How do I strip and wax a 1950 linoleum floor?
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We are in the middle of a total remodel of our “new” 1950 ranch. One of the bedrooms has an original linoleum floor and once I removed the tack strips from some old carpet I found that Ikind of like it! I have been looking for the best way to strip and wax it, does anyone know how and what products work best? Thank you fir any suggestions you can provide!
I have never had much success with old linoleum, but then it was in a busy kitchen where chairs and things were constantly dragged across it. Try a wax stripper to clean the surface. It will take a lot of elbow grease! Then I would apply a few light coats of exterior grade polyurethane made for flooring. Good luck and post a picture when you are done!
If it is real linoleum (not vinyl) you can wash with detergent and ammonia to strip, of course rinsing several times. When I had linoleum floors (50 years ago, so someone may have more up to date suggestions/products) this is how I cleaned them every week. I then waxed with Mop & Glo I think it was.
Ammonia will certainly take off the finish. I mistakenly used it on our floor because I had a son (with friends) running across the floor with black soled heeled shoes. I used Future to replace the gloss, (It took off the black marks and the gloss of the floors)! Then it became a weekly chore.
Make sure first it is not made with asbestos I sure would not keep it if it was my floor.
Hi Suzanne! Here is some helpful information for you. Good luck to you.
https://www.plantingourpennies.com/diy-strip-wax-off-linoleum-flooring/
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-strip-wax-off-linoleum-floors
https://www.wikihow.com/Strip-Wax-Buildup-From-Floors
http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-wax-from-vinyl-and-linoleum-floors/
https://www.hunker.com/12151660/how-to-remove-wax-build-up-from-linoleum-floors
Just a word. Original linoleum was not meant to have a shiny finish. Yes if there is old wax ammonia is the only thing that will take it off. If you put a high shine wax finish on it you will see every mark on the floor. There are matte finish waxes and it will not show the marks and or dust and dirt and wear. Linoleum is made with linseed oil. You may not need wax. Looking at your photo, I am not convinced it is original lino. Pull a register cover and see if you can see other layers. If it's sheet vinyl ammonia will still strip it. With vinyl's also some have a matte finish.
If it is real linoleum, you can revive it with linseed oil.
Thanks to all of you for your suggestions, much appreciated!
Pray, wash with gentle detergent and leave it as is!!!!! Most will be covered with furnishings and the shabby chic of the old floor is priceless!!!!
Youll save loads of stress, time and bad knees!
Good luck!🙏🏻
Nowadays, many commercial carpet cleaning places like, Stanley Steemer, will strip and seal vinyl and linoleum floors.
Hello, hope this helps you out,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23vdtGZ6COo
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/way-wax-linoleum-floor-35578.html