Marmoleum flooring is one of those timeless flooring options that seems to look good in almost any home. Its classic marbled patterns and range of earthy tones make it easy to see why Marmoleum has been popular for over a century.

While durable, comfortable underfoot, and able to stand up to heavy use, Marmoleum still requires regular cleaning and care to keep it looking its best over years of wear. And without proper maintenance, Marmoleum can become dulled, stained, and scratched. Luckily, with the right techniques, keeping your Marmoleum floors sparkling clean doesn’t require a lot of effort.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to care for your Marmoleum floors properly. Let’s get started.

What is Marmoleum?

Marmoleum is a type of resilient flooring made from natural, renewable materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, limestone, jute, and pine resin. It has a distinctive marbled pattern and colorway that ranges from solid hues to speckled mixtures. First invented in the 1860s, marmoleum remains popular today as an environmentally friendly and attractive flooring option.

The main advantage of marmoleum is that it is made primarily from natural ingredients, making it biodegradable and free of VOCs. Marmoleum does not require waxing or finishing, and stands up well to heavy foot traffic when properly maintained.

Regular Maintenance

To keep marmoleum floors looking their best, be sure to vacuum or sweep daily to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that can scratch the surface over time. For quick cleanups, use a dry or slightly damp mop to spot mop as needed. Avoid excessive water as it can damage the floors.

About once a week, clean the floors more thoroughly:

Sweep and Dry Mop

Start by sweeping or dry mopping to remove any loose debris or dirt. This prevents anything abrasive from scratching the floor during the wet mopping process. Be sure to reach into corners and along baseboards.

Damp Mop

Fill a bucket with cool, clean water and add a small amount of mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Dip your mop into the solution, wring thoroughly, and mop a small section at a time. Avoid flooding the floors with water.

Rinse the mop head frequently and change the water as needed. Work in sections until the entire floor has been cleaned. Let the floor dry completely before walking on it.

Deep Cleaning

For a deeper clean every month or two, use the damp mopping method but increase the amount of cleaner. This helps remove built-up dirt and stains.

Scrubbing

If needed, gently scrub extra dirty spots using a soft bristle brush or white nylon pad. Apply extra solution and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly.

Resealing

Over time, the protective finish on Marmoleum can wear down in high traffic areas. This exposes the pores, making it more prone to staining.

To renew the finish, use a reputable marmoleum resealing product per the manufacturer’s directions. Resealing helps prevent dirt and spills from seeping into the pores.

What to Avoid

There are a few things that can damage marmoleum floors:

Excessive water – Too much water can warp or discolor marmoleum.
Harsh cleaners – Chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners will break down the finish.

Abrasives – Scouring pads or powders create scratches.
Furniture drags – Always lift furniture when moving it across the floor.

By using the proper techniques and avoiding potential damage, marmoleum floors can stay beautiful for decades. With regular light cleaning and occasional deep cleaning, you can maintain the floor’s finish and appearance.

Best Cleaning Practices

Cleaning marmoleum floors regularly and properly is key to protecting them. Follow these best practices when tackling routine or deep cleaning:

Supplies to Have On Hand

Keep your marmoleum looking it’s best by having these supplies ready:

Soft-bristled broom or dry mop
PH-neutral floor cleaner
Marmoleum-safe scrub brush

Two mop buckets for double bucket cleaning method
Microfiber mop pads
Soft towels or fans for drying

Invest in a good quality mop and high capacity mop bucket to make cleaning efficient. Replace mop heads every 3-6 months so they stay absorbent and effective.

Cleaning Steps

Follow these steps for a thorough marmoleum floor clean:

1. Sweep Away Debris

Sweep or dry mop to remove any dirt, dust or crumbs. Trap larger particles before they can scratch the floor. Get into corners and under furniture.

2. Mix Cleaner

Fill one bucket halfway with cool water. Add a small amount of mild, non-abrasive floor cleaner and stir to mix.

3. Damp Mop in Sections

Dip the mop in the solution then wring it very well. Mop in 3×3 foot sections, rinsing the mop often. Avoid oversaturating the floor.

4. Dry Immediately

Use towels or fans to dry the floor quickly after each section. Don’t walk on damp floors.

5. Reseal Yearly

Reapply a thin, even layer of marmoleum finish yearly to protect from wear and stains.

When to Deep Clean

Schedule deep cleaning every 3-6 months based on traffic and appearance. Signs it’s needed:

Dull, dirty appearance even after mopping
Stains not removable with damp mopping
Built up grime in heavy traffic areas

Tackle these issues with a deeper clean using a foam cleaner and gently scrubbing.

Protecting Marmoleum Floors

In addition to proper cleaning methods, take steps to protect marmoleum floors from excess wear and damage:

Prevent Scratches

Use felt pads under furniture legs
Don’t drag furniture or sharp objects
Keep pet nails trimmed

Remove shoes with spikes, cleats or grit

Take care to avoid anything abrasive that could scratch or gouge the floor’s surface.

Control Moisture

Wipe up spills immediately

Avoid excessive water when cleaning
Allow floors to dry fully before walking on them
Use mats at exterior doors to absorb wet shoes

Excess moisture from spills or cleaning can seep between seams and damage the flooring.

Rotate Area Rugs

Shift area rugs occasionally to allow even exposure to light. This prevents permanent outlines where rugs sat for long periods.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not use cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, acetate, or acidic compounds. Stick to PH-neutral options safe for linoleum.

Harsh chemicals can interact with linseed oil in marmoleum and cause discoloration or bubbling.

Conclusion

In summary, implement the cleaning tips outlined here to care for your floors efficiently. And with some elbow grease on a regular schedule and the right products, you can keep your Marmoleum floors shining. Their eye-catching colors and natural style will continue to enhance your home’s rooms for many years into the future with the right care.