There are many floor coverings and for each type of floor, you must adapt your cleaning product. After all, you cannot clean laminate, tiled and other parquet or carpet floors in the same way, as the tiles are made of very different materials. For linoleum, for example, we cannot use it with lots of water, as the organic materials it contains (linseed oil, wood particles, cork, etc.) cannot support it, unlike a plastic floor such as PVC or tiles! But then, how to clean and add shine to a linoleum or vinyl floor without leaving marks? How to react to encrusted dirt and stubborn stains? Here are all our cleaning tips for this very popular floor covering.
With these tips, you will see that natural, ecological products work just as well as chemical-based cleaning products (ammonia, bleach, etc.).
The basic tip for regular cleaning and maintenance
L’soapy water is a good option after vacuuming to dust the linoleum covering. In hot water, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or Marseille soap. You can also add two tablespoons of black soap to a basin of hot water. Next, clean your floor with a lightly dampened mop. It is very important to wring it out well before starting to maintain the floors and avoid damaging them. No need to let it work! Finally, use a bucket of clean water to rinse.
Clean the linoleum more thoroughly
For a more degreasing effect on a heavily soiled linoleum floor, the combination of several cleaning products can be very effective. Start by doing a first cleanse with 50 g of baking soda diluted in 2 liters of hot water. Pass the lightly soaked mop over the floor. Its gentle abrasive power will help clean the floor. Then do the same again with 3 tablespoons of90° alcohol in a liter of lukewarm water. This will make the floor shine very effectively. And no need to rinse!
White vinegar, another possibility
Count half a glass of white vinegar (around 25 cl) for a bucket of hot water. If the smell of vinegar bothers you, you can add one or two drops of essential oil of lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, etc. This will improve the cleaning and disinfecting power of the product. A well-wrung mop, sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid excess water.
Clean stubborn stains on linoleum and descale it
The clay stone or white stone is a clay-based stripping paste to help remove stubborn stains. It is also possible to use turpentine or white spirit applied using a dish scraper. Finally, to clean a very dirty floor and no longer just to treat stains, it is possible to dip a brush in half a liter of hot water mixed with three tablespoons of soda crystals. Then mop or use a microfiber broom.
How to make linoleum shine
Ready for Grandma’s unusual trick? To make your linoleum floor shine, use a egg yolk ! Simply mix it with half a liter of lukewarm water and buff and scrub the floor with this mixture using a soft cloth. Shine guaranteed!
How to protect linoleum when you have finished cleaning it?
To protect the linoleum from stains, use turpentine wax which you apply with a soft cloth or microfiber broom.