Linoleum is a resilient flooring material that can withstand use and is also low-maintenance. It is made from eco-friendly and natural flooring materials such as linseed oil, cork and wood dust, and limestone particles.
However, linoleum flooring tends to have an uneven surface due to its texture; this creates room for dirt accumulation in these small grooves and ridges that leaves your floor looking dingy.
To clean linoleum floors with ground in dirt, you need a vacuum cleaner to clean loose debris, as well as mopping the floor with a cleaning solution. Rinse the floor and finally allow it dry.
Here are more detailed steps how to clean linoleum floors with ground in dirt
Read: How to clean discolored linoleum flooring
How to Clean Linoleum Floors With Ground In Dirt
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need:
- Broom or vacuum cleaner
- Bucket
- Mop
- Scrub brush
- Cloths or towels
- Materials
- Dish soap
Instructions
Step 1
First, use a broom or vacuum to remove any loose particles or debris on the floor surface. Thoroughly sweep or vacuum the floor, ensuring to get into corners, crevices, and underneath furniture and fixtures.
Step 2
When the floor is clean, go in with a microfiber cloth, and wipe down the entire floor, this will remove any remaining dirt particles on the floor that could scratch the floor when you mop.
Step 3
Create a cleaning solution by filling a bucket with a gallon of hot water, and then add in about 6 to 8 drops of dish soap. Do not use a harsh or acidic cleaner on your floor as it could cause damage.
When the cleaning solution is ready, dip your mop into it, and wring out excess water. The mop strands need to be barely damp and soapy before using it to clean your floor.
Step 4
To make the cleanup easier, divide the room up into small sections. Return the mop back into the bucket to soak up more soapy water once it dries out and wring it out once more. Repeat this process until you mop the entire floor.
Step 5
Rinse your linoleum floor with a bucket of hot, clean water to remove any lingering soap residue that’s left on the floor.
Proceed to dry up the floor afterwards and get rid of any excess moisture. Linoleum is susceptible to standing water, and it can cause serious damage to its installation. You can use old clothes or towels to pat the floor surface dry.
Step 6
If there’s a stubborn stain present on your linoleum flooring, a simple cleaning routine may not be enough to get it out; you would need to employ tougher cleaning methods which are listed below:
Vinegar and Water
Combine either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with water using a ratio of one cup of vinegar to each gallon of water. Use a mop or scrub brush to apply the vinegar solution and clean the floor surface.
Lemon Juice
For even more effective cleaning, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the vinegar mixture; this gives the solution a pleasant citrus smell and a better cleaning power.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can combine vinegar with baking soda and use it to remove tough stains from your linoleum floor and get it really clean.
Simply spread the created paste on the stain and allow it to sit for a while before mopping it up. You can also go into the floor with a damp cloth and pat away any loose baking soda residue left behind on the floor.
Read: How to get rust off linoleum floor
What is the Best Cleaner For Linoleum Floors
The best cleaner for linoleum floors needs to be mild and chemical-free. This is why cleaning linoleum flooring with natural homemade cleaners is recommended, as they pose fewer risks.
Baking Soda Paste
Simply mix baking soda, which you probably already have in your pantry, with vinegar to form a thick paste. This can be used for spot cleaning and removing stubborn stains.
Vinegar, Dish Soap, and Baking Soda
Combine a quarter cup of baking soda with two gallons of hot water, a tablespoon of dish soap, and a quarter cup of vinegar. Combine the solution thoroughly, and you use it to mop your linoleum flooring, removing dirt and stains.
Baby Oil and Vinegar
Combine one cup of vinegar, a capful of baby oil, and five gallons of warm water. Combine the solution and apply it to your floor. This solution not only cleans your floor but gives it a natural shine.
If you’re pressed for time and cannot make a homemade cleaner for your linoleum flooring, you can use chemical cleaners, but ensure it is a ph balanced product and suitable for linoleum.
Read: best floor wax for linoleum
Conclusion
This article discusses how to get ground in dirt out of linoleum flooring; the steps described are also effective in cleaning linoleum floors with ground-in dirt. Follow each step religiously, and you should get your floor sparkly clean in no time.
