If you have linoleum floors, you know how difficult they can be to clean. The ground in dirt and dust seems to get stuck in the cracks and crevices, making it almost impossible to get them all out.
But don’t worry – we have some hacks for you that will make this process easier! In this article, we will discuss different ways to clean linoleum floors with ground in dirt. We will also provide tips on preventing this from happening in the first place. Let’s get started!
*This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
What is Linoleum?
Linoleum is a type of flooring made from linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. It was invented in the 1800s and became very popular in the early 20th century because it was much cheaper than other types of flooring at the time. Linoleum is durable and easy to clean, which is why it is still used in many homes today.
The Benefits of Linoleum Flooring.
Many homeowners today are switching to linoleum flooring options for their various benefits.
- Compared to ceramic or stone flooring, linoleum is cushioned. It provides the perfect amount of give and support for your feet.
- The unique manufacturing process of linoleum makes it less susceptible to wear. Buffing and refinishing can repair minor scratches and gouges.
- Unlike hardwood floors or laminate flooring, linoleum is water resistant (under normal circumstances).
- Linoleum is non-toxic and doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds. Moreover, it is recyclable and biodegradable, making it one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options.
The Problem With Linoleum Floors
Despite being easy to clean, linoleum flooring can sometimes be tricky to get completely clean. This is because dirt and dust can easily get trapped in the cracks and crevices of the flooring. Over time, this can build up and become very difficult to remove.
Caring for your linoleum floors on a regular basis is the best way to prevent this from happening. But sometimes, no matter how much you clean, dirt and dust buildup can still happen. When this happens, it’s time to break out the cleaning hacks!
How are Vinyl and Linoleum Floors Different?
Vinyl flooring is vastly different than linoleum, in more ways than just cleaning.
Linoleum isn’t as maintenance-friendly as vinyl when it comes to flooring. When deciding between the two, other factors other than water-resistance play a role.
For example, vinyl sheet flooring does not require sealing like linoleum floors. In addition, linoleum is less resilient and is more likely to scratch or gouge, creating unsightly imperfections on the floor.
The advantage of vinyl sheet flooring is that it requires less maintenance – a damp mop and sweep occasionally is all you need – and is also much more resilient and resists permanent damage caused by foot traffic.
The Best Cleaning Hacks For Linoleum Floors
The easiest way to clean linoleum floors is to remove dirt by sweeping and mopping with a solution of water, vinegar, and dish soap.
A daily dusting, a weekly mopping, and a deep cleaning of high-traffic areas at least once a year are recommended. Especially if linoleum is the main component of your kitchen floors.
How to Dust Linoleum Floors
Sometimes, dust particles can get trapped in the linoleum flooring, which can make it difficult to vacuum or sweep them up. To remove this dust, you can do the following:
- Start by using a soft cloth to wipe up any large debris or dust particles.
- Use a dry mop to sweep the floors and remove any remaining dust or dirt.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any stubborn dirt or debris the dust cloth or dry mop cannot catch.
How To Mop a Linoleum Floor
Dunk your microfiber mop in a cleaning solution and wring it out before mopping the floors. Make sure to mop in all directions to ensure that the entire floor is covered. Let the floor dry completely before moving furniture back in place.
How To Make The Easiest Linoleum Kitchen Floor Cleaning Solution
The easiest way to clean linoleum floors is to remove dust and debris and mop with a solution of water, vinegar, and dish soap. A daily dusting, a weekly mopping, and a deep cleaning of the entire floor (including high-traffic areas) at least once a year are recommended to keep dirt build-up at bay.
For this linoleum cleaning solution, you’ll need:
- one gallon of hot water
- one cup of vinegar
- a 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap.
You can mop the linoleum floor using this solution. A soft scrub brush can also be used to clean the floors if you have a heavy build-up of stains, dirt and oils.
Why use vinegar?
White vinegar is made from distilled alcohol. The main component of this kind of vinegar is acetic acid, which gives it its distinct sour taste. White vinegar has a long history of use as a cleaning agent, dating back to ancient Rome (although that was mainly to preserve food).
White vinegar is still widely used for cleaning due to its ability to cut through dirt and grime. In addition, white vinegar is often used as a natural fabric softener and can help to remove stains.
White vinegar is a practical and versatile cleaning agent used on various surfaces. Thanks to its strong cleaning power and relatively low price, white vinegar is a popular choice for home and commercial cleaners.
How to Deep Clean a Linoleum Floor
Every once in a while, you will need to perform a deeper cleaning to remove dirt, stains, and oils from your floors. Linoleum floors should be deep cleaned once a year at a minimum. To do this, you’ll need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soft scrub brush
- 1 Microfiber mop
- 1 Gallon of Hot water
- 1 Cup of Baking soda
- 1 Cup of Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap
- Some old cleaning rags or towels
Our recommended deep cleaning steps are as follows:
- Remove loose dirt by sweeping or vacuuming.
- Spread a cup of baking soda on the floor, especially focusing on stained or “gummy” areas with oils and sticky mess.
- Deep clean the linoleum with the above cleaning solution for regular cleaning.
- With the solution, mop the floor, using a scrub brush to remove stubborn stains on areas with high traffic.
- To remove any baking soda or soap residue left after cleaning the entire floor, mop it once again with clean water.
- Use old towels to completely dry the floors.
How To Steam Clean a Linoleum Floor
Bathrooms and kitchens often feature linoleum flooring because it is durable and water-resistant. As a result, the flooring becomes dirty and unattractive as soap scum, stubborn dirt, sticky residue, and other bacteria are constantly attracted to these floor areas.
Linoleum that is old or hasn’t been cleaned for a long time may require more than a basic mop or broom cleaning. It is much easier to clean linoleum thoroughly if you use a steam mop.
You can use the same general cleaning solution we provided above to clean your bathroom and kitchen floors with a steam cleaner.
Just as you would use a vacuum cleaner, the same technique is applied here. Move the steam cleaner slowly across the linoleum floor. Once you have pushed the steam cleaner in one direction, return it toward you by pulling it back. The process should be repeated until the residue on the floor has been eradicated, and the entire floor should be clean.
Make sure the floor is allowed to air dry. With vinegar and steam, you’ll disinfect, and dish soap will take care of the residue.
What chemicals and cleaning products can be used to clean linoleum?
In addition to their harsh and abrasive properties, commercial soaps and detergents can contain somewhat harmful chemicals. Linoleum floors can also be stripped of their finish by more acidic cleaning products. Consequently, many people are switching to natural floor cleaning products or using organic ingredients in their homes.
In the home, vinegar is one of the most common natural cleaning substances since it is inexpensive, readily available, and does not emit unpleasant chemical odors. Additionally, its low acidity prevents linoleum’s finish from being worn down.
With the use of white vinegar and baking soda, vinyl and linoleum flooring can be thoroughly cleaned with a damp mop or steam mop in no time at all.
What products should I avoid when cleaning linoleum?
Ammonia-based cleaners can damage linoleum by removing and stripping the polish. Any bleach products should be avoided if you want to protect your linoleum from damage.
Additionally, super robust scouring pads and brushes should also be avoided, as these can cause cracks and scratches in linoleum, trapping more dirt and debris with time.
How To Polish Kitchen Floors Made of Linoleum
In order to protect linoleum floors and keep them looking great, manufacturers recommend polishing them.
After your floor polish dulls from traffic and wear, vacuum and clean it as you would for general cleaning, but make sure there is no standing water left behind. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply the recommended number of coats of linoleum floor polish to the floor.
Remember, between coats, the polish must be allowed to fully dry. It would be best if you made sure that the applicator is not moved over the same floor area more than once or twice to avoid streaking. Or else, stripping will be necessary before the floor can be repolished.
Best Ways To Dry Linoleum Flooring
Microfiber cleaning cloths are the best option for drying linoleum floors. Unlike towels, microfiber cloths are absorbent and will not leave water on the floor. Water left on linoleum can lead to damage, so it is vital to make sure the floor is completely dry after cleaning.
Microfiber cloths are also less likely to leave lint or other debris on the floor. An old towel can be used if you do not have access to a microfiber cloth. However, be sure to check the towel for lint or other debris before using it.
Once you have dried the floor with a microfiber cloth or towel, you should buff it with a soft cloth to remove any streaks. While this is recommended for linoleum, the same method can be applied to vinyl floors and wood flooring.
Cleaning Linoleum Floors With Different Mop Types
Linoleum floors can be cleaned with various types of mops, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Cotton
Despite their low cost and availability, cotton mops aren’t exceptionally absorbent. When you do not immediately dry the floor after using a cotton mop to clean it, they can leave streaks on the surface that are difficult to remove.
Why choose cotton for cleaning?
There are a variety of cloths available for cleaning your home, but not all are created equal. Cotton cloths are somewhat absorbent and durable, making them ideal for cleaning up spills and removing surface dirt and dust. Just remember that cotton can become saturated by water quickly.
In addition, cotton cloths won’t scratch delicate surfaces like linoleum or wood. As a result, they are acceptable for use on a variety of surfaces in your home. But there are better materials available if your wallet can afford it.
Synthetic fibers
Synthetic fibers (microfiber) absorb more moisture than cotton, leaving your floors less damp. Moreover, they can remove dirt embedded in the linoleum, which is why older linoleum floors that look dirty or dull can benefit from them.
Why use microfiber for cleaning?
Microfiber cloths are typically used for cleaning because they can trap dirt and dust effectively. However, microfiber cloths are not just for cleaning linoleum; they can also be used on other surfaces in your home.
Microfiber cloths can clean windows, mirrors, and even stainless steel. The key to using a microfiber cloth is using a back-and-forth motion when cleaning. This will help lift the dirt and dust from the surface so they can be trapped in the cloth’s fibers.
In addition, be sure to use a dry microfiber cloth; if the fabric is too wet, it will simply push the dirt and dust around instead of trapping it. With some care, a microfiber cloth can be an effective tool for keeping your home clean.
Natural fibers
Hemp and other natural fibers are more absorbent than cotton and microfiber and are excellent for cleaning old linoleum floors. In addition to that, natural fiber tends to leave less lint behind, so it’s great for wiping down floors.
Why use hemp for cleaning?
Hemp cloths are quickly becoming a popular option for cleaning various surfaces in the home. Unlike traditional cleaning cloths, hemp cloths are made from a sustainable and durable material that is naturally resistant to bacteria. As a result, they are ideal for cleaning not just linoleum but also other hard surfaces like countertops and floors. In addition, hemp cloths are incredibly absorbent, making them ideal for spills and messes. And because they are so durable, they can be reused many times before needing to be replaced. So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and effective way to clean your home, consider using hemp cloths.
How Do I Choose The Best Mop For Linoleum Floors?
Here is a collection of some of the best floor mops on the market today, to help you make a decision.
Swiffer WetJet Floor Spray Mop
A few squeezes of the handle will do all the legwork for you. Clean up tough messes quickly with the device’s dual nozzles, which disperse cleaning solution speedily and leave floors clean and dry.
The spray mop offers innovative technology that allows it to be mounted on either side of the nozzle, so it can alternate drying patterns. Thanks to this mop’s absorbing technology, you won’t have to worry about dirty water being pushed around the floor as you carry on to your next destination.
The only downside to this mop is that a cleaning solution must be used, and it can only be used on linoleum floors.
MARK LIVE Electric Spray Cordless Spin Mop
Your floors will be thoroughly cleaned by this mop as it cleans itself. Using the self-driving device is as simple as pressing a button. Furthermore, suppose regular cleaning isn’t your cup of tea. In that case, you’ll also enjoy the ease of moving the mop around with one hand, meaning almost no contact is needed.
Anyone can safely use it since it is adjustable at 45 degrees. The wireless control feature is handy, as you won’t risk injury or damaging your back by bending too low. With 2900mAH of battery life, this high-powered spin mop will last you for a long time before draining, eliminating the need to recharge it as quickly.
While this product has a steeper price tag than its competitors, it’s worth the investment if you can afford it.
O-Cedar ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop
With O-Cedar ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop, you only need water, as no cleaning solution is needed (but we still recommend it).
You can clean large or small spaces quickly with the ProMist because it comes with two spray heads. Because of its quick drying time, this microfiber cover is ideal for traction on almost any surface. With its easy-to-use design, the ProMist is ideal for bare floor surfaces such as linoleum floors and ceramic tile.
Customer reviews on this mop report a less than durable handle, and lots of streaking after use. This is likely because users aren’t using a cleaning solution or drying floor areas properly.
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