How to wash linoleum from dirt and stains

Maintaining clean linoleum floors may appear difficult, but with the appropriate strategy, it becomes much easier. The lifespan and appearance of linoleum can be extended by knowing how to clean it properly, regardless of the spills, stains, or general dirt you encounter.

Although linoleum is a low-maintenance and long-lasting flooring option, it still needs regular care to remain in good condition. We’ll look at a few simple and efficient ways to clean linoleum in this guide, from routine upkeep to removing stubborn stains.

You can maintain the bright, new-looking appearance of your linoleum floors with a few basic tools and proper cleaning methods. Now let’s get started on maintaining and cleaning your linoleum floors.

Cleaning Method	Instructions
Daily Cleaning	Use a vacuum or broom to remove dust and dirt.
Wet Mopping	Mop with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid excessive water.
Stain Removal	For stains, apply a mixture of water and vinegar or a linoleum cleaner. Scrub gently.
Deep Cleaning	For a deep clean, use a specialized linoleum cleaner following the manufacturer"s instructions.
Preventive Care	Use protective mats in high-traffic areas and wipe up spills immediately to prevent damage.

Contents

How to care for linoleum?
Cleaning methods
Cleaning linoleum after repairs
Cleaning stubborn stains and yellowness
Eraser
Vodka
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How to wash linoleum of any dirt without effort. Simple and accessible.

How to care for linoleum?

Both synthetic and natural fibers can be used to make linoleum (PVC). Although natural component materials are thought to be stronger, both types of coatings require the same maintenance and safety measures. By following a few preventive steps, you can stop the material from deteriorating too soon:

Do not allow linoleum to be in prolonged contact with direct sunlight. Because of this, the coating loses its brightness.
The material deteriorates from high temperatures, so it is better to clean it with water at 30-35 degrees.
Artificial linoleum does not like excessive moisture. After washing the floors, remove excess water with a dry cloth.
If bleaches containing chlorine are used for cleaning, they are diluted with water 50:50. Concentrated products cause color loss and stains may form.
To prevent mechanical damage, special stickers are glued to the legs of heavy furniture.
It is not recommended to lay linoleum on uninsulated loggias. This leads to the material starting to deteriorate, deform, and cracks and damage appear.
Do not use fabrics with an abrasive coating and powders with large hard granules for cleaning. After their use, the surface deteriorates and gets scratched.
If coloring agents get on the linoleum, they must be removed from the surface immediately. After absorption, cleaning is extremely difficult.
It is not recommended to use cleaning products that contain kerosene, acetone and other aggressive substances.
Before entering the room, lay a mat to clean the sole from dirt that scratches the linoleum.

The material is given a unique polish or mastic treatment to increase its lifespan. Following the application of the compositions, a thin layer forms to shield the linoleum from outside harm, UV rays, and early abrasion. This is the treatment’s guiding principle.

Soak a soft sponge with the product and carefully treat the surface of the linoleum.
Wait until the first layer dries, apply the second one according to the same principle.
Rub the product until completely dry, remove the remains of the product with a dry cloth.
After treatment, the floor covering must not be subjected to load. For the film to dry completely, it is kept for at least 8-10 hours. Only after this time can you walk on the coating. If you do not follow this rule, the protective film will be damaged and the desired effect will not be achieved.

Applying natural linseed oil or transparent drying oil to linoleum would be beneficial. The process, which is done once or twice a month, helps stop cracks from forming.

Kindly take note. There are three types of drying oil: oxol, composite, and natural. A product made of natural ingredients is used for linoleum installed in residential spaces. Because composite drying oil is poisonous and potentially harmful to the body, it should only be applied externally. It is not advised to use ethanol on linoleum due to a solvent it contains that can harm the flooring material.

Cleaning methods

The material is cleaned both at home and in specialized dry cleaning facilities. The most important thing is to follow some care instructions and learn how to clean linoleum to prevent further damage. Two categories of cleaning exist:

Dry – carried out using a vacuum cleaner. In the first 5 days after laying the linoleum, it is recommended to remove dirt using this method, because moisture on the surface of the newly laid linoleum is undesirable. The dry method is also suitable for quick daily cleaning, and does not take much time.
Wet – using detergents. Before starting cleaning with this method, dirt particles are removed from the surface of the linoleum using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Then a special cleaning solution is added to a container with warm water, a soft cloth or sponge is moistened in it, and the linoleum is washed.

Usually, at home, a soap solution is made with liquid soap. Although powder is not advised, there are instances in which dirt must be removed immediately and no other solution is available. The floor covering is only cleaned after 1 tablespoon of powder is dissolved in 3 liters of warm water, ensuring that no solid particles are left behind.

It is best to buy specialized cleaning compounds for natural or artificial linoleum in the store if these products are unable to remove any dirt or stains from the surface. It is crucial to use these products in accordance with the directions; if you dilute them improperly, you risk damaging and ruining the coating.

Cleaning linoleum after repairs

One of the most frequently asked questions is how to clean linoleum after repairs. Although building solutions, paint, and whitewashing don’t completely remove pollution from a material’s surface, there are still ways to do so. Among them are:

Soap solutions with sodium salt (5-6 t. l for 10 l of water). The floor is washed with this composition 2-3 times and then washed off with clean water.
Water with potassium permanganate (1/6 hours. l manganese for 10 l. water). It is important that the crystals dissolve completely, since they leave stains on the linoleum.

Using a spatula, remove any dried paint. Next, use white spirit to remove any leftover stain. Finally, wash the floor covering with clean water.

Cleaning stubborn stains and yellowness

Linoleum has turned yellow – how to wash it at home? If the flooring is yellowed from old age, then, unfortunately, such a yellowness cannot be completely removed. You can lighten it a little and refresh linoleum. For this, 10 l. warm water is added 1 liter. whiteness, then the floor is laundered by the solution 2-3 times. After a whitening agent, the flooring is thoroughly washed with clean water. Finally, the linoleum is rubbed with a special polish, which can be glossy or matte. For old flooring, the first option is more suitable. Gloss refreshes the color and creates a visual effect of new linoleum. The table below presents folk remedies and descriptions of how to wash old linoleum from difficult to remove stains:

Type of contamination	Cleaning methods
Wax	First, a drop of wax is cut off with a knife. The tool must be held parallel to the floor covering. After the drop is removed, the remainder is heated with a hair dryer and removed with a dry cloth. Do not rub too hard, as this may leave a light stain.
Ink from a writing pen	To remove stubborn ink, use a liquid intended for removing nail polish, bleach diluted with water 2:10, gasoline, ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Apply one of the products to the fabric, apply it to the stain and leave for 20-30 minutes. After this, the stain is wiped off, and the residue is removed with a cloth soaked in clean water. Mustard also helps to cope with ink. To do this, the stained area is lightly moistened with water, mustard powder is sprinkled on top and left for 10-12 hours. After the specified time, the residues are removed with a damp cloth. If these products do not help, then pumice or sandpaper with small abrasive is used.
Iodine	It is removed using gasoline, kerosene or chlorine -containing bleach. The contaminated place is wetted with water, and then a cotton pad soaked in any of the funds is applied to it for 20-30 minutes. After that, the remains are wiped with a damp cloth.
Zelenka	Zelenka is eliminated using acetone, hydrogen peroxide and camphor alcohol. To do this, you need to moisten a piece of cotton wool in the prepared tool, apply it on the spot (for 10-15 minutes), and then remove the dissolved greenhouse from the surface of the linoleum. If once is not enough, then the procedure is repeated until the pollution completely disappears. You can’t rub hard, stains may remain on the material. After the linoleum is cleaned, its surface is wiped with a cloth soaked in water, and then linseed oil is applied to the damaged area.
Rust	For the cleaning composition, you will need to mix 1 h. l citric acid, 1 tsp. salt and 100 ml water. The components are thoroughly mixed until the crystals are completely dissolved, then the mixture is heated to 40-50 degrees and applied to the rust. The composition is kept for 15-20 minutes, then removed with a damp cloth.
Mold	Mold is removed from the coating using a mixture of citric acid and soda. First, the contaminated surface is wetted with water 30 degrees. Then mix baking soda and citric acid 50/50. Next, the resulting composition is applied to the moistened spot for 20-30 minutes. Remove residues with a damp cloth.
Fat	Stubborn fat can be treated with turpentine. To do this, apply the product to the contaminated area and remove it with a dry cloth after 5 minutes. After the stains have been removed, wipe the surface of the linoleum with a damp cloth soaked in water with the addition of lemon juice. Proportions – 100 ml of water 3-5 drops of juice.

Before you start cleaning stains, you need to test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous area of the linoleum. If after applying the composition there are white spots, streaks, small bubbles form on the surface of the coating, then it should not be used under any circumstances. In this case, you will have to choose another product. Most often, such problems can arise with artificial material. Natural linoleum is more resistant to the effects of cleaning mixtures. In addition, it is important to remember that when removing stains, you cannot rub the surface of the floor covering hard. This leads to abrasion of the material, the appearance of streaks and lightened spots.

Crucial! Rubber gloves are used for every procedure. Products that are aggressive are bad for the skin. If any of the composition does end up on your skin, you should run some water over the affected area to remove it.

Linoleum is easy to clean if you know the proper procedures and methods. Your linoleum floors will remain looking brand-new if you sweep and mop them frequently with a mild soap and water solution. A vinegar and water solution can work wonders for more stubborn stains. You can prolong the life of your linoleum flooring and keep it clean by adhering to these easy steps.

Eraser

Shoes leaving black streaks at the front door is a rather common issue. Traditional detergents are not very effective at getting rid of it; in this case, a stationery eraser is quite helpful. Even deeply embedded dirt is easily handled by it.

Dark stripes should be erased with an eraser, the residue should be wiped away with a dry napkin, and the linoleum should be cleaned with a soap solution. This method can also be used to get rid of chewing gum. To do this, adhere to these guidelines:

Apply an ice cube to the chewing gum for 2-3 minutes.
Carefully remove the dirt with a knife.
Wipe off the remaining chewing gum with an eraser.
Wash the linoleum with a soap solution.
Dry the surface of the floor covering with a dry napkin.

Coffee, grease, iodine, brilliant green, and other dirt stains can all be removed with the eraser. You will need to look for assistance from solvents, vinegar, or alcohol if this approach is ineffective.

Vodka

It is thought to be a useful treatment for a variety of pollutants and offensive smells. Most often, grease, felt-tip pens, and ink are removed with solutions containing vodka or alcohol. Three methods are used to prepare the funds:

Mix 1 liter of warm water, 1 hour. l liquid intended for washing dishes and 200 ml vodka or 2 tbsp. l medical alcohol.
Add to 200 ml water for 1 hour. l soda and 50 ml vodka. Place 1 liter of warm water in a container, add 200-250 ml of vodka and 1 tbsp. l lemon juice.

The resultant solution is soaked in cotton wool and applied to the affected area. In the event that the contamination is deeply embedded, the product will be exposed for 30 to 40 minutes. After using a clean cloth to remove any leftover dirt, clean water is used to wash the linoleum’s surface. Stains can sometimes be difficult to remove the first time. After that, the process is carried out once or twice more.

Kindly take note. Using abrasive sponges causes linoleum to deteriorate and leave behind impossible-to-remove white scratches, so using them is prohibited.

Maintaining clean linoleum floors prolongs their life and improves their appearance. The secret to getting rid of dirt and stain prevention is regular cleaning. Little daily routines like vacuuming or sweeping can go a long way toward preserving the aesthetic appeal of your linoleum.

A simple solution of water and mild soap works well for deeper cleaning. Steer clear of harsh chemicals that might harm the surface. A soft brush and a light scrub can help remove tough stains. Just be sure to completely rinse and pat dry the area to avoid any moisture damage.

You can maintain the excellent appearance and optimal condition of your linoleum floors for many years to come by adopting these simple cleaning techniques into your regular routine. The best approach to reap the long-term rewards of your flooring investment is through routine maintenance.