Linoleum flooring shouldn’t be confused with Vinyl. Vinyl can handle a lot more wear and tear than linoleum, whereas with linoleum you need to be more careful as to the type of cleaners used.

Instructions

1. Vacuum the floor thoroughly on “hard floor” setting, paying special attention to under cabinets, appliances and corners where dust accumulates.
2. Put 6 or 7 drops of dish soap in the bucket and fill with a gallon of hot water.
3. Dip mop in soapy water and wring thoroughly to avoid putting excess water on the floor
4. Mop one section of floor at a time (about 5’ x 5’ per mop-dip), rinsing mop in soapy water and wringing thoroughly before each section.
5. When finished mopping entire floor, rinse mop thoroughly; empty and rinse bucket, and fill with clean hot water.
6. Dip mop in clean hot water, wring thoroughly, and rinse-mop sections of floor with the clean, hot water.
7. Using old towels, dry floors (linoleum contains grooves and if not sealed properly, will quickly absorb any excess liquid, giving the floor a dull , dingy look).

Linoleum Floor Deep Cleaning

Once or twice a year, your floor will need a deep scrubbing, especially if it has deep grooves or designs.

What you will need:

• Vacuum Cleaner
• Nylon-bristol scrub brush.
• Mop (sponge or cloth—preferably self-wringing)
• Bucket
• Hot Water
• Mild Dish Soap
• Old Towels
• Rubber gloves (optional)

Instructions:

• Vacuum the floor thoroughly on “hard floor” setting, paying special attention to under cabinets, refrigerator and corners where dust accumulates.
• Put 6 or 7 drops of dish soap in the bucket and fill with a gallon of hot water.
• Dip scrub brush in soapy water and scrub floor in a circular motion, dipping the scrub brush in the soapy water as needed.
• When done scrubbing entire floor, empty and rinse bucket, and fill with clean hot water. Rinse floor using same steps as #5-7 above.

Restoring the Finish

After years of wear and/or improper cleaning, your linoleum may loose its shine. If your linoleum appears dull or dingy, you may want to refinish it.

What you will need:

• Nylon-bristol scrub brush.
• Mop
• Ammonia
• Bucket
• Hot Water
• Old towels
• Good quality floor wax**
• Clean cloth or soft rags
• Rubber Gloves (recommended)

Instructions:

1. Using the mop, spread straight ammonia on the floor, working in sections.
2. Allow to sit for a few minutes and scrub with the nylon scrub brush.
3. When the entire floor has been scrubbed with ammonia, remove remaining residue by rinsing with a mop dipped in a bucket of hot water.
4. Wipe dry using old towels
5. Apply floor wax according to the directions on the label (generally, liquid floor waxes should be spread evenly with a cloth or rag and allowed to dry completely before adding a second coat).
6. Wait at least one day before washing floor.

* Please note that ammonia can be a dangerous substance and should never be mixed with any other cleaners.

**You can find a good liquid floor wax for your linoleum floor at most janitorial supply stores, or at janitorial supply websites.