Cleaning and Stain Removal - Unknown stain from Linoleum
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berty2001
08-23-05, 05:55 AM
Hi, recently a yellow stain has appeared on my white linoleum. It isn't to noticalbe apart from in one place. it could be oil/lemon juice. have tried general cleaners but with little success. Could anyone recommend a way of removing it, or if not removing then atleast lightening it. also, does anyone know if linoleum is meant to stain this easily. Haveonly had it about three months. Thanks in advance. Jonathan
twelvepole
08-23-05, 06:53 AM
Stains on linoleum tend to be permanent. Stains are often a result of something that has been spilled or tracked on the surface. Stains can also surface from beneath the floor covering due to improper cleaning or preparation of the substrate, old or improper adhesive, inappropriate plywood underlayment that may contain adhesives or fillers that can migrate. Yellowing due to PVC migration from throw rugs is also a frequent cause staining of floor coverings.
berty2001
08-23-05, 07:28 AM
Is there nothing that works? Had some luck with window cleaner but only a bit.,
twelvepole
08-23-05, 03:38 PM
If you had some success with Windex, you might try applying more and let it set to see if it lifts the stain. You may have to try several things to see if you have any luck. Mineral spirits, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda & water paste may be successful if discoloration is due to something that is on the surface. If using a commercial cleaner, make sure label says it is safe for vinyl. If it is a stain that has penetrated the wear layer or come up from beneath the floor covering, then stain is likely permanent. You report no success with 'general cleaners,' thus the thought that stain is permanent.
Some of the better vinyl products have stain and asphalt tracking warranties. Check your warranty. If you have a stain warranty and have done nothing to stain the floor, perhaps a call to the flooring dealer where you purchased the floor covering is in order. Major floor covering manufacturer's tend to void warranties if their recommended subfloor prep, underlayment, adhesive, and seam sealer are not used.
Some of the better vinyl products have stain and asphalt tracking warranties. Check your warranty. If you have a stain warranty and have done nothing to stain the floor, perhaps a call to the flooring dealer where you purchased the floor covering is in order. Major floor covering manufacturer's tend to void warranties if their recommended subfloor prep, underlayment, adhesive, and seam sealer are not used.
Docduck
08-24-05, 12:25 AM
depending on the type of lino you have..it can be stripped and waxed.
But as indicated if the stain has entered the wear layer its in there for good.
Sounds like it isnt...most window cleaners contain ammonia, which will remove some of the wear layer or finish on the lino. So, if it is making it better. You may want to try stripping and finishing it. As twelve pointed out. You may want to contact your dealer or the manufactor for warranty info first.
But as indicated if the stain has entered the wear layer its in there for good.
Sounds like it isnt...most window cleaners contain ammonia, which will remove some of the wear layer or finish on the lino. So, if it is making it better. You may want to try stripping and finishing it. As twelve pointed out. You may want to contact your dealer or the manufactor for warranty info first.