How to Clean Tile, Linoleum, Parquet and Wood Floors
Cleaning Floor and Wall Tiles
Dissolve 1/2 cup (115 grams) shredded coarse soap and 1/2 cup (115 grams) washing soda in 1 gallon (4 liters) hot water. Using a stiff brush, scrub the tiles with the mixture, then rinse and dry. To remove cement from floor tiles, rub well with a little linseed oil on a cloth. Rub glazed tiles with a cut lemon and leave for fifteen minutes, then polish with a soft cloth. To clean discolored tiles, wash with hot water and a little kerosene. Rub the tiles with tailor’s chalk and a damp cloth to remove brown stains. Mix equal parts of linseed oil and turpentine to polish the tiles. This will prevent the glaze from cracking and will also produce a good sheen.
Cleaning Linoleum Flooring
To clean linoleum, wipe it with a clean cloth wrung out in lukewarm water, and dry well. Then rub with a cloth dipped in a little warmed linseed oil to produce a good sheen. To freshen old linoleum, mix 1 qt. (1 liter) fresh milk with 1 qt. (1 liter) turpentine. Rub the mixture onto the floor and polish with a warmed soft cloth. *Never use soap, ammonia or soap powders on linoleum as they cause the surface to crack and the color to fade!
Polish for Parquet Floors
Dissolve 1/4 cup (60 grams) beeswax in 1 cup (1/4 liter) turpentine in a double pan, to make an oily mixture. Coat the floor with linseed oil, then rub on the mixture. Leave for twenty-four hours, then polish hard.
Scrubbing Mixture for Floorboards and Kitchen Tables
Mix together 1 lb. (450 grams) soft soap, 1 lb. (450 grams) fuller’s earth, 1 lb. (450 grams) washing soda, and 2 qts. (2 liters) water in a large pan. Bring to a boil and simmer until there is only half the quantity left. Then cool and store in jars. Apply the mixture to the boards and scrub with a stiff brush and hot water. Always scrub in the direction of the grain of the wood. Then rinse and dry.
Cleaning Stone Floors and Steps
To clean weather stains off stone steps, scour with a stiff brush dipped in hot soapy water mixed with 1 tablespoon kerosene. To remove grease stains, pour a strong solution of washing soda and boiling water onto the steps. Then cover the stains with a paste made of the fuller’s earth and hot water. Leave overnight and rinse. Repeat if necessary. To prevent steps from freezing up in winter, add an aspirin and 1 tablespoon denatured alcohol to the final rinsing water.
