Have you noticed your linoleum floors looking dull and dirty, no matter how much you sweep and mop? Grimy floors can make any room seem dingy. While linoleum is easy to care for, the floors can start to lose their luster after years of shoes, spills, and pets roaming over them.
Mopping alone often doesn’t cut through accumulated grit and oils that get lodged in the tiny pores and seams. So what’s the solution for restoring shine to weary linoleum? Can you steam clean linoleum floors?
The answer is yes! Used properly, steam mops safely rejuvenate linoleum. They can make dingy floors look like new again.
But, how can you do this effectively? Read on as we dive on how to steam clean linoleum floors effectively.
What is Linoleum Flooring?
Before we dive into proper cleaning methods, let’s first understand what linoleum flooring is made of. Linoleum is a floor covering made from all-natural materials like solidified linseed oil, pine resin, ground limestone, wood flour, and pigments.
Unlike vinyl flooring made from synthetic materials, linoleum is an eco-friendly option. The combination of materials gives it a resilient, flexible, and water-resistant surface.
Originally invented in the 1860s, linoleum remains popular today in homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses that need an affordable, durable floor covering. The natural components make it hygienic and hypoallergenic as well. Linoleum comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, although solid colors are more common in residential spaces.
Benefits of Linoleum Floors
There are several reasons linoleum flooring has remained popular after over a century:
- Durable – The natural resins make linoleum resistant to scratches, dents, and wear even under heavy foot traffic. Properly cared for, it can last decades.
- Water-resistant – Unlike wood or laminate, linoleum is not damaged by water. The waterproof surface repels liquid so spills can be easily wiped up.
- Easy to clean – Linoleum resists dirt, dust, and debris. It can be easily swept or mopped clean.
- Hypoallergenic – Made from all-natural materials, linoleum minimizes allergens like dust mites. This makes it ideal for homes with kids, pets, or allergies.
- Cost-effective – Linoleum is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options available. It’s a great resilient flooring choice for rental units and affordable housing.
- Eco-friendly – Sustainably made from natural materials, linoleum is biodegradable and does not release VOCs like vinyl flooring. It’s a green flooring solution.
Cleaning Methods for Linoleum Floors
While durable, linoleum still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking fresh. Here are some of the most common cleaning methods used on linoleum floors:
Daily Cleaning
Sweeping – Daily sweeping picking up surface dust, crumbs, and debris. This prevents it all from being ground in underfoot.
Mopping – For light soil, frequent mopping using a vinyl floor cleaner and cool water keeps floors fresh. Don’t use soap-based cleaners which can leave a film.
Weekly Cleaning
Damp mopping – Periodically use a damp mop and neutral pH cleaner formulated for vinyl floors. This lifts dirt from pores and scuffs.
Hand scrubbing – Use a soft bristle brush and vinyl cleaner to hand scrub stubborn spots and foot traffic areas. This prevents buildup in high traffic areas.
Deep Cleaning
Steam mops – Linoleum floors should be deep cleaned using a steam mop which sanitizes using only tap water. Steam mops blast away grime from the crevices.
Hot water washing – For a deeper clean, use a neutral cleaner and very hot water and scrub with a deck brush. The heat helps loosen oils and residue.
Tips on how to Steam Clean Linoleum Floors.
Follow these tips for successfully steam-cleaning linoleum floors:
Check the Floors
Before steam cleaning, inspect the linoleum floors closely. Look for cracks, gaps, or tears which can allow steam to penetrate underneath which can damage the floor over time. Only steam clean intact, sealed floors.
Vacuum First
Thoroughly vacuum the linoleum to remove all surface debris. This prevents dirt and sand particles from scratching the floor during steam cleaning. Pay close attention to corners and along baseboards.
Read Instructions
Carefully read and follow the instructions for your specific steam mop model. Pay attention to recommended steam settings for vinyl floors and safe cleaning procedures. Using too high steam levels can damage resilient flooring.
Work in Sections
Rather than cleaning the entire floor at once, work in smaller 3×3 foot sections for best results. Make horizontal passes first before vertical. Allow each section to dry completely before moving on.
Scrub Tough Stains
Use a soft nylon scrub brush to manually loosen grime in high traffic areas before steam cleaning. This pre-treatment helps the steam better penetrate.
Take Safety Precautions
Since steam mops produce very hot steam, take precautions against burns. Keep children and pets away during use and allow floors to fully cool before walking on them after cleaning.
Rinse & Dry Floors
When finished, rinse the floors with cool clean water to remove any loose dirt and cleaner residue. Allow the linoleum floors to completely air dry before walking on them.
Repeat Regularly
To keep floors looking their best, plan to steam clean linoleum floors once every 2-3 months or as needed. Take notice if floors appear dull between cleanings.
Maintenance Tips For Linoleum Floors
In addition to periodic deep cleaning with a steam mop, be sure to follow these tips to maintain the beauty of linoleum floors:
- Sweep and mop frequently using vinyl floor cleaner.
- Immediately wipe up any spills.
- Use floor mats at entryways to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked in.
- Avoid using rubber-backed mats, which can discolor linoleum.
- Reapply floor finish on occasion to restore luster.
- Avoid exposure to excess water, which can seep seams and cause mildew or warping.
Bottom Line
Steam mops allow homeowners to sanitize and renew linoleum floors themselves easily. And when combined with proper daily and weekly care, it keeps resilient floors looking like new.
Just be sure to take safety precautions, work in sections, allow floors to dry, and repeat cleaning every few months. With simple steam cleaning, linoleum floors can stay fresh and attractive for years to come.