Linoleum

Linoleum is not the same as vinyl. Linoleum floors are generally all produced with natural ingredients. A primary ingredient is linseed oil which is obtained from plant called flax. Other common ingredients include cork, limestone, and natural resins.

Linoleum was invented in England in 1863 by Frederick Walton who coined the name linoleum from the Latin name, linum, which means flax, and oleum, which means oil. Later in the century, Michael Nairn, a flooring manufacturer in Kirkcaldy, Scotland perfected the flooring, introducing qualities such as inlaid patterning — a feature seen today.

Linoleum is a flooring that is manufactured by oxidizing linseed oil to form a thick mixture called linoleum cement. The cement is cooled and mixed with pine resin, and wood flour to form sheets on a jute backing.

Advantages

• Mostly natural ingredients construction.

• Inexpensive and attractive floor with unlimited colors and patterns

• Not cold on the foot

• Durable and easy to clean.

• Fine scratches do not show up as easily as they do in vinyl

• Flexible, it does not burn

• Anti-static property i.e. it inherently repels dust particles.

• Clean air quality. Unlike vinyl, it does not release PVCs into the air.

Care & Maintenance

All that is called for is the occasional sweep and a run over with a damp mop and a little mild disinfectant. Due to its natural components it is recommended that harsh strong alkali /acid detergents (ammonia typically) are not used. In the event of damage there are one or two tips that have been offered:  

• Mild scratches can be neutralized by some buffing and putting on a bit of  water    based polyurethane

• Holes can be fixed by melting a wax crayon of the same color into the hole and letting it set.  

To get the shine back into your flooring investment add little baby oil to some tepid water and then use a mop to spread this across the surface.

Copyright © 2003 Della Floors! Inc. All rights reserved.