How to Clean Linoleum Floors Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks

July 07, 2025 / Dreame Editorial Team

Linoleum flooring is making a comeback, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and surprisingly durable. But how do you keep it looking clean and fresh? That takes the right approach.

Learning how to clean linoleum floors the right way can protect their finish, extend their lifespan, and help them shine like they were just installed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the tools, tricks, and routines that make it easy to keep your floors spotless, even if you’re dealing with stubborn stains or ground-in dirt.

Woman using Dreame cordless wet/dry vacuum to clean linoleum floor

What Is Linoleum Flooring?

Linoleum is a natural floor covering made from renewable materials like linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. Unlike vinyl, which is synthetic, linoleum is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. It comes in a range of styles, from muted neutrals to bold patterns, and is commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

There are two common types:

Sheet linoleum: Seamless and moisture-resistant
Tile linoleum: Easier to install and replace

Dining room with linoleum flooring with geometric patterns

Because of its porous, organic makeup, linoleum needs gentle care. Using the wrong cleaner or too much water can warp or damage the surface over time. That’s why choosing the right method and the right tools matters.

What to Clean Linoleum Floors With

Before diving into cleaning methods, let’s talk tools. Different cleaning tasks call for different tools. Here's a quick breakdown:

Cleaning Task	Best Tools	Dreame Recommendation
Daily dust/hair removal	Soft broom, microfiber mop, robot vacuum	Dreame L10s Ultra: Hands-free robot vacuum and mop combo with precision mapping and automatic dirt disposal. Perfect for daily maintenance.
Weekly mopping	Damp microfiber mop, gentle floor cleaner	Dreame H14 Pro: Lightweight wet and dry vacuum that scrubs, vacuums, and dries in one go, without leaving streaks.
Deep cleaning	Soft-bristle scrub brush, mild pH-neutral floor cleaner, baking soda for spot treatment	Dreame H14 Pro: Its powerful suction and intelligent water control make it ideal for tackling built-up grime or greasy residue.

How to Deep Clean Linoleum Floors

Over time, linoleum can trap ground-in dirt, develop yellow stains, or collect greasy buildup. Here’s how to deep clean linoleum floors effectively:

Step 1: Clear the Area

Remove rugs and furniture so you have a clean workspace.

Step 2: Vacuum or Sweep Thoroughly

Start by clearing away loose dirt, dust, and crumbs. If you're short on time, set your robot vacuum, like the Dreame L20 Ultra, to do the work while you focus on other tasks. If you need a quick and efficient cleanup, consider a wet and dry vacuum or a cordless stick model. These options offer precise spot cleaning and strong suction where it matters most.

Lineup of different types of dirt on linoleum floor

Step 3: Apply a Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water with a bit of mild dish soap. Avoid vinegar, especially on older linoleum. Mop the floor lightly, avoiding puddles. The surface should stay just damp and not wet.

Pro-tip The Dreame H14 Pro intelligently adjusts water usage and suction power based on the floor’s dirt level, so you get a deep clean without overwetting. This is perfect for moisture-sensitive linoleum floors.

Step 4: Scrub Problem Spots

For yellowing or grease buildup, apply a baking soda paste and scrub gently with a soft brush. Or use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner with strong suction and a rotating brush to lift stubborn grime.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Use a dry microfiber cloth or a wet and dry vacuum to prevent water damage. Make sure no dirty water is left behind.

wet dty vacuum vs mop comparison in leaving water marks

Regular Cleaning Routine (Easy Way to Clean Linoleum Floors)

The best way to keep linoleum looking fresh? Follow this simple routine:

Daily:

Sweep or use a robot vacuum like the Dreame L10s Ultra to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair. The vacuum’s built-in camera avoids cords, furniture, and rugs, so you don’t have to babysit it.

Weekly:

Lightly mop with a gentle cleaner or use the H14 Pro, which automatically senses dirt and adjusts suction and water flow to match. It’s perfect for fast refreshes that don’t soak your floors.

Monthly:

Deep clean with wet dry vacuum or supplement with the Dreame Z30 Cordless Stick Vacuum for edge-to-edge dust pickup before mopping. Its high suction power and precision cleaning attachments are ideal for getting into corners and around furniture.

Dreame Take Consistency is key. Combining robot vacuuming with occasional manual mopping keeps linoleum looking spotless without wearing yourself out.

Woman using Dreame wet/dry vacuum with powerful suction to clean linoleum floor

How to Clean Stains and Sticky Linoleum Floors

Life happens—grease spills, scuff marks, sticky juice spots, and even mold can show up. Here’s how to handle them:

Grease

Sprinkle baking soda over the greasy area, then mop with warm soapy water. Or let the H14 Pro take care of it. Its edge-cleaning design gets right up against cabinets and baseboards, gently lifting grease with automatic suction adjustments.

Mold

Use a linoleum-safe antimicrobial cleaner or a diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to treat mold stains. Spray, let sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub and wipe clean.

Follow up with the H12 Dual in Auto Mode. Its robust brush head and suction power pick up spores and rinse residue clean.

Scuff Marks

Gently rub marks with a melamine sponge. For embedded dust, grab the Dreame Z30 Cordless Stick Vacuum. Its powerful suction and smart adaptive mode make quick work of dirt in corners or around furniture legs.

Sticky Spots

Spray with a linoleum-safe floor cleaner and let soak for 5–10 minutes. Then use the a wet and dry vacuum to scrub and vacuum simultaneously. If you use Dreame models like H14 Pro, their intelligent mess detection adjusts power precisely, and the dual water tanks keep dirty and clean water separate.

Robot vacuum preparing to clean a liquid stain on the linoleum floor

For more information on tackling difficult areas, check out the article on “Tricky Spots for Vacuuming.”

Dreame Take From sticky spots to tough stains, the H14 Pro combines strong suction, rotating brushes, and drying in one smooth pass, leaving your linoleum clean, dry, and residue-free.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Linoleum Floors?

The best way to clean linoleum floors combines the right tools and techniques. Here’s a quick summary of what works best:

Use a robot vacuum daily to reduce dust buildup (L10s Ultra or L20 Ultra).
Mop lightly with a gentle cleaner.
Tackle stains with non-abrasive tools.
Avoid bleach, harsh scrubbers, or soaking the floor.

Important The Dreame wet and dry vacuum feature dual water tanks, so you’re never pushing dirty water around.

Person cleaning mess on linoleum floor with wet/dry vacuum

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Place doormats at entrances to reduce dirt.
Use furniture pads to avoid scratching the surface.
Clean spills immediately to prevent staining.
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading (use curtains or blinds).
Reseal older linoleum every 1–2 years for extra protection.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Linoleum Floors

🚫 Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia because they strip the finish.
🚫 Too much water, especially on old or unsealed linoleum; it seeps into seams and warps floors.
🚫 Steam mops: the heat can loosen adhesives over time.
🚫 Abrasive scrubbing tools (steel wool and stiff brushes) because they can scratch or strip the finish.

Dreame Take Stick with smart tools like Dreame’s wet and dry vacuums, which use just the right amount of moisture and adjust based on floor condition. This helps prevent water damage while keeping floors spotless.

FAQs

Q: Can I use vinegar to clean linoleum?

A: Avoid it. Vinegar’s acidity can dull the finish over time.

Q: What’s the best mop for linoleum floors?

A: A microfiber mop, spray mop, or wet and dry vacuum is ideal. Learn more on “How Wet and Dry Vacuums Transform Multi-Surface Cleaning at Home.”

Q: How do I restore shine to old linoleum?

A: Buff with a floor polish designed for linoleum.

Q: Can robot vacuums handle linoleum transitions?

A: Yes! Even the beginner models like Dreame’s D9 Max Gen 2 climb 0.8in (20mm) thresholds with ease.

Q: What should I do if my linoleum starts curling?

A: Dry the area thoroughly (try the wet and dry vacuum in Dry Mode), press small curls flat with adhesive, and consult a pro for major warping.

Homeowner cleaning linoleum floors with versatile wet and dry vacuum

Final Thoughts

Learning how to clean linoleum floors isn’t rocket science, but doing it right makes all the difference. With a little daily care and the right cleaning tools, your floors can stay spotless and stunning year-round.

Stick to gentle cleaners, avoid excess water, and consider smart tools like Dreame’s robot vacuums and mops for effortless maintenance. Your floors deserve it, and so do you!