How to Care for Linoleum and Vinyl Flooring

There is nothing more depressing to look at than a dull, dingy floor. Vinyl and linoleum floors can stay new-looking for a very long time with the proper care. Whether you need to perk up an old floor or learn how to care for a new one, here is the inside story of floor care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid fabric softener
• White vinegar
• Cola
• Club soda
• Paste (not gel) toothpaste
• Gum eraser or pencil eraser
• Baking Soda
• Nail polish remover
• Rubbing alcohol
• Liquid dish detergent

1. Clean brand new vinyl and linoleum flooring with 1/2 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of warm/hot water. Mop with this weekly for a great looking floor. You can use a sponge mop or a string mop with equal results. You can even wash the floor on your hands and knees with a sponge. The vinegar dries without streaking so there's no need to rinse. The smell will dissipate when the floor dries completely.

2. Remove marks on old floors before you mop. Take off scuff marks and pencil or crayon with a dry cloth and a paste-style toothpaste. Just dab it on the cloth and rub. You can also use baking soda with a damp cloth, or an eraser. For marks that won't come off, use nail polish remover. Test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure that it is safe for your flooring. If the floor's finishes is unharmed during the test, dab the nail polish remover on the mark and quickly wipe it off. This should get up just about anything.

3. Shine up your flooring between waxes with a mixture of one gallon of water and one half cup of liquid fabric softener. Your floor will be clean and shiny with one mopping. You don't need to do this for a no wax floor. Use the vinegar and water solution from step one for no wax or brand new flooring.

4. Take off old wax buildup with club soda. Pour it on one small section and scrub it good with a brush. Let it sit while you pour it on the next section and scrub there. Then go back to the first area and wipe it up. This should take care of the old wax. If you are taking off decades of wax, you may need to do this twice to get it all off. Rinse with clear water when you're done to make sure everything is off the floor.

5. Keep your floors clean by maintaining them weekly or biweekly. Keeping the floors swept or vacuumed will further cut down on damage and wear.

Tips & Warnings

• Mop any vinyl or aluminum flooring with vinegar and water weekly to keep it looking great.
• Don't ever use wax on a no wax floor. You will ruin the finish and have to keep waxing it to get it shiny again.

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