Linoleum floors are a type of resilient flooring made from natural materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and resin, pressed onto a burlap or canvas backing. Unlike vinyl, which is fully synthetic, linoleum is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and durable. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns and has a slightly cushioned, warm feel underfoot.
Linoleum flooring is loved for its timeless look, durability, and easy maintenance. But like any surface, it still needs the right care to stay bright and beautiful. Daily dust, spills, and foot traffic can dull its shine or leave behind stubborn marks. This guide will walk you through how to clean linoleum floors so your linoleum stays spotless and long-lasting.
What You'll Need
Because linoleum is made from natural oils and cork, it can absorb water, stains, and harsh chemicals. Therefore, cleaning requires gentle and non-abrasive solutions. Before learning how to clean linoleum floors, here are the tools and materials you will need to prepare.
Tools and Materials:
- Broom or vacuum cleaner
- Mop (preferably a microfiber flat mop or string mop that can be well wrung)
- Bucket (large enough to hold at least 1 gallon of water)
- Soft-bristle scrub brush or sponge (for stubborn spots or older linoleum floors)
- Microfiber cloths or old towels (for drying and wiping)
- Mild dish soap (as a gentle cleanser)
- Clean water for rinsing (important)
How to Clean Linoleum Floors: Step-By-Step
Now that you know what youāll need, itās time to start the actual cleaning. The best way to clean is to follow a structured and effective approach. Hereās how to clean linoleum floorsĀ effectively:
Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum Dust and Debris
Before thorough cleaning, sweep the floor using a broom to remove loose particles, visible debris, and surface dust. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a āhard-floorā mode or a robot vacuum for hassle-free regular sweeping without manual intervention. Some robot vacuums, such as the eufy robot vacuums, come with customizable settings for gentle cleaning.
Preliminary sweeping prevents scratches and prevents dirt from becoming embedded when you mop later. Pay special attention to corners, edges, and under furniture legs. While sweeping or vacuuming removes dust and debris, you can also use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the surface as an additional step. This catches any remaining fine dust or grit that might still be on the surface.
Step 2: Prepare Cleaning Solution
Mix 6 to 8 drops of mild dish soap into a bucket with 1 gallon of hot water. Gently stir the solution. Next, dip your mop into the soapy water and wring it out thoroughly so it is only lightly damp. You want the mop strands just moist enough to lift dirt without leaving puddles, because linoleum can be sensitive to excess water.
Step 3: Mop The Floor
Start mopping the floor and divide your room into small sections so you can focus on one area at a time. Mop each section or area carefully, moving the mop in gentle strokes to lift dirt and avoid streaks. After finishing a section, rinse the mop in the cleaning solution and wring it out well before moving to the next section.
You can skip the pain of daily sweeping, mopping, and even a cleaning solution if you use the right robot vacuum. For example, the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 ProĀ can vacuum, floor-wash, and even deep clean. It comes with a 10-in-1 UniClean Station with an ozone water generator that can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria. Therefore, you can rely on this kind of companion for daily upkeep.
Step 4: Rinse the floor
After mopping with your soapy cleaning solution, empty your bucket and refill it with clean, warm (not hot) water. Mop the floor again in sections, using a wellāwrung (damp) mop to go over each area and remove any soap or cleaner residue.
Step 5: Dry the Floor
Use old towels or dry microfiber cloths, and pat down the floor to remove excess moisture. Excess water can warp or damage linoleum, so drying is critical. Ensure the floor is completely dry before replacing furniture or allowing traffic. Make sure the floor is completely dry before walking on it or placing furniture back to prevent stains, warping, or other damage.
Step 6: Scrub Stubborn Stains or Ground-In Dirt
For areas with persistent stains, scuff marks, or ground-in dirt, sprinkle a little baking soda onto the spot and gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush using the same cleaning solution. Rinse with clean water afterward and dry again. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
DIY Linoleum Floor Cleaner Recipes You Can Make at Home
If you donāt want to use chemical-based cleaners, you can actually do your own homemade cleaning solution. Hereās how to clean linoleum floorsĀ using the following DIY cleaner recipes.
Recipe 1: Vinegar Cleaning Solution for Thorough Cleaning
Materials:
- 1 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- 10 Drops of Essential Oil for Scent (optional)
- 2 Gallons of Warm Water
Mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar with 2 gallons of warm water in a large container. Add several drops of dish soap into the mixture. Vinegar is effective at cutting grease and grime while being gentle on the linoleum.
For a pleasant fragrance, add 10 drops of your preferred essential oil (such as lavender or tea tree). Essential oils also provide mild antibacterial properties.
Test the mixture on a small, hidden area of your floor to ensure it doesnāt cause any adverse reactions with your linoleum.
Recipe 2: Apple Cider and Baking Soda Solution for Deeper Cleaning
Materials:
- 1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- Lemon Juice (for scent)
- Baking Soda
- 1 Gallon Hot Water
Combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket. If you donāt have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar works just as well.
If desired, squeeze 1 to 3 lemons and add the juice to the solution to give it a fresh scent.
For deeper cleaning, sprinkle dry baking soda directly onto your floor. Focus on areas with stubborn stains or ground-in dirt. Do not mix the baking soda with the vinegar solution. Use it separately.
How Often to Clean Linoleum Flooring
Knowing how often to clean linoleum floors is just as important as knowing how to clean them. The frequency depends on factors like household activity and foot traffic.
Daily or Frequent Maintenance
- Sweep Daily: Sweep or use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and debris. This helps prevent dirt buildup and avoids scratching the surface.
- Light Mopping: Mop once to three times a week, depending on how much foot traffic your floors get. You can use a mild cleaning solution or just warm water for regular mopping.
Deeper Cleaning (Occasionally)
- Thorough Cleaning: About once or twice a year, perform a deeper clean to target stains or ground-in dirt. This may include using a DIY cleaner (like the vinegar or apple cider vinegar solution) to scrub the floors and restore their shine. You can also address any stubborn spots with a soft-bristle brush.
- For High Traffic Areas:If your home has a lot of foot traffic (e.g., kids, pets, or frequent spills), you may need to deep clean more often ā perhaps every 6 months.
Additional Considerations
- If your linoleum is older or has more wear, deep cleaning may be needed more frequently to maintain its appearance and hygiene.
- Pay extra attention to areas near doors or in high-traffic zones since they can accumulate dirt and grime faster.
Tips to Maintain Linoleum Floors
Learning how to clean linoleum floorsĀ is only part of keeping them in great condition. Proper maintenance is what truly preserves their beauty. Linoleum is durable, but it still needs maintenance to stay smooth, shiny, and free from damage. Hereās what you can consider:
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly:Remove dirt and debris daily to avoid scratches. A robot vacuum like the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25Ā can automate the task, featuring 20,000Pa turbo suction to pick up fine dirt and dust. Its edge-cleaning brushes ensure even corners are cleaned, while the smart navigation helps avoid obstacles.
- Clean Spills Immediately:Wipe up spills promptly to prevent stains. Follow with a dry cloth to remove moisture.
- Use Doormats and Rugs:Place mats at entryways and rugs in high-traffic areas to catch dirt and moisture. Ensure they have non-slip backings to protect the floor.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Use mild soaps or vinegar solutions. Avoid abrasive tools to prevent surface scratches.
- Protect from Furniture Marks: Use felt pads under furniture and avoid dragging heavy items.
- Polish Occasionally:Restore shine with a linoleum-safe polish every 6-12 months.
- Avoid Excess Water: Use a damp mop and dry the floor immediately to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Even the resilient linoleum floors need your attention to protect their beauty and durability. Mastering how to clean linoleum floorsĀ requires the right tools and materials, clear step-by-step processes, and smart maintenance habits.Ā With consistent sweeping, gentle mopping, and proper cleaning solutions, you can preserve their shine and longevity. A little attention goes a long way, keeping your floors looking fresh and welcoming.
FAQs
What is the best thing to clean a linoleum floor with?
The best way to clean a linoleum floor is by using warm water combined with a few drops of mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner. This gentle formula lifts dirt and grease without damaging the protective layer or dulling the shine. For deep cleaning, you can also use a homemade or DIY cleaning solution. You can warm water with either white vinegar or apple cider. You can also use baking soda sprinkled directly on the floor before mopping.
What should you not clean linoleum floors with?
You should never use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive powders on linoleum floors. These products can strip away the natural coating, leaving the surface brittle and prone to cracks. Avoid using steel wool, rough brushes, or strong disinfectants that can scratch or discolor the material. Steam mops are also risky because intense heat and moisture can warp linoleum. Stick to mild soaps or natural cleaners, soft brushes, and soft mops.
Can I use vinegar or steam mop on linoleum floors?
Yes, diluted white vinegar can safely clean linoleum floors and even cut through grease or grime buildup. Combine it with warm water to make an eco-friendly cleaner like the one shared in the DIY recipe section. However, avoid using a steam mop because high heat and excessive moisture can seep into the seams and cause warping or peeling. Instead, use a lightly damp mop and dry the surface afterward with a clean towel.
How do I know if my floor is linoleum or vinyl?
You can tell if your floor is linoleum or vinyl by looking at its materials, construction, and finish. Linoleum is made from natural materials (linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust) and often has a burlap or canvas backing; the color/pattern often goes through the entire thickness of the material. Vinyl flooring is a synthetic product (usually PVC) with a printed design layer and a separate wearālayer, and itās typically built in layers rather than one homogeneous material. Also look for visible wear ā if the pattern is only on top and you can see a base layer underneath, itās likely vinyl.
