FIRST AID FOR LINOLEUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19418, 28 August 1926, Page 6 (Supplement)

FIRST AID FOR LINOLEUM.

A good linoleum only needs scrubbing ©nee a year, or twice at the most. The reason for this is that the hot water, together with the strong chemicals in the 6oup, tends to unseat the composition,' causing it to swell and leave tho canvas backing. When linoleum gets dirty, waxing is elways preferable to washing it. The ■wax should be applied by means of a soft rag, using just sufficient of tho preparation to cover the part with a thin film, finally polishing with a dry, soft duster. In this way the wax cleans and preserves the linoleum at one operation. Linoleum may also be cleaned by the nse of liquid wax. In this case apply the wax in crosswise fashion over the whole surface to be treated and polish evenly. This has the effect of filling the pores and interstices of the linoleum and closing them to toreign matter, so as to withstand hard wear. Once your linoleum is waxed sufficiently dust and dirt may be removed easily with a soft sweeping brush, instead of f>y weekly scrubbing* so often regarded as essential tn clean floors. Half the trouble of maintaining a wellkept floor is due to the linoleum being carelessly laid when new. Nothing will stretch and crack the composition so much os an uneven floor. In levelling a floor, pack well with newspaper, putting as many thicknesses of the paper as will bring up the dents to propel' level. Tn t}ie case of wooden floors all cracks and holes should be filled with a composition made of shredded newspaper and flour and water mixed to a stiff consistency. A drying overnight wil! be sufficient in most cases. A good linoleum, properly waxed, will last ten to 15 years with ordinary The wax replaces the spent oil, which is one of the chief constituents in its manufacture. By making the repair equal to the waste the life of wear is extended considerably, whereas soap and water only •weaken the composition each time it is