Cleaning vinyl and linoleum floors can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. There are many sustainable options available for keeping these surfaces spotless without the use of harsh chemicals.
From DIY solutions to eco-friendly commercial products, there is no shortage of ways you can keep your vinyl and linoleum looking like new while also being mindful of the environment. In this article, we will look at these two different types of flooring and why sustainable cleaning is the best way to keep your home tidy and fresh.
What Is Linoleum Flooring?
Linoleum is a highly sustainable material compared to its vinyl counterparts, as it is composed entirely of naturally occurring and renewable ingredients. These ingredients are combined to form a composite material that consists of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and pine rosin.
The linseed oil is derived from flax seeds and provides the core properties of the product. Cork dust adds cushioning and softness while wood flour lends some structure to the mixture. Pine rosin binds the three together and provides a formable base for pressing into sheets for use as flooring and other materials.
The durability of linoleum makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and utility rooms, where it was used heavily from the late 1800s through the 1950s. Unlike vinyl flooring, which has an additional layer of printed design elements, linoleum is a solid material all the way through so it wears differently over time due to its lack of surface-level protection.
This gives it both an aesthetic appeal as well as practical advantages in terms of its long-term lifespan and maintenance needs. Linoleum also carries fewer health risks than many synthetic materials due to its natural composition, making it a popular choice among those looking for eco-friendly flooring solutions.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is incredibly durable and cost-effective, which is one of the reasons it has seen such a rise in popularity. It is also prized for its visuals, as photographic designs can be printed onto the surface layer to replicate natural materials like wood or stone.
But despite its many advantages, the manufacture of vinyl flooring still results in the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment. The primary culprits are PVC plastic, phthalate plasticizers for flexibility, and other carcinogenic chemicals used in its production. To make matters worse, the production process also requires large amounts of petroleum inputs.
Additionally, some manufacturers now offer alternative plasticizers that are free from phthalates and other dangerous compounds, allowing them to produce more environmentally friendly products with fewer contaminants released into the air and water supply during manufacturing.
Despite this progress, there are still important questions regarding how much emissions are actually reduced with recycled vinyl flooring versus traditional methods.
What Is the Better Flooring Option?
Linoleum is currently making a comeback as a flooring material due to its environmental sustainability and its relatively low impact on the environment. Unlike vinyl flooring, linoleum requires fewer chemicals to produce and is composed of natural materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers.
And, what many love is that linoleum has a long lifespan with minimal maintenance requirements. Apart from being environmentally friendly, linoleum also boasts an impressive range of design options that can be tailored to fit any space.
Its unique patterns are available in a variety of colors and textures that can easily be customized with borders or accents to create unique designs. In addition, its smooth surface makes it easy to clean with just a simple damp mop.
With all these advantages combined with its affordability when compared to other flooring options, it's no wonder why green-minded consumers are turning back towards this eco-friendly option.
What Are the Benefits of Sustainable Cleaning?
With linoleum as the best eco-friendly option, it helps loads if this type of flooring is created sustainably. Sustainable floor cleaning is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the benefits it offers.
This cleaning method uses fewer resources and produces less waste than traditional methods. It involves using eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable products to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning.
Additionally, sustainable floor cleaners are often safer for people to use since they don’t contain harsh chemicals or toxins, and they also don’t produce any additional greenhouse gas emissions when disposed of.
As sustainability becomes more important in day-to-day life, so does sustainable floor cleaning. Not only does it provide environmental advantages, but it can also help you keep your home clean and healthy for many years to come. Whether you choose to use sustainable products for regular maintenance or just for deep cleaning every now and then, you’ll be doing your part in helping create a healthier environment for yourself and your family in the long run.
A Sustainable Cleaning Option for Your Vinyl and Linoleum Floors
If you're looking for a great option for cleaning your floors, look no further than Tru Earth’s multi-surface cleaner. This disinfecting multi-surface cleaner is an excellent option for those looking to make sure their vinyl and linoleum floors are always clean and germ-free.
The unique formula of this product contains active ingredients that kill up to 99% of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on contact. This cleaner is also very easy to use; simply add a scoop of the cleaner into a bucket filled with hot water, give it a stir, and then mop away.
With its high potency, this cleaner will ensure your floors are left hygienically clean without any residue or streaking after each use. Moreover, it's gentle on most surfaces so you won't have to worry about damaging your floors while still receiving top-notch cleaning power.
The best part about this cleaner is that its environmentally friendly, as it is free from any harsh chemicals or toxins that could harm the environment. All in all, this multi-surface cleaner is an excellent choice for those who want their floors to be spotless and germ-free.
