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Have you purchased a new house? Do you rent an apartment? I am sure, you’ve got linoleum somewhere at home. This material is durable and wear-resistant. It’s common for kitchen areas and basements. However, how to make linoleum floors shine? In some years the surface becomes dull. Can you restore it? Is polishing or proper lightening necessary? Some simple tips can help you to solve these maintenance-related issues.
Linoleum Composition
In terms of materials, there are several linoleum flooring types:
- Natural.
- Rubber.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
- Nitrocellulose.
Relin that is made of synthetic rubber is elastic and strong. The flooring is suitable for public areas. PVC tiles are luxurious. They look like a carpet. They mimic its appearance. These linoleum types are resistant to humidity. You can use the best mop for vinyl floors to clean them. It’s completely safe.
What about natural flooring? It stands out by linseed oil finish. So, it’s eco-friendly, antistatic and flexible. What are the maintenance considerations?
Why Does Linoleum Become Yellowish?
According to Bailey Baldwin, natural linoleum consists of several layers:
- Burlap or canvas backing.
- Cork dust or wood flour.
- Solidified linseed oil.
Oil is on the top. According to research, it’s organic. The oil contains fatty acids. At certain temperatures, it reacts with oxygen in the air. What is a safe temperature?
| Heating Temperature, ° | Exposure Time, hours |
|---|---|
| 212 | 1 |
| 392 | 2 |
That is, you can use a linoleum floor cleaner machine. Steam is completely safe for the flooring. Quite naturally, if you move the mop. Prolonged exposure at a single spot can be damaging. It just should last for not more than 1 hour. Are there any other concerns?
How to Clean Linoleum Wood Floors?
Linoleum can be installed over a wood subfloor. This option is perfect in terms of warms and sound insulation. The flooring properties can be compared to the carpeting. The feel is so soft and cushioned!
What about cleaning? Are you considering steam clean vs shampoo carpet methods? Wet carpet cleaning is time-consuming. It requires costly and noisy equipment. Linoleum can be just wiped with a wet cloth or mop.
Can moisture damage the surface? The oil that is obtained by seeds pressing is clear or yellowish. It’s designed to add strength and flexibility to the flooring. The surface can be compared to the finished wood covering. It’s a bit porous. Meanwhile, solidified oil is water-resistant. So, if your flooring is one-sheet, only the edges need some caution.
How to Clean Vinyl Plank Floors?
If you installed tiles or planks, be careful with the seams. Water should not get under the flooring. That is, avoid standing water. How can it get under the covering? It works its way into edges. Seams and cracks let the water penetrate inside.
Meanwhile, wet mopping is completely safe. For everyday cleaning, you can use:
- brooms;
- vacuums;
- mops.
Deep cleaning is a bit more demanding. How to get shine back on the vinyl floor? It can be cleaned with vinegar and club soda. Ammonia solution is allowed. Scrubbing is possible. Just cover the flooring with a new coat of wax after the cleaning.
Do you prefer mopping? Would you rather avoid applying a new finish right now? Most importantly, the scrub brush option is to be avoided. It can destroy the surface. In the same vein, don’t use harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. For example, bleach will turn it dull.
How to Clean Linoleum Floors with Bleach?
Do you need to disinfect the flooring? Bleach would be suitable in this case. However, it’s good for occasional cleaning only. If a toilet overflow happened, you would be pressed to eliminate the consequences of this disaster. Let the solution sit on linoleum for half an hour. Then scrub the floor and wring the bleach out. The solution is to be neutralized by vinegar afterward.
However, don’t use chemicals often. Bleach or improper cleaning agents make the surface dull. Better use a cleaner or a mild soap. How to clean a linoleum floor that is yellowed? If the finish is damaged, it would be not easy to renew it. Quite naturally, it can be restored. Just remove the old layer of wax and apply a new one.
How to Make Floor Shine without Wax?
Linoleum can be sealed. It becomes water-resistant. However, it won’t be as natural and eco-friendly as before the insulation. Are there any other options?
The dull surface can be:
- polished;
- buffed;
- mopped;
- properly illuminated.
With a floor buffer, you get this glistering shine back again. However, it’s exhausting and time-consuming. A solution of vinegar or fabric softener can help in some cases. A steam cleaner is definitely efficient. It helps you to save a lot of time and efforts.
Additionally, direct UV exposure is harmful to linoleum. The linseed oil reacts with it. On the contrary, the flooring in your basement can get yellowish due to the lack of natural light. Do you want this hazy yellow hue to disappear? Some hours of exposure to sunlight are necessary.
How to Make Linoleum Floors Less Slippery?
Did you cover the flooring by wax? It might be slippery now. Do you want your kids to slip across the kitchen? It can be essential in some cases. For example, if you are doing a performance. Dance floors are commonly covered by powdered wax. Otherwise, apply furniture polish if you need the flooring to be slippery. Normally, it’s not necessary.
At home, safety is primary. Your dogs and cats are to stop before they hit the wall. That’s why try to make linoleum less slippery by:
- Washing and rinsing the flooring.
- Wearing socks with rubber skids.
- Not using hair spray products in the kitchen.
- Applying anti-slip treatment for vinyl flooring.
A linoleum floor stripper removes a previously applied polish. The surface looks new now. Otherwise, just don’t apply any furniture polish and the flooring remains rough.
Overall Impression
You do know already, how to clean stained linoleum. Above all, the options are not too numerous. Firstly, bleach makes the surface yellowish. Secondly, soap foam makes it sticky. Meanwhile, simple vacuuming and mopping with clean water are perfect.
In conclusion, to sum up, just add some steam and get rid of stubborn dirt.
Video: How to Make Linoleum Floors Shine. FAST and EASY
Further Reading
Text me and let me know if did this correctly.I read up on how to clean linoleum floor in my kitchen.Iput few drops of dish detergent in my bucket with warm to hot water.I cleaned floor with that first.Then I went back with bucket of clear water and went back over the floor to make sure all residue was up.
Hi, Margaret!
All your steps for cleaning the house were made absolutely right, just as per the instructions.
I can wish everyone the same success and recommend that you always use common sense.
Thank you from Annabel!