You reach this post with the intention of getting some unique ideas about how to clean your linoleum floor, but you end up learning more about cleaning floors in general and even finding a few tricks on how to make your own linoleum floor cleaner.
You probably have linoleum floors in your house, which need to be cleaned regularly. None of the cleaners that I’ve used over the past few years have worked as well as this one.
No, I’m not talking about any commercial products that claim to clean linoleum floors. This is my own recipe which works great on all types of linoleum floors. I’ve used it on both vinyl and laminate floors too..

Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Directions:
Mix together the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Pour into a spray bottle and use as needed.
I like to keep a small container of this mixture in my kitchen so that I can quickly spray down spills without having to go out to the garage or basement. It’s also handy when I want to clean the bathroom or other areas around the house where there might be a spill.
This mixture will work just fine if you don’t have a sprayer, but it does take a bit longer to mix than using a sprayer. If you do have a sprayer, then you’ll get better results by spraying directly onto the area that needs cleaning.
This homemade linoleum cleaner has been working very well for me for several years now. I hope that you find it useful too!
Is Vinegar Good For Linoleum Floors?
Vinegar is an excellent choice for many things, including cleaning linoleum floors. The reason why is that it contains acetic acid, which is a natural solvent. Acetic acid dissolves grease and grime from most surfaces.
It’s important to note that vinegar should never be applied directly to linoleum floors. Instead, apply it to a soft cloth first. Then wipe away the excess liquid before applying the solution to the floor.
How long should I leave the vinegar on the linoleum floor?
The amount of time that you let the vinegar sit on the floor depends on the type of linoleum that you have. Some linoleum require only a short period of time while others may need a little more time.
If you’re unsure whether your linoleum requires more or less time, you can test it by placing a drop of vinegar on the surface. Wait for a minute or two and see what happens. If the stain doesn’t come off after waiting that long, then you know that your linoleum needs more time.
If you want to speed up the process, you can add 1 tablespoon of dish soap to the vinegar. Dish soap helps break down stains faster.
What About Baking Soda?
Baking soda is another ingredient that you could use to help remove stains from your linoleum floors. In fact, it’s often recommended as part of a multi-step method for removing stubborn stains.
Baking soda is a good alternative to vinegar because it won’t damage your linoleum floor. However, you still need to follow the same instructions above regarding application and waiting times.
You can also combine baking soda with vinegar to create a stronger cleaner. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it. Too much baking soda can cause discoloration to your linoleum.
In a summery, lemon-scented way, this recipe for homemade linoleum cleaner is simple, effective, and inexpensive. You can even make a batch at once and store it in your refrigerator for later use.