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Linoleum floors are very practical and durable. If properly cared for, they will serve you for decades. In this article, we will tell you how to remove the most stubborn stains from linoleum and how to keep it clean for a long time.
How to clean linoleum
Cleaning linoleum consists of several stages. But the result will please you, because it will be truly brilliant:
First you need to get rid of sand and dust. Gather dirt with a mop or broom, or rather vacuum the floors. Be sure to walk under sofas, cabinets, and appliances. If you use a vacuum cleaner, set the mode for hard surfaces, not carpets.
Make detergent. In a bucket of warm water, mix one glass of table vinegar and a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent. Wet the linoleum with the solution using a microfiber mop. Wring it out well – excess moisture can damage the coating, and it will take a very long time to dry.
Alternatively, you can use a store-bought floor cleaner specifically for cleaning linoleum. Most of these types of household chemicals need to be diluted with water – it is better to look at the exact proportions on the manufacturer’s label. Avoid using chemicals with a high pH level (like ammonia based) as they can severely damage the linoleum.
Clean the floor with your chosen cleaning solution. Wring out the mop well. If you want to clean your floor more thoroughly, use a soft-bristled brush instead of a mop.
Drain the dirty water and fill the bucket with clean water. Rinse the floor in the same way to remove any remaining dirt and cleaning agent. Wring out the mop well. When you’re done washing, flush the used water down the toilet.
Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before returning the furniture to its place. You can wipe off excess moisture with paper towels or a clean cloth, but this is not necessary – the vinegar evaporates quickly and its smell will not remain in the room for long.
Removing tough stains from linoleum
If normal washing does not help, you can try more powerful chemicals. But before use, be sure to test them on a small inconspicuous area of linoleum. What can be used to remove various types of contaminants:
Marks from felt-tip pens and ink – soak a cotton swab in vodka or nail polish remover. Rub the stain.
Footprints from shoes and shoe polish, wax – put a few drops of gasoline on a cotton pad and rub the stain. Rinse the floor thoroughly after treatment.
Grease splatter – remove excess stain with a paper towel or towel. Treat the area with a cooker grease remover or turpentine. Do not leave the product for a long time, it can corrode the coating.
Spots from greenery, paint or cosmetics – can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide
Rust and mold – prepare a cleaning solution. Take a glass and fill an eighth with lemon juice. Fill the remaining container with water and stir. Apply the solution to the contaminated area with a sponge or cloth, let it sit for a few minutes and rub well.
Stains from iodine and food coloring are removed with chlorine-containing products, for example, whiteness.
As a rule, this treatment is sufficient for most stains. But sometimes it happens that the pollution got under the protective coating and ate into the linoleum. In this case, it remains only to grind the surface. However, this method is only suitable for homogeneous linoleum – its pattern is located throughout the thickness of the coating, and not on the surface:
Remove the contaminated layer of linoleum with sandpaper;
The surface of the linoleum will become rough. To make it smooth again, cover it with a polishing agent – it will fill in all the bumps;
Let the coating dry for an hour before using it again.
If you have a different type of linoleum, most likely you will simply erase the pattern and leave an ugly hole on the floor. Instead, you can try to locally replace the coating – cut out the contaminated area and lay a patch of the same material in its place.
How to polish linoleum
To protect linoleum from the appearance of stubborn stains, it must be polished. For this:
Wash the floor – before you polish the linoleum, it must be completely clean. Vacuum and mop the floor as usual. Rinse well the remaining detergent – they can adversely affect the polishing effect. Let the linoleum dry completely.
Take a clean bucket and pour polish into it. Determine the required amount of product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply the polish to the floor with a clean damp mop or cloth. You need to apply 2-3 coats of polish, working in areas of approximately 50 square centimeters. Let each layer dry for about half an hour before applying a new one. The last layer should dry for 1 hour before putting the furniture back into place. Try not to swipe twice over the same area, otherwise there may be streaks in the coating.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.