Linoleum Flooring: The Ultimate Guide to Maintenance and Longevity

Linoleum’s Resurgence and Eco-Friendly Charm

Linoleum flooring is making a triumphant return, especially in commercial spaces. This revival isn’t just a trend; it’s a recognition of linoleum’s eco-friendly qualities, setting it apart from its distant cousin, vinyl flooring. With this guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about linoleum flooring, and how to best care for it to get the maximum longevity from your purchase!

Why Linoleum Flooring Is the Real Deal

Linoleum vs. Vinyl

Before we dive into maintenance tips, let’s clear up a common misconception: linoleum flooring is not the same as vinyl flooring. While vinyl flooring has a chemical composition that raises environmental concerns, linoleum flooring can be made sustainably. Comprised of ground cork dust, rosin, eco-friendly pigments, solidified linseed oil, and limestone, linoleum boasts a roster of eco-friendly ingredients.

Colours That Run Deep

Linoleum colours penetrate all the way through the material, unlike vinyl, where colours and patterns are merely surface-deep, linoleum’s hues evolve and reveal hidden layers of character as it ages gracefully. As a result, even if there is wear on the surface over time, your floors won’t be left with unsightly spots.

Longevity Matters

Linoleum isn’t just a pretty face; it also has stamina. In many commercial settings, linoleum floors can last up to 40 years, far outshining their vinyl counterparts. But this is possible, only with the right care and maintenance, otherwise, you might find you will not get your money’s worth.

Linoleum Care Do’s: Unveiling the Beauty

• pH-Neutral Magic: Use pH-neutral cleaning solutions to pamper your linoleum. Avoid high-pH and high-alkaline cleaners like the plague – they can lead to unsightly discolouration and cracks.
• Finish with Finesse: Opt for water-based, polymeric-type finishes recommended by the linoleum manufacturer. These products are like the skincare regimen for your floors, keeping them radiant.
• Buff with Gusto: Keep linoleum’s shine intact with a 175-rpm buffing machine. For stripping, embrace the power of the red pad (or go blue at the heaviest). Remember, balance is key – anything heavier might harm your beloved linoleum.
• Dilute and Dominate: Follow the stripping chemical manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Diluting floor-stripping chemicals with water as directed is the secret sauce for success.
• Daily Dance: Make it a daily ritual to dust mop and damp mop your linoleum floors. They’ll thank you with long-lasting allure.

Linoleum Care Don’ts: The Pitfalls to Avoid

• Water Woes: Less is more when it comes to water, because excessive moisture can sneak beneath the linoleum’s seams, leading to mildew and trouble.
• Finish Frugality: There’s no need to go overboard with the finish. Two to three coats will do the trick – no need for a floor makeover.
• Small Steps, Big Results: When stripping linoleum, tackle manageable sections at a time. Don’t bite off more than you can buff!
• Timely Triumph: Don’t let the stripping solution dry out completely on your linoleum floor. As we know, timing is everything in the world of linoleum care.

In the world of linoleum, care and attention are your floors’ best friends. Remember these do’s and don’ts, and your linoleum will reward you with years of timeless beauty.

Keep Your Floors Forever Young with Metropolitan

Linoleum flooring isn’t just an old-timer; it’s a timeless classic; and when it comes to maintaining that youthful charm, trust the experts.

Metropolitan has been around for a while – some might even call us old, but we have the secrets to keep your floors looking YOUNG, NEW, & SHINY for a very long time! Give us a try and call Michael for a free quote today!