How to Clean Linoleum Tiles

Linoleum tiles require regular cleaning to maintain their attractive appearance.

Linoleum tiles are rarely installed today, but they were once a popular flooring choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Linoleum is still found in some older homes, but it requires special care to maintain its longevity. With regular maintenance, linoleum floor tiles can last for decades, although they may require additional polishing or waxing once every few years. To keep linoleum tiles looking their best, sweep or vacuum at least once a week and clean thoroughly with a mild cleanser.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon room or canister vacuum
• Mop bucket
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 tbsp. borax (optional)
• Nylon scrub brush
• Terrycloth mop
• Baby oil
• Small fan (optional)

Instructions

1. Sweep linoleum tiles thoroughly using an angled nylon broom, or remove any loose dirt and dust using a canister vacuum on the hard floor setting.

2. Bring a gallon of water to a boil, and transfer to a large mop bucket. Add the distilled vinegar and stir briefly to combine. If the tiles are dingy or stained, add 2 tablespoons borax to the mixture.

3. Dip a soft nylon scrub brush into the hot water, and gently scrub the linoleum tiles, paying close attention to stained or otherwise discolored areas.

4. Dry the tiles with a clean, dry terrycloth mop after scrubbing. If the tiles are not stained or dingy, and simply require a superficial cleaning instead of scrubbing, dip the mop into the vinegar solution and mop as you would any other floor.

5. Discard the vinegar solution and rinse out the mop bucket. Refill with tepid water, and add 2 tablespoons baby oil. Use a clean terrycloth mop to apply the oil mixture to the tiles, which brightens the polish without the need to refinish.

Tips & Warnings

• In her book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning," Mary Findley explains that nylon brooms work best on linoleum tiles because they angle into corners, pick up fine dust, and do not scratch the tiles as easily as natural brooms.

• Dry your linoleum tiles with a large clean towel instead of a terrycloth mop, if necessary. You can also use a towel to clean the tiles with the vinegar solution and apply the baby oil. This method takes more effort, but yields the same results.

• If the tiles do not come clean, they may require stripping and applying a fresh coat of wax. Purchase floor stripper, sealant, and non-yellowing wax from your local hardware store, and use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• The Michigan State University Extension warns against using ammonia or strong alkaline cleaners on linoleum tiles. These substances may deteriorate the sealant. Also avoid using heavy detergents that contain phosphorus, and all floor cleaners unless specifically formulated for use on linoleum.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Linoleum Care and Cleaning
• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning"; Mary Findley, Linda Formichelli; 2009
• "Haley's Hints"; Graham Haley, Rosemary Haley; 2004