Features and rules for cleaning linoleum from ingrained dirt
Linoleum is considered the most used flooring material in any residential area. Keeping it clean and tidy at all times is a laborious process. If you are well versed in the features of cleaning linoleum, you can preserve its appearance and increase its service life. Thus, the question arises, how to effectively clean linoleum?
- The main rules for cleaning linoleum from stains
- What absolutely can not be done
- What tools you may need
- What chemicals can you use
- How to wash linoleum using folk methods
- Features of cleaning rough linoleum
- How to restore the shine of a coating
- Basic rules for caring for linoleum
- Video: how to wash linoleum at home
The main rules for cleaning linoleum from stains
In order for linoleum to retain its original appearance and its protective characteristics do not decrease, it is necessary to personally apply special chemicals to it, such as polish. The film that forms from this substance creates additional protection against damage and contamination. If there is a lot of dust in the room that settles, you can wipe the linoleum with a mop and a wet rag. For better results, you can use special detergents.
Removing household stains
After a long service life, mechanical damage appears on any old surface, such as cracks, dirt, which tends to eat in. Any stains are recommended to be cleaned with water-based detergents. Also, you must try to clean it as soon as possible, rinsing with a special substance. For the best result, you can call special services that will clean it beyond recognition. As for fresh stains, wash them off with plain water.
Features of cleaning after repair
The level of difficulty in cleaning linoleum depends on the level of contamination. Initial cleaning should be provided to the construction company that was involved in the renovation. It is necessary to wash the floor from dirt and prepare it for use. This will require the use of special solutions with an optimal content of various solvents and fillers.
Before starting repair work, it is recommended to lay a protective film that does not allow the penetration of dirt, dust and moisture. If the floor contamination is insignificant, you can periodically carry out dry cleaning using a vacuum cleaner or broom.
If the dirt is heavily ingrained, it is necessary to carry out long-term cleaning. To do this, you need a universal cleaner mixed with water in a ratio of one to three. This solution is applied to the linoleum and left for ten minutes. After that, remove the dirt with a spatula and carry out a standard wet cleaning.
If stains or dirt remain in some places, it is necessary to apply undiluted detergents for a while: 5 - 10 minutes.
During repairs, glue can also get in. If it is still fresh, it can be washed with soapy water. In the event that the glue has dried, it must be washed with gasoline or white spirit. You can remove scotch marks in the same way as for glue.
Whitewash can be removed with several applications of soap.
Removal of various substances from linoleum
As for paint getting on linoleum, this stain can be washed with vegetable oil. To do this, apply a couple of drops of oil to the paint, wait a while, wipe everything off with a dry cloth or sponge. Then wash the floor with soapy water. Stubborn paint can be cleaned with white spirit.
How to clean linoleum from stubborn dirt
The easiest way is to clean dirty linoleum with a standard detergent. After washing, wipe the surface with a dry cloth and polish well. You can also clean it with drying oil.
Effectively cleans linoleum with a woolen cloth. This is a more time consuming process. To do this, first wash the floor with warm water, then cool, and then rinse it with milk, which will make the linoleum shine.
You should try to wipe off greasy stains with a detergent as soon as possible. After that, rinse the floor several times with water.
If traces of rust appear on the linoleum, then they can be removed using specialized products such as anti-rust. If you cannot buy this solution, you can try to wash the stain with vinegar and lemon juice. Another way is to use kerosene. To do this, moisten the place with this liquid, leave for 30 minutes, rinse with water.
What absolutely can not be done
With the initial covering of linoleum, it is undesirable to carry out wet cleaning for 30 days, it is better to sweep or vacuum.
For stubborn stains, it is forbidden to use an increased concentration of solutions, from which light traces may remain.
Also, the main products that are not allowed to be used for cleaning linoleum are:
- Caustic alkalis.
- Abrasives.
- Products that contain chlorine.
- Use many chemical paint thinners that can damage the structure of linoleum.
- Use bleaches.
Do not drag heavy objects on this floor, they will leave scratches.
Thus, when choosing a purifier, it is necessary to decide what kind of material or contamination will need to be processed.
What tools you may need
The main tools used for cleaning are:
- Rag and sponge.
- Mop.
- Vacuum cleaner and broom.
- Mitts to protect the skin of the hands from detergents.
What chemicals can you use
For regular daily cleaning, you should not use chemicals, you can just rinse the floor with water. In the case of stubborn dirt, it is worth using special substances, which are divided into household and professional ones. The standard solutions are applied with a mop or short-nap rags.As for professional substances, they are more effective in removing stains and other contaminants, while creating a protective film. They have excellent antibacterial and antistatic properties.
For example, Mr. Proper, Glorix, Mr. Muscle are standard cleaners that will only deal with fresh dirt. For more thorough care, it is recommended to use such products as: Mellerud, Wa-Lin, Econa-Konzentrat, Forbo.
Strippers are also used for deep cleaning if possible. But this option is not very suitable for apartments, as it requires specialized equipment.
How to wash linoleum using folk methods
Linoleum is also effectively washed using folk remedies. One way is milk with water. To do this, it is enough to rinse the material with mixed water and milk. After that, wipe the floor with a wool rag soaked in a small amount of vegetable oil.
The next method is to use potato starch, which is considered a great option for removing iodine stains. To do this, apply a solution of water and starch to the stain for a short time.
Using a regular eraser can easily remove stains from the rubber sole.
Pen marks can be removed by soaking the match sulfur and applying it to the stain.
The next way is to use cabbage juice. This method effectively eats away dirt due to its high acid content.
Greasy stains can be washed off by applying elderberry gruel for a while.
Another practical method is a mixture of salt, vinegar and water. This solution removes dirt without damaging the linoleum.
Features of cleaning rough linoleum
Rough linoleum is a little more difficult to clean than regular linoleum. First you need to soak the stubborn particles with a warm detergent solution and leave it for a while. After that, you need to rub the desired place with a brush, the surface of which should not be very hard.
How to restore the shine of a coating
At the initial laying of linoleum, it is better to immediately cover it with floor varnish. The most standard condition for shine is the use of milk with water. With this liquid, you need to rinse the floor and, after it dries, polish it with a woolen cloth.
Another way is to use vegetable oils. First you need to try applying oil to a small area to make sure it doesn't destroy the material. If there are no reactions, you need to wash the floor with warm water or detergent. After drying, apply oil or varnish. It is better to wipe the floor with a wool rag.
Also, if possible, you can call specialists.
Basic rules for caring for linoleum
- Improving the appearance of linoleum using water and milk.
- Wipe linoleum with vegetable oil or drying oil several times a month. You can also use polish.
- You can wash linoleum either with water or with detergents using the correct concentration in water.
- Linoleum must be protected from damage. Furniture is best placed on carpets.
- Make sure that a lot of sunlight does not fall on the linoleum.
- Before washing the floors, linoleum is recommended to be cleaned of dry dust with a vacuum cleaner or a broom.
- Remember those products that cannot be used when cleaning linoleum.
Thus, there are many different household methods that help effectively clean linoleum from contamination. For best results, it is recommended to wet the flooring more often so that you do not have to use toxic chemicals. With proper and careful maintenance of linoleum, it will last a long time, keeping its natural appearance.
Video: how to wash linoleum at home