How to Get Match Burns Off Linoleum

Linoleum is common in kitchens.

Linoleum is a type of slab flooring made from a variety of natural components, such as powdered minerals, resins, sawdust and other flooring byproducts. Because it is made of natural products, linoleum doesn't react well to harsh cleaners such as bleach or ammonia. If your linoleum has a stain such as a burn from a match, use a gentle cleaning solution to work away the stain. You can remove burn marks only if they haven't melted the linoleum.

Things You'll Need

• 000 steel wool

Instructions

1. Soak a piece of 000 steel wool in clear water. The water will help prevent the steel wool from scratching the linoleum.

2. Rub the steel wool over the match burn mark. Rubbing in the direction of the linoleum grain, continue until the stain is gone.

3. Rinse the area with clear water and dry it completely with a clean cloth.

References

• Armstrong Floor Expert: Linoleum Repairs
• Armstrong: Care Instructions for Armstrong Linoleum Floors