Linoleum is a popular flooring option for homeowners due to its durability, comfort & sound-absorbing capacity, and eco-friendliness. So, it will be your best bait to go for linoleum to install in your home.
The heck is- you should also consider the ability of the floor to withstand water. You must take this into account if you live in a high-humid area. Linoleum is water-resistant. It means this flooring type doesn’t get damaged by a little amount of water. But our question is- Is linoleum waterproof?
No, linoleum is not waterproof; it’s water-resistant. If you expose it to water, the individual plank or a side of the plank will curl up.
Apart from this, the linoleum floor has a lot of upsides. To learn about them, stick with our guide till the end.
Is Linoleum Waterproof?
No, Linoleum is not waterproof. It’s water-resistant. As the linoleum base is not watertight, it’s prone to damage from moisture and humidity. If you don’t seal the Linoleum flooring, water or liquid can easily penetrate the joints. Consequently, the corner of the linoleum sheet will start warping.
In short, Linoleum can’t tolerate water or humidity. If you expose the linoleum to water, the planks of linoleum or part of the plank will curl up. However, you can clean the linoleum floor with water as it’s water-resistant.
Can Water Seep Through Linoleum?
You already know that linoleum is water-resistant. It means you can clean it with water. A little spill of water on the linoleum floor will bring no damage to this surface type. But if you expose this floor to water for an extended period, water can easily seep through the linoleum and reach underneath it. Consequently, mold and mildew can make a colony underneath the linoleum base and damage it.
We recommend you seal your linoleum base to protect the surface from moisture & humidity. Never over-mop your linoleum floor as it can’t tolerate water for a long period. Also, ensure you remove the water spills immediately to not let the water seep through the linoleum.
Is There Any Good In Linoleum Flooring?
Yes, linoleum flooring has many upsides though it’s not waterproof like vinyl flooring. But it beats vinyl base in terms of durability, comfort, and eco-friendliness. Now, let’s check out what benefits you will experience if you consider linoleum as your home flooring option.
Durability
Linoleum floor uses solid natural ingredients as its construction material. It will last for 20-40 years if you take care of your linoleum base properly. However, this surface type can’t tolerate water. So, seal it to protect it from humidity and moisture.
Comfortable & Absorb Sound Better
Linoleum uses comparatively soft material as its built-in material. So, you feel comfortable when walking on the linoleum. Due to its softness, it can absorb more of the sound of your footsteps than vinyl.
Eco-friendly
The green flooring option in your home! The main ingredient of the linoleum floor is plant-based linseed oil. You can use it for 20-40 years if you maintain it properly and replace the damaged plank every 10 years. When it’s time to get rid of the entire linoleum floor, you can break it down without harming the environment.
Linoleum Floor Maintenance Tips
Here are some maintenance and cleaning tips you can follow to keep your linoleum floor neat & clean.
General Cleaning Tips:
- Vacuum the high-traffic areas of your home regularly to pick up dirt, dust, and debris.
- Use a soft bristle brush or broom to suck away pet messes like hair from every nook and cranny. You can brush away the floor once a week.
- Don’t forget to mop your floor once a week. In this case, you can use the solution of vinegar and lukewarm water to clean your linoleum surface.
- Never let the standing water stay on the linoleum for an extended period. Whenever you find water spills on the base, remove it immediately.
Deep Cleaning Tips:
Every week or once a month, you should deep-clean your linoleum surface evenly. It will help you to remove sticky to stubborn residue from the surface.
To deep clean the floor, make sure you have the following cleaning accessories:
- A bristle brush
- A bucket
- Lukewarm water
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
Use the vinegar, baking soda, and lukewarm water to create a homemade cleaning solution by blending each ingredient. Before applying this solution to your floor, sweep and vacuum your floor evenly to pick up dirt & debris.
Now, apply the homemade cleaning solution to your floor. Take the bristle brush and start scrubbing the floor to suck away tiny to stubborn dirt. Once you finish the scouring workflow, rinse the surface with water. Then, wipe away the surface with a dry towel. Finally, air-dry the linoleum floor.
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FAQs
What’s the difference between vinyl and linoleum?
The main difference between vinyl floor and linoleum is- vinyl uses synthetic material as its construction. On the other hand, linoleum uses natural ingredients as its built-in material. The vinyl floor came on the market in the 1930s. In contrast, linoleum was invented in the 1800s.
Can linoleum be used outside?
No, you can’t use linoleum or install it outside. It’s prone to water damage and can’t withstand humidity & moisture. That’s why you can’t use it outside.
Is linoleum good for bathrooms?
No, you can’t install or use linoleum in your bathroom. Linoleum is water-resistant, but it’s not watertight. And you know that linoleum can’t tolerate water or humidity. So, there is no way to install it in the bathroom.
What is better for bathroom vinyl or linoleum?
Undoubtedly, vinyl is better than linoleum to install in the bathroom. Vinyl is 100% waterproof. So, it doesn’t bring any damage to the vinyl plank if you install it in a humid area. On the other hand, linoleum is water-resistant and can’t hold the water as the vinyl does. So, vinyl is better for a bathroom than linoleum.
How do you seal linoleum?
You can use an acrylic sealer to seal your linoleum floor. Just install your linoleum surface with one or two sealers to seal the linoleum.
Conclusion
We hope you get the answer to your question- Is linoleum waterproof?
No, linoleum is not waterproof; it’s water-resistant. So, you can’t install it in a moisture area of your home like the bathroom. However, you can choose it as your living room flooring option as it’s durable, eco-friendly, and comfortable to walk on.
Indeed, you can go for the linoleum floor for your interior- except the bathroom area. If you have any questions about linoleum, let us know by leaving a comment below.