How Well Do You Know Linoleum?

Let’s talk linoleum. This flooring has certainly had its ups and downs in the last few decades, but recently it has been making a huge comeback. We think now is a good time to look at some of the lesser-known facts about linoleum, and how you should care for this type of flooring.

Fact: Although linoleum can be found just about everywhere, most people don’t know much about it.

Fact: Linoleum contains 97% natural materials (linseed oil, jute, wood powder, etc.), and does a great job of keeping up with new trends.

Fact: Linoleum has around for more than 150 years. It’s known for its quality, flexibility and remarkable solidity.

Fact: Consumers are currently going crazy over linoleum. Why? It’s not only durable, but it has a small environmental footprint.

So how exactly do you care for linoleum floors?

You can find all sorts of advice and home remedies on the Internet on how to clean and maintain linoleum floors. Some involve recipes containing egg yolks, bleach, ammonia, lemon, white vinegar, baking soda, salt, turpentine, mustard, flour, eraser or even acetone. So which one is best? Here are a few simple tips for properly caring for linoleum floors.

Tips

• First, rather than concocting your own homemade recipe with products that could damage your floor, trust the experts and use products that have been specifically designed for linoleum.
• For daily cleaning, dislodge dry dirt with a dust mop or vacuum. You can also use a scraper to gently remove stuck-on debris such as labels or chewing gum (just be careful not to scratch the surface of the floor).
• Avoid washing linoleum with too much water and never let liquid pool on the floor for a prolonged period of time. It could seep under the linoleum and lead to mould and unpleasant odours.
• From a green perspective, use non-abrasive pH neutral cleaning products that are specially formulated for linoleum. When in doubt, consult the professionals.

In short, with the right cleaning practices, maintaining a linoleum floor is easy. Protecting it from inclement weather will also preserve its appearance and prolong its lifespan