# How to Clean Linoleum Floors: A Commercial Guide to Routine, Cleaners, Pads and Machines > How to clean commercial linoleum: sweep, damp-mop with a neutral-pH cleaner, rinse, dry, avoid high-pH products and abrasive pads, and run machines at 150-300 RPM with a red pad. - **URL:** https://janitori.com/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-linoleum-floors **In this guide** - [Is it true linoleum or vinyl?](#type) - [How do you clean linoleum floors step by step?](#steps) - [Which cleaner is safe for linoleum?](#cleaner) - [What damages linoleum floors?](#avoid) - [How do you remove scuffs and stains from linoleum?](#stains) - [Which machines and pads work on linoleum?](#machines) - [Are linoleum floors slippery when wet?](#traction) - [FAQ](#faq) To clean a linoleum floor, sweep or vacuum first, damp-mop with a neutral-pH floor cleaner, rinse with clean water and let the floor dry. High-pH chemicals, abrasive pads and excess water are what damage it. This guide is for facility and custodial teams caring for linoleum in schools, healthcare, offices and public buildings. It covers the routine, the cleaner, the pads, and the machines that fit each floor. **Key takeaways** - Use a neutral-pH cleaner. [Forbo's Marmoleum floor-care sheet](https://forbo.blob.core.windows.net/forbodocuments/21697/Forbo_Floorcare_instructions_Marmoleum%20sheet.pdf) says linoleum should never be cleaned with high-pH chemicals because permanent damage may occur, and that abrasive powders and cleansers should not be used. - Keep the floor dry. [Floor Factors](https://floorfactors.com/resource-center/linoleum-care/) says linoleum is sensitive to moisture, and liquid left on the surface can loosen or warp the material, so wring mops out and recover or wipe up water promptly. - Machine-clean at 150 to 300 RPM with a red pad. Forbo says that range is perfectly suitable, and that brown, black or enhanced-abrasion pads can change the surface and its slip resistance. - Rinse after cleaning. Forbo says frequent treatment or inadequate rinsing of resilient floors may cause cracking, shrinking or discoloration, so finish with clean water and dry the floor. ## Is It True Linoleum or Vinyl? Confirm what you have before you choose a product, because the care rules in this guide apply to true linoleum. Floor Factors describes linoleum as made from natural materials including wood flour, cork dust, resins, linseed oil and mineral fillers. Many floors called "linoleum" in older buildings are sheet vinyl or vinyl composition tile, which are maintained differently. If the installer or the original spec sheet does not name the product, ask the manufacturer before running any machine over it. Floors with a wax or polish finish follow a different routine; see [how to strip and wax a floor](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-strip-and-wax-a-floor). Some factory-finished linoleum does not need a polish at all. Forbo says the Topshield pro finish on its Marmoleum is part of the floor, should not be removed, and does not require polish. ## How Do You Clean Linoleum Floors Step by Step? Dry-clean, damp-mop with a neutral cleaner, rinse, and dry. Forbo says the frequency depends on traffic, soiling levels, desired appearance and hygiene standards, and that regular cleaning is more beneficial and cost effective than occasional deep cleaning. - **Close the area.** Put out wet-floor signs and keep foot traffic off the section being cleaned. - **Remove loose dirt.** Vacuum, sweep or dust-mop. Floor Factors says to use soft-bristle attachments when vacuuming linoleum. - **Test first.** Forbo says that if any doubt exists, test cleaning materials on a sample piece or in an inconspicuous area. - **Mix the cleaner at the label rate.** Use a neutral-pH floor cleaner and follow the instructions on its label. - **Mop damp, in sections.** Wring the mop out so the floor is damp, not wet. Floor Factors recommends a damp mop or cloth. - **Rinse.** Forbo says to rinse with clean water and allow the floor to dry, because inadequate rinsing can cause problems on resilient floors. - **Check the recovery tank.** If you use a wet vacuum or scrubber, look for foam on the first fill, because foam pulled into a vacuum motor damages it. - **Dry.** Pick up dirty water with a wiper and mop or a wet vacuum, then let the floor air dry. Keep traffic off until it is dry. For a newly installed floor, Forbo says not to wet clean within three days of installation. **Run it with JANITORI chemistry** [Floor Cleaner No.61](/products/floor-cleaner-janitori-no-61) The routine damp-mop product. It is pH-neutral, low-residue and low-foam at label dilution, and is labeled for mop or cleaning-system use on concrete, stone, ceramic, wood, laminate, marble, granite and terracotta. Linoleum is not named on the label, so test a hidden area first and confirm with your flooring manufacturer or installer. The label says no rinse under normal conditions, but a clean-water rinse is what linoleum guidance recommends, so rinse or recover the solution. ## Which Cleaner Is Safe for Linoleum? A neutral-pH floor cleaner is the safe routine choice. Forbo recommends a neutral cleaner for Marmoleum, and Floor Factors recommends a mild dishwashing soap or a neutral-pH linoleum cleaner. | Product type | Use on linoleum? | Why | Neutral-pH floor cleaner | Yes, first choice | Forbo recommends a neutral cleaner for regular cleaning and for machine scrubbing | High-pH cleaners, ammonia, soda | No | Forbo says high-pH chemicals can cause permanent damage and that highly alkaline products such as ammonia and soda should not be used on stains | Bleach | No | Floor Factors says linoleum is sensitive to chemical cleaners such as bleach and ammonia | Abrasive powders and cleansers | No | Forbo says abrasive powders or cleansers should not be used | Scouring pads and stiff brushes | No | Floor Factors says to avoid them to prevent scratching; a soft nylon brush or non-abrasive sponge is acceptable for stuck-on dirt Where the flooring manufacturer names a maintenance product, follow that. ## What Damages Linoleum Floors? High-pH chemicals, abrasive tools and standing water cause most linoleum problems. Each can change the surface, break down the finish or push moisture under the sheet. - **High-pH products.** Forbo says the improper use of high-pH maintenance products may damage resilient flooring. - **Too much water.** Floor Factors says linoleum should be kept dry, and that water left on the floor can cause the material to loosen or warp. - **Aggressive pads.** Forbo says brown, black or enhanced-abrasion pads such as diamond pads should not be used for normal cleaning, because they can change the appearance, surface structure and slip resistance. - **Poor rinsing.** Forbo says frequent treatment or inadequate rinsing may cause cracking, shrinking or discoloration on resilient floors. - **Solvents.** Forbo says strong solvents such as acetone can be harmful to people and to the floor. Forbo also says entrance matting removes dirt before it reaches the floor. It cites that as much as 80% of dirt entering a building is brought in on foot, so matting at doors reduces how often the floor needs machine work. ## How Do You Remove Scuffs and Stains From Linoleum? Remove stains as soon as they are found, starting with the gentlest method. Forbo says most stains can be removed with a dry paper towel, then water, then detergent, then white spirit or alcohol, in that order. | Mark | Forbo's removal method | Chocolate, grease, egg, coffee, juice | Neutral floor cleaner in lukewarm water | Bitumen, oil, rubber, soot | Cleaners' white spirits | Chewing gum | Cool with cold spray or ice cubes, then scrape For dark shoe-sole marks, Floor Factors suggests a magic eraser or a pencil eraser, and says scratches can be buffed out with a nylon brush using circular motions. Forbo says spray or dry buffing helps remove black marks and repair scratches when done with a clean pad. ## Which Machines and Pads Work on Linoleum? An auto scrubber suits large corridors, a hand-held scrubber suits restrooms and tight corners, and a floor machine suits mid-size rooms. Because moisture is the risk, a scrubber that recovers its solution in the same pass keeps the floor from staying wet. | Floor size or task | Machine | Notes | Restrooms, tight corners, spot work | [Dapper Supply DP-HFS1240](/products/dapper-supply-hand-held-floor-scrubber-machine-17-brush-17-5-squeegee-1-2-gal-tank-dp-hfs1240) | 17 in brush and 17.5 in squeegee, so it scrubs and recovers in confined spaces | Small offices, classrooms, clinics | [Dapper Supply DP-WPFS1204](/products/dapper-supply-mini-automatic-floor-scrubber-machine-15-brush-17-squeegee-dp-wpfs1204) | 15 in brush and 17 in squeegee | Larger corridors and open areas | [Dapper Supply DP-WBFS1218](/products/dapper-supply-walk-behind-floor-scrubber-machine-20-brush-31-5-squeegee-dp-wbfs1218) | 20 in brush and 31.5 in squeegee. [How to size a commercial floor scrubber](/blogs/equipment-guides/best-commercial-floor-scrubber) | Mid-size rooms | [Floor machine](/collections/floor-machines) such as the [Mercury Cleanmaster TS-19](/products/mercury-cleanmaster-dual-speed-floor-machine-19-apron-175-300-rpm-1-5-hp-d-c-rectified-model-ts-19) | 19 in apron, dual-speed 175/300 RPM, which sits inside Forbo's 150 to 300 RPM range. Pair with a wet vacuum for pickup. See [how to use a floor buffer](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-use-a-floor-buffer). Forbo's guidance for machine cleaning Marmoleum is specific: use a scrubber dryer or a rotary machine at 150 to 300 RPM with a red pad (3M 5000 or equivalent), pick up the dirty water, rinse with clean water and let the floor dry. Blue or green pads are not required for normal cleaning. Check your own flooring maker's sheet, because other products may differ. Pads are in [floor pads and drivers](/collections/floor-pads-drivers), brushes in [machine brushes](/collections/machine-brushes), and pickup tools in [commercial vacuums](/collections/commercial-vacuums). For the full operating routine, see [how to use a floor scrubber](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-use-a-floor-scrubber). ## Are Linoleum Floors Slippery When Wet? Any floor can be, especially with cleaner residue or water on the surface. Forbo says aggressive pads can change a floor's slip resistance, and entrance systems reduce moisture and slip risk. OSHA requires workroom floors to be kept clean and, to the extent feasible, dry ([29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.22)). The National Floor Safety Institute publishes wet-traction resources ([NFSI](https://nfsi.org/)). If a clean floor still feels slick, ask the manufacturer or a floor-safety specialist about traction testing. ## Frequently Asked Questions ## What is the best way to clean linoleum floors? Sweep or vacuum, damp-mop with a neutral-pH floor cleaner, rinse with clean water and dry the floor. Avoid high-pH products, abrasive tools and standing water. ## Can you use vinegar on linoleum? Many consumer guides suggest diluted vinegar, but linoleum makers recommend a neutral cleaner. Forbo recommends neutral products and Floor Factors recommends a mild soap or neutral-pH linoleum cleaner, so a commercial floor should follow the manufacturer's instruction. ## Can you steam clean linoleum floors? Neither Forbo nor Floor Factors recommends steam in the sources used here, and Floor Factors says linoleum should be kept dry. Ask the flooring manufacturer before using steam. ## Can you use a floor scrubber on linoleum? Forbo says a scrubber dryer or a rotary machine at 150 to 300 RPM with a red pad is suitable for Marmoleum. Use a neutral cleaner, recover the water and avoid brown, black or diamond pads. ## Can you use bleach or ammonia on linoleum? No. Floor Factors says linoleum is sensitive to chemical cleaners such as bleach and ammonia, and Forbo says highly alkaline products such as ammonia should not be used. ## Related Guides - [How to Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors: A Commercial Guide to Cleaners, Grout and Machines](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-ceramic-tile-floors) - [How to Strip and Wax a Floor](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-strip-and-wax-a-floor) - [How to Use a Floor Buffer](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-use-a-floor-buffer) - [How to Use a Floor Scrubber: Step-by-Step Auto Scrubber Guide](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-use-a-floor-scrubber) - [Best Commercial Floor Scrubber: How to Pick One for Your Facility](/blogs/equipment-guides/best-commercial-floor-scrubber) [Shop Floor Scrubbers](/collections/floor-scrubbers) [Shop Floor Cleaner No.61](/products/floor-cleaner-janitori-no-61)