Yes, steam cleaners may be used to clean linoleum floors. After sweeping away any loose dirt, use the steam mop to cleanse the floor in a systematic manner. Mop the floor clean with a vinegar solution, then rinse and dry with a clean fiber cloth.
If you have linoleum floors in your house like me, you know how pleasant and durable they can be. This floor finish is made with linseed oil, jute, tree resin, cork powder, wood floor, and many other compounds. Although durable, small dirt particles such as soap particles, food crumbs, and other things can leave the flooring looking unattractive.
Linoleum cannot be maintained like any other composite flooring, based on my experience. If the wrong cleaning method is employed on linoleum flooring, it can cause streaking or swelling of the finish, resulting in irreversible damage.
Can Linoleum Floors Be Cleaned Using Steam Cleaners?
Yes is the simple answer. Linoleum may be cleaned with the usual mop or broom, but if it has been kept unclean for a long time, you have to deep-clean it. Steam cleaning comes in handy in this situation. Steam cleaners clean and lift thick stains and debris from a linoleum floor considerably more thoroughly.
How Do Steam Cleaners Work?
Steam cleaners clean the floor by boiling water and releasing bursts of built-up steam. This soaks up and moistens the dirt on the floor finish’s surface, making it much easier to wipe off. The steam mop is filled with water and heated to around 120°C. The steam generated by this mop may eliminate 99% of microorganisms on the floor’s surface while also removing stains. Cleaning using steam mops does not need harsh chemicals.
How To Clean Linoleum Floors
Linoleum floors should be cleaned fairly regularly as this will prolong the floor’s lifespan and avoid the buildup of tough stains. There are two main approaches to cleaning linoleum floors:
Method 1. Regular Cleaning
Here are the cleaning supplies you’ll need to clean linoleum floors regularly:
- Microfiber cloth
- Cleaning broom
- Vacuum cleaner
- A bucket of hot water
- Vinegar
- Liquid soap
Step 1: Prep The Floor
Use a broom or vacuum to clean the floor’s surface. This will eliminate any dry particles or grime on the floor. This step helps to avoid loose dirt clinging to the mop surface.
Step 2: Clean Floor With Steam Cleaner
Prepare the steam mop pad according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill up the steam cleaner container with distilled hot water. Afterward, use the steam cleaner to clean the floor. Maintain a steady motion with the mop as it moves across the floor.
Step 3: Wipe The Vinegar Solution Off The Floor
Make a liquid soap and vinegar mixture after cleaning with a steam cleaner. Wipe off the floor with this solution. This will ensure that the loose dirt is properly removed from the floor.
Step 4: Rinse The Vinegar Solution
Rinse the vinegar-soap mixture with clean water and a mop. This should clear off the soapy water completely.
Step 5: Dry Out The Floor
Dry the floor using a dry piece of fiber cloth.
Method 2. Deep Cleaning Linoleum Floor With Steam Mop
Because linoleum flooring only needs minimal care, you can deep-clean it once every six months. To deep clean the linoleum floor, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Microfiber cloth
- Cleaning broom
- Vacuum cleaner
- Baking soda
- A bucket of hot water
- Vinegar
- Liquid soap
Step 1: Prep The Floor
Sweep dry, tiny dirt off the floor with a clean cloth or a sweeper. A vacuum cleaner can also get the job done if you have one.
Step 2: Wash The Floor With A Steam Mop
Fill the steam mop completely with water and wash the floor’s surface once the dust has been cleaned. Make sure the mop isn’t filled up with water, as this could cause the floor to flood.
Step 3: Scrub The Floor With Baking Soda
After steam washing the floor, sprinkle baking soda all over it. Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for uneven, grooved surfaces, such as is characteristics of linoleum floors.
Step 4: Apply A Vinegar-Liquid Soap Mixture
Make a solution of vinegar with liquid soap in a bucket of hot water and use it to wipe down.
Step 5: Scrub The Floor Thoroughly
With the vinegar solution still in, scrub the floor with a brush thoroughly to remove stubborn stains which the steam mop has softened
Step 6: Rinse Out The Vinegar Solution
Using fresh water and a clean mop, rinse off the soapy vinegar solution until it is cleaned off.
Step 7: Dry Out The Floor
Using a dry piece of fiber cloth, dry out the floor.
Mistakes To Avoid When Steam Cleaning Linoleum Floors
- It isn’t advisable to fill up the steam mop while it’s still plugged in. Plugging in the appliance should be the last thing you do to avoid electric shock.
- Once the steam mop is still on, don’t leave it unattended. This may cause floor discoloration and damage.
- After using the steam mop, remember to vacuum. It is critical to emphasize that steam mops do not clean the floor. Cleaning out the dirt should be done using a clean rag.
- Do not pour the vinegar solution all over the floor. Apply with a brush or sponge.
- Always wear rubber gloves when carrying out cleaning activities.
FAQs About Cleaning Linoleum Floors
How Often Should I Steam Clean My Linoleum Floor?
Unless they’re in a high-traffic area, linoleum floors can be deep cleaned once a month. If in a place with regular foot traffic, weekly cleaning would suffice.
Can I Add a Cleaning Solution Into The Steam Mop?
Clean water is the only liquid you should put in your steam mop tank. No matter how dirty the floor looks, the steam is enough to clean them out.
Will Steam Mopping Leave My Floor Wet?
Vapor from steam cleaners produces a low-moisture vapor, which dries almost instantly. This vapor contains only 5% water.
