How to clean a linoleum floor?

Put mats over worn area. It is old and linoleum was just a printed finish on top of a felt like base, you could end up removing the pattern altogether. otherwise - Paint it

Your word "path" is the clue. Its linoleum, so old that there's a path, but so durable that its still in one piece. I suggest cleaning it one more time, and then 3 coats of polyurethane, semi-gloss. Wait until it is completely dry from the cleaning, maybe do that last thing before bed so it has all night to dry. A small bathroom should get 3 coats from one quart of poly, I recommend Minwax brand. Apply with a brush at the edges to be sure to seal them, ESPECIALLY where the floor meets the tub, use a small roller and tray for the rest. remember this is not furniture, roll it out and walk away, it will flow out to smooth itself. go back 3 hours later to check for dryness. Is there a vent fan? turn it on and close the door when you finish the first coat. No fan? open a window, close the door. After 3 hours you should be able to repeat the process, brush edges first, then roller the rest. Wait 3 more hours, repeat for third coat. If for whatever reason you can't do the 3 applications in one day, do them first thin in the morning on three successive days, but you must LIGHTLY sand the existing coat just to rough up the surface enough for the next coat to get a good bond. 100 grit sandpaper, wrapped around a block of wood to make a grip-able block, just rub lightly , you're looking for loss of gloss on the surface, not sanding dust. If you're producing dust, you're pressing too hard.

Another thought, if you do this in one day, on the 3 hour repeat, you will need something like an old throw rug to kneel on for at least the second and third coats, unless you have knee pads. hands and knees leave prints in the new poly even tho its dry, its not hard. hardening takes time, minimum of 24 hours after third coat. Also, store brush/ roller and tray in a plastic bag between coats to keep stuff from hardening between coats. Get as much air out of the bag as possible, twist it closed and set aside. Any questions,: mhdubow@yahoo.com

There is probably an old wax build up that has collected grime over the years. You need to first remove any wax that remains on the floor. Clean it thoroughly and then apply new wax. Be especially diligent where the floor meets the wall, as this is where most wax really builds up.

I have the same problem. I clean the floor with a Shark Steam Mop but the floor never looks clean.

I would be concerned about the polyurethane on the floor as I am a fall risk and I'm afraid it'd be too slippery. I have no wax on the floor and don't want wax due to my falls. Any more ideas? No $$ for new floor now. Thanks.