How to Clean Linoleum Floors (Old and New)

You've got linoleum floors in your home, and you want to keep them looking fresh and clean. No problem. We’ll show you how to clean linoleum floors like the pros. 

With their unique texture and pattern, linoleum floors require special care to preserve their appearance and prolong their lifespan. 

In this article, we give you two tried-and-true methods for cleaning linoleum floors, plus tips for deep cleaning linoleum with ground in dirt and best practices for cleaning old linoleum without damaging it. 

Let's get started, shall we?

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Supplies you’ll need to clean your linoleum 

• Broom or vacuum cleaner
• Mop
• Cleaning solution
• Bucket
• Scrub brush
• Towels or cloths

How to clean linoleum floors (2 ways)

It’s best practice to clean linoleum floors with a simple mixture of dish soap and water. Make sure to wring your mop out well before cleaning, as excess water can damage linoleum. Stubborn stains should be scrubbed with a soft-bristled brush before mopping. 

Method 1: Dish soap and water

To clean your linoleum floors with dish soap and water, follow these steps.

Remove loose dirt and debris

Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris.

Tackle heavy buildup with a scrub brush

If there are any stubborn stains or areas with heavy dirt buildup, use a soft-bristled scrub brush to gently scrub the area before mopping it with the cleaning solution.

Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Use a gentle, non-abrasive dish soap that won't damage the linoleum floor.

Dip a mop into the cleaning solution and wring it out well. You don't want to saturate the floor, as excess water can damage the linoleum.

Mop the floor one section at a time

Mop the floor one section at a time, working in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to overlap each area slightly to ensure complete coverage.

Rinse and dry

Once you've cleaned the entire floor, rinse the mop in clean water and go over the floor again to remove any soap residue.

Allow your linoleum floor to air dry completely before walking on it or replacing any furniture.

Method 2: Steam mop

Steam mopping is another easy and effective way to clean linoleum floors. Follow these steps to steam mop your linoleum. 

• Sweep or vacuum: Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Fill tank with water: Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid distilled water; it can cause mineral buildup in the mop.
• Heat the mop: Turn on the steam mop and wait for it to heat up. 
• Clean one section at a time: Steam mop the linoleum floor one section at a time. Apply even pressure so the steam penetrates the linoleum.
• Wipe with a microfiber pad: As you clean, use a clean microfiber mop pad to wipe away any dirt and moisture from the floor.
• Loosen stubborn stains: Hold the steam mop over stubborn stains for a few seconds to loosen the dirt before wiping it away with the mop pad.
• Air dry: Once it’s clean, allow the linoleum floor to air dry completely. 

Pro tips: For instructions on cleaning all the floors in your home, check out these articles:

• How to Clean Floor Grout Without Scrubbing
• How to Clean Marble Floors So They Shine
• Cleaning Floors With Vinegar: How to Do It (And If You Should)

How to deep clean linoleum floors with ground in dirt

To deep clean linoleum floors with ground-in dirt, start by vacuuming to remove loose debris. Next, apply a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and warm water to the floor. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the areas with ground-in dirt. Rinse the floor with clean water and let it air dry. 

Baking soda and vinegar are like the dream team when it comes to cleaning linoleum floors with ground-in dirt. 

While baking soda is a gentle abrasive, which means it's great at scrubbing away dirt and grime without scratching your floors, vinegar is a mild acid, which means it's really good at breaking down dirt and stains. Mixing vinegar with baking soda creates a fizzy reaction that helps lift the ground-in dirt from your linoleum floors.

What you’ll need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Water
• Soft-bristled brush

Steps to clean

• Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris.
• Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, which helps break down dirt and grime.
• Add 1 gallon warm water to the bucket and mix well.
• Dip a soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution and work the solution into the ground-in dirt using a back-and-forth motion. 
• Rinse each section thoroughly with clean water to remove any excess cleaning solution.
• Allow the floor to air dry completely before walking on it or replacing any furniture.

How to clean old linoleum floors without damaging them

To avoid damage or further discoloration, take extra care when cleaning old linoleum floors. Use a simple mixture of dish soap and water or baking soda and water. Avoid using chlorine bleach or scouring powder to remove yellow stains off old linoleum, because they could discolor the floor further. 

Clean floor with water and dish soap

• Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris.
• Mix a cleaning solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the linoleum.
• Apply the cleaning solution to the floor in small sections. 
• Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge mop to gently scrub away dirt and stains. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools that can scratch the surface of the linoleum.
• Rinse the floor with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.

Remove stains or yellowed areas with baking soda

• Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected spot. 
• Let the paste sit for a few minutes. 
• Scrub with a soft-bristled brush and wipe away with a damp cloth.

Once you’ve cleaned the entire linoleum floor, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution or baking soda. Allow the floor to air dry completely before walking on it or replacing any furniture.

Extra step: wax the floor to restore its shine

To wax your old linoleum floor and restore its shine, follow these additional steps:

• First, choose a high-quality floor wax designed for linoleum floors.
• Apply a thin layer of wax to the floor using a clean cloth or mop. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. 
• Allow wax to dry completely before applying a second coat. 
• Repeat this process until you achieve your desired level of shine.
• Buff the floor with a clean cloth to remove excess wax..
• Allow wax to fully dry and harden for several hours before walking on linoleum or replacing furniture. 

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