Floorcare guides

How to clean Linoleum floor

The ultimate guide in how to clean Linoleum floors with ground in dirt

As manufacturers of commercial cleaning equipment, at Victor Floorcare we know the importance of keeping floors sparkling clean. Linoleum has been a practical and economical flooring choice for over a century, and with good reason. This durable, eco-friendly material resists mould, mildew, and allergens. However, like any flooring, linoleum needs regular care and cleaning to maintain its good looks and longevity.

Linoleum is made from natural materials, primarily linseed oil plus pine resin, ground cork dust, sawdust, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate, most commonly on a burlap or canvas backing. The design is not on a separate image layer, but is embedded throughout the materials, so the colour / design will remain even when heavily worn.

In our guide, we'll walk you through the simple process of keeping your linoleum floors looking their best. We'll cover everything from routine dusting and damp mopping for maintenance cleaning all the way up to tackling deep-cleaned, ground-in dirt and stains. With the right techniques and supplies, you can easily restore the rich colours and smooth finish.

Equipment and Chemicals

• A Rotary Machine

  Choose a Victor Floorcare rotary machine suitable for Lino floor cleaning. Ensure the machine is well-maintained and in optimal condition. We’d recommend a Victor Multispeed, which is ideal for both scrubbing and polishing tasks without the need to maintain multiple machines.

• Commercial Vacuum Cleaner

  Use a robust, commercial vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris before starting the cleaning process. The Victor V9 HEPA Tub vacuum is renowned for it’s robustness in commercial settings, in addition to it’s high performance HEPA filter, ensuring a perfect, dust free finish.

• pH-Neutral Floor Cleaner

  Select a pH-neutral floor cleaner compatible with Lino surfaces.

• Red or white floor Pads

  Attach red or white floor pad to the rotary machine for effective cleaning and to minimise the risk of scratching the Lino surface. Red floor pads are ideal for regular spray cleaning and white floor pads are ideal for polishing tasks.

Periodic Deep Clean

• Step 1: Preparing the Area

  Clear the floor of any furniture or obstacles.

  Vacuum the entire area to remove loose dirt and dust.

• Step 2: Pre-Treating Stains

  Identify and pre-treat any stains with the appropriate cleaning solution. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for stain removal.

• Step 3: Application of Cleaning Solution

  Dilute the pH-neutral floor cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  Apply the solution evenly over the Lino floor.

• Step 4: Rotary Machine Cleaning

  Attach the red floor pads to the rotary machine.

  Use the machine to clean the entire floor systematically, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas.
  Use a solution tank or spray bottle to apply small amounts of cleaning solution to the Lino floor.

• Step 5: Drying

  Allow the floor to air-dry completely before reintroducing furniture or foot traffic.

Regular Maintenance

• Step 1: Daily Vacuuming

  Use the Victor Floorcare vacuum cleaner daily to remove surface dirt and prevent it from scratching the floor.

• Step 2: Spot Cleaning

  Address spills and stains promptly using the appropriate cleaning solution and a clean cloth.

• Step 3: Weekly Mopping

  Perform a weekly mop using a damp microfibre mop and a mild cleaning solution.

• Step 4: Polishing

  If the Linoleum has been sealed, using a white floor pad on a high speed setting should restore the shine to the floor.

Dos & Don'ts of Cleaning Linoleum floors

Cautions

Dos

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the cleaning machine and cleaning solutions.
• Test any new cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area before widespread use.
• Attend to spills and stains promptly to prevent permanent damage.

Don'ts

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can damage the Lino surface.
• Do not let cleaning solutions sit on the floor for an extended period.
• Refrain from using excessive water, as Lino floors are susceptible to moisture damage.
• By following this guide, you can maintain Lino floors in commercial settings with the professionalism and effectiveness that Victor Floorcare products are known for.