What wash linoleum in the XXI century: we choose means for cleanliness and shine

What is good linoleum? “By the fact that I laid it - and forgot it!” - many fans of budget repairs will answer. But 2-3 months pass - and what do we see? The brand new coating no longer looks so fresh, it has lost its luster and, possibly, even got spots. For those who are not happy with this state of affairs, we will tell you how to wash linoleum so that it shines and looks the same as on the first day after the repair. The main thing is to choose the right tools and cleaning tactics.

How to care for linoleum?

Many housewives think that linoleum is "nothing to spoil." This is not true. Incorrect cleaning leads to the fact that the appearance of the product deteriorates after 6-12 months after purchase. Therefore, it is important for everyone who cares about the repair results to know how to properly care for the floor covering.

Linoleum is a relatively soft material, so it is easily deformed. In a room with such a coating, it is not recommended to put furniture with narrow legs, otherwise dents or tears may appear on it. Do not move heavy objects if they do not have wheels.

The top layer of material is subject to scratches. If crumbs and other small debris are constantly lying on the floor, the surface wears out quickly. Therefore, linoleum in the kitchen needs to be cleaned every day:

• sweep with a broom or mop with medium hard bristles;
• to vacuum.

In other rooms, dry cleaning is carried out once every 2-3 days, depending on the rate of pollution and the number of residents.

Also, the coating is badly damaged due to small pebbles that people bring from the street on shoes. If linoleum is laid in the hallway, then it is recommended to put a rug in front of the front door.

Over time, the paint on linoleum fades under the influence of UV radiation. We recommend pulling the curtains in bright sunny weather.

How to wash linoleum?

You need to wash linoleum as it gets dirty, but at least 2 times a month. Otherwise, the spots penetrate deep into the structure of the material, and it will become impossible to get rid of them.

General rules

If you want to keep the attractive appearance of the flooring for a long time, follow 6 basic rules:

1. Before wet cleaning, be sure to sweep or vacuum the floor, otherwise just smear the dirt on the surface.
2. Use warm water. Cold will not help get rid of old pollution, and hot will wash off the protective layer and spoil the material.
3. Change the water frequently so as not to spread germs around the apartment. After cleaning the bathroom or kitchen, be sure to change the water and wash the rag with soap.
4. Wipe off large fresh stains immediately after appearance with a kitchen sponge.
5. Before using any product from the arsenal of household chemicals, test it on an inconspicuous area of ​​the floor. There are types of coatings that poorly tolerate alkali and acid.
6. Do not mix different products. Substances in their composition can enter into a chemical reaction with each other, which will lead to unexpected consequences.

After washing, do not wait until the linoleum dries itself. To prevent stains, walk along the floor with a dry rag or mop.

What can not be washed linoleum?

The Internet is full of tips on how to use folk remedies for washing linoleum.Some housewives, wanting to save money, rub the floor with vinegar, soda or soap, and then regret it.

What can not be washed linoleum and why?

• Laundry soap. Contains alkali, which destroys the protective layer of the coating. Leaves white stains on the floor. It is necessary to wash linoleum 2 times in order to achieve visual cleanliness.
• Baking soda. Not suitable for cleaning for the same reason as laundry soap - because of alkali.
• Vinegar. The coating does not tolerate the effects of acids.
• Citric acid. The same problem as with vinegar. In addition, citric acid fades.
• Means with bleaching components (especially with chlorine). This is a fairly aggressive chemistry for linoleum. Bleaches spoil the color of the coating and destroy the top layer.
• Abrasive powders. Pemolux, Hostess, Comet and other similar products leave scratches on the surface.

From folk remedies, it is allowed to use milk with water in a ratio of 1: 1 or potato starch (1-2 tablespoons per 10-liter bucket). But they can not cope with severe pollution. In addition, the floor has to be washed 2 times. Therefore, it is better to “upgrade” linoleum at home using modern means.

Necessary equipment

The following things are suitable for washing linoleum:

• rag from an old rag or any soft cloth;
• mop - microfiber, with a foam tip or plastic pile;
• steam cleaner.

Do not use a hard-mop with metal or rubber inserts. Such products leave scratches on the surface of a smooth floor.

If you use a rag or mop, be sure to wear rubber gloves, as household chemicals can cause skin irritation. A steam generator is the most convenient way to wash linoleum, especially with a relief pattern. Only this device must be switched to the “2” or “3” mode so that the hot steam does not spoil the coating.

Modern linoleum cleaners

Suitable household chemicals can be divided into two groups:

• universal;
• designed specifically for washing linoleum.

It is advisable to choose concentrates and liquids from the second group in order to refresh linoleum. If you buy a universal product, then make sure that it is suitable for cleaning floor coverings. Now let's look at examples of good brands that have positive reviews among housewives.

Hg

Dutch linoleum care product. Copes with very strong pollution. It leaves a protective layer on the surface that protects the material from moisture, repels dust and small debris. With prolonged use, it masks scratches and gives shine.

One bottle contains 1000 ml of the product, costs about 560 rubles, it is enough for 4-8 applications. In a 10-liter bucket of warm water, dissolve 125-250 ml of liquid and wash the floor in the usual way. Do not wipe with a dry cloth. At the end of cleaning, it is recommended to lightly polish the coating.

Mellerud

German linoleum care fluid. The price of a 1 liter bottle is 450-500 rubles. The tool performs two functions at the same time: detergent and polish. Not only cleans old dirt, but also protects against new ones. Suitable for the first care of a brand new coating.

The tool is used in 4 stages:

1. 60 ml of the concentrate are dissolved in 10 liters of warm water and the floor is washed.
2. The product is applied undiluted on a cloth napkin and the entire linoleum surface is treated with longitudinal lines in one direction.
3. Wait 30 minutes until the floor dries.
4. The concentrate is again applied to the napkin and the floor is treated, but already perpendicular to the previous layer.

You can enter the room no earlier than after 40-60 minutes. The tool should completely dry - only then linoleum will shine.

Dec

The liquid copes with stains from food, fat, rubber shoes. Protects linoleum from scratches. A bottle of 1000 ml costs 380-400 rubles.

The DEC tool has the following features:

• does not cause allergies;
• has a faint neutral smell of freshness;
• economically - 2-3 caps of the product are added to 10 liters of water, and one bottle is enough for 15-30 applications.

The method of use is the same as that of HG. The liquid is dissolved in a bucket of water, and then the floor is washed.

Help

Universal means for mopping from the Russian manufacturer. They can also clean linoleum. A bottle of 5 liters costs only 260 rubles, and a 10-liter bucket of water is enough for 60 ml. The tool does not need to be washed off. It perfectly removes old dirt and gives shine to the floor.

"Stork"

Another budgetary Russian product (70 rubles per 1 liter) for cleaning flooring. Contains glycerin - a natural and harmless component that gives the surface of the material shine, repels dust. The manufacturer indicated on the bottle that the product has antibacterial properties.

The concentrate "Stork" does not need to be washed off. Many housewives like that after using the product, a pleasant floral aroma remains in the room.

How to wash old stains?

If you have not spent wet cleaning linoleum for a long time, then after washing it will most likely remain stains. What to do? It is necessary to pre-treat old pollution with a point method. Put on the stain, leave for 5-10 minutes, and then rub the surface with the rough side of the sponge and wipe with a dry cloth. Wash the floor at the end. Each type of pollution has its own method.

Table 1. How to remove stains on linoleum?

Some online sources recommend using gasoline or kerosene to remove stains. But be careful - some types of linoleum deteriorate when exposed to oily liquids. You should also be careful with various solvents: P-646, acetone and even nail polish remover.

How to restore shine to linoleum?

Almost all linoleum detergents have one drawback - the gloss effect lasts for a short time. After 2-3 days, although the flooring looks clean, it becomes dull.

Types of polishes

And what needs to be done to make the floor shine for a week or even longer? For this, linoleum after wet cleaning is treated with protective agents - polishes. They are of two types:

• metallized;
• non-metallic.

The first ones contain zinc ions, due to which they give a crystal luster to the floor. They are highly resistant to pollution. But metallized polishes have two drawbacks: the high price and the deterioration of performance in wet rooms (for example, in the kitchen). Non-metallic polishes are cheaper, but wear out faster.

If your goal is to mask single small scratches, it is not necessary to buy an expensive polish. Rub the surface with a wax candle.

How to use polishes?

To restore shine to the old linoleum, you need to perform the following steps.

1. Thoroughly process the floor using a special detergent for linoleum, remove old stains.
2. Wash the coating with clean water without adding chemicals and wipe with a dry cloth. Make sure there are no stains left on the floor. If you ignore this stage, then subsequently the polish will become cloudy and exfoliate.
3. Apply polish to microfiber mop. Treat the floor with straight lines parallel to the rays of light. Wait for the agent to dry (usually 30-40 minutes).
4. Apply a second coat of polish to the first perpendicular. Wait 30-40 minutes again.

In the future, you can process linoleum with several more layers (but no more than 6) so that it becomes glossy.Within 8-10 hours, it is recommended to exclude any load on the coating. Try not to enter the room.

How to check if the polish is dry? Touch linoleum with the back of your hand. If the skin sticks a little to the surface, then you still have to wait.

Good polishing agents

While someone is rubbing linoleum with sunflower oil, at the risk of spoiling the coating, you can buy a reliable shine in the store. We offer you to get acquainted with examples of good brands.

• Premiere Platinum Satin

Such a polish is often used by specialists of cleaning companies, but private individuals can also order it via the Internet. Gives linoleum an unobtrusive matte sheen and improves the operational characteristics of the material, in particular, increases slip resistance. It is applied in 1-2 layers. A 5 liter canister costs 2,800 rubles.

• Schutz floor

German polish is suitable for primary processing of new linoleum and allows you to restore the surface of the old. Facilitates further floor care. After processing, you will be less likely to sweep and mop the floor. On sale meets Dr. Schutz Floor of two types: matte and glossy. A 750 ml bottle costs 1,900 rubles.

• Viking ASL-4000

This antistatic polish is quite expensive - 11,000 rubles per bottle of 3.8 liters, but provides wear resistance for 3-6 months. The flooring is shiny like new. The polish dries completely an hour after application.

Conclusion

Thus, linoleum, although it refers to inexpensive materials, but requires careful care. Do not save money on detergents, so as not to change the flooring after 2-3 years. Alternative methods, although they help get rid of pollution, but can spoil the top layer. Do not forget about dry cleaning. The more often you vacuum the floor, the less often it needs chemicals.