Linoleum floors — or any flooring designated as “no wax” may suffer from a waxy buildup after using products like Mop & Glo, which can be designed to give floors a shine. Remove that dull residue by adding white vinegar or baking soda to water, then mopping and rinsing the floor.
Vinegar Solution
Mix one cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water in a bucket. Mop the floor with the vinegar solution. If you do not care for the scent of vinegar, open the windows or mop the floor a second time using plain water. Vinegar’s scent dissipates quickly, even if you do not rinse it off. If the floor still appears somewhat waxy, mop it a moment using the vinegar solution.
Baking Soda Blend
Instead of vinegar, mixture 1/2 cup of baking soda to a gallon of warm water, stirring until the baking soda dissolves somewhat. Fill a second bucket with cool water. Mop the floor using the baking soda mixture; afterward, using a second mop, go over the floor again with plain water. If you just have one mop, rinse it out after using the baking soda solution on the floor; then mop the ground with new water.
Ammonia Alternative
If vinegar or baking soda doesn’t remove all of the wax accumulation, an ammonia solution paired with a fantastic scrubbing might. Mix two cups of ammonia at a gallon of warm water; then mop the solution above the floor or use a soft cloth to apply the liquid to the linoleum. Wait five minutes or so, and scrub the floor with a nylon scrub pad or scrub sponge. Mop the floor again with clean water afterwards. Test the ammonia mixture in an inconspicuous area first before applying it to the whole floor to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the linoleum.
Removing Thick Buildup
If thick buildup remains in a few select locations, remove the waxy material using the bowl of a plastic spoon or the border of a plastic knife. A plastic paint scraper or kitchen scraper, like the type designed for removing buildup from a tabletop sandwich press, might also be used. Afterwards, wipe the area down with a paper towel or soft cloth soaked in white vinegar to remove remaining buildup.