Can linoleum be professionally cleaned?
Yes, linoleum can be professionally cleaned. Many pros who offer hard finish floor cleaning have the right tools and pH-neutral solutions to safely restore your floors. This service removes deep-seated dirt and grime, leaving your linoleum looking refreshed without causing damage.
What should I ask before hiring a linoleum floor cleaner?
Good questions to ask during your search for a pro to clean your linoleum floor include:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What's your experience with cleaning and maintaining linoleum floors specifically?
What cleaning methods and products do you use, and are they safe for kids and pets?
How do you calculate the cost, and can you provide a detailed, written estimate?
How long will the cleaning process take from start to finish?
Is there anything I need to do to prepare the area before you arrive?
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee for your work?
What affects the cost of linoleum floor cleaning?
The cost of a professional floor cleaning service varies depending on a range of factors, including:
Floor size: The larger the square footage of your linoleum floor, the more time and cleaning products it will require, which can increase the price.
Condition of the floor: A floor with heavy soil, scuff marks, or deep-set stains will likely need more intensive labor and stronger cleaning agents, adding to the cost.
Type of service: A standard cleaning is the most affordable option. However, a more involved service like stripping old wax and applying a new sealant will cost more.
Labor rates: The cost of labor can vary depending on your location and the experience level of the professionals you hire.
Extra tasks: If you need the cleaners to move heavy furniture or perform minor repairs on scratches and gouges, expect these services to be added to your final bill.
Why should I hire a pro to clean my linoleum floors?
Here's why you might want to skip DIY and hire a pro to clean your floors:
They often use commercial-grade equipment like floor buffers that remove deep-seated dirt much more effectively than a standard mop.
A pro often knows which specific cleaning solutions are safe for linoleum, preventing damage to the floor's protective top layer.
The best pros have experience with various floor types and know the right approach for each, whether it's routine maintenance or a more intensive hard finish floor cleaning.
You'll avoid common DIY mistakes, like using too much water or applying wax unevenly, which can cause lasting damage.
An experienced pro can properly strip old, yellowed wax and apply a fresh sealant to restore your floor's original shine and durability.
What type of maintenance is required for linoleum floors?
Your linoleum floor typically needs regular sweeping and mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner to prevent grit from scratching the surface. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or too much water, as this can cause damage over time. For long-term care, a professional clean can restore its protective layer and shine.
What can you use to clean linoleum floors (and what should you avoid)?
The best option for cleaning linoleum floors is a pH-neutral cleaner, as harsh chemicals like ammonia can damage the floor's surface over time. You can purchase a commercial linoleum cleaner or simply use warm water with a few drops of dish soap. For tougher jobs, you may want to hire a floor cleaning professional.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, ammonia, or solvent-based products, as they can strip the finish and damage the material. If you're unsure which products are safe, a professional service can help you choose the right solution or handle the job for you.