Can a Dishwasher Make Your Linoleum Floor Come Loose?

Linoleum Water Damage

• Linoleum normally does not become damaged from moisture contacting it on a regular basis, making it an attractive flooring option for kitchens. Standing water that sits on linoleum can lead to the water penetrating the linoleum’s surface, finding any cracks and seams between the linoleum tiles. Once the water penetrates past the linoleum, it can saturate the substrate, or the surface such as plywood that the linoleum is attached to. As the water soaks the substrate, it in turn softens the adhesive that holds the linoleum to the substrate, causing the linoleum to bubble or peel off the substrate. You must dry out the substrate or replace it before applying fresh adhesive and applying pressure to the linoleum.

Early Signs of Leaks

• Staying aware of any signs that a water leak has begun, either from the dishwasher or even your kitchen sink, helps you catch water leaks in the early stages and avoid serious water damage. Note any water stains on the cabinets surrounding the dishwasher, as well as the linoleum flooring immediately in front of the dishwasher. Clean up water puddles immediately, and always investigate to find the source.

Mold Growth

• Mold can grow on organic surfaces, such as the cabinetry surrounding the dishwasher, the linoleum’s substrate or the floor joist in the subfloor. The mold growth eventually will break down the linoleum’s substrate and loosen the linoleum. If you detect a musty smell coming from around your dishwasher or the surrounding cabinets, this might be a sign of mold growth. You must clean mold off the flooring and other hard surfaces, using a scrub brush and a mixture of bleach and water. If the mold does not scrub completely off any wood, you need to sand off the mold growth to keep it from returning later.

Dishwasher Movement

• When installing or removing a dishwasher, use caution as you slide the dishwasher in or out of its spot under the counter. One of the sharp edges near the bottom of the washer can damage the linoleum, eventually causing the flooring to peel up. The rubberized feet on the bottom of the dishwasher can catch on any loose edges on the flooring, separating the linoleum from the substrate even more.