Linoleum and tile are popular types of floor for wet areas in the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Since they’re exposed to moisture on a regular basis, you need to be cleaning floors such as these to keep their sparkle. The good news is that these types of floor are durable, and don’t require much maintenance outside of normal cleaning.

Tile Floor Cleaning

Tile floors should be cleaned at least weekly, particularly in bathrooms. When dust, hair and dirt mix with water, it creates grime that settles into the floor and is tough to get out. Prevention is the best solution.

First, sweep the floor using a broom or a vacuum cleaner. Then begin tile floor cleaning with a solution of hot water and a mild household detergent. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove all traces of detergent. (Old detergent can create a sticky residue that attracts more dirt.) For stubborn stains, use a soft brush or scouring pad. Do not use steel wool or metal on these types of floor, as they can scratch tile floors.

When cleaning floors, you may notice that the grout in the tile is especially dirty. If this is the case, scrub it using a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol mixed into a gallon of hot water. A diluted bleach solution can also restore brightness to old or dull grout.

How to Clean Linoleum Floors

Linoleum flooring is an all-natural product created from linseed oil and other natural ingredients. It’s durable and easy to maintain. Regular cleaning is simple–often, a mop and hot water are all that are needed to clean linoleum floors. These types of flooring are susceptible to residue from household cleaners. Use mild dish soap if your floor requires more cleaning than straight hot water can provide. Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners when you clean linoleum floors, since they may discolor the surface.

Once every six months, clean the grooves in the linoleum flooring, using a natural bristle brush and dish soap. Reseal these types of floor once a year using the suggested sealant from the manufacturer. You can also polish the floor with a water-based wax at this time. Before you do so, remove the old wax using a solution of rubbing alcohol and water.

If your linoleum flooring requires a deep cleaning, ventilate the area well and go after stains with ammonia and a nylon brush. After you finish, wipe up the ammonia with a towel and mop the floor with a vinegar/hot water solution.