So you have just installed linoleum flooring but you don’t know yet how to keep it clean, worry no more! Before we arrive at the topic entitled how to clean linoleum floors, keep in mind that linoleum is a kind of flooring that comes with lots of characteristics which are much of advantage.
Truly, linoleum flooring is tough, resilient and low-maintenance. Linoleum is also characterized as an eci-friendly flooring materials due to the natural substance constructing it including the linseed oil, wood dust and cork as well as limestone particles.
However, linoleum is not as durable as other surface floor covering like vinyl. Therefore, there must be a little extra care to add in maintaining it.
In this case, it is much recommended to avoid using harsh chemical mixes and paying attention to the precautions not to lose the shine or endanger its surface.
In this article, you will be shown how to clean linoleum floors completely through the packed strategies.
So let’s have a quick read on the description in the following sections.
How many Times Do You Need to Clean Linoleum Flooring?
The primary question dealing with the linoleum maintenance is how many times you need to clean the flooring.
Basically, the cleaning maintenance will depend on the traffic that the floor experiences and other related factors such as the spilled foods and drinks.
Today’s linoleum features a sturdy wear layer that enables the flooring to resist the stains but the old linoleum can easily scratch just because of dirt and grit.
Generally, maintaining linoleum floor includes the way of cleaning it weekly. However, you can also be required to perform the cleaning daily depending on the floor condition.
So, whether you need cleaning the floor daily, weekly or monthly, it is generally depends on the floor circumstances.
Read Also: Best Tile Floor Cleaning Machine To Maintain Your Tile Well
What You Need to Clean the Linoleum Floors
Cleaning the linoleum floors typically need some equipment or tools to help you work out the duties well without any difficulty.
So, make sure these tools are ready before you start cleaning the linoleum floors.
Keep in mind that you are suggested to prepare broom or vacuum cleaner, bucket, mop, scrub brush and cloths or towels. Besides, you need also to purchase and prepare dish soap.
Instructions How to Clean Linoleum Floors
Once you get all the equipment ready, the next thing to do is to perform the cleaning actions.
In this regards, there are 8 steps in the instruction on how to clean linoleum floors. Read the instructions carefully and don’t miss any single steps below.
Remove Debris and Small Particles
The first step in cleaning the linoleum floors is to remove the debris and small particles that may stay on the surface of the materials.
You can do this step by sweeping or vacuuming the floors thoroughly using your vacuum cleaner.
As you work out the duty, make sure you are aware of the space corners, crevices and underneath fixtures and furniture.
Wipe The Floors Using A Dry Microfiber Cloth
Once you finished vacuuming the floors, the next thing to perform is wiping it using a dry microfiber cloth.
This way, it is recommended that you wipe the entire floor to remove all of the remaining small particles that can possibly cause scratches because of the deep mopping.
Prepare Cleaning Solution
Completing the step above, preparing cleaning solution is the next step to carry out. In this step, you’ll need a bucket and a gallon of hot water.
Combine it with 6 to 8 drops of normal dish soap. Keep in mind that you must avoid using chemicals or acidic.
Dampen The Mop
Once the bucket is ready with the soapy hot water, dip the mop and wring it out. Don’t let the water stand on the floors since linoleum is very prone to standing water. Thus, using as little liquid as possible is more recommended.
Mop The Floor
The main step on how to clean linoleum floors is mopping the floor. In this case, the room must be divided into sections which are 6 x 6 ft in size.
When you finish mopping each section, dip the mop back in the bucket and let dry. Start the next section until you finish mopping and drying the entire floors.
Rinse the Floor
Now that you have completed the step of mopping the floor, the next step to carry out is rinsing the floor with another combination of hot and clean water.
This is the way you are mopping the floor secondly. This step is aimed to remove the residue of the lingering soap that may be left on the floor.
Dry the Floor
Drying the floor is just the seventh steps in the way you are cleaning the floor. In this case, there might be excess moisture that is left behind.
Further, the standing water on the floor can also be very harmful to linoleum flooring installation.
To perform this steps, pick up old towels or cloths and wipe the floor’s surface to get it dry. This way, the cloths will absorb any of the remaining moisture quickly.
Scrub Difficult Stains
The last step to clean the linoleum floors is to scrub the difficult stains. Some stains that are difficult to remove is usually the pet stains.
General Cleaning Method To Prolong The Linoleum Flooring Lifespan
It has been kept in mind that the proper way of maintaining the floor will help to prolong the flooring lifespan.
That’s why, we also include some general cleaning method that may be similar to the method above and may not.
Simply, you can use a dry microfiber mop in removing the dust, dirt and debris in your busy home areas regularly.
Once a week, you can also perform a weekly cleaning by vacuuming the floor to remove the dirt and debris which is rather hard to pick up.
If you notice any difficult stain, damp mop the floor by combining a gallon of hot water with a cup of vinegar and dish soap.
Mop the floor using this mixture so that any residue can be picked up out of the floor. Let your floor to dry and make sure there is no standing water remaining.
Deep Clean Linoleum Floors Method
Other method on how to clean linoleum floors you can also try is to perform deep cleaning.
This deep cleaning method is usually carried out twice a year to remove the embedded dirt on the linoleum floor surface that cause the loss of natural beauty.
In this case, cleaning linoleum floors on an annual basis or bi-annual basis consists of a series of steps along with the materials preparation including vacuum cleaner, soft bristle brush, microfiber mop, bucket, hot water, baking soda, mild dish soap and old towels.
Later, the steps can be start by vacuuming the loose debris. Sprinkle the baking soda on the linoleum floor and mix a gallon of hot water with a cup of vinegar and few drops of dish soap.
Begin to mop the floor using the mixture. Don’t forget to use the brush to remove any difficult dirt.
Once you are finish doing the steps, repeat these cleaning method using the clean water so that there will be no soap residue. Dry up the floor completely using towels.
Understanding The Best Way of How To Clean Linoleum Floors
If you have carried out the recommended steps above yet you haven’t get your desired result, here we come to suggest you to understand deeply about linoleum flooring.
By understanding the characteristics of linoleum, it is expected that you will be able to find the best way of cleaning the floor.
To provide you with the accurate understanding of linoleum flooring, read out the following sections.
What Is Linoleum?
Basically, linoleum and vinyl is often used interchangeably. However, they are the two products that are performing differently.
The key thing about linoleum is that it is constructed from the natural material including linseed oil.
To finish the linoleum, the other natural materials added include pine resin, wood flour, and even ground cork dust.
This combination is applied to create the linoleum for commercial and residential use.
Read Also: Saxony Carpet – All things You Need To Know
Linoleum Flooring Advantages
In addition to linoleum characteristics, there are some advantages in using linoleum as flooring for homes, one of which is easy-to-clean.
Truly, it is relatively easy to clean this flowing as long as you know and apply the proper way on how to clean linoleum floors well.
Along with the steps we have shared above, make sure you perform each step without missing a single one.
Other advantages you may derive from installing linoleum flooring is the comfort, durability, water resistance, and eco-rating.
Linoleum is designed with the natural cushioning to provide the perfect comfort unlike the tile or ceramic that can be so hard to feel underfoot.
Since the manufacturing process is uniquely done, linoleum flooring comes with the considerable thickness without ignoring the colors and patterning. Thus, this flooring can be less evident.
Further, small scratches are easy to recognize, making them able to be repaired through the careful refinishing and buffing.
Cleaning linoleum flooring will not require powerful effort due to the water resistant feature.
Though excessive moisture can lead the linoleum to get damaged, the water resistant feature will not under the common condition.
Thanks to the eco-rating benefit that supports the way linoleum is constructed. Without any VOCs, this flooring can be the recyclable and biodegradable, making it be one of the flooring options with eco-friendly feature available on the market.
