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Have you got linoleum flooring in your kitchen? This perfect material is durable and eco-friendly. With proper maintenance, it can last up to 40 years. Quite naturally, linoleum is liable to stubborn dirt. Above all, how to get stains out of linoleum flooring? Let’s discuss common and some specific contamination cases.
The Nature of Linoleum
Have you selected linoleum for some areas of your house? I am sure, you’ve made this decision, not due to the material affordability. Linoleum is a popular covering that perfectly meets your residential needs. The material is:
- warm to touch;
- eco-friendly;
- durable;
- comfortable.
According to the California Building Code (Section 804.2), this traditional floor covering is not made of fibers. It’s not fire-hazardous. Therefore, linoleum can be installed in kitchens and rooms with ovens. Additionally, the surface has unique anti-static and anti-microbial properties.
Quite naturally, you can clean linoleum with the quality vacuum for mixed floors. Just change the settings, adjusting them to “hard surface”.
However, linoleum doesn’t magnetize dust and dirt. The particles are easily repelled from the surface. Growth of microorganisms and germs on the surface is significantly inhibited.
Linoleum Composition
What is a top-quality linoleum made of? It is comprised of natural ingredients, such as:
- Cork powder.
- Limestone.
- Green pigments and resins.
Its top layer that is linseed oil has unique mechanical and optical properties. According to research, it’s spread out in an extremely thin layer. It oxidizes, evolving to a solid film. The film polymerizes and epoxides. It may look a bit yellowish, being able to react with sunlight.
Is the natural linoleum surface matte and porous? It looks perfect, being colorfast. The surface doesn’t fade nor gets mar even in decades. If you doubt, you can use a steam mop for laminate floors. It’s suitable for any moisture-permeable surfaces.
Common Linoleum Cleaning Methods
Meanwhile, linoleum is resistant to moisture damage. Its surface is impenetrable. Leakages can be harmful on the seals only. Therefore, any floor cleaning method can be applied to linoleum, for example:
- sweeping;
- vacuuming;
- mopping.
Dry cleaning is applicable if the surface is very messy. Dust and grit particles are to be removed before the deep mopping. It may be necessary in high-traffic areas, for example, in a hall or in a shop. However, as linoleum is moisture-resistant, wet mopping is the best way to make it clean. Plain water is not always sufficient to get rid of the stains. Which solutions are the most efficient and still safe?
How to Clean Linoleum Floors with Bleach?
Actually, bleach is a strong chemical that can’t be called healthy. It can be used as a perfect disinfectant and antiseptic. The solution kills harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Additionally, it allows continuous protection against them.
However, chlorine bleach is toxic. It can cause:
- asthma;
- respiratory damage;
- skin and eyes irritations.
Quite naturally, the chemical should not be swallowed or ingested. It’s extremely dangerous! Poisoning can cause vomiting, coughing and even intestinal bleeding. So, if you have little children, better avoid using the chemical. Anyway, if you still need to disinfect linoleum with bleach, don’t forget about protective measures. Wear gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothes. Use a breathing mask or a respirator.
How to Get Yellow Stains out of Linoleum Flooring?
Meanwhile, the bleach solution can be used to clean linoleum. It’s completely safe for the surface. The chemical just should be dissolved with sufficient water quantity. One-quarter of bleach should be mixed with 3 quarters of water.
Can the solution be boiling hot? It would be efficient to eliminate the stains. However, what about breathing? Pure vapor is safe. It can lift stubborn dirt and grease. As to the bleach solution, I think, cold water does the job.
Causes of Stains
What causes yellow stains on vinyl flooring? The disinfectant works well on the stains that are caused by:
- pet pee;
- hair dye;
- lime buildup.
It’s not the same for all materials. The vinyl surface can be discolored by polish, food or mold. Being used often, bleach can damage the vinyl flooring. Deep cleaning not more often than once a month is still acceptable.
Meanwhile, do you know, how to whiten old linoleum? Bleach solution would break up the stubborn residue. However, it is to be neutralized by vinegar after cleaning. The proportion of vinegar and water is 50/50. Mop the floor properly. Sometimes, it’s recommended to dry out and polish linoleum. However, I think, it’s not essential.
How to Get Rust Stains out of Linoleum Flooring?
Frankly speaking, I would avoid harsh chemicals. Safer methods and solutions exist. The most recommended cleaning agents are:
- Professional linoleum cleaners.
- Baking soda.
- White vinegar.
- Dish detergent.
Sunlight can work on yellowed areas. If the linoleum is natural, linseed oil would fade under UV lights. Vinegar can be used together with baking soda. This mixture is non-toxic, but efficient against stubborn grease. It is able to eliminate rust and pink stains on the linoleum floor. However, they may be attributed to mold. An antimicrobial agent could be necessary.
What about the harsh remedies, like rubbing alcohol or nail polisher? They can eat the surface out. If you still need to apply them on paint stains, be careful. Test them at first on concealed areas.
Meanwhile, linoleum commonly doesn’t need deep cleaning. It’s easy to maintain and clean. Just wipe it with a damp mop every day or two. In case of heavy soiling, I would still prefer green methods. Pure vapor or homemade formulas do the job. Subsequently, the air in your kitchen or bathroom remains fresh and non-toxic.
Video: How to Get Stains out of Linoleum Flooring? Easy method!
Further Reading
It’s hard to say