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What causes linoleum discoloration?
Linoleum can become discolored over time for a variety of reasons. The main causes of linoleum discoloration include:
Exposure to sunlight
Like many flooring materials, linoleum will fade and yellow when exposed to UV rays from sunlight. This is especially common in rooms with large windows or glass doors. The UV light causes the linseed oil in linoleum to oxidize, creating a yellow/brown discoloration.
Spills and stains
Liquid spills, grease drips, mud, dirt, and other stains that are not properly cleaned can seep into the pores of the linoleum and cause stubborn discoloration. Things like coffee, juice, oil, grease, and dirt are common staining culprits.
Wear and tear
Areas of linoleum that receive a lot of foot traffic will naturally start to show wear over time. This causes the top layer to become thinner and appear discolored. High traffic areas like hallways and doorways are most prone to this.
Harsh cleaners
The wrong cleaning products can actually damage linoleum and cause it to become discolored. Bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleansers, and alkaline cleaners like oven cleaner can wear down the linoleum surface, making it appear faded and dingy.
Moisture damage
Excess moisture from spills, flooding, or high humidity can cause the fibers in linoleum to swell and appear discolored. This type of damage usually shows up along walls, seams, and edges.
Chemical reactions
Some rubber products like welcome mats, chair leg tips, and shoe soles can react with the linseed oil in linoleum. This causes a yellowish-brown stain to appear underneath or around these items.
How to clean mild linoleum discoloration
If your linoleum only has minor discoloration or light staining, it can often be cleaned using common household products:
Dish soap and water
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap like Dawn into warm water. Use a mop or sponge to wash the linoleum floor. The soap will help cut through oily residue that causes staining. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
White vinegar
White vinegar is mildly acidic, which helps it dissolve stains and discoloration. Mix 1 cup vinegar per 1 gallon of warm water. Mop or sponge the solution onto the linoleum and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a great deodorizer and a mild abrasive that can help scrub away stains. Sprinkle baking soda onto discolored areas and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a wet sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help brighten discolored linoleum. Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide per 1 gallon of warm water. Apply to stained areas and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
How to treat severe linoleum discoloration
For linoleum that has significant fading, yellowing, or deep set stains, stronger cleaners and techniques may be needed:
Alkaline floor cleaner
Look for an alkaline floor cleaner made specifically for linoleum. Follow the product instructions closely. Alkaline cleaners help saponify oil stains and brighten the floor. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Oxalic acid
Oxalic acid effectively removes most stubborn organic stains and discoloration from linoleum floors. It can be found at hardware stores. Follow safety precautions and test in an inconspicuous spot before use.
Scrubbing with scouring powder
For ingrained dirt and stains, a mildly abrasive scouring powder can help scrub them away. Sprinkle onto a wet sponge and scrub affected areas. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Solvent-based adhesive remover
Adhesive remover can eliminate discoloration caused by rubber mats or old adhesive residue reacting with linoleum. Test on an inconspicuous area first. Apply with a solvent-safe brush and let sit before wiping away.
Linoleum restore products
There are linoleum restoration products available that are designed to dissolve away finish buildup and re-shine dingy floors. Always test these in a small area first and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
Tips for preventing future linoleum discoloration
Once you get your linoleum floors looking bright and clean again, be sure to take steps to keep discoloration at bay:
- Use doormats and area rugs to reduce dirt and wear.
- Apply a UV-protectant floor finish to reduce fading.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Use only recommended linoleum cleaners.
- Avoid bleach, ammonia, and harsh alkalines.
- Use furniture glides and pads under chair/table legs.
- Don’t let moisture sit on the floor.
- Keep rubber products like mats away from linoleum.
- Reapply floor finish per manufacturer’s recommendations.
How to determine if linoleum discoloration can be removed or requires replacement
Here are some guidelines on deciding if badly discolored linoleum can be salvaged or if replacement is needed:
Consider the extent of damage
– Minor fading, scuffs, or small stains can usually be removed with cleaning.
– Yellowing across large areas may be too difficult to remove.
– Dark stains ingrained in the floor mean the damage may be too deep.
Test cleaners first
– Try recommended cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.
– If this small test area can’t be restored, the whole floor likely can’t be saved.
Evaluate the floor’s condition
– Thin, cracked, or curling areas usually can’t be refurbished.
– Buckling or gaps along seams indicate moisture damage.
– Pitting and gouges are too deep to be cleaned out.
Consider moisture damage
– Discoloration along walls and seams may signal moisture issues.
– Swollen, cupped areas won’t flatten out again.
– Mold or mildew growth requires floor replacement.
Determine the floor’s age
– Linoleum over 10-15 years old is difficult to restore.
– Older floors have likely reached the end of their lifespan.
– Replacement may make more sense for very old floors.
Decide if DIY refurbishing is possible
– Severely damaged floors usually require professional work.
– DIY cleaning may work for minor issues.
– You need the proper tools, energy, and time for DIY repairs.
Conclusion
Linoleum is susceptible to discoloration over time from staining, sunlight, traffic, and other factors. Mild fading and dirtiness can often be remedied with thorough cleaning using household products like dish soap, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda. For severe linoleum discoloration like extensive yellowing or deep set stains, stronger chemical cleaners and intensive scrubbing may be required. However, badly damaged linoleum may be beyond DIY restoration and need replacement. Always test cleaners first to see if the floor can be salvaged before undertaking extensive refurbishing. With regular cleaning and protective measures, linoleum discoloration can be minimized and your floors kept looking bright for years.
| Cause of Discoloration | Cleaning Solution |
|---|---|
| Sun exposure/UV fading | Alkaline floor cleaner |
| Oil stains | Dish soap |
| Dirt buildup | Baking soda scrub |
| Minor stains | White vinegar solution |
| Old adhesive residue | Solvent-based adhesive remover |