Disgusting Vinyl flooring HELP

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My mil doesn't clean. She tidies areas but almost never properly cleans (she has a farm and will muck out animals happily but won't do the same for herself). She's just got out of hospital and will need caring for but I cannot be stuck in that nasty house for long. I was in last week giving it a good scrub but the whole kitchen has a thick layer of dust and grease. She fries food in there, has a smelly dog and smokes in it so every surface is tacky and brown from the floor to the bread bin. It took all day but I managed to get the surfaces, oven, tiles and cupboards done but the floor is sticky and thick with years of dirt. She doesn't own a mop and bucket so I'll be buying one tomorrow but how on Earth do I tackle the vinyl flooring? I don't want to break my back scrubbing especially as I'll need to be looking after her. What if your foolproof degreaser floor cleaner? Bleach won't cut it I'm afraid. It's well beyond that now..

Maybe try sugar soap and a stiff broom? You get sugar soap from B&Q for washing down walls and degreasing before redecorating. You need to rinse after use though and despite the friendly sounding name, it's harsh on the skin so wear gloves.

You could also try a solution of dishwasher tablets or bio laundry detergent.

I fear the grime layer may need elbow grease though. Old fashioned cream cleanser and washing up liquid can work really well if you do end up scrubbing. I do think broom rather than mop though. You need something to get down into the grime and break it up. Good luck.

There is a cleaner called elbow grease that is a fantastic degreaser - you get it in all the cheap shops. Spray on the floor then use one of those cheap, soft brooms to give it a scrub. Mop with clean hot water to remove the elbow grease along with all the muck......should bring it up really well for the least amount of effort. Good luck!

Washing soda

I was going to say sugar soap too. Sounds grim.

Urgh - this is really good of you and I hope she appreciates it.

You can get scrubbing brushes with a long handle - might be easier than kneeling, but do take a kneeling pad with you just in case. Sugar soap is absolutely the best thing for getting rid of grease and nicotine.

Would be handing the job to dh. Its his dm!!

Alas @Aprilshowersarecomingsoon he's working full time and is highly allergic to

Sorry, accidentally posted.
He's highly allergic to the dog, farm animals and dust. I'm surprised he survived childhood. He had terrible asthma until he moved out and then realised it's not his asthma that was the issue but the fact that it was triggered by his home. He only uses his inhaler after mil has visited us here, he almost never goes home.

Try Deepio, it is a catering degreaser and quite magic. You might be able to scrounge a cup full from your local pub, or get them to buy a box for the wholesaler. Use gloves!