How To Clean Linoleum Floors: Remove Buildup Deeply

Last Updated on September 3, 2022

Since the 1860s, linoleum has become a popular choice for both homes and offices regarding flooring.

With its eco-friendly properties and high-end durability, the hypoallergenic product can withstand decades of use with proper care and easy maintenance.

Do you have linoleum floors? Don’t know how to clean linoleum floors with ground-in dirt? If yes, then you have landed at the right spot.

With these tips from our experts and tested DIY methods, you can enhance the beauty and longevity of your floors with ease and comfort. Why wait then?

Let us jump right on to the list of best ways to clean your linoleum floors, maintain them and remove stubborn stains from time to time. Whether you are looking for general or deep cleaning, we have got you covered.

How To Clean Linoleum Floors Daily?

Cleaning and mopping are a part of our day-to-day tasks. But when it comes to linoleum flooring, there are some tips and tricks that will help you maintain your floors, keep them looking fresh and new every day.

1. Invest in a microfiber mop to remove dust and debris from the high-traffic areas.
2. Always use a soft bristle broom to wipe the floors.
3. Get your hands on a handheld steam cleaner. The vapors cut through dirt and grease and disinfect the floors simultaneously.
4. Use homemade solutions such as dish soap and water to mop your floors.
5. Dry the floors thoroughly. Ensure no standing water is left behind after cleaning.

How To Deep Clean Linoleum Floor?

Like all floors, Linoleum floors also require deep cleaning once or twice a year. It helps remove the ground-in dirt and restore the natural texture and shine of the floors. This process involves multiple steps, so here is what you will need to clean your floors like a professional. 

Materials:

1. Steam Vacuum Cleaner
2. Microfiber Mop
3. Soft-Bristled Broom
4. Bucket of Hot Water
5. Cleaning Solution
6. Old Cleaning Towels

Step by Step Instructions

1. Sweep the floor using a soft-bristled broom.
2. Use your steam vacuum cleaner to suck the loose debris embedded in between the flooring.
3. Sprinkle your cleaning solution evenly on the floor.
4. Add few drops of the solution to the bucket.
5. Use your microfiber mop to scrub the floors with the mixture created in the bucket.
6. Use a scrub brush to remove stains from high-traffic areas. 
7. Once done, replace the cleaning mixture with clean water.
8. Mop the floor using clean water to remove the excess cleaning solution, debris and dirt.
9. Use old cleaning towels to dry the floors thoroughly.
10. And you are done!

Homemade Cleaning Solutions For Linoleum Floors

Chemical cleaning solutions work wonders, but at the same time, they are not safe. They are toxic and hazardous to your health. So why use them when you can opt for homemade cleaning solutions that are 100% safe and effective?

Don’t know any? We have got your covered. Let us look into some of the most effective cleaning solutions for Linoleum floors, their recipes and step by step user-guide.

Dish Soap and Water

This method is as old as the existence of Linoleum floors. It only requires two ingredients, costs less than $1, yet is most effective for regular cleaning. Here is what you will need;

Materials: 

1. Dish soap
2. Water

Step by Step Instructions

1. Fill your bucket with 1-1 ½ gallons of hot water.
2. Add 6-8 drops of dish soap to the water.
3. Dip your microfiber mop in the bucket and swirl until the solution is thoroughly mixed.
4. Remove the mop from the solution, and squeeze until it stops dripping.
5. Run the mop across the floors, starting with the edges and moving backwards.
6. Let the cleaning solution rest on the floors for 5-10 minutes.
7. Using clean water, go over the floors, flowing the same path as before, one more time.
8. Wait for the floor to get completely dry before stepping on it.

Vinegar, rubbing alcohol and Baking Soda

If you are wondering how to clean stained linoleum floors, then this homemade solution is best suited for the job.  

Materials: 

1. Baking Soda
2. Rubbing Alcohol
3. White Vinegar
4. Water

You may also like: How to Clean Floor Grout Without Scrubbing?

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the solution in a spray bottle using 2/3 cups of baking soda, 1 ½ tablespoon of vinegar, few drops of rubbing alcohol, and ½ cup of water.
2. Stir the mixture well to eradicate lumps.
3. Take a dry soft-bristle brush and hot water and go over the stained area once.
4. Sprinkle the solution on the yellow stained area and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
5. Use the brush to scrub the stains.
6. Go over it once again using hot water and a clean mop.
7. Let it air dry for 10-20 minutes before walking on it.

If you are worried about the leftover odour of white vinegar, it will dissipate on its own within an hour. If the odour bothers you, then you can always opt for apple cider as a variation.

Borax and Water

Being the go-to deodorizer, Borax has been well-known in the cleaning community since 1891. When combined with water, it is become a highly effective cleaning solution but is also harmful if ingested or absorbed.

Thus, caution is needed when using this product. Make sure to keep it away from children and pets. Store it in a locked storage area to prevent accidental exposure.

Now that we have covered the risks let us look at how to clean a linoleum floor that is yellowed.

Materials: 

1. Borax Powder
2. Warm Water

Step by Step Instructions

1. Add a gallon of warm water to a bucket.
2. Take two tablespoons of Borax powder and mix it in the water.
3. Stir well using your mop to ensure that the powder dissolves completely.
4. Compress the mop before using it on the floors to prevent flooding.
5. Apply gentle pressure while mopping the floors in a patterned manner.
6. Once done, rinse with warm water.  
7. Let the floor air dry before stepping on it.

Takeaways

Keeping your linoleum floors clean and well-maintained isn’t a hard job if you know what you are doing. It all comes down to getting your hands on the right cleaning solutions and applying effective techniques.

Now you know how to clean linoleum floors with ground-in dirt. Test the techniques and homemade cleaning solutions suggested above and let us know which worked best for you.