Linoleum Flooring Care
In recent years, more and more people have opted for linoleum floors for their home and business renovations. Eco-friendly linoleum is made from natural materials including wood flour, cork dust, resins, linseed oil, and mineral fillers, but that’s not the only appeal. Linoleum is naturally water-resistant and a great choice for the homes in the rainy Northwest.
Linoleum flooring lasts longer than many other floor covering products and is notably sturdy and quiet underfoot. Linoleum floors from Floor Factors are easy to install and come in an endless range of colors, styles, and patterns with the option of sheets, tiles, or planks.
It’s clear why linoleum is such a popular flooring choice for residential and commercial spaces. The most alluring benefit, however, may be the simple care and maintenance required for linoleum. While most linoleum manufacturers offer 25-year warranties, linoleum floors can last for up to 40 years if they are properly maintained.
How to Maintain Linoleum Floors
If you’re wondering how to maintain linoleum floors, you may be pleasantly surprised by how low-maintenance they are. Linoleum flooring is made up of natural and durable raw materials that hold up under heavy traffic. While other types of flooring can be easily scratched and scuffed, the protective top layer of linoleum repels this type of damage. With proper care and maintenance, your linoleum floors will look good and remain strong for decades.
To protect your linoleum flooring, it’s a good idea to apply adhesive felt pads to the bottom of furniture. In addition, you can reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked on your floors by placing mats both inside and outside of entrances and sweeping regularly. If your floors do incur scratches over time, they can be buffed off with a nylon brush. Gently buff the scratched area using circular motions. This method can also be used to remove burns from linoleum flooring. Although linoleum repels scuffs, some dark shoe soles may leave marks. If this happens, we recommend using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or an actual pencil eraser to rub off the scuffs.
Keep Your Linoleum Floors Dry
Linoleum floors are sensitive to moisture and should be kept dry to prevent damage. If water or other liquids are not promptly wiped up from linoleum, the material can loosen or become warped.
How to Clean Linoleum Floors
The natural makeup of linoleum flooring makes the material extra sensitive to acidic, chemical based cleaning products such as bleach or ammonia. Instead, use a mild dishwashing soap or neutral pH linoleum cleaner with a damp mop or cloth to clean your floors. We recommend Forbo Marmoleum Linoleum Floor Cleaner.
Scouring pads and abrasive brushes should also be avoided when cleaning linoleum to prevent scratching. If dirt cannot be removed with a mop or cloth, a soft nylon brush or non-abrasive sponge can be used to gently scrub the area.
Linoleum is naturally resistant to dust and mites, but regular cleaning will keep it looking great. Loose dirt, debris, and crumbs should be swept up or vacuumed from linoleum floors as needed. When vacuuming, use soft bristle attachments. We recommend Forbo Marmoleum Floor Finish. Be sure to carefully follow the directions from the packaging of the polish or wax solution. In between waxing, linoleum floors can be shined by mopping with a mixture of warm water and a few drops of baby oil.
The Best Linoleum Flooring Store in Portland
The expert team at Floor Factors is dedicated to providing you with the best flooring materials in Portland and the surrounding areas. We’ve partnered with trusted linoleum suppliers to offer our customers floor covering options of the highest quality. In addition to being the premier linoleum flooring store in Portland, Floor Factors is a full-service contracting resource offering design consulting services as well as demolition, delivery, and installation. Recommended linoleum floor cleaners are available in our extensive showroom. Get in touch with us to learn more about how to clean linoleum floors.