How to Clean Linoleum Floors with Bleach?

Last Update:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.

Is there any better flooring? Housekeepers should adore it. Linoleum is durable. It’s long-lasting. Cleaning is perfect! You even don’t need to rinse out the cloth. Excess moisture during mopping would not damage it. However, how to clean linoleum floors with bleach? Is it safe for the surface? How long would deep cleaning take? What are the proper proportions? Let’s discuss it.

how to clean linoleum floors with bleach

Linoleum Benefits

Linoleum is a great material. It’s durable, affordable and stain-resistant. The flooring is preferable for the kitchen and hallways. It’s suitable for high-traffic areas. Why is it good in terms of easy cleaning? It sustains spills and stains pretty good. So, you can apply the quality vinyl floors mop on the covering.

Here you can see more information about best mop for vinyl floors!

What is the composition? Basically, this material is natural. It consists of:

  • ground cork dust;
  • pine rosin;
  • wood flour;
  • mineral fillers.

What gives water-resistant properties to the linoleum? Due to them, you can use the good steam mop for laminate floors on the surface without any worries. Quite naturally, it’s a result of the protective layer. It is made of PVC coating. The layer also acts as a sound and heat insulator. However, there are different flooring types and their properties are not the same.

Here you can see more information about best steam mop for laminate floors!

Types of Linoleum

The thickness of the top layer is decisive. It’s considered to be a key linoleum use indicator. According to the research, it determines the friction factor and wear-resistance of the coating.

Linoleum TypePVC Coating Thickness, in.
Domestic0.004-0.014
Semi-commercial0.020-0.063
Commercial0.07 and more

Domestic linoleum is designed for kitchen areas. Its top layer is commonly made of polyester foam. The flooring stands out by multi-layer structure. This type of linoleum is usually sold in rolls. Do you know, how to make vinyl floors shine? You definitely manage the linoleum cleaning.

Semi-commercial linoleum comes with a reinforced protective layer. It’s installed in offices, small shops, and public areas.

Commercial floor covering is designed for warehouses, airports, hotels, etc. It can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Single-layer flooring provides the best degree of abrasion and good appearance.

How to Clean Discolored Vinyl Flooring

When it goes about vinyl, the flooring is easy to clean. It’s made of PVC, synthetic, coming with a sleek surface. However, it’s commonly made of planks or tiles. The seams make the material less moisture-resistant.

Water can damage the glue that provides a reliable grip. Additionally, if vinyl gets yellowish, it’s difficult to clean. Cleaning floors with bleach and water can damage the surface. The safe methods include only steaming and mopping with vinegar solutions.

Can You Use Bleach on Linoleum?

It can be used in acute situations. It would be essential if you need to:

  1. Disinfect the floor.
  2. Clean pet urine.
  3. Whiten the surface.

The solution can be even left on the floor for up to 30 minutes. Wet linoleum is not a problem. Quite naturally, the coat of the solution is to be thin. Standing water can damage the surface. However, be careful only with the areas around the edges of the kitchen. Moisture should not get under the linoleum, that’s all.

How much bleach should you add to a gallon of water? A ¼ cup of the chemical is sufficient. So, mop the floor with the solution. Wait for a while and rinse linoleum with vinegar. However, bleach is corrosive and toxic. Don’t forget to wear gloves and a protective mask.

How to Clean Linoleum Floors with Ground in Dirt?

cleaning linoleum floors yellowing

Actually, linoleum is a durable and versatile material. If you care for it, the covering can last for up to 50 years. Just don’t use harsh chemicals. The surface is shiny and beautiful.

Therefore, the best way to clean linoleum floors is green. Good methods for everyday kitchen floor cleaning are:

  • vacuuming;
  • sweeping;
  • brooming;
  • mopping.

Vacuuming the surface, select the “hard floor” setting. It won’t damage the surface. The brush won’t leave grooves. Place protectors on furniture legs. Low spots on linoleum are undesirable. If you prefer a broom, it is to be soft-bristled. Dirt particles are to be removed. Then mop the floor. Add some vinegar or dish soap to the water.

How to Clean Sticky Linoleum Floors?

Bleach won’t help you in this case. The solution doesn’t remove oil or grease. Dirt and debris can’t be cleaned this way. Which detergents would be efficient? It’s possible to use:

  • the best linoleum floor cleaner;
  • white vinegar;
  • baking soda;
  • mild detergent.

A ½ cup of vinegar is to be dissolved in a gallon of clean water. It disinfects the floor and makes it shine. Add some drops of lemon juice, if you like it. A pleasant smell will be in the air for some hours.

Do you know, how to clean a linoleum floor that is yellowed? Just expose it to sunlight. Use mirrors. When the coating is in shade, natural oil inside it oxidizes. Polish can be added to the flooring, as well. Anyway, prefer green cleaning methods. Avoid harsh chemicals especially if you have kids or puppy pets.

How to deep clean linoleum floors

The flooring that is scuffed and stained would look terrible. Do you use residential linoleum in the kitchen? In about 15 years some areas are scratched. They include the flooring near the sink, cooking appliance, the table. In this case, it’s recommended to buy a rug to cover the imperfections or replace the linoleum completely.

How to get stains out of linoleum? Intense cleaning would require some efforts. Scrubbing is possible along the grooves and. With a good brush, you remove tough stains.

Spills of wine or coffee are removed easily from the sleek surface. Spot cleaning can become even more challenging. For example, hair dye would be difficult to eliminate. Rubbing alcohol or a powerful cleaner can be applied to the stain. If the stains are stubborn, use a steam cleaner. It removes also grime or dirt, even if it’s ground-in.

Do you wonder, how to get paint off vinyl floor? If it’s dried and thick already, you can scrape it off by a knife. Scratching linoleum by a knife is not recommended. Its surface is soft. It’s prone to micro-scratches.

Overall Impression

Have you read the article? You must have already got the best thing to clean linoleum floors. Quite naturally, it’s green. Clean water works well in multiple situations. Mild cleaners can be added for deep cleaner. If the stains still remain, use a steam mop. The method is safe and healthy. Additionally, it’s efficient. So, your kitchen flooring is always clean and shiny.

Video: How FAST and EASY to clean dirty linoleum floors

Further Reading

Leave a Comment