How to clean linoleum

Pixie5740

I've just moved into a new home and the communal stairwell has linoleum flooring....I think.

I've never had linoleum flooring before and I have no idea how to clean it. It's absolutely filthy and since I am responsible for the flooring outside my flat I would like to clean it.

Does anyone have any hints, tips or suggestions on what cleaning materials I should use?

pollypenny

Flash, mop, bucket with plenty of hot water.

It's not rocket science.

Pixie5740

Thank you for that suggestion. However, that's not cutting it. There's some really ground in dirt that just won't shift. I doubt the floors have been cleaned for years.

Someone did suggest I use white spirits but I'm not sure if that would damage the linoleum.

Marktheshark

Damp mop the floor, sprinkle mix household washing powder in to a strong solution with (a cup to a 4 pints of water) pour it direct on the floor and mop it in and leave it a good 5 minutes.
Mop it up.
Rinse floor
Then wet the floor again and apply neat washing up liquid to the floor and mop around in to a decent froth.
Rinse the floor and mop with clean hot water.
Two products in two stages that will remove 95% of dirt.

Do not and never mix cleaning products.

Pixie5740

Thank you. I will give that a go at the weekend and see how I get on. I think the stairwell will look much nicer when it's all bonnie and clean.

maninthestreet

Try using a scrubbing brush, though that requires far more effort.

Pixie5740

It's pretty ingrained so perhaps a scrubbing brush would be better.

My cleaner has just gone on maternity leave. It's only been a week and I'm already starting to feel like Cinderella. These hands have never done a hard days work in their lives but I guess that's what rubber gloves are for.