How to Make Dull, Dirty Linoleum Floors Look Like New Again
Over the more than 160 years of linoleum’s existence, it has gone in and out of fashion many times. More recently it was being ripped out of kitchens at home renovation shows in the late 20th century, and in the last few years it has regained popularity as a natural and biodegradable flooring option. Although linoleum flooring is durable and can last a long time, it does require some maintenance, otherwise it can start to look dull, dull and constantly dirty, and the intricate patterns can start to fade.
But depending on the age of your linoleum, the room it’s installed in, where you live, and how it’s been cared for over the years, it can often be possible to restore its luster and shine.
Why do linoleum floors always seem dirty?
If you’ve tried cleaning linoleum floors but can’t get them to look clean, you’re not alone. Most likely, you are dealing with multiple layers of film and stubborn dirt on the floor that requires deep cleaning.
As a real estate professional who specializes in renovations, Jim Gray of Agent Advice has completed dozens of home renovation projects over the years and has seen his share of linoleum floors in need of restoration. “These floors can withstand daily wear and tear and soon begin to look dull and worn,” he says. “Usually the culprit is simply a build-up of dirt and grime from years of traffic.”
How to return linoleum to a new look
Before we go any further, a quick clarification: the process below is for linoleum floors that look dull and dirty, but are otherwise in good condition. If you’re dealing with century-old linoleum in a damp basement that starts to crumble when you try to lift it, that’s more of a historic preservation issue, which isn’t the focus here. (Although that’s exactly what this blog post from the Tenement Museum in New York is about .) Okay, here’s what to do:
Sweep the floors
Before anything gets wet, sweep linoleum floors with a vacuum cleaner or broom, getting rid of as much dirt, dust, and other debris as possible.
Remove layers of dirt and wax.
Fill a large bucket with about a gallon of warm water, one cup of white vinegar, and a small amount of mild dish detergent . Sprinkle one section of the floor with baking soda, then mop the same area using a solution of water and vinegar, but just enough to wet the baking soda rather than rinse it off. “Vinegar removes grease, baking soda gently cleanses,” says Gray.
Then use a brush to scrub that area of the floor until it is fairly clean. If there are any areas that still need treatment, mix a little baking soda with enough water to make a paste, then rub it in like a spot treatment.
Repeat this process on all areas of the floor. Next, fill a bucket with clean, warm water and mop the floors with a clean mop or clean rags.
In most cases, this should be enough to remove old layers of wax from linoleum without the need for harsh chemicals. But if you prefer this route, you can buy a special floor cleaner or mix one cup of ammonia with one gallon of warm water, scrub the floor with it instead, and then rinse – just be sure to open the windows for ventilation, wear gloves and protective gear eye. Keep in mind that while some experts recommend ammonia, others think it’s too harsh for linoleum, so it’s a good idea to start with a small test on an inconspicuous spot on the floor to see how yours holds up.
Wax your floors
Now that the floors are washed and sanded, the final step is to apply a new coat of wax. “Waxing protects surfaces while restoring their shine,” says Gray, who recommends re-waxing twice a year.
When in doubt, choose a wax or polish specifically made for linoleum floors, or at least one that states it is safe to use on them. Armstrong Shinekeeper ($32.03 for 32 ounces) and Bona Multi-Surface Floor Polish ($18.69 for 32 ounces) are two longtime favorites. No matter which wax or polish you choose, follow the instructions on the package as they vary depending on the product.