Linoleum is a pretty amazing flooring option, huh? With its longevity, it can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years if you take good care of it. What makes linoleum so special is that it’s made from natural, renewable materials like linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and pine resin. Plus, it’s naturally resistant to microbes and dust, making it a breeze to maintain. Of course, you still need to put in some elbow grease to keep your linoleum floors looking their best. But the good news is you can use a bunch of everyday household items to get the job done. From good old dish soap to trusty WD-40, here are some tips to keep your linoleum floors sparkling.
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Regular vacuuming and mopping
Innavlasova/Getty Images Vacuuming and mopping are the foundation for keeping your linoleum floors in tip-top shape. Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, recommends vacuuming regularly to pick up any loose dirt and debris. Then, give the floors a good mop once a week, using a dry microfiber mop to grab any dust in high-traffic areas. Sticking to this basic cleaning routine will mean you won’t have to do heavy-duty cleaning as often.
Dish soap
Light Stock/Shutterstock Dish soap is a real multi-tasker, and one of its handy uses is cleaning linoleum floors. Mix 6-8 drops of dish soap into a gallon of hot water for a slightly stronger cleaning solution. Mop the floor in sections, then rinse the mop and bucket and rewash the floor with just warm water. Make sure to dry the floor thoroughly when you’re done.
Vinegar
PawelKacperek/Shutterstock Vinegar is a cleaning powerhouse on its own, but you can give it an extra punch by mixing it with dish soap. Combine the dish soap and warm water like before, then add a cup of vinegar. Mop the floor in sections with this solution, then rinse and rewash with just warm water. Make sure to dry the floor completely when you’re done to avoid any slippery spots.
Tennis ball
Fabrikacr/Getty Images Who would’ve thought a tennis ball could be a secret weapon for cleaning linoleum floors? The felt exterior provides a gentle abrasion that rubs off scuff marks, while the rubber core creates just enough friction to do the job without damaging the floor. Just use some light pressure and circular motions to buff out any marks, then give the area a quick wipe-down.
Baking soda
Luis Echeverri Urrea/Shutterstock Baking soda isn’t just for baking – it’s also a handy cleaner for stubborn stains or yellow patches on linoleum. Just mix it with a little water to make a paste, spread it on the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it clean. The baking soda will help lift those pesky marks right off.
Toothpaste
Tatiana/Getty Images Who knew toothpaste could double as a floor cleaner? Just make sure to use a basic, non-whitening formula, and rub it into any scratches or stains with a cloth. The gentle abrasives in the toothpaste will help buff out those marks, leaving your linoleum looking good as new.
Pencil eraser
Olga Yastremska/Getty Images Believe it or not, that old pencil eraser in your kid’s desk can work wonders on scuff marks and shoe prints on linoleum floors. The rubber creates a gentle abrasion to lift those pesky marks, and you can also try a melamine foam eraser if you have one on hand. Just dampen the corner and rub it over the spot.
WD-40
Francesco Stock/Shutterstock WD-40 might seem like an unlikely cleaning product, but it’s actually super effective at removing scuff marks from linoleum. Just spray some WD-40 onto the mark, then use a dry cloth to rub it in with circular motions until the scuff disappears. Make sure to wipe up any residue when you’re done to avoid any slippery spots.
