How To Clean Anything

This question was submitted from Malanuk.

“I have blue dye on my new linoleum floor from a paper bag. What can I use to get it out?”

This is a tough one, we have had success and failure with this problem. Linoleum is, unfortunately, not very resilient (translation…stains easy).

Try these techniques :

I would use a general purpose solvent or even rubbing alcohol, which is usually recommended to remove ink.

If it doesn’t wipe off, you may have to use a medium aggressive scrubbing pad (green).

Either way, using a strong chemical and scrubbing you will have to apply a wax to the floor to protect at least the area you cleaned. Remember always test a small area first before using a chemical or technique you have not used before on the surface you are cleaning.

This question was submitted from Bethany G.

“How can I remove candle wax stain from a linoleum floor ? ”

Try these techniques :

I would hope that you have first tried to remove as much of the residual wax as possible with a scraper or putty knife. If a stain remains after you have scrapped the area, it’s usually an indication that the offending material has penetrated into the residual wax finish. Worse yet, there is a chance that the stain has traveled through into floor covering or linoleum.

There are cases where I have found problems dealing with issues such as this. Where the floor material is battleship linoleum, and has very little sealer or wax on the area where the stain occurred. Often the stain will travel so far into the linoleum it leaches down to the sub floor and becomes permanent.

The only way I can see you removing the stain at this point, is to thoroughly strip the floor with a good quality wax stripper. Your best chance of finding a high quality product is at a janitorial supply, as the products they sell are used by professionals. You can often get support in resolving your cleaning problems, as well as directions on the proper use of product. Its important to follow the directions on the product you choose, and to ensure that the area is immersed with the stripping solution and allowed time to dissolve the offending stain.

Some agitation with a scrub brush, synthetic pad or very fine steel wool is usually required along with the stripping solution to penetrate the wax layers and build up. There are also products available that require very little agitation. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously over the stained area, as you can wear away the top layer or factory finish of the flooring material. This will leave you with an area that is off coloured from the remainder of the floor, and be just as unsightly as the original stain.

Tools & Technique :
Often found in bathrooms, change rooms and around pools, ceramic tiles are glazed and non-absorbent. Any staining is on the surface and can be removed by the appropriate cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glaze. Also use highly acid cleaners sparingly and limit contact time.

Grouting between ceramic tiles is more difficult to maintain. Some grouting is treated with a clear silicone seal, which greatly reduces its ability to absorb stains. Untreated grouting needs to be cleaned often to prevent dirt build-up and discoloration. Often you will need a stronger cleaner and a grout brush for more thorough cleaning.

General Information :
Bare concrete floors are actually very porous. Oil, grease and dirt will permanently stain concrete if not cleaned off soon enough.

Tools & Technique :
Heavy duty degreaser/cleaners will generally do a good job keeping up the concretes appearance. Use according to directions.

Try to give the chemical time to work scrubbing may be necessary. Rinse off with water.
Sealed concrete must be treated more carefully. Harsh cleaners such as T.S.P. can damage the seal. Try a milder cleaner to start. Since the floor is sealed it will clean-up much easier than bare concrete.
Try to avoid messy clean-ups by putting cardboard under a oil-drip or lawnmower. Frequent sweeping gets rid of surface dirt before it has a chance to grind into the concrete.

Specialized Tools & Chemicals :
When possible pressure washing is an effective cleaning method for concrete. Be careful on older concrete too much pressure can break it apart.

General Info:
In most cases cork floor should be sealed in which case using a neutral chemical and washing should be fine however if the cork is not sealed it becomes more challenging. Cork should not be exposed to large amounts of water. Rather if it is not sealed you should use a dry method such as a foam rubber sponge which is like a large eraser without the pumice which are in pink erasers.

The dry sponge or foam rubber sponges are available at any janitorial supply store or hardware or paint stores. Common sponges should not be used. Since cork is so porous be sure absorb as much as possible with a good absorbent towel almost treat it like you would removing a carpet stain, by blotting and absorbing rather than scrubbing. Using stronger chemicals like bleach etc. will damage the cork

This question was submitted from Phil S.

“How do I remove dried paint from linoleum flooring?”

Dried paint can very difficult. You will need to use a stronger solvent.

Try these techniques :

First, try using a neutral cleaner and saturate the paint. Then using either your fingernail or a plastic scraper (so you will not damage the linoleum) try to remove the paint.

If this doesn’t work, you will have to use a general purpose solvent or a solvent like rubbing alcohol. The problem with using solvents is that they may effect the floor so be sure to apply the solvent to a cleaning rag first, and then try to remove the paint as best you can.

Be sure to always test a small area first when using a chemical or technique which you have not used before on the surface you are working on.

This question was submitted from Kirsten M.

“I just moved into a new apartment with a vinyl tile kitchen floor. The tile appears to be older than I thought and in some spots it’s very dull and has lost its gloss. Is there any way to clean the tiles and give them back some of their texture and shine?”

Vinyl tile which looks dull are usually low on wax or finish.

Try these techniques :

Give the floor a good cleaning with a strong ammonia based cleaner. Bbe sure you scrub the floor evenly and rinse with clean water until there are no soap suds in the mop water. You want to be sure that there are no traces of soap residue.

Next buy a floor wax or sealer, either from local hardware store or janitorial supply store. (You will have better results with a commercial product and they cost not much more than what you would pay in a grocery store for far inferior products).

Then apply a fresh coat of wax to the floor. Apply at least 2 coats – the second coat should be applied at a 45 degree angle to the first coat for full coverage of the floor with no spots missed.

If you want the floor to shine even brighter add a couple of thin top coats and your vinyl floor will shine like new.