Proper maintenance of your floors can have a huge impact on how they look and how long they last. This is why it is important to find the best way to clean the floors in your home, depending on their type. Remember, if you want the best result you have to adapt your cleaning process. Different types of flooring demand different treatment, and this is why it is crucial to know what your floor needs. In this article, we are talking about how to clean linoleum floors, for all of you that made this choice.
Linoleum is a very popular material, and for good reasons. Not only is it much more affordable than vinyl or laminate, but it is also pretty durable, water-resistant and eco-friendly. There are many colors out there so everyone can find something that fits their preferences. This article is all about how to clean your linoleum floors the best you can. Apart from using an upright vacuum, there are other steps you should take to ensure the best result.
1. Basic Cleaning of Linoleum Floors
First things first, let us look at the basics. In general, you should always start cleaning your floors by vacuuming. Why? It is pretty simple. You do not want to drag all the dust, dirt, hair, and food around while moping. So you need to pick up everything first. A canister vacuum can do the job perfectly, but of course, it is always useful to have some specialized bare floor tools. A robot vacuum is another great choice since it can go over your floors and do the work for you.
If you do not have to vacuum, you can take a dry mop and run it over the floors. But in any case, you should do it before using anything damp. Speaking about cleaning with water, one of the most popular, and therefore basic ways of cleaning linoleum is with a water and vinegar mix. Put a cup of vinegar into hot water, together with a bit of dish soap for fresh smell, and start cleaning. Linoleum is sensitive, so do not use any abrasive cleaners or brushes on it. You want a gentle but efficient cleaning process, and a natural way to go is vinegar.
After the dirt is gone, you can mop the floor with clean water to remove the vinegar and make sure to dry the floor before stepping on it. Here are some tips for cleaning linoleum floors, and a demonstration to make everything even clearer
2. Deep Cleaning of Linoleum Floors
Once in a while, you will realize that vinegar is fine, but that you need something stronger. When your linoleum floors get really dirty, it is time for deeper cleaning. You can go about it in several different ways, but we bring you the most efficient and the most popular. The first step is always vacuuming as we said. While we are at it, it is not a bad idea to get a cordless stick vacuum if you have linoleum floors. It is strong enough to pick up every speck of dirt, but since it is cordless you can get it up and running in seconds. This will make linoleum floors maintenance effortless.
Anyway, after vacuuming, take backing soda and sprinkle it on the floor. Using the same water and vinegar mixture, start moping the floor. A paste will form and you will be able to remove any stains or stubborn dirt with a soft-bristle brush. When you get all the stains out of the floor, take clean warm water and run the mop over the entire floor again. You do not want any vinegar, baking soda or dish soap residue. It can attract more dirt down the line.
Again, drying the floor before stepping on it is a good idea, and if you do not have time for that, take an old towel and rub the floor until it is clean. You will also polish it and make it shinier.
3. Cleaning Linoleum Floors with Borax
For those of you that for some reason want to avoid vinegar, you can use a mix of water and Borax. This requires more caution on your side since Borax is dangerous if you or your children ingest it. Pay special attention to your pets as well. But the best thing you can do is keep everyone (somehow) out of the house while you are cleaning. Anyway, mix two tablespoons of Borax and a gallon of warm water. After it dissolves, start moping as you would.
After you get the dirt out, make sure you go over the floors with clean warm water to remove any residue and prevent streaks. An additional benefit of Borax is that it can help you get rid of pests such as ants, so it is especially useful for kitchen floors.
4. Cleaning Linoleum Floors with Castile Soap
While we are at it, let us mention another vinegar alternative, but a more natural one. We are talking about castile soap. It does not have any odor and it is produced from vegetables, but it has some other ingredients which can be dangerous. But overall, it can do less harm than other cleaners. Another advantage is that it is cheap, and a bottle can last you for six months with regular use.
To clean your linoleum flooring, mix two tablespoons of this soap with a gallon of warm water and clean away. While you are at exploring other options for cleaning, maybe you can incorporate a corded stick vacuum into your cleaning process. They are lightweight but powerful and can be a lifesaver when it comes to vacuuming bare floors.
Final Thoughts
Choosing linoleum floors for your home is a smart idea. But keeping them clean is something you should also think about. Now that you know the best ways hot to clean linoleum floors, you will be able to keep them looking new and fresh for years to come. Investing your time in cleaning will ultimately save you money. So get these great vacuums and mops, and clean away!