We just moved into a brand-new home. We selected a white linoleum floor. I've been using a certain cleaner and a mop to clean it. Now I've heard it will dull the finish eventually. How do I keep my new floor as white as possible without ruining the finish?

 

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Answer: True linoleum — made of pressed fibers such as ground-up cork and wood dust — hasn't been widely manufactured in the United States since the late 1970s.

Sheet flooring manufactured today is usually made of vinyl, although many people still refer to it as linoleum because this is what sheet flooring was called for nearly a century.

Since your home is brand new, the floor is probably vinyl, which means good news: Most of these new floors are "no-wax'' (a not entirely accurate term) and come with a protective coating.

No-wax floors do shine without waxing, and the gloss layer will keep them looking good for a while. But with time and use, the layer will develop worn or dull areas that need to be coated with a floor finish (not a wax, but a polymer formula) to maintain its shine.

Vinyl floors should be cleaned regularly with a neutral solution (e.g., a little dish detergent in water). Non-neutral solutions can create a buildup over time that can damage the finish. Remember daily sweeping and damp mopping helps keep abrasive soil from scratching the factory finish.

Doormats at entrances will help keep damaging dirt out of the house — and away from your floor.