How to Clean Linoleum

Deep clean your linoleum floors two to three times a year.

Linoleum floors can be a challenge to keep clean, especially if they are old. An ounce of prevention and a day on your hands and knees scrubbing can get and keep your linoleum floor looking great.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon scrub brush
• Mild dish soap
• Vinegar
• Ammonia
• Floor wax
• Old towels

Instructions

1. If your linoleum floor still has its shine, you will just need to give it a good cleaning. Many linoleum floors have indentations meant to prevent slipping. These indentations collect dirt and make your floors look terrible. Fill up a bucket half way with water as warm as you can stand it and a few drops of dish soap.

2. Scrub your linoleum floor with a nylon scrub brush using the warm soapy water. You should only have to scrub the floor in this manner every four to six months.

3. Dry the floor as you go with an old towel.

4. To routinely clean your linoleum, simply damp mop with a gallon of hot water mixed with 1/2 cup of vinegar.

5. If your linoleum has lost its shine, you will need to strip it. Loss of shine can be caused by build up of old cleaning products or it can be that your floor's finish has worn off. To strip, simply spread straight ammonia on the floor in sections, allow to sit for a few minutes and scrub with a nylon scrub brush.

6. Rinse the floor with a gallon of hot water mixed with 1/2 cup of vinegar to remove any residue from the ammonia.

7. Wax your linoleum with a good floor wax. You can use a paste wax and buff it to a shine or you can find a good liquid wax at a janitorial supply shop. Liquid waxes should be spread evenly with a cloth and allowed to dry completely before adding a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove shoes before walking on your linoleum floor to extend its life.

• Do not use ordinary floor cleaners, as they leave residue that can build up.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Clean Linoleum Floors