My marmoleum looks CRAP

[morningpaper]

It is seven years old

It looked faded, scratched and dull

Is there any way of bringing it back to life? Or should I stick some cheapy white vinyl tiles over the top?!

DNR and no to cheapy white vinyl tiles.

What room?

bathroom

DNR? Do Not Resuscitate?

Rubber
Soft, non-slip, easy-to-clean, waterproof and very hardwearing, rubber flooring is ideal for bathrooms. Choose from sheet or tiles in smooth or studded finishes, in a huge range of colours. It costs from around £40 per sq m.

Vinyl
Hygienic and waterproof, vinyl comes in sheets or tiles. Cushioned vinyl is softer and warmer, while harder types come in a variety of finishes. It must be laid on an absolutely flat surface. Prices range from £5 to £40 per sq m.

Linoleum
Lino is made almost entirely from natural materials. It's easy to clean and durable but can tear or dent and must be laid on a flat, even surface. It comes in tile or sheet form, in a range of colours and designs. Linoleum costs from £20 per sq m.

Tiles
Porcelain is more durable than ceramic, but harder to cut. Both are easily cleaned, waterproof and come in printed, matt, textured and glazed finishes in endless colours, but can be slippery and cold. Prices are from £6 to £60 per sq m.

Yes, do not resuscitate!

Cheapy white tiles could look fine in the bathroom, but can be blooming cold underfoot. Our bathroom floor had to be reinforced to take tiles, didn't bother with underfloor heating to my regret, and ds was in A&E having slipped and gashed his head open on it within two months of it being laid.

There are some fab cushioned vinyls around.

ooh yes it was vinyl tiles I was proposing

I have them in the kitchen and it has greatly reduce Shattering Crockery incidents

Just annoyed that Mamoleum came with GREAT PROMISE and actually it just a bit crappy

mp you can get marmoleum polish which is supposed to be good at maintaining and reviving marmoleum.
Your best bet is to ask at a local stockist.
I used it in our previous house where we put down marmoleum and it always looked very good afterwards.

or here (though not in stock)
www.johnlewis.com/230653816/Product.aspx

Really? The marmoleum in my aunt and uncle's house still looks great, even where I did a massive scratch mark. I think that Pannacotta must be right about the marmoleum polish - there's obviously something they're using that makes it look good. It might be something very old fashioned like linseed oil.

just polish it. what do you use to wash it? you need to use the special stuff or the marmoleum senses your lack of comitment and becomes lacklustre

hmmm I think you are right, I need to get some of the proper polish

John Lewis is out of stock through grr

i bought the polish and worryingly it says only apply with applicator, no one in john lewis cuold shed any light on this. i only wash with the special stuff cos sil warned me about the dangers of just sloshing flash on it.

'the marmoleum senses your lack of comitment and becomes lacklustre '

Sorry but LOLOL