How to Repair Bubbling Linoleum

Pierce the center of the bubble with a utility knife to make a 1/2 inch cut.

Heat the bubble with hot air from a handheld hair dryer to reactive the linoleum adhesive. Press on the bubble often to determine if the adhesive is tacky. The linoleum will feel as if it is sticking to the floor once the adhesive reactivates.

Roll a rolling pin over the bubble to press the linoleum to the subfloor.

Place a stack of heavy books or other weight on the bubble. Let the weight remain on the bubble overnight.

Cut an X through the middle of the bubble with a utility knife if reactivating the glue was not successful.

Heat the linoleum with a handheld hair dryer to make the linoleum flexible.

Peel the edges of the X away from the center of the hole.

Scrape the old adhesive off the subfloor with a metal scraper or if the bubbled area is small scrape the adhesive with a flat-tipped screwdriver.

Apply a coat of linoleum flooring adhesive to the subfloor with a small paintbrush.

Pull the edges of the X back in place.

Roll a rolling pin over the X to press the linoleum against the adhesive and subfloor.

Wipe up excess adhesive with a damp rag.

Place a sheet of wax paper over the X and place a stack of books or other weight on top of the wax paper. Let the weight remain on the repair overnight.

Wipe the area with an all-purpose cleaner and rag to remove dirt and dust.

Dip a small brush into linoleum seam sealer and brush the seam sealer over the lines of the X to fuse the edges together.