In its 160-plus years of existence, linoleum has come in and out of fashion several times. Most recently, it went from being ripped out of kitchens in home renovation programs in the late 20th century to coming back into favor in the last few years as a natural, biodegradable flooring option. While linoleum floors are durable and long-lasting, they do require some maintenance—otherwise, they can start to look dull, dull, and constantly dirty, and intricate patterns can fade.

But depending on the age of your linoleum floor, the room it's installed in, where you live, and how it's been maintained over the years, it's often possible to restore its shine and luster.

If you’ve tried washing your linoleum floors and can’t seem to get them to look truly clean, you’re not alone. You’re probably dealing with layers of film and ingrained dirt on your floor that need a thorough cleaning.

As a real estate professional specializing in remodeling, Jim Gray of Agent Advice has completed dozens of home renovation projects over the years and has seen his fair share of linoleum floors that needed restoring. “These floors can take a beating from daily wear and tear and quickly start to look dull and worn,” he says. “The culprit is usually just a buildup of dirt and grime from years of traffic.”