Scorched Linoleum

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 25, 15 December 1939, Page 45

Scorched Linoleum

-_ — Dear Aunt. Daisy;-I have just had @ great misfortune, and would be so grateful if you know of any way I can Tepair the damage. We have just laid new linoleum in our kitchen, and I accidentally switched on the iron while it was lying on the floor. I had to leave the room for a while; and passing through the kitchen a few minutes later, was startled to smell something burning! Eventually I noticed the iron, and on lifting it, imagine my horror to find the imprint of the face of the iron, in a rich brown shade, on my cream and green linoleum! Unfortunately, it is in a _ place where I can find no possible excuse for | putting a mat; and meanwhile this un- | sightly mark is in full view of the back door; and, moreover, is a constant reminder of my carelessness. I had been feeling so proud of my little kitchen, which we have just freshly enamelled — it has been done’ barely a month — but now every time I go into it, I feel like weeping. I have heard you help so many other unfortunates, that I wondered if in all your experiences you had met with a similar case.-‘ Calamity Kate," (Auckland). Poor girl, I can indeed imagine your distress and remorse, It is always easy to be wise after the event, and I’m sure I need not now remind you always to pull out the plug of any electric attachment, whether iron or radiator or what not — it is a.much safer way than " switching off,’ and one which is always advocated in Fire Brigade Leatures. Switches are sometimes accidentally put on by a cushion being pushed against them, or a chair, or in other most unforseen and unexpected ways. However, the damage is now done, and what can we do about it? I feel sure that nothing will take out the scorch mark from the linoleum, although, of course, you could just try making a paste of peroxide and magnesia, and leaving it on for an hour or two; or rubbing with vinegar, or even with a freshly cut onion, which is very good on newly scorched material. But you will probably have to cut out, very neatly, a square patch around the scorch mark, and carefully insert a new piece of linoleum, which must, of course, match exactly. A good idea is to lay the new piece on top, and cut through both layers with a sharp knife -* this ensures that they fit perfectly; or cut the patch first, then lay it over the scorch and cut round it. The new piece can be stuck down with a Lino Cement, which can be bought in little tins, Put the cement on the floor, and press the linoleum upon it. You could put some under the edges of the cut-out part, too. If this is carefully matched or measured, the place really will not show at all. I have heard of several people putting in "invisible patches" like this, when a part gets specially worn, such as the place in front of the sink, where one stands to wash-up, or just in the doorways. I hope you will write and tell us how you get on.