Last Updated on December 19, 2022
Have you ever burned your linoleum floor by accident? If so, you are aware of the struggle in removing the burn marks. Burn marks on linoleum floors can be caused by a dropped cigarette or a hot pan, and they are unsightly and can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your entire floor.
Even if the excessive heat does not destroy the linoleum, smoke and soot will permanently stain it. Occasionally, this burn mark can even lead to the surrounding linoleum peeling or discoloring. To ensure that your linoleum floor looks as good as possible, it is wise to understand how to remove burn marks from it.
To get rid of these burn marks, you can take a few simple steps. The following information will assist you in removing burn marks from linoleum floors to restore their appearance.
How to Remove Burn Marks From Linoleum: A Complete Guide
Whether you’re dealing with a small scuff or a major burn, you shouldn’t panic. There are a few different ways to erase burn marks from linoleum. Depending on how much destruction there is, you may need to use more than one method to get the job done.
In most cases, you can remove light to moderate burn marks with some simple household supplies. There are different types of linoleum burn marks that can be removed, based on their severity.
Remove a Small Scorch Mark from Linoleum
If you’re dealing with a minor burn mark, you can usually remove it using common household items. To start, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. For this project, you’ll need white vinegar, a clean cloth, and a non-abrasive cleaner such as dish soap.
If the scorch mark is particularly stubborn, you may also need a scrub brush. Begin by soaking a clean cloth in white vinegar. Then, apply the vinegar-soaked cloth to the scorch mark for a few minutes.
After a few minutes have passed, use the cloth to gently scrub the area in a circular motion. If the scorch marks are still visible, repeat this step until it has disappeared.
Once it is gone, rinse the area with warm water and then dry it with a clean towel. Finally, use a non-abrasive solution to remove any remaining vinegar residue stain. With just a little effort, your linoleum floor should be as good as new.
Remove Burned Linoleum from a Large Area
Whether from an accident or poor installation, removing a wide section of burned linoleum is a challenging but not impossible task. With a little effort and the right products, it is possible to get rid of the mark without damaging the surface. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
You will need the following:
- Sharp knife or razor blade
- Heavy-duty scraper
- Strong solvent
- Stiff brush
- Sandpaper or power sander
- Coarse grit sandpaper
- Fine grit sandpaper
Start by removing any loose or damaged pieces of linoleum. Use a razor blade or a knife to carefully cut away any charred edges. Be sure to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the underlying floor.
Once all of the loose pieces have been removed, use a heavy-duty scraper to remove the adhesive. Scrape away as much of the adhesive as possible; otherwise, it will be difficult to remove the linoleum completely.
Next, use a strong solvent to dissolve the remaining adhesive. Apply the solvent generously to the affected area and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing away with a stiff brush.
Repeat as necessary until all of the adhesives has been removed. Finally, use sandpaper or a power sander to smooth away any rough edges. Start with coarse grit and work your way up to a finer grit until the surface is smooth.
With these steps, you should be able to remove a large amount of burned linoleum without too much difficulty. Just be sure to take your time and work carefully to protect the flooring.
Tips for Preventing Burn Marks on Linoleum Floors
If you’re handling high temperature liquids, accidental burns are common. Whether it’s a dropped pan or a spillover on the stove, Burns is always a risk in the kitchen.
But did you know that linoleum floors can also be at risk for burn marks? Here are a few tips to help prevent accidental burns on your floor:
- Use burner covers on your stove. This will help to deflect heat and prevent spills.
- Check the temperature of your oven before you start cooking. It will prevent accidental fires.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of an accident.
- Never leave pans unattended on the stovetop. This is one of the most common causes of kitchen fires.
- It is important to sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove any debris that could potentially cause a fire.
- Be careful when using curling irons or other heat-producing appliances near your floor. Always use a protective mat to prevent accidental damage.
- Inspect your floor regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If you see any cracks or chips, repair them immediately to prevent further damage. By following these simple tips.
- Always use a trivet or pot holder when placing hot pots and pans on the floor.
- Be sure to clean up any stains and spills quickly, as they can heat up and cause damage if left on the floor for too long.
- Never place hot items directly on the floor; instead, set them down on a cooling rack or pad.
Why does Linoleum get Burn Marks?
Heat can damage linoleum, so when exposed to high temperatures, it can soften and fuse, leaving behind unsightly burn marks. These marks are usually caused by hot objects, such as cigarettes or electrical cords.
The heat from the object causes the linseed oil in the linoleum to break down, leaving a permanent mark. In some cases, the damage may only be superficial, but in others, the burn mark can penetrate through the linoleum to the underlying subfloor.
Many other things can cause a linoleum burn, such as scorching marks from hot pans or dishes. It is essential to take steps to remove these marks as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Final Thought
You have now learned how to remove burn marks from linoleum. These are two different methods that can be used to deal with the severity of the mark. The vinegar and non-abrasive cleaner method can be applied on fresh marks that still have some color to them.
If the mark is old and the color has faded, you should use the sharp knife and sandpaper method. Both of these methods are effective for removing burn marks. Try out both methods and see which one works better for you.