Cleaning and care of linoleum - worktop and floor

How to clean a linoleum worktop and floor

Linoleum does not tolerate harsh products or large amounts of water. Wipe with a well-wrung cloth or mop and a mild soap without abrasives, and avoid flooding the surface. Wipe dry afterwards so no water is left standing. Linoleum should ideally be cleaned often and gently, as it is daily dirt—not the occasional thorough clean—that wears the surface.

How to care for a linoleum worktop

Linoleum is a natural material that benefits from care that nourishes the surface and leaves a protective, water-repellent layer. First clean the worktop and allow it to dry. Then apply a thin layer of Denwax Care with a cloth and buff afterwards. This enhances the colour, protects against stains, and makes the worktop easier to keep clean. Repeat at regular intervals.

How to maintain a linoleum worktop

Maintaining a linoleum worktop is about preventing damage before it occurs. A linoleum worktop is used every single day, and although the material is hard-wearing, it will slowly dry out if it is only washed. Therefore, treat it with a care application a few times a year—preferably more often if it is in a kitchen where food is prepared every day. You can feel when it is time: a linoleum worktop that needs maintenance feels dry and slightly rough, and the colour appears greyer than usual. If you look after it continuously, linoleum will last for decades, which is one of the reasons the material is still chosen for kitchens and schools.

How to treat linoleum

Treating linoleum means applying a thin protective layer to a clean, completely dry surface. First clean with Denwax Clean and allow the linoleum to dry, as the treatment will not adhere properly to a damp surface. Then spread Denwax Care in a thin layer with a cloth, let it absorb briefly, and buff with a dry cloth until the surface feels smooth and is not tacky. Treating a linoleum worktop takes under ten minutes; a floor takes longer, but the method is the same. If the layer is too thick, it will attract dirt, so it is better to treat often with a little than rarely with a lot.

Which care product is suitable for linoleum?

A care product for linoleum must be able to penetrate a natural material instead of forming a film that later flakes off. Wax-based products are therefore better suited to linoleum than most all-purpose products, which often contain silicone or solvents. Denwax Care is made from natural raw materials and works as a care product for both linoleum worktops and linoleum floors, and because it does not form a coating, you can apply a new layer on top of the old one without first having to remove anything. Avoid care products with chlorine, alcohol, or abrasive particles, no matter how well they may work on other surfaces.

How to remove stains and discolouration on linoleum

Wipe up stains quickly before they soak into the porous surface. For everyday dirt and light discolouration, clean gently with mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid chlorine, alcohol, and scouring agents, which can bleach and dry out the linoleum. Stains on a linoleum worktop should be dealt with immediately, especially those that stain strongly, such as red wine and coffee. If the linoleum has already become discoloured, scrubbing harder rarely helps, as the discolouration is usually within the material rather than on top of it. Instead, clean gently, allow the surface to dry completely, and apply a layer of care product, which often draws the colour back up and makes the mark less visible.

Cleaning and care of linoleum – 100% natural products for linoleum floors and linoleum worktops

Denwax Clean and Denwax Care are our 100% natural products for cleaning and caring for linoleum. Denwax Clean is a gentle cleaner that effectively removes dirt and stains from linoleum floors and linoleum worktops without attacking the surface. Denwax Care is a natural care product that finishes and protects the linoleum surface. Both products are universal and can be used on many other smooth surfaces.

See the linoleum guide below, or learn more about each product by clicking: Denwax Clean and Denwax Care.

Denwax Clean – Cleaning linoleum floors and linoleum worktops

Clean the linoleum surface with Denwax Clean and then make sure to remove all soap residue with a damp, well-wrung cloth. Wipe dry with a dry cloth. For linoleum floors, apply Denwax Clean lightly diluted in water with a wrung-out floor mop—do not use too much water, as linoleum is sensitive to moisture.

Buy Denwax Clean here

Denwax Care – Care for linoleum floors and linoleum worktops

Apply Denwax Care in a very thin layer to a dry, clean linoleum surface and polish with a dry cloth after a couple of minutes. Denwax Care protects the linoleum and preserves its natural appearance.

NOTE: Polish with a dry cloth shortly after application. A layer of Care that is too thick can leave a slight film on the linoleum—apply sparingly and buff thoroughly.

NOTE: Never apply in direct sunlight during the summer months, and ensure that the item is not overheated by the sun.

Buy Denwax Care here