Would you know how to get “blueish” stains out of linoleum? I heard they may be caused from the rubber backing of a bathroom rug?
Rubber-backed carpets can provide warmth and comfort in baths and kitchen. Unfortunately, they can also permanently damage many vinyl and linoleum floors. Here’s why: Anti-oxidants, added to the rubber during the manufacturing process to prevent the rubber from drying out, react chemically with the sheet flooring. This chemical reaction results in a permanent color change. So, unfortunately, what you are seeing is not a “stain” that can be removed. It is a physical change in the color of the flooring that can not be reversed.
Flooring manufacturers often warn of this condition in their used guides. For example, the following paragraph appears on the website for Armstrong Floors:
“Place a walk-off mat at outside entrances to reduce the amount of dirt brought into your home. We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently stain your floor. We suggest a non-staining vinyl-backed mat or a woven rug that is colorfast. Most of these products are identified “colorfast” by the manufacturer.“
Bottom line, at this point your only option is to replace the flooring — or just buy a bigger (and non-staining) carpet to cover it!
Leave a Reply