How to Stop a Linoleum Floor From Being Slippery

Linoleum floors can be quite slippery.

Your kids walk on the linoleum floor with their socks on and slip on their butt. Your dog comes running through the kitchen on the linoleum floor and slides trying to stop himself before he hits the wall. You're carrying your dinner to the table and the rug slips out from under you. Stopping a linoleum floor from being slippery is crucial to safety in your home. Here's how to stop your linoleum floor from being slippery:

Things You'll Need

• broom
• swiffer sweeper
• wipe cloths
• fan
• non-slip floor treatment or linoleum floor stripper

Instructions

1. 

   Give the linoleum floor a good sweep. Get out your broom and sweep your linoleum floor. Make sure you get all leftover particles from dinner last night.

2. 

   Give the linoleum floor a good wash. If you're like me, you prefer the easiest possible way to clean it. Get out your Swiffer Sweeper. If you don't have one, you're missing out. I think it is the greatest invention ever created. It sure beats using an old fashioned mop. Be sure to use two swiffer mopping cloths - one to get the first layer of dirt off and the second to make sure you don't leave anything behind. To save money, you can simply turn the mopping cloth over and use both sides. If you're a super clean freak, go ahead and use a third one.

3. 

   Give the linoleum floor a good rinse. Some floors need the rinse more than others, but just to be sure there are no slippery areas left, get on your hands and knees and wipe it down twice with a wet cloth. Be sure to use two different cloths or rinse in-between wipe downs.

4. 

   Let the linoleum floor dry. This is a no brainer of course, but some folks get eager to clean the rest of the space and forget the floor is still slippery.

5. 

   Never use Pledge or furniture polish on your linoleum floors. This is an emergency room visit waiting to happen. It leaves your floors super slippery. Also be careful if you're using Pledge or furniture polish near the floor (for wooden furniture in the area). The overspray will coat the linoleum and you won't notice it until you slip and fall.

6. 

   Wear socks with rubber skids on the bottom or take your socks off altogether. This is especially crucial for toddlers since they lose their balance on linoleum floors often.

7. 

   Make sure any rugs on the linoleum floor have a rubber backing. This will keep the rug stationary and give the dog a place to run and dive into safely without messing the rug up. Ha!

8. 

   Remember that hairspray, other hair care products and overspray from other cleaning agents can make the floor slippery, especially when wet. It's important to clean the floors often to ensure your safety.

9. 

   Use a non-slip floor treatment or linoleum floor stripper. You can purchase these at a janitorial supply store near you.

10. Check out the Resources listed below for other home improvement ideas.

Tips & Warnings

• I prefer the Citrus Swiffer Sweeper mopping cloths. They smell great and leave a fresh scent in the air.

• Avoid cleaning agents that contain a lot of wax or lacquer. It can build up on your floor over time and make it more slippery.

• I don't recommend using pinesol on your floors. If there is any residue left on the floor and it gets wet, your floor will be more slippery than it was to begin with.

• Never step onto a linoleum floor with wet feet. This is an accident waiting to happen.

Resources

• How to Finish Wood Floors
• How to Lay Bathroom Floor Tile
• How to Install Ceramic Wall Tiles
• How To Install Wall Tiles
• How to Lay a Tile Backsplash
• How to Install Marble Tile on a Fireplace
• How to Buy and Install Glass Tile
• How To Regrout Shower Tile
• How To Install Bathroom Tiles
• How to Paint a Room With a Vaulted Ceiling
• How To Stay Clean While Changing Your Oil