Regular Cleaning
Taking good care of your linoleum countertop will maintain its resilience and resistance to impact and wear. Regular cleaning should always be done with a clean cloth. Soak it in lukewarm water, wring it out, and gently clean the linoleum. Optionally, a pH-neutral detergent can be used.
Deep Cleaning
For occasional deep cleaning, a 5% solution of a pH-neutral detergent mixed with water is recommended. We advise the following steps:
- Apply the solution onto the surface and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.
- Scrub the surface gently with a soft scrub brush.
- Wipe off the residue, rinse with clean water, and allow the surface to dry.
- Apply a thin maintenance film of undiluted Forbo Monel Linoleum Care.
- Buff vigorously with a new, clean cotton pad or rag.
Linoleum Soap
We recommend a deep cleanse 3-4 times a year with Guardian Linoleum Soap. This cleanser is specially developed to both clean and protect linoleum surfaces. As a natural product, linoleum requires thorough and regular care to maintain its natural properties.
Apply Guardian Linoleum Soap to the entire surface with a soft, lint-free cloth in an even, thin layer, and let it soak for about 5 minutes. It is recommended to treat entire surfaces rather than spot-treating. Then, wash the surface in circular motions with a soft, lint-free cloth wrung out in clean water to create a light foam. Follow by wiping with a soft, lint-free cloth wrung out in clean water, and allow the surface to dry.
Guardian advises shaking the product before use and testing it on a non-visible spot before application.
Wooden Edges
To maintain the wooden edges, clean them with warm water and apply natural wood oil, beeswax (natural oak), or dark wax (smoked oak) from time to time, especially during deep cleaning.
Preventive Measures
We always recommend using trivets for hot pots, pans, trays, and similar items, as linoleum is only moderately heat-resistant. Hot items can leave burn marks and dents on the surface. Trivets should also be used under flowerpots, vases, and similar items, and the surface beneath them should be cleaned regularly. Let the surface dry before placing the items back.
Be mindful to always remove liquids after spillage to avoid stains from forming. Coffee, wine, beetroot, spices, and acidic products, in particular, may leave stains if not removed promptly.
A linoleum countertop should never be treated with products containing abrasive substances, macro-abrasive sponges, or unsuitable materials such as sandpaper or steel wool. Strongly acidic or alkaline products should also be avoided, as they can stain the surface.
Do not use metal scrapers, iron brushes, or any other metal tools to remove stains, paint, plaster, or other substances from the surface. Try using warm water, linoleum soap and a soft cloth instead.
Bleach, heavily chlorinated products, and peroxides should be avoided as they can degrade the surface.
Refrain from using furniture polishes or wax-based cleaners in general, as these tend to form a sticky layer on the linoleum that attracts and traps dirt.
Do not cover the countertop with foil for extended periods.