Are you interested in floors that aren't made of hardwood? Vinyl and linoleum flooring are two options many homeowners consider for the creativity they allow, such as creating a 20s-inspired kitchen. But a lot of people have no idea how these two materials differ from each other.
About Linoleum Flooring
Although it was commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms 90 years ago, these days linoleum flooring is usually just seen in commercial areas. This material is very hard, but that also makes it more challenging to work with; you need to heat it up with a heat gun or a torch. Also, if you do opt for straight linoleum flooring, make sure a very good mechanic installs it; it tears a lot more easily than vinyl.
How to Care for Linoleum Flooring
Here are 5 ways to keep your linoleum flooring in tip-top shape for years to come.
- Avoid wet washing, machine scrubbing, stripping the floor or anything else that adds excess moisture for at least four days following installation.
- Regularly sweep or vacuum the linoleum with a standard broom and vacuum.
- Use manufacturer-recommended floor cleaner as instructed (San Jose Hardwood Floors can provide specific advice for this if you'd like).
- Wash with a lightly dampened mop.
- Occasionally polish with manufacturer-recommended floor polish (San Jose Hardwood Floors can recommend one as well).
About Vinyl Flooring
The main difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring is the flexibility and look. Although these floors used to have fiberglass backing, now most of them are vinyl all the way through, which makes them much more durable than they were in the past. In fact, vinyl flooring is the easiest material to install because it does not tear; products that are vinyl all the way through can even be bunched up and they’ll return to their normal shape.
In addition to vinyl floors being much easier to work with than linoleum, they’re more contemporary and fresh. They're also available in both sheets and tiles, and offer many more options for creativity and personal style. Vinyl floors are cheaper and softer than true linoleum flooring as well, which is one reason they’re used in a lot of apartments.
How to Care for Vinyl Flooring
As with any type of flooring you invest in, you want your new vinyl flooring (from luxury vinyl tile to planks) to last. Here are 6 ways to care for it.
- Protect your floors. Invest in a high quality doormat or area rug to prevent dirt from coming into your home. Area rugs throughout your luxury vinyl tile or planks can help prevent stains, dents and dings, too.
- Sweep your floor daily. This will prevent the dirt and dust from accumulating and scratching your flooring.
- Move furniture carefully. Don't just shove that couch or bookcase across your luxury vinyl flooring. If you can, actually pick it up to move it from one spot to the next. Or, if it's too heavy, use a sheet of plywood or paneling to protect the floors. You may also want to invest in coaster underneath your furniture to prevent additional dents and dings.
- Clean spills quickly. Dropping food or drink on your luxury vinyl tile or planks is inevitable; wipe it up as soon as possible with plain water and a sponge mop.
- Occasionally take the time for more intensive cleaning. As with all types of floors, sometimes your vinyl flooring will require a bit more effort to care for. Here are a few ways to clean it more thoroughly.
- Regardless of how you care for your luxury vinyl tile and planks, make sure you rinse them with clean water following any sort of more intense cleaning to prevent additional materials from building up on the floors and causing damage over time
- Vacuum or dry mop the floor before a wet cleaning
- To properly clean the floor and help extend the life, use cleaners specifically endorsed by the manufacturer. San Jose Hardwood Floors can recommend the proper cleaning product for you as well
- Be aware of cleaners that can hurt your floors. Make sure you avoid:
- The beater bar attachment on your vacuum
- Highly abrasive scrubbers – opt for the softest brush possible
- Steel wool
- Detergents and abrasive cleaners
- "Mop and shine" products
- Paste wax or solvent-based polishes
- Any sort of ammonia or ammonia-based solutions
Are you considering linoleum or vinyl flooring in your home? Come visit our showroom! Our experts can answer your questions about these two materials, hardwood floors and many more options for your home. Remember to contact us for a free in-home estimate, too.
