There is no doubt that linoleum flooring is an inexpensive and popular option for our homes, but maintaining and cleaning the floor is not usually an easy task. While wiping water, oil, and liquids off the floor is typically easy, scraping off the dirty and stubborn stains including grease and other hardened substances takes a lot of patience and time.
Now, there are hundreds of DIY solutions available on the market, but not all of these options provide a perfect result when it comes to removing grease or stubborn stains off linoleum floors.
Well, we have made your work easier and shortlisted some of the best options for cleaning grease off the linoleum floor of your home. Stay with us till the end and join us in the discussion on how to clean grease off the linoleum floor and several other factors associated with the topic.
3 Different Methods To Clean Grease Off Linoleum Floor
Cleaning grease off linoleum floors can often result in a difficult challenge for our homeowners. While the grease from our stoves and kitchen often makes the linoleum floor look dirty, there are quite a few methods that can help you to keep the flooring clean and fresh.
Now, grease is one stubborn stain and will require a few supplies. Let us take a look at the methods of removing grease from your linoleum floor.
The first method we will talk about is the use of cleaning supplies. There are several chemical supplies available in the market that help you to get rid of stubborn stains. The process of using cleaning supplies to clean linoleum floors is as follows:
Method 1: Use Of Cleaning Supplies
The next step is to add a floor cleaner once you have carefully scraped off all the excess grease. Pour or spray a small amount of floor cleaner on the greasy areas and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. After letting the cleaner sit for a while, use a scrubbing brush with soft bristles and slowly rub the areas to clean off the grease.
Step 1: Scrape The Floor Properly
When grease falls to the flooring and dries over time, it results in a thick layer that is not easy to remove. To ensure proper and easy cleaning of the linoleum floor, the first step is to properly scrape off the excess grease from the floor.
Use a flat or putty knife, or a scraping tool and work on the areas where there are layers of grease stuck to the floor. However, make sure that you do not scratch or cause damage to the flooring.
Step 2: Add Floor Cleaner
Step 3: Wipe The Floor
After scrubbing the area properly and removing all the grease stains from the floor, it is now time to wipe it properly to get rid of all the floor cleaner and grease. Wiping the floor will also make sure that the floor is safe to walk on.
To wipe the floor properly, all you need is a soft cloth rag or a mop and a bucket of water. We typically prefer the use of lukewarm water on the linoleum floor to ensure proper and careful cleaning.
Method 2: Use DIY Cleaning Solution
While the use of cleaning supplies is an easy solution, many homeowners prefer the use of DIY methods and cleaning solutions. Let us take a look at an effective and easy-to-use DIY solution.
Step 1: Scrape The Excess Grease Off
Similar to the first method we discussed above, this method also requires gentle scraping to remove the excess grease off the floor. The use of a putty knife or a scraping tool works best in this case.
Gently scrape off the grease from the linoleum floor but make sure to be careful; otherwise, you can cause damage to the floor.
Step 2: Make The Cleaning Solution
Once you have properly removed the additional layers of grease from the floor, the next step is to prepare the cleaning solution. You will require a few items to create the solution: water, white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.
To prepare the mixture, take a medium-sized bucket and fill it with 1 gallon of water. Add half a cup of white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Mix all the ingredients to create a foamy mixture.
Step 3: Clean The Grease Off The Linoleum Floor
The next step is to get into the cleaning process. Sprinkle a few teaspoons of baking soda on the greasy areas and pour small amounts of the prepared mixture. Let it sit for a while and the vinegar present in the solution will react with the baking soda.
Use a soft bristled brush or a mop to wipe the grease easily as the solution will soften the stubborn stains. Dip the mop or brush in the solution and slightly rub the stains.
Step 4: Wipe The Floor Properly
The last step is to wipe the floor properly with a clean rag or mop. It is essential to carefully wipe the floor to remove all the dirt and soap residue. Once you are done wiping the floor, use a dry towel or cloth to wipe it again to ensure that the floor is safe to walk on.
Method 3: Use Professional Services
While the two above methods are easy and relatively cost efficient, not everyone has the time or will to go through the hassle of dealing with stubborn grease stains on their linoleum floor. Well, we have a solution for them as well.
Many cleaning companies offer professional services to help you get rid of grease and other stains on your floor. While you do not need any additional supplies or spend hours scrubbing, scrapping, and cleaning your floor, this method is slightly heavy on the pockets. Even though it is a costly procedure, it saves you a lot of time and your work will be done without any hassle.
Dangers That Can Happen On Your Linoleum Floor Because Of Grease
While many people do not usually pay attention to the grease buildup on the linoleum floor until a certain amount of grease has accumulated and made itself at home, it has a few dangers to it.
- Slipping is a major issue or accident due to the grease on the linoleum floor. Hardened grease makes the floor slippery and often causes people walking on the floor to fall and sustain injuries.
- The greasy linoleum floor easily becomes home to several types of germs and bacteria that can cause illness in both humans and pets. These bacteria build-up is a serious health risk and must be cleaned or maintained well.
- While this is not a danger or health risk, it is more of a disadvantage of having a greasy floor. The grease on the linoleum floor ruins the beauty of the flooring and reduces the aesthetic appeal. Not only that, but it also affects the longevity of the flooring material.
Mistakes To Avoid While Cleaning Grease Off Linoleum Floor
There are a few mistakes that we often make while working on the removal of grease off the linoleum flooring of our homes. Here, we will discuss some of these common mistakes and how we can avoid them.
- Aggressive Use Of The Scraping Tool
One of the most common mistakes we make is that we go too hard on the scraping tool when it comes to scrapping the extra grease off the floor. This does not only remove the grease but also damages or scratches the top layer of the floor, ruining its look. The best way of preventing this is to be careful while scrapping and to use the correct tool to ensure the best possible result.
- Use Of Wrong Cleaning Products
Another mistake we often make is that we choose the wrong cleaning products that not only make our jobs harder but also damage the linoleum flooring. It is essential to choose the right floor cleaners suitable or compatible with linoleum and it is also important to pick the correct cleaning brushes.
We often end up using abrasive or hard bristle brushes or sponges that result in harsh scrubbing. While this successfully removes the grease stains, it leaves marks and scratches on the floor which not only reduces its beauty but also feels uncomfortable under our feet.
- Use Of Ammonia Cleaning Products
While this is a factor not many people are aware of, it significantly affects the linoleum flooring and not in a good way. There are several cleaning products available in the market that come with an ammonia solution. The use of these ammonia-based cleaning solutions reacts negatively with the formulation or pH level of the linoleum flooring, affecting the durability and comfort of the floor.
Tips And Tricks On How To Keep Linoleum Floor Clean From Grease Stains
There are a few tips and tricks that we will discuss to help you keep your linoleum floor clean and safe.
Tip-1: Wipe the floor regularly with lukewarm water and dry it with a towel to keep it clear of dirt, debris, and other stains.
Tip-2: Vacuum the floor properly at least once in a few weeks to ensure that your linoleum flooring is free of dirt and dust.
Tip-3: Place rugs, carpets, and doormats in places that were needed to prevent the grease spills from reaching the flooring material.
Tip-4: While cleaning or scrubbing the floor, make sure that you do not use an abrasive sponge or hard bristled brush as it can significantly damage the linoleum flooring.
What Are the Best Cleaners To Grease Off Linoleum Floor?
In the market, you will get several cleaners that you can use to grease off linoleum floors. However, as a cleaning expert, I want to recommend Bona hardwood floors cleaner. This can be usable on various hardwood floors. Besides, they are budget-friendly and vastly use. Rainbow Genuine Tile, Linoleum, and Bare Floor Cleaner Solution can also be good options to grease off linoleum floors.
How to Remove Motor Grease From Linoleum Floor
To remove motor grease from a linoleum floor, start by blotting as much grease as possible with paper towels without spreading it. Gently scrape off any remaining grease using a plastic scraper or a credit card.
Next, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of dish soap and adding a tablespoon of baking soda for a mildly abrasive paste. Apply this mixture to the grease stain and scrub the area gently with a soft cloth or mop.
After removing the grease, rinse the spot with clean water and ensure the linoleum floor is thoroughly dried. This approach should effectively eliminate motor grease without harming your lime green linoleum flooring.
How Best to Get Grease Buildup Off Linoleum Floor
To effectively remove grease buildup from a linoleum floor, follow these steps. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, create a cleaning solution with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
Use this solution to mop the floor, ensuring that the mop or cloth is damp but not excessively wet. For tough grease buildup, consider using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
After cleaning, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any soap or vinegar residue, and thoroughly dry the linoleum to prevent slipping and maintain its shine. For stubborn stains, a soft-bristle brush can help, but avoid abrasive scrubbers to prevent damage.
How to Remove Linoleum Flooring From Wood
To remove linoleum flooring from wood, start by wearing safety glasses and gloves for protection. Begin at a corner of the linoleum and gently lift it with a putty knife or utility knife. Take care not to damage the underlying wood. Gradually peel and scrape the linoleum, working your way underneath.
If the linoleum is stubborn, use a heat gun to soften the adhesive. After removing the linoleum, you may encounter adhesive residue. Use an adhesive remover or a mixture of water and vinegar to soften and scrape it off. Once the wood is exposed, sand it to eliminate any remaining adhesive or imperfections.
Finally, clean the wood thoroughly to prepare it for a new flooring installation. Patience is essential to avoid damaging the wood surface during the removal process.
Related Questions
Why Do You Have To Clean The Grease Stains Off The Linoleum Flooring?
Over time, grease from the stoves or other machinery in the house often spills and hardens on the linoleum flooring. Not only does it look bad for the aesthetics of the house, but the build-up makes the floors sticky, making it difficult for people to walk comfortably and freely. All these reasons make it essential to clean grease off the linoleum floor.
Does Vinegar Clean Grease Off Of Linoleum Floors?
Vinegar works wonders when it comes to removing the tough grease stains off of linoleum floors. Both baking soda and vinegar are needed for the method to work best. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on your linoleum flooring and pour white vinegar mixed with water and dish soap. Let the mixture sit for a while and scrub it gently to get a clean and beautiful linoleum flooring.
Is It Hard To Clean Grease Off Of Linoleum Floors?
Cleaning grease off of the linoleum floor should not be a struggle if you regularly clean the flooring. However, if you let the grease sit for a while and allow it to harden and form layers, cleaning it can prove to be a challenge. But with the right cleaning supplies, your work will be done without much hassle.
How Long Does It Take To Clean Grease Off Of Linoleum Floors?
The amount of time you need to clean your linoleum floor from all the sticky and stubborn grease depends on quite a few factors. These factors include the number of layers of grease on the floor, the cleaning supplies you are using, and so on.
If you use the right cleaning products and scrape the excess grease off properly, you will have a clean floor in 1 to 2 hours.
Can I Use Simple Green to Clean Linoleum Floors?
Yes, you can use Simple Green to clean linoleum floors. Simple Green is a versatile and effective cleaner that can be diluted with water to clean various surfaces, including linoleum. To clean your linoleum floors with Simple Green, mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Typically, a 1:10 dilution (1 part Simple Green to 10 parts water) is recommended for general cleaning. Use a mop or a soft cloth to apply the solution to the floor and gently scrub any stubborn spots.
Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water afterward to remove any residue. This method is generally safe and effective for maintaining the cleanliness of your linoleum floors.
Can Simple Green Build Up a Stickiness on a Linoleum Floor?
Yes, Simple Green can potentially leave a sticky residue on a linoleum floor if not properly diluted and rinsed. Linoleum is sensitive to residue buildup, so it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water after cleaning with Simple Green.
If the cleaner is not adequately diluted or if residues are left behind, it can dry and become sticky, making the floor feel tacky to the touch.To prevent stickiness, always ensure proper dilution, thorough rinsing, and the use of a clean mop or cloth.
Regular maintenance and careful cleaning practices will help maintain your linoleum floor’s appearance and prevent sticky residue.
What is The Best to Clean Linoleum Floors?
The best way to clean linoleum floors is to start with a simple and gentle cleaning solution. A mixture of warm water and a mild pH-neutral floor cleaner is effective. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the linoleum’s surface.
Mix the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use a mop or a soft cloth to clean the floor. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris is also important.
Additionally, avoid excessive water and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup. Linoleum floors should be cleaned regularly but without abrasive or acidic cleaners, to maintain their appearance and longevity.
Can You Paint Linoleum Floor Tiles?
Yes, you can paint linoleum floor tiles to give them a fresh look, but it’s essential to follow specific steps for proper adhesion and durability. Start by thoroughly cleaning the tiles and allowing them to dry.
Then, lightly sand the surface to help the paint adhere better. Apply a primer designed for use on linoleum, followed by a high-quality floor paint. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding another.
Once the final coat dries, finish with a clear polyurethane sealant to protect the paint. Proper preparation and sealing are key to a long-lasting, attractive painted linoleum floor.
Final Verdict:
Cleaning grease off linoleum flooring can often prove to be a hassle, and we are well aware of that. Now that we have reached the end of our guide, I hope that the methods on how to clean grease off the linoleum floor will help you to keep your floor clean and fresh.
Choose the methods that suit your availability and cost the best and get rid of the grease from your floor. However, make sure that you properly and regularly keep the floors clean to avoid the trouble of dealing with stubborn stains.
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