Keeping linoleum floors clean sounds easy until you realize not every cleaner plays nice with them. Some make the surface look cloudy, others leave it sticky, and a few can even damage the protective layer.

Since linoleum is made from natural materials, it needs a little extra care.

The good news? You don’t need fancy products to keep it looking great. A few reliable cleaners (some you can even make at home) can handle the job beautifully.

In this post, I’ll show you eight tried-and-true good linoleum floor cleaners - a mix of simple DIY options and store-bought favorites.

#1 Vinegar + Water

One of the best (and cheapest) linoleum floor cleaners is vinegar mixed with water.

You probably have both ingredients at home already, and they’re perfect for keeping your linoleum floors looking their best. It cuts through grime, deodorizes, and gives the surface a nice natural glow.

All you need is one part white vinegar to three parts warm water.

You can add a few drops of mild dish soap if you like.

The key is not to overdo the vinegar part - it’s slightly acidic, so too much can dull the surface over time.

Dip your mop, wring it out well (like really well), and go over the floor in sections. Once you’re done, rinse with plain water and dry it with a clean towel or a dry mop.

Also Read: Can You Use A Steam Mop On Laminate Floors?

The result? A clean floor that smells fresh without a chemical smell.

#2 Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning.

If you’ve got stubborn stains or scuff marks, a baking soda paste is your friend. To make it, just mix a little water with baking soda until it forms a thick paste. Then, apply it directly to the stained areas on your linoleum floors.

Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, and then scrub with a soft brush or cloth. You’ll be amazed at how well it lifts stains without damaging the floor’s finish.

Plus, baking soda is non-toxic, so it's totally safe for your home.

You can also use this for spot cleaning if you have high-traffic areas that need extra attention.

#3 Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner

If you’re looking for a more specialized cleaner, Bona is a solid option.

This cleaner is designed specifically for hard floors like linoleum, tile, and laminate. It’s great at cutting through dirt and grime while being gentle on the floor’s surface.

Plus, it dries quickly without leaving any sticky residue behind.

Bona is also non-toxic and eco-friendly, which is always a plus. It comes in both a spray and a refillable bottle, making it easy to use. The scent is light and clean, and not overpowering either.

Whether you need to quickly spritz and wipe or mop a larger area, it’s super convenient and does a fantastic job without all the harsh chemicals.

Also Read: Swiffer Wet On Hardwood Floors

#4 Pine-Sol

If you love that classic, fresh, clean scent, Pine-Sol is a great linoleum floor cleaner.

This cleaner has been around forever, and for good reason. It’s strong, cuts through grease and grime, and leaves a crisp, pleasant smell that lingers for hours.

Pine-Sol works well on linoleum because it’s not too harsh and won’t strip away the protective layer of your floors.

Just dilute it with water (about ¼ cup per gallon) and mop away. It’ll clean your floors without being overly harsh on them, and it’s a great option for both heavy-duty cleaning and regular maintenance.

But a quick note: make sure to rinse your floor after mopping to prevent any residue build-up.

#5 Dish Soap + Warm Water (For Regular Mopping)

Sometimes, the simplest option is the best.

A few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water can handle most day-to-day cleaning. It’s gentle, cheap, and gets rid of dirt and sticky spots easily.

This combo is great for weekly cleaning sessions.

Mop as usual, rinse with clean water afterward, and dry the floor quickly to avoid streaks.

Make sure you’re using mild dish soap, not anything “heavy-duty” or antibacterial, since those can be too strong.

The best part is that it doesn’t leave a residue, so your floor stays smooth instead of tacky. If you’re into minimalist cleaning, this one’s your go-to.

#6 Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner

If you like eco-friendly cleaning, this one’s right up your alley.

Better Life’s cleaner is plant-based, biodegradable, and totally non-toxic with no artificial fragrances, dyes, or weird chemicals. It’s safe for kids, pets, and your floors.

Plus, it’s gentle enough for regular use, making it perfect for busy households.

You just squirt or spray it directly on the surface, then mop. No rinsing needed. The scent is light and natural - more “fresh lemon” than “chemical lemon.”

Even though it’s gentle, it’s strong enough to handle greasy kitchen spots or muddy footprints. It’s basically guilt-free cleaning in a bottle.

#7 Armstrong Once ‘n Done Floor Cleaner

If you want a no-fuss, one-step solution, Armstrong Once ‘n Done is a great choice.

This cleaner is designed for linoleum and vinyl floors, and it’s as easy as it sounds. You don’t need to mix it with anything, just pour it directly on the floor, mop, and you’re done.

It’s also a great option for tough stains and heavy cleaning.

The formula breaks down grime without leaving any residue behind, and your floors will dry fast. No need to worry about rinsing or anything like that.

Plus, it’s gentle enough for regular use, so you don’t have to switch cleaners all the time..

It’s ideal for anyone who wants an easy, professional-level clean without extra steps.

#8 Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner

Last but certainly not least, we’ve got Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner.

If your linoleum floor looks a little tired, Rejuvenate might just bring it back to life. It’s formulated for all kinds of sealed floors, including linoleum, and helps restore shine without making the surface slippery.

Spray it, mop it, and let it dry - it’s that simple. It doesn’t need rinsing and works fast. It’s also a good prep step before using any kind of polish or sealant.

Basically, it’s a “refresh button” for dull-looking floors.

The clean scent and no-streak finish make it feel like you’ve done way more cleaning than you actually did.

Bottom Line

Linoleum floors might not be the most high-maintenance surface out there, but they do have their quirks. The right cleaner makes all the difference between a dull, worn look and that fresh, clean glow everyone loves.

If you like DIY, go for the vinegar-water mix, baking soda paste, or simple dish soap combo. They’re cheap, safe, and surprisingly effective.

If you prefer store-bought, Bona, Armstrong, Rejuvenate, or Better Life are all safe bets. Pine-Sol also earns a place on the list for its classic power, as long as it’s diluted right.

Be gentle, use minimal water, and avoid anything too harsh.

Linoleum might be vintage at heart, but with the right care, it can look modern, clean, and charming for decades.

8 Good Linoleum Floor Cleaners