Friday, September 21, 2018

Cleaning Linoleum Floors: How to Remove Stains

If any area of your home features linoleum flooring that has fallen victim to stubborn stains, it's time to get serious about cleaning it. Fortunately, removing stains from linoleum is a relatively easy procedure that can be successfully undertaken with a few basic tools. After carrying out the steps listed below, your linoleum flooring will be stain-free and sparkling like new.

What You'll Need:
  • Broom
  • Dustpan
  • Mini vacuum
  • Nonabrasive washcloth
  • Mild liquid soap
  • Warm water
  • Empty spray bottle
  • Plastic bowl
  • Baking soda
  • Lemon juice
  • Soft-bristled scrub brush

Step 1 - Remove Dust and Dirt from Your Flooring

The first step in cleaning your linoleum floors is to give your flooring a preliminary once-over. Begin by using a broom and dustpan to sweep up any noticeably large deposits; then, go over the freshly swept flooring with a mini vacuum for good measure. Alternatively, this step can be carried out by using a dampened washcloth or paper towel to soak up any caked-on dust. Once your linoleum flooring has been completely purged of loose dirt, you'll be ready to move on.
Step 2 - Clean Your Flooring

Now that they're dust-free, it's time to begin cleaning more thoroughly. Start by combining a mixture of mild liquid soap and warm water in a clean, empty spray bottle. Seal the bottle and proceed to shake it until the solution begins to form suds. Now, vigorously spray your linoleum flooring with the newly-formed cleaning solution, leaving it for several minutes to sit afterward. After, use a sponge or nonabrasive washcloth to thoroughly scrub your floors using broad, circular motions. Make sure to pay special attention to any stained areas of flooring, as this may be enough to remove fresh spills. If any stains remain on your linoleum flooring after this step has been carried out, proceed with step three.
Step 3 - Apply Your Homemade Stain Remover

Having carried out a thorough cleaning, you're now ready to remove any set-in stains on your linoleum flooring. Inside of a plastic bowl, combine a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice, stirring until it takes on a paste-like consistency. Take a washcloth or paper towel and use it to evenly spread the paste over any stained areas of your flooring. Once it has been applied, allow the paste to sit for three to five minutes to give it ample time to penetrate and lift the stains. Scrub it after with sponge, washcloth, or soft-bristled scrub brush to rid your flooring of the stains once and for all.
Step 4 – Rinse and Dry the Area
Begin by filling another empty spray bottle with warm water to rinse off any remaining portions of your stain remover. Then, use another clean, nonabrasive cloth to dry the now stain-free area.