills that aren’t cleaned up promptly or properly can leave permanent marks on the floor and therefore it’s necessary to deep clean them every few months.  

You can avoid these problems by using the right cleaning practices to maintain your flooring. Let’s dive into the routine cleaning methods to keep your linoleum floors spotless and prevent these issues.

What Is The Best Cleaner For Linoleum Floors

By now, we hope you have realized how important it is to regularly clean your linoleum floors. It not only keeps them fresh-looking but also extends their life. Here’s some best cleaners for linoleum floors and how to use it:

1. Vacuum Cleaners: First, you should start by sweeping or vacuuming all the loose dirt and dust that might have settled on your floor. 
2. Soft-Bristle Broom: If you’re wondering how to fix scratches in linoleum floor, using soft-bristle broom for cleaning might be the answer. These are specially designed for hard floors and can prevent unwanted scratches. 
3. Microfiber Mop: For the next step, mop your floor properly with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is great because it quickly grabs the dirt and helps you dust the floor without leaving any scratches on it. 

How to Deep Clean Linoleum Floors

There’s no doubt regular cleaning is really essential for your floors. But you should not make the mistake of avoiding a proper deep clean for them every few months. This becomes more important when they see a lot of foot traffic. Deep cleaning can help remove any ingrained dirt, grime, or stains that you might miss during regular cleaning. Here’s providing you with a step-by-step guide on how to deep clean old linoleum floors: 

1. Mix a Mild Linoleum Floor Cleaner: First things first, grab a bucket full of warm water and mix a linoleum floor cleaner into it. Make sure that you’re using a cleaner that’s specifically made of linoleum and is not too harsh. Using harsh cleaners can do more damage than good to your floors. 
2. Mop the Floor: The second step is to mop your floors properly. Start with damping your mop with the cleaning solution and make sure it’s not too wet as it  can harm your floor. Now start mopping your flooring from one end of the room to the other and ensure that no corner is left unattended. You’ll notice the grime lifting away in seconds revealing that clean and smooth surface beneath. 
3. Scrub Stubborn Stains: It can be extremely frustrating to deal with those stubborn stains on your floor. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Grab a soft brush or cloth and gently scrub the stained spots in a circular motion. Make sure to not rub your floor too hard as this can cause scratches on your flooring. Keep it light and easy to witness the best results. 
4. Rinse the Floor: After mopping, it’s time that you rinse off any leftover cleaner. Give your mop a good rinse with clean water, then go over the entire floor again. This step is crucial as any soap residue left behind could attract more dirt and spoil all your hard work. So, let’s make sure to get it all off for that fresh, clean look.
5. Dry Your Linoleum Floor: Last but not least, dry your linoleum floor properly to deal with all the remaining moisture. We’d recommend you choose a clean and dry mop for completing this task. This will not only prevent any water spots on your floor but will also bring out that beautiful shine in your linoleum. 

With these steps, we’re sure your linoleum floor will look its sparkling best, giving your home the freshness it deserves.

Tips for Preventive Maintenance of Linoleum Floors

As we always say, prevention is better than cure. It’s important for you to note that keeping your linoleum floors in excellent condition isn’t just about cleaning. It’s also about taking steps to prevent them from damage. Here are some tips to help you maintain your floors effectively:

1. Place Mats at Entrances

Placing mats at the entrances to your home can help trap dirt and moisture before they get to your floors. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and grime that reaches your linoleum floors. 

2. Use Felt Pads on Furniture Legs

You must have often noticed your floors dealing with scratches from moving furniture from one place to another. You can easily solve this issue by attaching felt pads to the legs of your furniture. This can help prevent your flooring from scratches. 

3. Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Using harsh cleaners can do more harm than good. We highly recommend you stick to mild, pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for linoleum floors as harsh chemicals can cause discoloration and damage your floor over time.

4. Sweep or Vacuum Regularly

Daily sweeping or vacuuming is the easiest way to keep your floors free from the dirt that can eventually cause scratches.

The Benefits of Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring has unmatched advantages that make it a great choice for many homes.

• It’s eco-friendly, and made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour.
• It’s also highly durable and can last for decades with proper care.
• Additionally, linoleum flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns, offering great flexibility for interior design. 
• It’s resistant to water and stains, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas.

How to Keep Linoleum Floors Looking New

Maintaining the fresh appearance of linoleum floors doesn’t always have to be a challenge. With regular cleaning and a bit of care, you can keep your floors looking new for years. You should definitely consider the following tips: 

• Polish Occasionally: You should apply a linoleum-safe polish every 3-6 months to your flooring. This will protect its surface from wear and tear. 
• Control Moisture Levels: Though linoleum is resistant to water, but standing water for a long time can damage it. Make sure to clean up spills immediately when they happen and try to keep a check of moisture levels. 

FAQs

How to Make Linoleum Floors Shine?

To make linoleum floors shine, you should clean them regularly and use a linoleum-safe polish every few months. Make sure the floor is completely clean and dry before you apply polish. 

Can You Steam Mop Linoleum Floors?

We generally don’t recommend to use a steam mop on linoleum floors as the high heat and moisture can cause the linoleum to degrade over time.

How to Get Scuffs Out of Linoleum Floor?

To remove scuffs, use a soft cloth and a little bit of baking soda or a mild cleaner. Gently rub the scuffed area in a circular motion until it clears.

How Often Does Linoleum Need to Be Sealed?

Linoleum floors need to be sealed every 3-5 years depending on the level of foot-traffic they endure. Sealing helps protect them against moisture, stains, and further wear.

How Often Should You Clean Your Linoleum Floors?

Ideally, you should sweep or vacuum your linoleum floors daily and perform a more thorough cleaning on weekly basis. 

Can You Use a Floor Scrubber on Linoleum?

Yes, but use a gentle scrubber designed for linoleum to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.

Why Is My Linoleum Floor Turning Yellow?

Yellowing can occur from a buildup of wax or using improper cleaning products.Here’s how to get yellow stains out of linoleum flooring- 

• Regular cleaning with the right products 
• Avoiding harsh chemicals 

At last, we hope we could help you with the best way to clean linoleum floors. We understand it can often get hectic to commit so much of your quality time to the cleaning process.  If you need help with professional deep cleaning services, especially if you’re dealing with stains on linoleum, our team is ready to assist you. You can also check out our guide on how to remove stains on linoleum to tackle those tougher spots.

Keeping your floors clean doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right approach, you’ll enjoy spotless, shining linoleum floors that make your home look its best. 

Happy cleaning!