Monthly Archives: June 2022

What was once the standard and stylish, linoleum flooring installation was as common as a Formica countertop and kitchen table. By the 1950s though, its popularity faded as other flooring came along, like vinyl tiles. Mainly because of cost and secondly because it has been around for over 80 years, everyone was tired of linoleum flooring. 

Installation of this durable, tough, stain-resistant, flooring is making a comeback though. As an anti-microbial and eco-friendly material, it is perfect for homes with kids. If you’re looking for stylish, it comes in as many colors and patterns as other floorings, including a faux-natural that can meet your home’s aesthetic styling. 

If being environmentally friendly is a concern for you, a linoleum flooring installation is a right material for you. It is no-fuss and durable, walking on it is soft and the look is distinctively fresh. It even protects indoor air quality!

There is real linoleum which is made from all-natural materials that include: 

• Ground limestone
• Jute
• Linseed oil
• Pigments
• Powdered cork
• Rosins
• Wood flour

All these natural ingredients create a flooring material that is definitely distinct from the synthetic versions or vinyl flooring. When this flooring is replaced, the old used linoleum can be recycled and used to make new linoleum, a 100% recycled material. That includes the remnants and scraps from the production of the new linoleum flooring installation materials, making it one of the best floorings when you’re looking to minimize your carbon footprint. 

Is linoleum waterproof?

For quick cleaning, linoleum flooring will hold up fine to water, however it is not 100% waterproof. What does that mean? It is water-resistant but it can be damaged when water or any moisture is left on it for long periods of time. 

If you’re going to have linoleum flooring installation in your kitchen, you’ll want to have it sealed annually for protection again possible liquid penetration. Is linoleum good for bathrooms? It isn’t recommended in a bathroom that is used daily. In addition to water from the sink and daily bathing, there is excessive humidity that can build up in a bathroom. This could cause the sheets to curl or the corner of linoleum tiles to lift. 

So, when it comes to Linoleum flooring maintenance, what is the best way to clean your new kitchen linoleum flooring installation? Because you’ll want to keep it green and environmentally friendly, avoid using any harsh synthetic chemicals. Avoid using polymer-based waxes too, they’ll only damage the sheen. 

Simply use a mixture of dish soap, water, and white vinegar to remove any debris, dirt, and dust. Dry dust it daily and use this solution to mop weekly. Deep cleaning can be done annually when you have it resealed after your initial linoleum flooring installation. 

Is linoleum flooring toxic?

Absolutely not! Because it is made of all-natural materials, it is non-toxic, and it does not release any gas-out chemicals into your home. In fact, it improves the air quality! If toxicity is a concern, avoid a vinyl flooring installation.

That popular flooring is easy to install but is dangerous to your health, it isn’t a sustainable material during production. Made from petroleum-based chemicals, it isn’t a renewable material when the flooring is replaced either. 

Can linoleum flooring be painted?

It isn’t recommended.  The surface of a linoleum flooring installation doesn’t accept paint, especially if they are dirty, older, stained, or waxed, the paint can’t bond no matter how well you clean it first. Any dents or holes in the linoleum will be accented by the paint, making them look worse. The best solution is to remove the old unwanted flooring and replace it with a new linoleum flooring installation. 

What about linoleum flooring repair? 

This durable material isn’t indestructible, but fortunately, it is repairable.  If your linoleum flooring installation was in tiles, check the tiles surrounding the damaged one to make sure you’re getting it all repaired. If it is extended damage, it may be better to get a new linoleum flooring installation instead of repairing it. 

• Scratches: A shallow scratch or scrape can be fixed by wiping over it with a dampened soft cloth and then use a hair dryer to soften the area. As it expands, pull the sides of the scratch together. Then use a linoleum repair glue or sealer to cover the damaged area. 
• Tears: Using seam sealer, fill the tear up and then spread a bead on each side of the seam, making sure the sealer stretches from side to side of the tear. Place newspaper over the tear and set a heavy object on top. Let it sit according to the instructions on the sealer. 
• Patches: Sometimes a tear in linoleum flooring needs to be patched, so make sure you keep some extra tiles on hand for this purpose. With a utility knife, cut a little bigger around the damaged area and place the new piece. Lay it over the damaged area, getting it as accurately fit as possible and apply linoleum glue on the flooring under the damaged area and on the backside of the new piece. Cover with newspaper and place a heavy object on top, wait 24 hours before removing.