How to wash linoleum from stubborn dirt - the best means and methods

The main causes of linoleum contamination

Linoleum is highly resistant to stains, but even it does not always cope with the effects of third-party substances. It is usually installed in rooms with special operating conditions (corridor, kitchen, balcony).

Top linoleum contamination that owners encounter:

• Oily spots. There is no place in the kitchen without them. Sometimes you can only deal with it by wiping the surface with a damp cloth, but sometimes you have to spend a long time and painfully scrubbing off the remaining grease.

Fighting greasy stains

• Shoes and traces from them. If this is an ordinary footprint with soil residues, cleaning will be quick, but for stripes from the sole or residues of creams and paints, you will have to look for an approach.
• Medicines. Iodine and brilliant green can also act as pests; it is not so easy to wash them off.
• Remains of renovation work. Even with a very careful approach, it is difficult to carry out repairs and leave behind cleanliness. Polyurethane foam, cement, paints - all this remains on the floor.
• Rust and mold. If such contaminants are present, it will be necessary not only to clean the surface, but also to eliminate the cause - places of high humidity.

And also pay attention there is an article on the topic “How and how you can wash brilliant green from linoleum”

Also, owners of linoleum floors often have questions about why everything is fine in some rooms, while stains quickly remain in others. It all depends on the class of linoleum, its thickness, and most importantly - the condition of the top layer. If the coating is many years old and the protective layer has worn off, the stains will “take root” faster.

Resistance to stains depends on the condition of the protective layer

How to clean linoleum in the kitchen

Kitchen dirt usually contains some form of grease and grime. The easiest way to deal with them is with kitchen products. If grease is spilled or smeared on the linoleum, first remove everything that can be removed with napkins, paper towels or toilet paper. Then we use the same paper products - moisten them in dishwashing liquid and wipe the greasy stain, wipe dry. If the grease stains have not gone away, you can target them with alcohol. It takes a long time, but it definitely helps to clean the linoleum from grease. Afterwards, rinse with water.

Next, if you didn’t intend to wash the floor, you need to rinse off the remaining detergent. Pour water and wipe with a rag. In theory, there should be no traces of fat.

Let's try something from these misters

Floor cleaning rules

In order for the material to remain attractive for as long as possible, it must be properly cared for.

How to wash linoleum from dirt: what you should not do

Before you find out how to quickly clean linoleum, you need to find out which compounds should not be used. Nobody wants to get a dirty, damaged floor instead, so you shouldn’t use:

1. Intensive solutions based on alkalis and soda. They are effective, but in large proportions they can damage the coating, making it brittle. These aggressive solutions should be used only in extreme cases and in recommended doses.
2. Compositions for dissolving and bleaching. They should absolutely not be used; the chemicals contained in the solutions will damage the structure and color of the linoleum. Even after using solvents and bleaches, microcracks may appear.
3. Products containing chlorine. At high concentrations, they will damage the top layer of the coating and lighten it.

You need to be careful when choosing funds

Advice. If a person is not sure that the chosen product can be used, then it is worth checking. To do this, a small area of ​​linoleum is processed, which is not in plain sight (under a rug, under furniture, etc.).

It should also be taken into account that even seemingly harmless means can worsen the situation. Cleaning must be carried out strictly according to the rules. So, you can only use warm water, but not hot, and mix powder products very thoroughly so that their structure does not scratch the material.

Mistakes when cleaning linoleum

One of the most common mistakes when cleaning linoleum is that some people do not take into account what material it is made of, but many types of linoleum have their own operating characteristics. For example, natural marmoleum becomes brittle under the influence of alkali, both diluted and pure, so it is better to treat it with acid-containing preparations. And polyvinyl chloride linoleum, in turn, is destroyed under the influence of acid, but easily tolerates alkali.

Thus, in order not to spoil the floor covering, before cleaning it, it is advisable to conduct a kind of test - apply detergent to a small, inconspicuous part of the linoleum. If after a while nothing happens to the material, then the selected detergent can be safely used for this coating. If it is cracked, or if sticky spots and stains appear on it, this means that this cleaning agent is not suitable for cleaning. You need to be able to choose a cleaning solution that will completely wash away the dirt from the floor without damaging its surface. So how to wash dirt off linoleum without damaging it?

Effective stain removal

Expert opinionNatalia Osadchaya When washing new or old linoleum, it is not recommended to use conventional dishwashing detergents. These degreasers can lead to disruption of the structural properties of the coating, in particular, to damage to the polyurethane layer, as a result of which the floor can begin to get dirty faster.

Over time, stubborn stains may appear on the floor surface. In the case of a surface without polyurethane, this risk doubles.

Wet cleaning of smooth or ribbed (rough) surfaces is carried out with water with the addition of a product suitable for PVC floor coverings. This will ensure that the floor maintains its original appearance and long life with a minimum of regular maintenance. The use of aggressive cleaning agents, especially for cleaning the relief coating, is not recommended, as is the use of abrasive substances (mechanical abrasion), since this can scratch the top layer.

If the surface is porous, it is recommended to wax the floor to prevent water from entering the coating, which subsequently cracks.

Household stains

During normal use, linoleum is subject to mechanical abrasion over time, and sometimes does not withstand other mechanical influences. In the most stressed areas, cracks may appear and dirt may become embedded in the relief. This affects the surface structure of linoleum. For these reasons, the coating should be carefully maintained. In places where there are heavy pieces of furniture (for example, beds), it is advisable to install a carpet. If regular maintenance is neglected, dirt builds up on the linoleum. A heavily soiled floor or ingrained dirt will not add comfort to your home...

Important! Due to the stress placed on the floor and the degree of contamination associated with it, it is recommended that basic cleaning of the surface be carried out at regular intervals.

Two stages of regular cleaning:

• Sweeping – sweep the floor regularly and use a vacuum cleaner. Focus on corners where dirt often accumulates.
• The washing up. It is recommended to wet clean every week using warm water and a suitable detergent. To obtain a streak-free effect and a shiny, cleaned floor, you can wipe it with a dry cloth.

Elimination of various substances

After washing linoleum, never apply waxes, thinners or organic solvents to it. PVC floors must be protected from all chemicals that can damage the coating. Even stubborn stubborn stains are best removed with water-based cleaners.

It is also necessary to protect linoleum from the following contaminants:

• asphalt;
• ink;
• dye;
• alcohol tinctures;
• preparations and substances containing dyes (Fukorcin).

Also be aware of rubber products that may cause unavoidable discoloration on the floor (e.g. rubber wheels, furniture protectors, shoe soles, etc.). If a stubborn stain appears (for example, pen paste, wood stain, etc.), regular cleaning and maintenance of the floor will not help. To remove it you will need a special product designed to remove stains. Stains should be removed as quickly as possible, as they can penetrate deep into the surface, making their complete removal difficult and sometimes even impossible.

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To thoroughly clean linoleum, you can use the services of specialists who will clean it so that it looks like new. In addition, a protective layer will be applied to the floor, extending the life of the surface and ensuring its resistance to damage.

From cement, whitewash and putty

After renovation, white marks from construction materials often remain on the floor. You can solve the problem as follows:

1. First, sweep the floor to remove any abrasive particles that could damage the finish.
2. Carefully scrape off the frozen putty with a spatula.
3. Add a couple of tablespoons of salt and a little grated laundry soap to warm water. Wash the linoleum with the prepared solution.
4. Change the water and add a little potassium permanganate to it to get a light pink solution. Wipe again.
5. Wipe the flooring dry.
6. To make linoleum shine, rub it with a woolen cloth dipped in linseed oil or drying oil.

It is better to wipe the primer immediately with a damp cloth, otherwise you may need to use special products. For example, you can remove traces of primer with a solvent, but first check its safety on the remaining material or in an invisible place.

From paint

You can remove paint from linoleum if it is not ingrained with vegetable oil. Follow these simple steps:

1. Add a few drops of vegetable oil to the paint.
2. Wait a couple of minutes for it to soften.
3. Then wipe with a cloth or the hard part of a washcloth.
4. Wash the floor with warm soapy water.

Dried paint is more difficult to remove. White spirit can cope with it, but it must be used carefully, as it can damage the coating. Soak a cotton pad in the solvent and wipe the stain. When finished, oil the floor.

From polyurethane foam

Due to its excellent adhesion to any surface, polyurethane foam is difficult to remove. It is advisable to remove traces immediately, before the material has time to harden. If the moment is missed, carefully cut off the top of the material with a sharp knife. Then use a special solution for removing polyurethane foam. You can find it in a hardware store or market. Use the product strictly according to the instructions, do not increase the holding time.

Note! Do not scrape off foam with hard brushes or sharp objects. It is not recommended to use acetone or other aggressive substances for removal.

Cleaning linoleum from marker: methods and tips

Adviсe:

• The water-based marker can be wiped off with water and soapy water.
• Alcohol-based markers can be removed using any alcohol solution or vodka, in which a cotton sponge should be soaked.
• You can wipe off a marker on any base using toothpaste; to do this, apply it to the stain, leave it for a short time, and then wipe it off with a wet napkin. After the procedure, the linoleum is rubbed with polish or linseed oil (then rubbed dry).

Cleaning linoleum from resin: tips, recipes

Initial scraping (if it has dried) and removal with a napkin will help remove resin stains. Then use special alcohol products on the linoleum. Vinegar and wet cleaning with special products will help remove the smell of products.

Cleaning after repair

After laying a new covering or after renovating a room, cleaning is also required. And it is not an easy one. The difficulty of cleaning depends on the degree of contamination: it is necessary to wash the primer from the linoleum and dried water-based paint. It is no less difficult to wash the floor from the white coating created by construction dust and to wash the whitewash.

It is better to entrust primary cleaning and subsequent processing to a specialized company that did the repairs, since it can be difficult to remove water-based emulsion, deep penetration primer, construction adhesive and other substances on your own. It is necessary to wash the floor from production and installation dirt and prepare it for use.

For such cleaning, special products with a balanced content of solvents and other fillers (polymer dispersions, water-soluble polymers, soaps) are used.

Even before carrying out repairs, it is necessary to create a protective film that covers the surface and prevents the penetration of unwanted moisture and dirt. The protective film also facilitates routine cleaning of the floor during subsequent use.

If the degree of contamination allows (the floor is only white from whitewash and construction dust, there are no sticky spots), use the dry cleaning method - using a vacuum cleaner, broom, or remove dust with a slightly damp mop. If the linoleum is very dirty, use a special product with a protective PU layer (CC-PU cleaner) in a clearly defined ratio of water.

In case of stubborn dirt or loss of shine, more detailed cleaning is required. To do this, mix a universal cleaner with water (1:3) and apply the solution to the floor for about 10 minutes. Then use a putty knife to remove the dirt. Finally, do your regular cleaning.

If there are drops of paint in some areas, apply undiluted detergent to individual areas for 5 minutes. Then remove the dirt with a scraper and wash with water (sometimes this works to remove acrylic paint).

The last stage is wiping the coating with water with the addition of vinegar or potassium permanganate. This will completely eliminate chalk, stains, and dust marks.

Important! You can remove paint from linoleum using acetone-free nail polish remover, and polyurethane foam with Dimexide. Water-based paints (such as gouache wash with warm water).

Lime and cement

These two building materials have an extremely negative impact on the aesthetic qualities of the flooring. If they remain on the floor surface for a long time, they can cause irreversible processes of destruction. To prevent this from happening, you should clean the lime and cement from the surface as quickly as possible. Let's consider an algorithm for how to properly clean linoleum from these substances:

1. Wipe the area of ​​contamination with a damp sponge or rag.
2. Wipe traces of lime with a solution of dishwashing detergent and water in a ratio of 1 to 20.
3. Wipe the stain with a saline solution, where 200 grams of salt are added to 10 liters of water.
4. Wipe the floor with clean water.
5. Wipe dry with a cloth.

Primer

The easiest and most effective way to remove primer is to wipe off the primer with a dry cloth before it hardens. You can remove already dried primer using a solvent (acetone, white spirit, solvent, gasoline, nail polish remover), which is applied to a cotton swab. After this procedure, the floor must be wiped with a soap solution and wiped dry with a rag.

Polyurethane foam

It is necessary to remove yellow stains on linoleum from polyurethane foam immediately after contamination. Otherwise, the foam will harden and turn into a hard bump. Still fresh polyurethane foam can be removed using a spatula and subsequent wet cleaning. In the case of a hard bump on the floor, only a sharp knife and a special solution for removing polyurethane foam will help.

Whitewash

You can wash dirty linoleum from whitewash using the following method:

1. Wipe the floor using a solution of water, soap and salt.
2. Wipe dry with a rag.
3. If there are stains from whitewash, wipe the surface with water and kerosene.
4. To eliminate the smell of kerosene, use a weak vinegar solution.
5. Carry out wet cleaning using rags and clean warm water.

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Dye

If the linoleum is stained while painting walls, door or window blocks and you don’t know how to clean it, then try using a solvent. A sponge dipped in gasoline, solvent, white spirit, or acetone will effectively remove traces of paint from the surface. After such treatment, the linoleum must be wiped with a damp cloth and rubbed with linseed oil, which allows it to maintain its natural shine.

Rust

Metal corrosion provokes the formation of chemical reaction products - rust, which, upon contact with linoleum, penetrates deeply into its structure. You can wash linoleum from rust using the following algorithm:

1. Dilute citric acid powder with a small amount of warm water to form a paste mixture.
2. Using a soft sponge, apply the mixture over the entire rust stain.
3. Wait 10 minutes for the chemicals to react.
4. Wipe the treated area with a damp cloth.
5. If necessary, repeat the procedure several times.

What can't be used?

Linoleum is quite easy to maintain, but there are recommendations to extend its service life. When washing linoleum, regardless of its type, it is undesirable to use:

• baking soda: the composition contains alkali, which makes the top protective layer brittle and damages it.
• laundry soap: leaves streaks and is difficult to wash off;
• vinegar, since acids have a negative effect on the surface;
• citric acid, which causes the design to fade;
• bleaches, bleach - aggressive chemicals spoil the color, reduce brightness, and destroy the top layer. With frequent use, the coating is destroyed to the ground.
• abrasive powders that leave scratches and streaks.

What absolutely cannot be used to wash dirt off linoleum?

It has already been said above that a number of compositions and solutions cannot be used to clean linoleum. They can cause irreparable damage to the coating. When washing linoleum, you should avoid:

• mixtures prepared on the basis of alkalis and soda - they make the coating brittle. They can be used extremely rarely, in small areas and only in case of special contamination that other means simply cannot cope with;
• solvents and bleaches - they not only destroy the structure of the coating, but also destroy its brightness;
• abrasive brushes are dangerous because under their influence a certain number of microcracks can form in the coating;
• chlorine-containing compounds - spoil the appearance of the material.

Advice! You can try an unfamiliar linoleum cleaning product in an inconspicuous corner of the room. If there is no negative reaction of the coating to the impact, then all floors can be washed with the product.

How to clean dirty linoleum

You can use special detergents for cleaning. Their advantage is that they are safe for the flooring material. TOP 3 funds:

1. Torvan. Universal cleaner for floors, furniture, artificial leather. The product has a pleasant smell and can clean sticky areas of linoleum and some stains.
2. Veriprop. Specialized composition for PVC floors. Just 40-50 ml of product per bucket of water and you will get an effective solution for cleaning stubborn stains.
3. Sanytol. The product performs the functions of cleaning and disinfection, so it is suitable not only for residential but also for public spaces.

Every household chemical store has several options for both specialized and universal products.

What can be used besides special equipment

In addition to washing liquids, you can also use traditional methods. Their advantage is their targeted action; almost every type of stain has its own method of elimination.

Water with alcohol

1. You need to mix water with vodka or alcohol in a ratio of five to one.
2. Add a handful of shavings of pre-grated laundry soap to the resulting mixture.
3. Mix thoroughly until the resulting mass becomes homogeneous.
4. Apply it to the most contaminated areas of the floor and leave it there for a while. The mixture will corrode the resulting dirt, after which it will be easier to wash it off with water.

Also, instead of vodka, you can add a few drops of ammonia - this mixture washes off grease well.

Gasoline, kerosene or turpentine

Used when cleaning linoleum from oil stains, ink stains, iodine and paints and varnishes. Before use, it is better to test their effect on an inconspicuous area, because these substances can damage the coating. If the “test” was successful, then one of the liquids is applied to a cotton pad, which is used to gently wipe off the dirt, then wiped with a soapy sponge and rinsed with clean water.

Soap solution

How can you clean linoleum? Linoleum from whitewash and primer, if they have not had time to eat in, is washed with a mild soapy solution of warm water (add 3-4 tablespoons of salt and soap per liter of water). The water must be warm so that the shine and brightness are not lost.

The same product can be used if you need to remove putty. But before this, the putty is first removed with a special spatula, and then the recipe is used.

Potassium permangantsovka

Potassium permanganate will effectively help against plaque and stains. It is added in small quantities to a bucket of warm water and stirred until completely dissolved.

Soda and vinegar

If there are iodine stains on the linoleum, then soda will deal with them.

1. Add baking soda to a damp cloth.
2. Wipe the stain with it.
3. Then rinse with water and wipe dry.

The main thing is not to use it too much, because... it may damage the coating.

To remove traces of yellowness, use table vinegar. Usually it is mixed with water, which is then used to wash the floor, or it is also applied to a cloth, without diluting anything, and left on the stains until the vinegar dissolves them. Then rinse the surface with clean water and wipe it with a dry cloth.

Cleaners for linoleum

It is very important to first thoroughly clean PVC floor coverings, then treat them with a protective layer, and then keep them clean using the right detergents that do not damage the surface.

You can clean linoleum with the following substances.

Veriprop

Characteristics of the substance:

• Intended only for floors (“Torvan” – also for furniture).
• Most suitable for PVC coatings, does not create streaks after drying.
• Doesn't foam.

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The product allows you to clean water-repellent and microporous coatings without leaving residue or stains. Extremely high efficiency suitable for daily cleaning and intensive cleaning of all floor coverings and emulsions. Helps clean plaster. Dilution: 40 ml per 8 liters of water.

Mister proper

A universal drug. You can wash laminate and linoleum. Excellent for cleaning kitchen floors and removing dirt from sticky linoleum.

Main advantages:

• low consumption;
• low price;
• good aroma;
• fat removal.

Flaws:

• has a bad effect on the skin of the hands;
• Does not remove old stains.

The product is diluted in water (1:5) and the surface is washed. The undiluted product should be spread over the stain and rinsed with water.

Sanytol

The Sanytol universal cleaner will provide a hygienically clean floor covering. This product has a triple effect - bacterial, fungicidal, antiviral, which makes it an ideal cleaning, disinfectant and degreasing agent. "Sanytol" reliably destroys 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, spreading the fresh smell of eucalyptus.

Properties:

• Removal of 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, fungi.
• No chlorine in the composition.
• Can be used on all surfaces (ceramic, wood, etc.).
• Biodegradable.
• No divorces.

Torvan-Konzentrat

This is one of the “simplest” cleaning substances. "Torvan" is universal on all surfaces (floors, furniture, leatherette).

Properties:

• Cleans, smells delicate, does not form foam, can be used in cars.
• Concentrated.
• More does not mean better - at high concentrations, the product tends to stick and not rub off (like all products).

Torvan is a cleansing agent with a special combination of active ingredients. Suitable not only for daily cleaning, but also solves the problem of how to wash linoleum from stubborn dirt. It can be used on all surfaces also treated with emulsions. It combines well with many disinfectants and is environmentally friendly due to the good biodegradability of the substances contained. Dilution: 25 ml per 8 liters of water.

TOP chemicals

To clean linoleum from grease, it is necessary to use cleaning products. They are divided into 2 categories:

1. Universal. Found in any store. Used to remove stains on various materials.
2. Special. Removes stains of various origins. They cost more, but are much more effective.

Requirements for cleaning products:

1. Should not have alkali. It may damage the coating
2. Cleaning products should be chosen without abrasives. They scratch the linoleum.
3. Liquids must not contain solvents.

There is a list of the most popular means.

Mister proper

A universal drug. You can wash laminate and linoleum. Excellent for cleaning kitchen floors and removing dirt from sticky linoleum.

Main advantages:

• low consumption;
• low price;
• good aroma;
• fat removal.

Flaws:

• has a bad effect on the skin of the hands;
• Does not remove old stains.

The product is diluted in water (1:5) and the surface is washed. The undiluted product should be spread over the stain and rinsed with water.

Mister Muscle

Can be used for cleaning floors. Used similarly to Mister Muscle.

Glorix

Disinfectant. Removes microorganisms and allergens. Helps clean linoleum from dirt. The product should be dissolved in water or used as a concentrated product.

Pros:

• low price;
• used for various surfaces;
• no need to rinse off;
• economical use.

The downside is that you should wear gloves when working.

Help

A concentrated product that must be dissolved in liquid. Helps clean linoleum so it shines and helps remove linoleum stains. For 60 liters of water use 2 caps.

Pros:

• does not dry out the skin of the hands.
• economical.

Help concentrate should be used carefully.

Sanfor

Must be diluted in water. Add 1 capful of product to a bucket of water. In case of heavy contamination, the concentration can be increased.

Pros:

• does not highlight divorces;
• economical.

If you are not sure whether the product works or not, you need to test it on a small area of ​​linoleum.

Home Remedies

If there are no chemicals in the house, you can try using products you make yourself. For example:

1. Soap and water solution. You will need a grated bar of soap. It must be dissolved in heated water (per 10 liters, 100 grams of soap). Apply the solution to the linoleum and rinse with warm water. It is necessary to wash the mixture with soap carefully so that the coating is not slippery.
2. Petrol. It helps to wash linoleum from stains of iodine, coffee and felt-tip pens.
3. Eraser. Removes pencil marks.
4. Dishwashing detergents. Added for grease stains. The drug can be dissolved in water or used as a concentrated product. After use, the floor must be washed.
5. White. It must be diluted in water (1:10) and applied to the dirty stain. You only need to use a small amount of product.
6. Salt and vinegar. Removes ink and marker stains from linoleum. After treatment, the floor must be rinsed with water.
7. Ice. Removes chewing gum. You need to put some ice on the chewing gum and wait a little. After 10 minutes remove.
8. Starch. Removes iodine stains. You need to sprinkle a little starch on the stain and then remove it with a dry cloth.

All formulations are inexpensive and relatively effective.

Auto chemical goods

There are a number of detergents available. They are used to clean surfaces:

1. Rico Clean. Professional use product removes stubborn stains. Does not show streaks, safe for the skin. The cleaned surface looks shiny and has a pleasant, light aroma. Can be used for continuous cleaning.
2. H.G. Can be used to clean linoleum until it shines. After cleaning, it leaves a protective layer on the linoleum and adds a slight shine. It is used both in concentrated and dissolved form.
3. Mellerud. Removes old stains. The service life of linoleum increases. Often used as a concentrated product. Sometimes dissolved in liquid.

You can also try using car showroom cleaners. It is better to take compounds for plastic and polymers, upholstery. Today the choice of drugs is quite wide. After use, you need to clean the linoleum until it shines with water.

Car preparations can be used to combat dirt on new linoleum. They are suitable for eliminating stains of various origins.

How to remove stains of various origins?

It is best to remove stains immediately after they appear. This helps prevent them from penetrating into the canvas. Cleaning variations:

1. Simple spots. Traces of dirt or sand should be removed with soapy water. They need to wet a rag and wipe the dirty area.
2. Yellowness. Wax marks can be removed with a hot iron. Place a piece of paper on the stain and iron it with a heated device. The stain will transfer to the paper. If the linoleum is light, you should not put a carpet on it. Yellow marks may then appear. In this situation, it will be almost impossible to return the original color.
3. Shoe stains. It is best to clean with white. This way you can remove contaminants from fresh asphalt.
4. Ink. Can be removed with vegetable oil.
5. Rust. The best removal method is to use lemon juice. At the end of the treatment, rinsing with water is necessary to clean the linoleum to a shine.

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Green stains. A little solvent should be applied to a cotton pad and applied to the stain on the floor. Do not rub or smear the stain. Everything must be done carefully. The use of camphor alcohol often gives good results.

We fight yellowness and traces of walking

Washing linoleum from stubborn dirt is not the most difficult thing. Things are worse if there are yellowed spots. Light linoleum looks great in the interior, but some types are prone to yellow or brown spots. If you have light-colored linoleum, do not place rugs with a rubberized backing on it, especially if the backing is dark. You can often observe that under such a rug the coating changes color. This phenomenon is called “migration of plasticizers” and it does occur. The saddest thing is that it is very difficult to return the original color. You can try professional remedies, because all others will definitely be ineffective.

If the linoleum has turned yellow, it will be difficult to wash it

There is another problem with light linoleum - the color changes where there is more foot traffic. In general, this is not characteristic of all varieties, only some. And it is impossible to predict which one will behave this way. These could be batch characteristics or changes in technology. This also happens and such changes are also very difficult to deal with.

Restoring the shine of the floor covering

You can clean linoleum until it shines without much effort by adding a little fabric softener to the washing water.

A mixture of water and milk (1:1), which creates a kind of protective coating on the surface, will help you clean the linoleum so that it shines. For disinfection, instead of chlorine-containing liquids, a solution with vodka or vinegar is used.

2 Fighting stubborn dirt

If washing with a soap solution does not bring the desired result, then use other, more effective means. There are special liquids designed for cleaning linoleum, but effective compositions can be prepared at home.

For stubborn dirt use:

1. 1. Alcohol solution. Add 1 part vodka or alcohol to a bucket with 5 parts water. Dissolve a handful of laundry soap shavings in the liquid. Soak a rag in this water, wring it out, and treat the contaminated surface with circular movements. This product is good for getting rid of grease stains in the kitchen.
2. 2. Kerosene or gasoline. You can try to remove stubborn stains using these products. However, you should act carefully so as not to damage the surface of the linoleum. Soak a cotton pad with the liquid and use gentle movements without pressure to treat the stains. Afterwards, wash these areas with a soapy sponge and a damp cloth.
3. 3. Sauerkraut. An effective folk remedy against severe pollution is sauerkraut juice. It is poured in a small amount onto the problem area, left for a few minutes and treated with a sponge. Afterwards wipe with a damp cloth.
4. 4. Drying oil. By washing dirty linoleum with drying oil, you can not only get rid of old stains, but also give the coating shine. The liquid also prevents cracks from appearing on the material, so it is recommended to use it once every few months for preventative cleaning. Pour a little drying oil onto a clean rag and wipe the contaminated areas with it. Afterwards, take a piece of flannel and polish the treated areas.
5. 5. Mastic. For a new coating, use a colorless liquid; it is better to clean the old one with a dark one. In addition to removing old dirt, mastic makes various defects in the material less noticeable, protects it from dust, dirt, water and mechanical damage. Use the product according to the instructions on the package.
6. 6. Melamine sponge. A melamine sponge will help you get rid of stubborn stains without using household chemicals. The stain is moistened with a small amount of water and gently rubbed with a sponge. You need to wear gloves to avoid damaging the skin of your hands, and after cleaning, wipe the floor well to remove sponge particles.
7. 7. Floor cleaning products “Mr. Proper”, “Mr. Muscle” and others. The liquid is added to a bucket of warm water according to the proportions specified by the manufacturer. Soak a rag in the solution, wring it out to remove excess water, and wipe the contaminated areas. Wash off with clean water.
8. 8. Compositions for cleaning tiles. Light linoleum can be washed with a tile surface cleaner. It helps get rid of dirt and grease. Directions for use are indicated on the packaging.

Rough linoleum can be cleaned of old dirt using a slab cleaner (for example, Adriel). It is diluted in warm water before use.

Auto chemical goods

You can look in the cleaning products section of your auto store. There are definitely products for plastics and polymers. For example, LAVR is a velor and upholstery cleaner. It is also suitable for plastic and vinyl parts. Can also be used to care for home furniture. The same company - LAVR - has a plastic cleaner - you can even choose the scent there.

Here are more linoleum cleaning products from the auto store

There are similar products from other companies. For example, Runway also offers a fairly wide selection. Foam cleaner MULTIPURPOSE, which can be used to clean plastic. Effective in removing stains of various origins. There is also a special product for treating stains - Stain Remover. Do not forget to rinse the compositions with clean water after treatment. It is difficult to predict the result of leaving the product on linoleum for a long time.

In general, car cleaning products can help with many linoleum stains. They were developed to remove stains of various origins, from different surfaces. If the description of the product says that it can be used on plastic, most likely it can be used on linoleum.

Home and special remedies

In this case, it is possible to wash linoleum from ingrained dirt or yellowness only with very strong means. Strong ones - in this case these are acids PH 10 or even 11. If we talk about “home” remedies, you can try:

• lemon juice;
• diluted citric acid;
• means for removing carbon deposits and grease (for ovens);
• Bathroom cleaners.

Trying different remedies to get rid of yellowness

There are special products for cleaning floors and linoleum, including:

• Karcher Karcher RM 533 - for general cleaning of varnished surfaces (PVC linoleum is also on the list).
• RM 536 - for thorough cleaning of hard surfaces.
• RM 532 - for the care of stone floors and linoleum, removing traces of foot traffic.

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We use a melamine sponge to remove stains and dirt.

Lately, many people like to use a melamine sponge to remove stains and dirt. This sponge, without adding any chemicals or other folk remedies, can remove stains and dirt. To do this, you just need to moisten the sponge in water and wring it out, and then rub your stain.

Melamine sponge.

If you are unfamiliar with melamine sponge, then briefly we can say that it looks like a piece of light foam rubber, but in texture and feel it is a completely different material, hardness can be compared to glass or sandpaper, but upon contact with water the sponge becomes soft and pliable. Melamine is a synthetic material that resembles an eraser in action, only instead of a pencil, melamine rubs off even the most severe stains on surfaces made of various materials.

Before use, you need to place the sponge in a container with cold (do not heat the liquid) water, wait a few seconds until the product gets wet, and squeeze lightly several times. Now you can safely clean even the most difficult stains from wine, blood, and felt-tip pens.

Linoleum care

Linoleum differs from other types of flooring in that it has a lot of advantages: low price, practicality, durability, a large number of color variations, durability. Thanks to this, it is used not only in apartments, but also in offices, shopping centers and even in some industrial premises.

Polishing linoleum

But even with such a large number of advantages, linoleum cannot be called an ideal coating. He is afraid of excessive heat, and also, due to his chemical composition, sometimes reacts sharply to the effects of aggressive chemicals (for example, solvents). Some types of linoleum do not have a top protective layer (as a rule, these are household-type coatings) and because of this they can quickly dry out.

Natural wood-look linoleum

Advice! If you purchased budget linoleum that does not have a protective layer, then it is recommended to periodically treat it with a special polish, which will create a layer of protection on its surface from external influences.

There are special polishes to give linoleum shine.

If the material is not properly cared for, linoleum can quickly lose its appearance and require replacement. Let's consider the basic rules for caring for it:

• In the first days after laying the coating, it is recommended to clean it only using the dry method;
• It is recommended to put special pads on furniture legs or place a backing underneath them, which will avoid the appearance of dents on the linoleum;

Furniture leg pads

• Some types of linoleum fade quite quickly in direct sunlight. Therefore, you need to take care of some shading of the coating;
• You cannot drag heavy things along linoleum - marks will remain on it, and you can tear the coating;
• linoleum can be burned, so hot objects should not fall on it;
• linoleum cannot be laid on unglazed balconies and loggias, as it reacts too sharply to temperature changes.

Damaged linoleum

Important! The durability and long service life of linoleum depend not only on its proper care, but also on the class and quality of the material that was used for installation in a particular room. The higher the class and the thicker the coating, the longer the time it will last without complaints.

Floor and linoleum cleaner

How to add shine?

Just washing the linoleum, and even removing dirt, is only half the job. It is very important that the material shines, and monthly treatment with drying oil or linseed oil will help you achieve this. Alternatively, you can purchase mastic at any construction or hardware store.

By strictly following the manufacturer's instructions, you can protect the coating from ultraviolet radiation and humidity and give it a rich gloss.

New linoleum should be polished with transparent mastic, while those used for a long time should be polished with dark mastic, which will mask small cracks and defects.

Cleaning a floor rough from mastic will not be difficult; it will even be easier than a regular one, and its undeniable advantage will be its bright shine and minimal slipping. The correct choice and skillful use of a protective coating, even at home, will extend the service life of the material by several years.

Ways to protect linoleum

You can cover the surface of linoleum with metallized varnishes

It is better to place special pads under narrow furniture legs. They will significantly reduce the load and reduce the level of mechanical impact on linoleum

Before entering a house or apartment with linoleum, you should put a grate or a hard mat. This will protect the flooring from sand, dust and dirt

The main enemies of linoleum

First of all, let’s figure out what products cause damage to linoleum and put them away.

1. Do not use hot water to clean the floor. Of course, it copes with dirt more easily, but in addition, it causes swelling of the linoleum.
2. Baking soda is great for cleaning surfaces, but not for linoleum. The alkali included in its composition creates microcracks on the surface, which expand over time and accumulate dirt.

   
   Despite all the positive qualities, soda is not suitable for cleaning linoleum

3. Any abrasive products - washing or cleaning powders - cause scratches on the surface.
4. Do not use bleaches (especially chlorine-containing ones) and solvents. They discolor the pattern and can even corrode the linoleum to the base.

If you have difficult-to-clean stains on your flooring, it’s best to use the tips below.

Causes of yellow spots

Yellowed spots on linoleum appear for various reasons. They can occur on both new and old coatings. But they will appear depending on different conditions. Before deciding how to wash light linoleum from yellowness, you should understand the reasons for its appearance.

The reason for the appearance of such spots can be:

1. Low quality coating. Especially if such stains appear on newly purchased linoleum. The explanation here is simple - the material does not comply with GOST standards. There is no fibrous base, sound and heat insulation, adhesive layer, etc.
2. The greatest likelihood of yellow spots appearing is associated with areas of maximum traffic. The more often they go to the same places, the faster the yellow “paths” appear there.
3. External influences also serve as a source of yellowness on linoleum. Such as shoe polish, bitumen residues from the street, rubber from shoe soles, spilled hair dye. These small particles destroy the surface of the finishing material. Penetrate deeper into linoleum. They react and cause yellowing.
4. The formation of a yellow stain begins when the coating is exposed to aggressive chemicals. It is better to refuse them immediately, so that later the question of how to wash yellowed linoleum does not arise.
5. The factor influencing the yellowing of the finishing material is the high temperature of the water used during cleaning and direct sunlight. When they regularly attack the coating, it begins to lose its aesthetics.
6. The origin of yellow spots can also be a romantic party. Or rather, not she herself, but the remaining traces of candles (wax, paraffin).

The simplest reason for yellowing of linoleum can be the period of use. It's just time to replace the old coating with a new one.

How to properly care?

Achieving a “radiant shine” is quite simple - you need to rub the linoleum with a cloth slightly soaked in milk.

It is strictly forbidden to clean and wash such a floor with hot water!

When preparing to use a detergent whose composition or properties you do not know for sure, test on a small amount of the material. This will be much more reliable and safer.

When washing and dry cleaning, it is unacceptable to use hard rags containing metal or rubber threads. As a last resort, use old rags, but using special types of rags will be much better and more effective. If the room is small or filled with various interior items, you need to use narrow mops equipped with foam rollers or microfiber-based “tentacles” with a built-in water-squeezing mechanism.

It is advisable to use a steam cleaner with a mop attachment to clean linoleum; this will help both speed up and facilitate putting things in order and more effectively disinfect the flooring.

It is not advisable to carry out wet cleaning for thirty days after installation; it is better to sweep or vacuum the floor.

Four times a year, you can remove all accumulated blockages using drying oil and polish the linoleum with a silk rag. You can additionally enhance the shine of the coating by mixing one part of wax with three parts of turpentine or mastic, and rubbing the canvas with this mixture. The protective layer will reduce the retention of all kinds of dirt and large debris by the material.

If clean water does not help restore order, you need to use special cleaning products. Don’t be afraid to buy them, the price is relatively low, and the compositions can be used only as needed.

It doesn’t matter whether you have new or old linoleum, what its strength class is, the following are almost always prohibited:

• caustic alkalis (the coating will become brittle);
• chlorine and all preparations that contain it;
• abrasives;
• most paint solvents (can deform the structure of the material and change color).

White linoleum is cleaned of ink with fine-grain sandpaper or pumice.

This should be done as carefully as possible, without making sudden movements. After cleaning, the problem area is lubricated with linseed oil and polished with a silk rag.

Rust and grass stains that have settled on light relin are removed with a ten percent solution of bleach in water, and residual traces will be destroyed by lemon juice. When traces of repair remain on a white surface with a relief pattern, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner.

It is prohibited to drag heavy objects along the linoleum, as well as anything that has at least one sharp or cutting edge. Place fabric mats at the entrance to the house; they will reduce surface contamination.