Cleaning Tips for Your Linoleum Floor
Linoleum. A go-to for RV floors everywhere. It’s easy to clean with a mop and broom, stands up over time fairly well, and can be fixed with little fuss. However, just because it mops up well doesn’t preclude it from a good deep cleaning at the end of the season. Dirt can get embedded over time, and you’d be shocked at the difference a good scrub can make.
A quick rundown: linoleum is not vinyl, though the uninitiated may use them interchangeably. This is wrong and now you’ll win trivia night by knowing this. Linoleum’s key ingredient is linseed oil, which oxidizes and is mixed with other materials like pine resin, woof flour, or cork dust. It’s then applied to canvas or jute backing and formed into sheets and tiles.
The end result is a naturally cushy, durable, and water-resistant floor. It’s also non-toxic, recyclable and biodegradable oddly making it one of the most affordable and environmentally friendly flooring options.
So, what is the best way to clean it? Well, here are some tips:
No Bull Tip! When cleaning, avoid mixing bleach with other chemicals such as vinegar – that’s how you get mustard gas. Should you do this by accident, open every window and door possible to air it out and dial the non-emergency line if you feel even slightly off. Should you become sick, seriously dizzy, or weak, call 911.
Day-to Day Cleaning:
Fancy cleaners may be nice, but you don’t need them. To prolong the life of your linoleum during your regular cleaning you only need a mix of: one-gallon hot water, one cup white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.
- Use a dry, microfiber dust mop and/or vacuum daily/weekly to remove dust and debris.
- Damp mop the floor with the vinegar solution
- After the vinegar solution, mop again with fresh water and a clean mop to remove any residue
- Allow the floor to dry completely.
Deep Cleaning:
For the deep cleanings, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Vacuum/broom
- Soft-bristled brush
- Microfiber mop
- Mop bucket
- Hot water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Mild dish soap
- Cleaning rags/old towels
Simple Steps to Follow
- Sweep or vacuum any loose debris
- Sprinkle baking soda on the floor (you don’t need a lot, imagine your dusting a surface with flour to roll out cookie dough)
- Mix your solution of: one gallon of hot water, one cup of vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap
- Mop the floor with this solution, using the scrub brush for stubborn dirt and high-traffic areas (in front of the stove, sinks, fridge, shower, entry door, etc.)
- Once this initial mop has been completed, use a clean mop and fresh water to remove any residue or traces of baking soda.
- Use the cleaning rags or old towels to dry the floor completely.
Now you have the insider tips on keeping your linoleum floor spotless for years!