Many people use the word "vinyl" for both vinyl and linoleum flooring, but they are not the same material. That matters because cleaning products that are fine for one can damage the other over time.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for homeowners, schools, and facilities teams that need to maintain existing resilient floors and are unsure what products are safe.
Tools and products you'll need
- Soft broom or vacuum (hard-floor mode).
- Microfibre mop.
- pH-neutral floor cleaner.
- Separate clean-water rinse bucket.
- Soft nylon brush for textured sections.
If you are unsure what floor you have, check installation records or ask your supplier before using strong chemicals.
Step-by-step cleaning: what changes by floor type
- Identify the floor first. Linoleum is natural (linseed oil-based), vinyl is synthetic PVC.
- Dry clean both the same way. Remove grit before wet cleaning.
- Use neutral cleaner for routine care. This is safe for both in most cases.
- Adjust chemistry carefully. Linoleum is more sensitive to high-alkaline cleaners.
- Rinse when needed. Residue causes dullness and attracts dirt on both surfaces.
- Protect finish in heavy traffic zones. Linoleum may need periodic polish/seal maintenance depending on product spec.
Pro tip
When trialing a new cleaner, test in a hidden corner and review after 24 hours. If you see whitening, tackiness, or dullness, stop immediately.
Products to avoid
On linoleum
- Strong alkaline degreasers.
- Solvent-heavy strippers without manufacturer approval.
- Prolonged exposure to very wet mopping.
On vinyl
- Abrasive powders and scouring pads.
- Excessive wax layering on floors not designed for polish.
- Undiluted bleach for routine cleaning.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Mistaking surface dullness for wear: Often product buildup, not permanent damage.
- Using one "strong" cleaner for every floor: Increases risk of finish damage.
- Skipping rinse cycle: Leaves sticky film, especially in warm/high-traffic spaces.
If the floor stays dull after neutral cleaning, schedule a professional strip-and- recoat assessment based on manufacturer spec.
Suggested maintenance schedule
- Daily: Dust control in entries and busy pathways.
- Weekly: Full damp mop with neutral cleaner.
- Monthly: Edge and corner detail clean.
- Quarterly: Review finish condition and slip performance.
- As needed: Professional restorative maintenance.
When to call a professional
Bring in a specialist when:
- You are unsure whether the floor is linoleum or vinyl.
- Finish is uneven, sticky, or patchy after repeated cleaning.
- You need to recover appearance in a large commercial area.
Correct product selection at this stage can prevent expensive premature replacement.