Linoleum floors have been in fashion for over 100 years. Although the introduction of vinyl flooring caused a fluctuation in the popularity of this durable and environment-friendly product, they have managed to make a dramatic resurgence in the past few years.
Linoleum flooring — non-allergenic, antibacterial, and resistant to mold and mildew — is available in various colors and materials, making them perfect for any style and theme you choose. However, maintaining and caring for linoleum flooring might be a challenge. Since the flooring is not completely smooth, ground in dirt finds a home in the crannies and nooks.No matter how hard you mop; the final result is still dull and dusty.
It’s time to work smarter, not harder. Give this article a read to learn how to clean linoleum floors with ground in dirt while preventing scratching and fading.
How to Clean Linoleum Floors with Ground In Dirt
Removing the dust and dirt from the top surface with a microfiber towel or a sponge mop is one of the basic starting steps. However, you’ll need to be more careful when trying to remove grime from the cracks and crevices.
Below are some of the easiest cleaning hacks you can use to keep your linoleum flooring gleaming and polished.
Method #1
Equipment Required:
- Hot water
- Clean washcloths
- Ammonia
- Clothes iron
Procedure:
First, plug an iron near the area you want to clean.
Next, create a solution by mixing one part hot water with one part ammonia. Soak a clean washcloth (preferably made of soft material) into the solution and lightly wring it out. The cloth should be damp but not dripping.
Lay the cloth on the target area and place the heated iron over it. Safety Tip: Be careful since it’s going to get steamy. Shift the iron from place to place for around 30 seconds and check the underside of the cloth to see if the grime is lifting.
Remember, this process may not remove all the dirt, but the ironing process will loosen the leftover dirt, making it easier for you to scrub or wipe it away. You can use the same towel for this step, too. Repeat the process until the entire area is clean. Also, you won’t need a new, clean towel for each section. Just replace it when you feel that it has gotten too grimy.
If you’re concerned about any discoloration this method may cause on your flooring, you can do a test on an inconspicuous area before tackling the entire floor. You also need to be prepared for the confused looks your family will give you when they see you sitting with an iron in the middle of the kitchen.
Method #2
Equipment Required:
- Bucket
- Scrub brush
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Old toothbrush
Procedure:
Fill the bucket with hot water and add a small amount of dish soap. Start scrubbing the dirty areas with the brush and use the sponge to soak up the grime fully. Wait for a few minutes till the dish soap loosens the dirt and makes it easy to remove. Then, use the toothbrush to displace the dirt by scrubbing all the nooks. Lastly, use a damp cloth to wipe out the dirt and some water to wash off the excess soap.
Remember to allow the floor to dry before placing any rugs or furniture. You can open the windows for an air-dry or use a dry microfiber cloth.
Method #3
Equipment Required:
- A gallon of hot water
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Mop
Procedure:
White vinegar — a powerful and affordable cleaning agent — makes this method one of the most effective.
Start by creating a DIY solution. Combine one cup of vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of dish soap, and water. Dunk the mop into this solution and wring it out. Make sure to extend the mop in all directions to cover the whole floor. Alternatively, you can dip a scouring pad into this solution to get rid of stubborn grime and oils.
Method #4
Equipment Required:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop
- Cleaning solution (mentioned in method #3)
- Baking soda
Procedure:
First, vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt. Next, take a cup of baking soda and spread it across the floor, especially on the sticky and grimy areas. Mop the floor with the vinegar-soap solution. Finally, dip the mop into clean water to ensure no soap residue or baking soda is left.
Method #5
Equipment Required:
- One gallon of water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
Procedure:
Mix water and apple cider vinegar to create a cleaning solution. If you want a pleasant smell, you can add half a cup of lemon juice. You can also consider using Borax instead of vinegar but make sure to add only 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water. Otherwise, it might become hard to remove.
Method #6
Equipment Required:
- Commercial-based cleaner
Procedure:
If you want your cleaners to be a bit more oomph than the DIY home solutions, for example, if you’re looking for a deodorizer, an anti-bacterial, or a mosquito-repellent product, commercial-based cleaners can be helpful.
However, you must choose very carefully. Linoleum floorings are made of natural materials that can be damaged quickly by harsh chemicals, thus worsening the surface shine. It is recommended to avoid alkaline solutions and opt for products with more natural and safer components, such as those with plant-based cleaning powers.
Once you’ve bought a formulated cleaner and confirmed its safety with a spot test, you can go on to deal with the rest of the area in accordance with the instructions provided in the packaging.
Tips on How to Clean Linoleum Floors with Ground In Dirt
- Linoleum is porous. This means the stains can go all the way down the floor. So, clean the spillages right away to save yourself the time spent buffing the mark with a nylon brush afterward.
- If the dirt is combined with blood or urine stains, you can use a peroxide-sodden cloth for efficient cleaning.
- Place doormats outside to minimize the dirt and grime that enters the house.
- Always dilute ammonia properly when creating a DIY solution. Avoid ammonia-based chemicals.
- The build-up of dirt and grease can cause the yellowing of linoleum floors. To prevent that, you should move around your furniture and plant pots regularly when cleaning up.
- You can use a Magic Eraser to remove the dirt and stains. Since they are abrasive, be careful to avoid rubbing your skin.
- Consider using a steam mop to lift dirt completely.
Keep Your Linoleum Floor Spick & Span!
Bathrooms and kitchens often go for linoleum flooring due to its high durability and resistance to water. However, as much as we love this material, the fact that it can easily become dirty and unattractive cannot be ignored. Apart from sticky residues, soap scum, and tough stains, tons of dirt and grime are stuck in the crannies.
Dusting daily, mopping weekly, and carrying out a monthly deep clean is the ultimate secret to shiny, spotless linoleum floors. So what are you waiting for? Choose any of the aforementioned methods, grab the required essentials, and start cleaning!