Cleaning Linoleum Floors

Updated on May 11, 2008
P.W. asks from Newark, DE
16 answers

I have very light-colored linoleum floor in my kitchen that I eventually want to replace with tile, but in the meantime wonder if anyone has advice on how to get the floor clean. Eventhough I mop it and scrub it, it still seems a little dingy and there is a yellow spot where the trash can sits that won't come clean. Any advice is appreciated.

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H.M.

answers from Johnstown on

Try using dishwasher gel (like Cascade)and a scrub brush or a non-scratch sponge. My bathroom floor was dingey from hairspray, and after this treatment, it looks new again.

More Answers

M.L.

answers from Erie on

I have white linoleum kitchen floors as well. I just use regular floor cleaner, but I also have the same issue with the "yellow spot", except it is a huge spot where I have a rug under the table. I can't get it out either. I'll be interested to hear what suggestions others have!

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B.W.

answers from Erie on

We had a linoleum floor that had yellowed, and we hired a man to pick it up and put tile down. He told us it had yellowed because we didn't clean it correctly. I was a little insulted, but he'd been in the business forever, and said the floor was still good. (yeah, we still replaced it with the tile becuase we were redoing the whole kitchen)

Anyway: his advice? Know what kind of floor it is -- the brand, etc., and go to a flooring specialty store and ask them what to use on it. In spite of all the products we have in the grocery store and Wal-mart, the people who make the floors apparently still sell the stuff that works best on them.

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T.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

Our floors also yellowed. The floor is Armstrong brand and we've always used Armstrong cleaner, per the manufacturer and store recommendation. We had someone give us an estimate for new floors, and he said the yellowing was because the installers did not use the right glue. I don't know if he's right, but it's a possibility.

We also have a floor with texture. What a mistake! Texture is for trapping dirt!

One day I got on my hands and knees with bleach. I almost passed out...I was too close for too long, even though I had the doors and windows open for ventilation. But, the floor looked so much better...still yellowing, but it looked better overall! I wouldn;t recommend doing it that way, though...I would try the Mr. Clean sponge that other recommended. I've used it on walls and have been amazed.

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H.A.

answers from Williamsport on

use lysol kitchen counter spray, about $2.50 at dollar general... spray the floor for trouble spots first, then follow with normal cleaner.

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D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

try oxy clean. let it sit on the yellow spot. it does not have the odor like some of the cleaners out there and is good for cleaning and for laundry to remove spots and stains. simple green is also good for cleaning and smells nice also. i would dilute simple green with water and mop the floor with it.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would like to also recommend the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers--those things are awesome! Good luck!

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H.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

When my sister was living at my parent's home with them, she would periodically get down on her hands and knees with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. She would first clean them with her cleaner of choice (Pine Sol for the whole floor, then she would go back with Clorox Clean Up for the Stubborn or stained areas). Then after they were clean, she would use the Magic Eraser. It worked wonders.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

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J.H.

answers from Erie on

I use the Bissell Steam Mop for our floors - it works great and there are no dangerous chemicals. It cleans with hot steam.

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J.E.

answers from Philadelphia on

Try vinegar and water! Works great on everything! Also,
Chlorox has a new all purpose cleaner out called GreenWorks and it is fabulous!

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K.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

My parents had problems with a dingy linoleum kitchen floor and they tried all sorts of things. The thing that finally worked was a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - it was tedious work, but the floor looked great after! It's worth a try!
Good luck,
K.

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J.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi P.,
We just installed laminate floors in our kitchen last year. The person that did the installation recommended Windex to clean them! So, that is primarily what I have been using. I just spray the Windex on the floor and mop with a dry mop. No need to rinse. So far I haven't noticed any stubborn stains, though mine floors are a medium wood color.
Good luck!
J.

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D.C.

answers from Scranton on

The only thing I could suggest is vinegar and water. Commercial cleaners will strip the color the more they are used, their okay once in a while.

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S.P.

answers from Scranton on

Hi,
The best thing I have used is ammonia. Mix about a half cup per gallon of warm water. If your floor is old linoleum tile you may have to strip the old wax. These directions should be on the ammonia bottle, just be sure to follow directions and apply a good wax after the stripping. I used to use Future floor wax because i could damp mop with it in between washings to refresh the shine. If you have a no wax floor be careful cleaning it. No wax floors don't get along with ammonia, it ruins their shine. For no wax I have used 409 spray. Just spray and let it set for a few minutes, then wipe.

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S.V.

answers from York on

Hi P.,

I shop from a wholesale club called Melaleuca (online or via phone) that only makes environmentaly safe products. I love their stuff and have been able to get all kinds of marks off my floors. Their prices are very reasonable and in some cases even save me money. Plus, I love the fact that my kids won't ever be in danger of me using them.

The only way someone can join the club is through another customer. If you'd like to find out more about them you can either call me ###-###-####) I'm in PA or email me ____@____.com

Hope I can help you out!
S.

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F.V.

answers from Lancaster on

I too have light linoleum flooring in my kitchen and it was so yellowed and old looking. You won't believe this but Clorox Clean Up does the trick! I used a sponge with the scrubby side and got on my hands and knees and whalla! It looks white and clean and I also mop that way now. A cleaning lady told me to do that and it really worked!
Good Luck!
Chris

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