Regular vacuuming or sweeping is the best way to maintain the finish. Then damp mop with plain water or add just a drop of liquid dish soap. If the floor has some tough spots to clean, use a white, nylon-backed scrub sponge. This will keep soil from wearing away the surface. However, if time and traffic eventually dull the glossy top layer, you may want to add a floor finish or wax to restore the shine. Choose any good commercial floor polish or try a self-polishing, metal-interlock floor finish available from a janitorial supply. Traffic areas may need finish applied more often than the rest of the floor. It's a good idea to keep doormats at all the entrances to your home, as they will catch much of the dirt that could eventually damage your floors.
You can view more tips at :http://www.merrymaids.com/cleaningtips/#floors
Showing posts with label caution sign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label caution sign. Show all posts
Monday
How to Clean Grout
Old grout may need cleaning with a wax stripper or heavy-duty cleaner plus a grout brush. Use a bleaching cleanser on tough spots. Once the grout is as clean as you can get it, rinse it well. When it's thoroughly dry, apply a coat of masonry sealer so that it doesn't absorb dirt in the future.
For mildewed grout in tubs or showers, use a grout brush with a 1:5 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Never use bleach in combination with any ammonia-based product and be sure the area is well-ventilated. When you've finished cleaning, rinse the area well to remove all traces of bleach.
Clean colored grout with a heavy-duty cleaner and a grout brush, but don't use bleach because this may remove the color from the grout. Be sure never to use a bleaching solution on colored grout. A masonry sealer can be applied to clean, colored grout to ward off future stains.
You can view this article at: http://www.merrymaids.com/cleaningtips/#grout
For mildewed grout in tubs or showers, use a grout brush with a 1:5 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Never use bleach in combination with any ammonia-based product and be sure the area is well-ventilated. When you've finished cleaning, rinse the area well to remove all traces of bleach.
Clean colored grout with a heavy-duty cleaner and a grout brush, but don't use bleach because this may remove the color from the grout. Be sure never to use a bleaching solution on colored grout. A masonry sealer can be applied to clean, colored grout to ward off future stains.
You can view this article at: http://www.merrymaids.com/cleaningtips/#grout
Another Steam Mop Review - SteamFast SF-140 Steam Mop
This is supposed to be the best inexpensive Steam Mop. Read the review below to find out more!
Best inexpensive steam mop
pros
* Swiveling mop head
* Uses tap water
* Easy to fill and maneuver
* 19-foot power cord
* Removable handle
cons
* Durability complaints
* Relatively small water reservoir
* Can leave floors wet
* Can't be used on all types of flooring
* Doesn't sanitize unless left in place for 15 seconds
Reviewers and owners agree that the SteamFast SF-140 steam mop is the best option in its price range, although the Bissell 1867-7 steam mop (*est. $80) gets better reviews overall. The SteamFast mop can steam for about 12 minutes without refilling (compared to 15 minutes for the Bissell version), and reviews say it cuts right through dried liquids and other stains on a variety of flooring materials. As with all steam mops, the SteamFast SF-140 should not be used on unsealed wood or cork floors. Some owners say that they use towels to absorb excess water left on the floor after mopping, but this is a very common complaint about steam mops. If you can budget more for a steam mop, reviews say that the Bissell 1867-7 is sturdier.
We read the best review of the SteamFast SF-140 at KYW-TV's website CBS3.com, which records the results of Good Housekeeping's steam-mop testing. This mop aced the testing and outperformed the other two mops tested. At Amazon.com, this mop has garnered a handful of reviews, but at Walmart.com, it's been reviewed more than 150 times.
You can view more reviews at: http://www.consumersearch.com/steam-mops/steamfast-sf-140-steam-mop
Best inexpensive steam mop
pros
* Swiveling mop head
* Uses tap water
* Easy to fill and maneuver
* 19-foot power cord
* Removable handle
cons
* Durability complaints
* Relatively small water reservoir
* Can leave floors wet
* Can't be used on all types of flooring
* Doesn't sanitize unless left in place for 15 seconds
Reviewers and owners agree that the SteamFast SF-140 steam mop is the best option in its price range, although the Bissell 1867-7 steam mop (*est. $80) gets better reviews overall. The SteamFast mop can steam for about 12 minutes without refilling (compared to 15 minutes for the Bissell version), and reviews say it cuts right through dried liquids and other stains on a variety of flooring materials. As with all steam mops, the SteamFast SF-140 should not be used on unsealed wood or cork floors. Some owners say that they use towels to absorb excess water left on the floor after mopping, but this is a very common complaint about steam mops. If you can budget more for a steam mop, reviews say that the Bissell 1867-7 is sturdier.
We read the best review of the SteamFast SF-140 at KYW-TV's website CBS3.com, which records the results of Good Housekeeping's steam-mop testing. This mop aced the testing and outperformed the other two mops tested. At Amazon.com, this mop has garnered a handful of reviews, but at Walmart.com, it's been reviewed more than 150 times.
You can view more reviews at: http://www.consumersearch.com/steam-mops/steamfast-sf-140-steam-mop
Sunday
Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop Review for Tile Floors
Best steam mop
- Uses plain water
- Sturdy build
- Pivoting head gets into corners
- Removes scuffs and stuck-on stains
- Ready indicator light
- Washable mop-head cover
- Can't be used on all types of flooring
- Doesn't sanitize unless left in place for 15 seconds
- Leaves floors wet
- 17-foot cord too short for some
- Must depress trigger to release steam
We read the best reviews of this mop at Amazon.com, where it has accumulated 450 reviews. We also found several dozen owner-written reviews of the Bissell 1867-7 at Epinions.com. Green-cleaning blogger Danny Seo posts a brief, glowing writeup about this mop to his blog.
Find more product reviews at: http://www.consumersearch.com/steam-mops/bissell-1867-7-steam-mop
Tuesday
Taking Care of your Tile
Ever wonder how to take care of your tile? We found some great tips from the "World Floor Covering Association". Check it out!
Ceramic tile is beautiful, durable, practical and an elegant addition to any home. Are you picturing it in your home?
It also offers a seemingly endless variety of style options – hundreds of textures, patterns and glazings in numerous sizes.
But if you are about to make this flooring a solution for the way you live, take care. Take care of your investment and it will reward you and your home for many, many years to come.
Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding flooring upkeep can be a determining factor in the type of ceramic tile you purchase.
That’s why we put this section together for you. It’s about the care, considerations and cautions of maintaining a ceramic tile floor. Maybe your floor.
So check over the following advice and be a little smarter about smart and stylish ceramic tile.
Sweep but don’t “beat” ceramic tile.
It’s important to sweep a tile floor regularly. Dirt can adhere to the surface of tile, particularly styles with a textured surface.
Regular sweeping loosens and removes most of this dirt. So keep on sweeping.
Don’t forget those labor saving devices. Feel free to use a vacuum cleaner to sweep, but be sure to use one without a beater bar to avoid dulling and scratching the tiles.
However, the attachments that accompany vacuum cleaners are useful to collect dirt along edges or in between tiles.
Keep dirt in its place.
Be sure to use walk-off mats to minimize and contain dirt being tracked in at entryways. And shake them often, homeowner.
This reduces the amount of dirt being tracked across the tile floor, and reduces the wear to the finished surface.
Cleaning tips that really shine.
Ceramic tile floors should be damp-mopped regularly using the manufacturer’s recommended grout and tile cleaners.
For heavier soil, you can spot clean the floor with a sponge or clean cloth using the recommended cleaners.
Rinse well and wipe dry for more shine.
Textured tiles may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush or electric polisher/scrubber.
After cleaning with a mild detergent rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue.
If needed wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film.
For soft water situations you may need to use an all-purpose cleaner.
Apply to the floor, let stand for 3 - 5 minutes, lightly scrub with a sponge, rinse well and you’re home free – dirt free too.
For heavier cleaning tasks there are cleaning products available from your local grocery store that can be used to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew stains.
You’ll want to consult the cleaning product’s instructions to make sure the product is compatible with your type of tile.
After cleaning, rinse well and wipe dry for optimum shine. And maximum pride.
No-Nos for those in the know.
Avoid using steel wool, scouring powders, or other abrasives that can scratch the finish of the tile.
Don’t use bleach or ammonia based cleaners, as these products can discolor your grout if used too often.
Also, do not clean glazed tile with oil-based cleaners.
Be fast on your feet. Try to clean up spills as quickly as possible so that the grout or tile doesn’t become stained.
While ceramic tile is considered very durable, it’s not indestructible and may crack or chip under extreme force.
Take the proper precautions when moving heavy objects across your tile floor. Get a small army to help you move that grand piano.
Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.
Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation.
However, the good news is that, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with the original product.
ceramic tile grout
Final advice: do caulk and consider sealing.
Once the tile has been laid and grouted, it’s your responsibility to maintain areas exposed to water by caulking.
Caulking will prevent expensive subsurface damage, as well as keep the tiled areas looking their best.
Depending on your lifestyle, sealing new tile and grout may be an option.
After the installation process is complete and the grout has had ample time to cure, sealing the grout and tile can provide protection from dirt and spills by slowing down the staining process.
Today there are also innovative grout colorants you should be aware of.
These products can transform the original color of grout and in some cases can act as a form of sealant. Please be aware that non-epoxy grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer.
Regular care and maintenance will keep your ceramic tile looking new for years to come, and will keep your home a showcase for family and friends.
To read article Click Here
Ceramic tile is beautiful, durable, practical and an elegant addition to any home. Are you picturing it in your home?
It also offers a seemingly endless variety of style options – hundreds of textures, patterns and glazings in numerous sizes.
But if you are about to make this flooring a solution for the way you live, take care. Take care of your investment and it will reward you and your home for many, many years to come.
Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding flooring upkeep can be a determining factor in the type of ceramic tile you purchase.
That’s why we put this section together for you. It’s about the care, considerations and cautions of maintaining a ceramic tile floor. Maybe your floor.
So check over the following advice and be a little smarter about smart and stylish ceramic tile.
Sweep but don’t “beat” ceramic tile.
It’s important to sweep a tile floor regularly. Dirt can adhere to the surface of tile, particularly styles with a textured surface.
Regular sweeping loosens and removes most of this dirt. So keep on sweeping.
Don’t forget those labor saving devices. Feel free to use a vacuum cleaner to sweep, but be sure to use one without a beater bar to avoid dulling and scratching the tiles.
However, the attachments that accompany vacuum cleaners are useful to collect dirt along edges or in between tiles.
Keep dirt in its place.
Be sure to use walk-off mats to minimize and contain dirt being tracked in at entryways. And shake them often, homeowner.
This reduces the amount of dirt being tracked across the tile floor, and reduces the wear to the finished surface.
Cleaning tips that really shine.
Ceramic tile floors should be damp-mopped regularly using the manufacturer’s recommended grout and tile cleaners.
For heavier soil, you can spot clean the floor with a sponge or clean cloth using the recommended cleaners.
Rinse well and wipe dry for more shine.
Textured tiles may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush or electric polisher/scrubber.
After cleaning with a mild detergent rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue.
If needed wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film.
For soft water situations you may need to use an all-purpose cleaner.
Apply to the floor, let stand for 3 - 5 minutes, lightly scrub with a sponge, rinse well and you’re home free – dirt free too.
For heavier cleaning tasks there are cleaning products available from your local grocery store that can be used to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew stains.
You’ll want to consult the cleaning product’s instructions to make sure the product is compatible with your type of tile.
After cleaning, rinse well and wipe dry for optimum shine. And maximum pride.
No-Nos for those in the know.
Avoid using steel wool, scouring powders, or other abrasives that can scratch the finish of the tile.
Don’t use bleach or ammonia based cleaners, as these products can discolor your grout if used too often.
Also, do not clean glazed tile with oil-based cleaners.
Be fast on your feet. Try to clean up spills as quickly as possible so that the grout or tile doesn’t become stained.
While ceramic tile is considered very durable, it’s not indestructible and may crack or chip under extreme force.
Take the proper precautions when moving heavy objects across your tile floor. Get a small army to help you move that grand piano.
Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.
Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation.
However, the good news is that, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with the original product.
ceramic tile grout
Final advice: do caulk and consider sealing.
Once the tile has been laid and grouted, it’s your responsibility to maintain areas exposed to water by caulking.
Caulking will prevent expensive subsurface damage, as well as keep the tiled areas looking their best.
Depending on your lifestyle, sealing new tile and grout may be an option.
After the installation process is complete and the grout has had ample time to cure, sealing the grout and tile can provide protection from dirt and spills by slowing down the staining process.
Today there are also innovative grout colorants you should be aware of.
These products can transform the original color of grout and in some cases can act as a form of sealant. Please be aware that non-epoxy grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer.
Regular care and maintenance will keep your ceramic tile looking new for years to come, and will keep your home a showcase for family and friends.
To read article Click Here
Monday
How to Dry Wet Carpet in The Basement
This is an excellent article on how to take care of wet carpets.
If you are a homeowner you know the extra responsibility and work that comes with the territory of owning your own home. One situation that most homeowners will probably experience at least once is some type of water damage in their basement. It can be from severe rainfall which seeps in through the foundation. Another common cause of water leakage and wet carpet in the basement is through leaky or broken pipes. The collateral damage of these types of water damage includes destroyed ceiling tiles. But even more important, your carpet and padding needs to be quickly dried to prevent mold and mildew--not to mention a musty smell that won't go away.
If the problem is coming from outside the house or the source is not related to your plumbing then call a professional. Otherwise, it's likely the water is leaking, or even flowing, through the ceiling tiles in the basement. If that's the case then immediately shut off the main water valve in your house. If you don't know call a trusted neighbor who you think would know.
If the water is from a pipe that is either cracked, completely broken or out of the fitting, some water could still flow out for a couple minutes after you shut it off. Place the nearest bucket or plastic tub on the floor underneath the leak.
After turning off the water (by turning right to close='OFF' & turn left to open='ON')get the Wet/Dry Vac out to soak up as much water as possible. I used a shop-vac before and it worked just fine if you're concerned about soaking up water and your shop-vac doesn't specifically state "Wet" on it.
Use this type of attachment to cover as much wet carpet as possible. Slowly go over the area multiple times and from different directions. Depending on the size of the wet area, you should spend at least 30 minutes for a 5x5 area (feet). This attachment will create a good suction and may possibly raise the carpet a few inches from the pressure. Don't worry, this is actually good, since the pad can begin to dry that way too.
Turn the humidity down, or off, for your furnace if you have it on. Humidity is your worst enemy during this period. If you have a dehumidifier, place it in the middle of the room where the water damage is.
Set up at least two High Velocity Fans (preferably floor level). If you don't have these then find as many fans as possible. Maybe your neighbors have some. Perhaps your employer has some in their warehouse. The more powerful the fan the better. Make up for a lack in quality with quantity if you have to--take as many different lower-strength fans as possible around the circumference of the wet carpet. (Also set up your "wet floor" caution signs").
After completing the first six steps, the area (depending on the size) should start to feel dry. Don't stop the fans though! The pad is probably still a little damp even though you can't feel any dampness. Leave the fans on for another 12-24 hours. If you want to, sprinkle some Arm & Hammer baking soda (or other brand I suppose)over the area that was soaked but is now somewhat dry to the touch. Use a broom or whatever else you can find to spread it over the area. It's important to make sure at least the carpet is dry enough that the baking soda won't cluster up on you because it will be a pain when you vacuum it up. Leave the baking soda on for about 45 minutes to an hour and then vacuum it up using the shop-vac. Repeat a couple more times if necessary. You could also put a fresh layer of baking soda before you go to bed and vacuum in the morning.
This article provided by Ezine articles
If you are a homeowner you know the extra responsibility and work that comes with the territory of owning your own home. One situation that most homeowners will probably experience at least once is some type of water damage in their basement. It can be from severe rainfall which seeps in through the foundation. Another common cause of water leakage and wet carpet in the basement is through leaky or broken pipes. The collateral damage of these types of water damage includes destroyed ceiling tiles. But even more important, your carpet and padding needs to be quickly dried to prevent mold and mildew--not to mention a musty smell that won't go away.
If the problem is coming from outside the house or the source is not related to your plumbing then call a professional. Otherwise, it's likely the water is leaking, or even flowing, through the ceiling tiles in the basement. If that's the case then immediately shut off the main water valve in your house. If you don't know call a trusted neighbor who you think would know.
If the water is from a pipe that is either cracked, completely broken or out of the fitting, some water could still flow out for a couple minutes after you shut it off. Place the nearest bucket or plastic tub on the floor underneath the leak.
After turning off the water (by turning right to close='OFF' & turn left to open='ON')get the Wet/Dry Vac out to soak up as much water as possible. I used a shop-vac before and it worked just fine if you're concerned about soaking up water and your shop-vac doesn't specifically state "Wet" on it.
Use this type of attachment to cover as much wet carpet as possible. Slowly go over the area multiple times and from different directions. Depending on the size of the wet area, you should spend at least 30 minutes for a 5x5 area (feet). This attachment will create a good suction and may possibly raise the carpet a few inches from the pressure. Don't worry, this is actually good, since the pad can begin to dry that way too.
Turn the humidity down, or off, for your furnace if you have it on. Humidity is your worst enemy during this period. If you have a dehumidifier, place it in the middle of the room where the water damage is.
Set up at least two High Velocity Fans (preferably floor level). If you don't have these then find as many fans as possible. Maybe your neighbors have some. Perhaps your employer has some in their warehouse. The more powerful the fan the better. Make up for a lack in quality with quantity if you have to--take as many different lower-strength fans as possible around the circumference of the wet carpet. (Also set up your "wet floor" caution signs").
After completing the first six steps, the area (depending on the size) should start to feel dry. Don't stop the fans though! The pad is probably still a little damp even though you can't feel any dampness. Leave the fans on for another 12-24 hours. If you want to, sprinkle some Arm & Hammer baking soda (or other brand I suppose)over the area that was soaked but is now somewhat dry to the touch. Use a broom or whatever else you can find to spread it over the area. It's important to make sure at least the carpet is dry enough that the baking soda won't cluster up on you because it will be a pain when you vacuum it up. Leave the baking soda on for about 45 minutes to an hour and then vacuum it up using the shop-vac. Repeat a couple more times if necessary. You could also put a fresh layer of baking soda before you go to bed and vacuum in the morning.
This article provided by Ezine articles
Tuesday
Caring for Your Hardwood Floors
Floor Care and Maintenance
By observing a few precautions and setting up a regular cleaning routine and maintenance program, you can expect years of beauty from your floor. The following are examples of the reasonable and necessary maintenance you should to perform.
* Sweep or vacuum regularly since built-up grit can damage the surface of the wood. The vacuum head must be a brush or felt type. Be certain the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BAR HEAD.
* Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and recommended cleaning products.
* NEVER wet-mop, damp-mop, or flood your floor with water or other products. This can severely damage the flooring and will void the warranties. The use of the dry Swiffer® sweeper by Procter & Gamble or another similar product is highly recommended. Do not use hardwood floor cleaning machines.
* The use of approved maintenance and floor-care products, including but not limited to Bona X Swedish Formula Hardwood Flooring Cleaner and Basic Coating Squeaky Hardwood Floor Cleaner, is highly recommended.
* IMPORTANT: Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax products, or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil, silicon or ammonia since these warranties do not cover damage caused by non-recommended products. Use of these and other such products will harm the long-term performance of your floor and may also affect its recoat ability.
* Keep pets' nails trimmed, and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil and stains.
* Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and feet to reduce scratches and dents.
* Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture or appliances.
* Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate properly (a minimum 1" width is recommended).
* Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on floor.
* Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging of wood and fabrics. This causes the stain and/or wood to fade and/or to change color. We recommend that you rearrange rugs and furniture periodically so the floor ages evenly. These warranties do not cover damage from the sun and its UV rays.
* Use area rugs in high traffic areas and pivot points (e.g., stair landings, room entries, etc.), especially if you have a large family or indoor pets.
* Place mats on both sides of doors leading out of the house. These mats will help catch dirt, sand and other materials that may damage your floor.
Information in this article can be found at Andersonfloors.com
By observing a few precautions and setting up a regular cleaning routine and maintenance program, you can expect years of beauty from your floor. The following are examples of the reasonable and necessary maintenance you should to perform.
* Sweep or vacuum regularly since built-up grit can damage the surface of the wood. The vacuum head must be a brush or felt type. Be certain the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BAR HEAD.
* Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and recommended cleaning products.
* NEVER wet-mop, damp-mop, or flood your floor with water or other products. This can severely damage the flooring and will void the warranties. The use of the dry Swiffer® sweeper by Procter & Gamble or another similar product is highly recommended. Do not use hardwood floor cleaning machines.
* The use of approved maintenance and floor-care products, including but not limited to Bona X Swedish Formula Hardwood Flooring Cleaner and Basic Coating Squeaky Hardwood Floor Cleaner, is highly recommended.
* IMPORTANT: Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax products, or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil, silicon or ammonia since these warranties do not cover damage caused by non-recommended products. Use of these and other such products will harm the long-term performance of your floor and may also affect its recoat ability.
* Keep pets' nails trimmed, and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil and stains.
* Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and feet to reduce scratches and dents.
* Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture or appliances.
* Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate properly (a minimum 1" width is recommended).
* Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on floor.
* Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging of wood and fabrics. This causes the stain and/or wood to fade and/or to change color. We recommend that you rearrange rugs and furniture periodically so the floor ages evenly. These warranties do not cover damage from the sun and its UV rays.
* Use area rugs in high traffic areas and pivot points (e.g., stair landings, room entries, etc.), especially if you have a large family or indoor pets.
* Place mats on both sides of doors leading out of the house. These mats will help catch dirt, sand and other materials that may damage your floor.
Information in this article can be found at Andersonfloors.com
Sunday
Cleaning Buddys now available for purchase
The Cleaning Buddys website offers carpet cleaning tools used by professional carpet cleaners to consumers for a great price! These tools make house cleaning a little easier and definitely more fun.
Click to Purchase Lift Buddy
Click to Purchase Wall Buddy
Click to Purchase Hose Boss
Click to Purchase Caution Sign
Click to Purchase Lift Buddy
Click to Purchase Wall Buddy
Click to Purchase Hose Boss
Click to Purchase Caution Sign
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