Caring for Your Waterproof Linoleum: Maintenance Tips

Waterproof linoleum is a durable, eco-friendly flooring option that enhances the look and protection of your home. While stylish and sustainable, it requires some upkeep to look its best. From daily cleanings to professional care, we’ll cover the top linoleum floor care tips to help you maintain its beauty and function for years to come.

Signs Your Linoleum Flooring Needs Attention

Over time, foot traffic, everyday use, and moving furniture take their toll on your floors. Knowing the signs that your linoleum flooring needs attention helps you catch issues early on to prevent costly repairs or replacements. The top indicators that it’s time to contact the professionals include:

• Fading: Over time, linoleum flooring can fade, darken, or yellow. If you notice areas that are different colors than the rest, fading finishing or environmental factors may be affecting the color.
• Stains: Linoleum flooring is typically resistant to stains, spills, and debris. If you notice lasting marks or spots, it’s likely due for a resealing or deep clean.
• Scratches, scuffs, and dents: Foot traffic and heavy furniture can create scratches and dents on your flooring. Without repair or buffing, these marks can lead to further damage over time.
• Peeling: If you notice the edges of your flooring lifting or peeling, there’s likely water damage weakening the adhesive. It’s important to schedule a repair as soon as possible to prevent the separation of the linoleum and subfloor.
• Mold: Water damage can cause mold to grow underneath linoleum flooring, causing musty smells and potential health concerns. Contact a professional for inspection if you notice dark spots along the edges.

How to Clean and Maintain Waterproof Linoleum

With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your linoleum floors looking fresh, free from damage, and prevent costly repairs. From daily sweeps to professional deep cleans, perform the below tasks to keep your floors in top shape.

Regular Cleaning

Daily cleaning helps keep your waterproof linoleum in top condition. Once per day, use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum to clear dirt, dust, and debris from the floor. Clearing this debris prevents scratches, build-up, and dulling of the floor’s shine.

Linoleum flooring also requires a weekly deep clean to remove built-up grime and restore its natural shine. Prepare a mild cleaning solution of pH-neutral detergent and warm water and test it on a small area of the floor. If the solution doesn’t affect the color or finish, use a microfiber mop to clean the floor in sections. After cleaning, wipe the floor with clean water to remove soap residue, and use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any leftover moisture.

Proper Maintenance

Keeping up with regular maintenance is key to making your linoleum floors last and preventing unnecessary wear and tear. Take the following steps to keep them looking their best:

• Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid water damage.
• Place mats and rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize dirt and moisture on the flooring.
• Put felt or rubber pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
• Perform regular inspections to look for signs of wear, discoloration, or damage.
• Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasives that could damage the floor and its finish.

Professional Care

On top of at-home cleaning and maintenance, waterproof linoleum flooring requires occasional professional care. Schedule a deep-cleaning service with a trusted flooring company like Hernandez Wholesale Flooring every couple of years to keep your linoleum in top condition. They have the tools and expertise to remove stubborn stains, spot potential issues, and keep your floors looking fresh.

If your floors start to peel or lose their shine, consider scheduling professional resealing to protect your waterproof linoleum flooring. Resealing will restore the protective layer, helping maintain durability, shine, and moisture resistance.

Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Linoleum Flooring

No one wants scratches and spots filling up their floors. To keep your linoleum flooring damage-free, consider the following tips:

• Test new cleaners: Some cleaning products don’t pair well with linoleum flooring finishes. Always perform a spot test before using a new product to check if it affects the color or finish.
• Keep a consistent temperature: Drastic changes in your home’s temperature or humidity can cause your floors to warp, expand, or contract. To help your linoleum keep its shape, keep your home in a stable climate.
• Protect it from sunlight: Long periods of direct sunlight exposure can cause your floors to discolor or fade. Use curtains, blinds, or window films to minimize UV exposure.
• Schedule repairs quickly: While minor scratches, dents, or water damage on your flooring may not seem like a big deal, they can quickly turn into bigger problems if not addressed. Call a professional flooring company for repair as soon as you notice damage.
• Don’t slide heavy furniture: Dragging heavy items like couches, tables, or chairs across your floors often results in scratches, dents, or permanent marks. Lift furniture or use sliders to prevent damage.

Benefits of Well-Maintained Waterproof Linoleum

While regular maintenance may seem like a chore, it pays off in the long run with lasting benefits that keep your waterproof linoleum in top condition for years to come. Some of the top perks you’ll see include:

• Extended lifespan: Regular cleanings and maintenance prevent serious issues with your flooring, helping it last longer and minimizing the need for replacement.
• Wear resistance: Proper care helps preserve the finish of your flooring, guarding against scratches, dents, and water damage.
• Improved appearance: With regular cleanings, your floor will remain just as glossy and vibrant as the day it was installed.
• Mold prevention: Quickly cleaning up spills and moisture reduces the risk of mold or bacteria growth, helping your household stay safe and healthy.
• Fewer repairs: Consistent maintenance prevents minor issues from turning into costly problems, helping you save on repair bills down the line.

Contact Hernandez Wholesale Flooring for Maintenance!

Don’t let your linoleum floors lose their shine. Call the team at Hernandez Wholesale Flooring to schedule a professional cleaning today! Our experts have the training and tools to restore your floors to like-new condition in a matter of hours. We also offer resealing and repair services, so you can count on us for all your flooring needs.

Don’t waste another minute searching for flooring services near you. Call us to book your in-home estimate in Southern California today!