Linoleum floors have been the first choice for customers of the 20th century, and it is still the most reliable choice in 2022. Their reliability requires maintenance, and if you are a homeowner, you know that linoleum floors are notoriously difficult to maintain; they require consistent cleaning. Let’s examine some speedy solutions to the issue.
Normally, it requires a lot of strong chemicals to clean dirt from the floor and leaves it infectious. We bring a solution that will save you some bucks and clean the floor with less effort.
The article explains How To Clean Linoleum Floors with Ground in Dirt, which is the best way to peel that extra layer of dirt from the floor.
What is Linoleum?
Linoleum flooring is an excellent choice due to its durability, environmental friendliness, and water resistance. In addition to linseed oil, it contains natural ingredients such as cork dust, wood flour, ground limestone, and pigments. Linoleum requires little maintenance due to its long-lasting factory finish. It decomposes completely in the environment due to the lack of synthetic components.
Linoleum is so adaptable that it can be cut and fitted to any room’s dimensions. It is commonly installed in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Weekly sweeping, mopping, and deep cleaning will keep your linoleum floors looking good.
Advantages of Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is commonly found in public buildings due to its exceptional durability. Because of its scratch-resistant ability hides signs of wear and age better than wood or laminate flooring. Its antistatic, water-resistant, and antimicrobial properties make cleaning easier in kitchens, bathrooms, and damp basements.
- Linoleum is durable and resistant to wear.
- Linoleum flooring is less expensive than alternatives.
- There is an abundance of colours, patterns, and styles.
- Linoleum is water-resistant and, therefore, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Linoleum is composed of biodegradable and renewable materials.
- Linoleum flooring doesn’t emit harmful VOCs.
- It is scratch-resistant and conceals wear better than vinyl.
- Occasionally requires sweeping and mopping.
- Linoleum is eco-friendly
Disadvantages of Linoleum Flooring
The weight of appliances and furniture easily dents linoleum due to its soft nature. To avoid this, do not place any heavy objects on the floor for at least three days after the installation. Linoleum flooring is also permeable, so any remaining water after a spill must be wiped up immediately, or it will soak through. Linoleum can be kept waterproof and stain-resistant by applying the appropriate sealant regularly.
- High installation cost
- Furniture legs damage tough linoleum.
- Exposure to sunlight can cause linoleum to darken or turn yellow.
- Linoleum floors that have recently been waxed can be hazardous.
Basic Linoleum Floor Care
Keeping in mind the cons of the linoleum floor, it is best practice to keep the floor clean with water and mop. In a more basic way, one gallon of hot water, one cup of white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap solution will be effective in floor care.
You can use nylon brushes to buff away any scratches that may have developed on your floors over time. We have elaborated descriptions of basic linoleum floor cleaning ways to keep the floors smooth and dust free.
Dust Regularly
To begin cleaning linoleum, use a vacuum with the “hard floors” attachment or sweep the floor thoroughly. Cleaning under furniture and in difficult-to-reach areas such as corners and baseboards is critical. A more thorough cleaning is sometimes required to remove dirt, stains, and oils from your flooring. Linoleum floors should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.
Use a Microfiber Mop
Dust and other particles may remain even after meticulous sweeping and vacuuming. Remove any debris that could scratch your linoleum floor with a microfiber mop. Using two mops simultaneously is the most effective way to clean linoleum flooring. A dry microfiber dust mop is sufficient for daily cleaning.
Keep It Dry
It is critical to completely dry the floor after mopping it with clean water. Even if a clean, dry mop can dry the floor, you should still dry it by hand with towels. But make sure your floor is dry and keep it dry with a soft dry mop to keep the light dust away.
What NOT to Do with Linoleum
Linoleum is less harmful to the environment than vinyl because it is made from natural materials, and no toxic substances are used in manufacturing. This flooring requires daily dust mopping and damp mopping to keep its beauty and resilience. Although linoleum flooring has many advantages, certain cleaning methods should be avoided. Such as:
- A rug with latex or rubber backing should never be placed on a linoleum floor because it will leave a stain—select rugs with a natural support that won’t interfere with the dyes.
- Pooling water on a linoleum floor can cause irreversible damage to the material.
- The floors should only be stripped once a year.
- Ammonia-based cleaners should never be used because they will damage the floor polish.
Strong Chemicals
Using harsh chemicals on linoleum floors can fade the floor and leave a toxic residue. TSP, for example, can be used to help clean linoleum floors but should be used with caution. If left for an extended period of time, this powerful chemical can soften linoleum floors. Similarly, undiluted bleach can damage the floor’s finish.
Rough Brushes
Soft brushes are the most recommended because the surface of linoleum can be damaged by a roughly brushed finish, making it more porous and susceptible to stains and scratches. Using a soft-bristled brush or a mop to clean linoleum floors is best. The finish of the linoleum will be better protected and maintained if you do this.
3 Ways to Deep Clean Linoleum Floors with Ground in Dirt
Regular cleaning will be required to remove dirt, stains, and oils from your home’s floors. Periodic maintenance of linoleum floors, whether once a year or twice a year, necessitates a systematic approach.
The amount of dirt and grime brought into the home by human and animal feet should be proportional to the frequency of thorough cleaning. Cleaning should be done at least once a month. To maximize the longevity of your vinyl, do this at least twice or three times per year.
You should be able to eliminate any lingering bacteria, dust mites, or other potential sources of ignition by giving the floor a good scrub. Follow the steps mentioned, and your linoleum floors will look brand new.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Our preferred linoleum floor cleaner is primarily composed of white distilled vinegar because it is a natural, eco-friendly, all-purpose cleaner that disinfects. Combine it with baking soda to make a paste for removing tough stains. Remove any large debris and loose dirt from the floor before beginning to scrub.
Initially, it would help if you swept the floor before vacuuming, but we believe that sweeping is more effective because it captures fine dust and dirt particles. After vacuuming, use the vinegar and baking soda mixture to kill any remaining bacteria, dirt, or dust mites. Step for using baking soda and vinegar are as follows:
- Stir one tablespoon baking soda and one tablespoon vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Fill a spray bottle with the mixture.
- Spray the solution and leave it for 5 minutes to suck up all dust particles.
- Clean the floor with a damp mop. Scrub the floor gently and keep the nooks and corners clean.
Washing Up Liquid
Water has a love-hate relationship with washing up liquid molecules, but their mixture provides the best floor-cleaning solution. A bucket of water and two tablespoons of dish soap can effectively clean various flooring materials, including linoleum. Warm the cleaning solution before applying it to the kitchen floor for the best results in removing stubborn stains and grease. Follow the below simple steps to clean your linoleum floor.
- Mix the solution
- Mop the floor
- Lather the floor, starting from the corners
- Use clean water to make sure no solution has been left on the floor
- Let the floor air dry
This is one of the easiest ways of cleaning linoleum floors. If you don’t want to mop, you can use a sponge, which will be very effective.
Steam
A steam mop is the most effective tool for thorough, professional floor cleaning. Disinfecting and cleaning your linoleum floors is effective and as easy as vacuuming. You may need to dry the area after removing water spots with a mop.
A steam mop does away with the need for soapy water and quickly evaporates any remaining moisture. Most bacteria get eliminated by this method, as well as dust mites. It cannot, however, be used on some surfaces, such as laminate flooring. Follow the steps below to steam clean your linoleum floors.
- Fill the steam cleaner’s water tank with hot water, then add 1 cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of dish soap per gallon of water.
- Start the steam cleaner and wait for it to heat up enough to emit steam.
- Drag the steam cleaner slowly across the linoleum, like a vacuum cleaner. Rinse and repeat until there is no more residue on the linoleum.
- Allow the floor to dry naturally.
Cleaner Floors with Maintenance One
The importance of clean floors cannot be overstated. To begin, keeping your home or office’s flooring clean can help maintain high air quality. Disease-causing germs and bacteria can thrive in the dust, dirt, and other debris accumulating on the floor.
Allergens, which can cause reactions in some people, can be reduced by keeping floors clean. Aside from the health benefits, clean floors can improve a room’s aesthetic appeal, making it appear more inviting and well-kept.
Linoleum floors are long-lasting and resistant to moisture, so they are the first choice for most people. But like all working-class people, there is less time and no motivation to clean the floors.
Maintenance One team has the best floor cleaners available 24/7 for your service, and we follow the best and most effective tools and chemicals that are harmless to the family and the environment.
The team is trained with professionals that carry heavy tools and focus on the best cleaning service you could hope for.
Vacations are near, and you would require a team to clean your home before you set up the Christmas tree. So, you better call us at (203) 348-1700 or visit our Maintenance One website before cleaning the floors yourself and being tired on Christmas day.
