Cleaning Vinyl Floors - Tips from Melissa Maker

 

Vinyl floor restoration and Cleaning Cambridge

 

Vinyl Flooring Care & Maintenance

 

Eco-Friendly Tile Cleaning Alternatives

Cleaning your tile is very important not only in making sure that it looks great but also to keep it in good condition. Tile can be used all around the house, the most popular of which is in the bathroom and on your floors. Clean tile is beautiful tile, which is why many owners go to great lengths to keep their tile constantly cleaned. One drawback though is that some tile cleaning products can end up hurting the environment as they can contain harmful chemicals and substances.

If you are worried about protecting the environment while cleaning your tile, then maybe you should opt for eco-friendly tile cleaning alternatives. Here are a few ways that you can help save the environment and still have sparkling tile in your home.

Vacuum - Vacuuming is a great help in ensuring that your tile floors are always dust-free and clean. It won't hurt the environment, as you won't have to apply any cleaning agent or product to your tile's surface. Vacuuming a few times a week will make sure that your tile looks clean and avoids that dull, dusty look that can happen if left untreated. The best solution is to use a vacuum made for hard surfaces. These are less abrasive on the tile and won't be as likely to cause scratches.

Vinegar - Vinegar is another eco-friendly alternative that you can try out. Vinegar is great in the kitchen as well as for cleaning around the house. Just be careful not to use vinegar when you have natural stone flooring because vinegar can damage it. To use vinegar, just mix one part vinegar with four parts water and use the solution when mopping your floor. Vinegar is readily available, effective, and won't hurt Mother Nature so it's a great option to try.

Water - Sometimes all you will need to get your ceramic tiles clean is some water. It's the simplest cleaning solution that you can get your hands on and it is certainly environmentally friendly. Water, even without cleaning agents, still works well in removing dust and dirt from your tiles and does so without having any negative side effects on the environment. The next time you have dirty tile in your home, get a bucket of water and a clean mop and you'll be surprised how simple yet effective it can be.

Having clean tile doesn't have to come at the expense of our environment. Do your part in saving the earth and prevent further damage by going with eco-friendly tile cleaning options. The options above are equally effective in cleaning your tile and won't harm mother nature in the process.

http://www.BobsCarpetCare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6793192

5 Grout and Tile Cleaning FAQs

Dirty, moldy grout and tile isn't something that anyone wants in their home. Unfortunately, grout and tile cleaning can be a difficult task - sometimes, it seems that no amount of scrubbing will get your tile sparkling. But with a little effort, you can get your grout and tile looking great. Here, a tile cleaning expert answers some of the most commonly asked questions about cleaning your tile.

1. Why should I get my grout and tile cleaned? Aside from the obvious aesthetic reasons for cleaning your grout and tile, it's also important to keep tile and grout clean because these areas can be a breeding ground for harmful microbes and pathogens. Grout, which is a porous material, can be especially problematic since it easily absorbs grease, oil, and other substances - which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

2. How can I tell if my grout or tile needs cleaning? The first step in determining if you need grout or tile cleaning is a visual inspection. If the grout and tile looks dirty, it probably should be cleaned. Also try to compare the grout and tile in high-traffic areas to that in low-traffic areas. If the tile in high-traffic areas is dirtier and darker than other areas, it should be cleaned.

3. What should I do if my grout is moldy or mildewed? Moldy or mildewed grout can be very difficult to clean. While a good scrubbing with a household cleaner may remove mold on the surface of grout, often the mold is actually deeply embedded inside the grout. If the do-it-yourself grout and tile cleaning methods you've tried aren't solving your mold problem, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service to resolve the issue.

4. Should I hire a professional grout and tile cleaning service? Whether you should hire a professional tile cleaning service depends on how dirty your tile and grout is. While manual cleaning may remove surface dirt, it can be next-to- impossible to remove more deeply embedded dirt and grime yourself. Tile cleaning experts use special equipment to deep-clean your tile and grout. Plus, after the cleaning is complete, most professional cleaners will apply a sealant to your tile and grout to make it easier to clean in the future.

5. Can a professional cleaning service make my tile look like new? That depends. While professional cleaning can produce impressive results, it's not always possible to return tile to "like-new" condition. Old tile may have imperfections that are impossible to remove, and if you've neglected cleaning your tile and grout for a number of years, it may be more difficult to remove deeply embedded stains.

Orbit Cleaning Service offers grout and tile cleaning services in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria & Chandler AZ. For your free cleaning consultation call 480-516-0281 or visit http://www.orbitcleaningservice.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7870777

Ceramic Tiles: Cleaning Basics

 Ceramic tiles are widely used materials found in kitchens and bathrooms. It has a stylish look and is prone to collecting all sorts of dirt and scum and in the process, making it look dull and undesirable. If you don't want this to happen, follow these Atlanta tile cleaning tips when cleaning ceramic tiles.

There are a number of ways that you can clean your ceramic tile floors according to tile cleaning Atlanta and these are as follows:

1. Sweeping - regular sweeping of floors lessen dusts that sticks on every nook and corner of your home. We cannot get rid of dusts and the only way to deal with it is to wipe it out of our lives regularly. When ceramic tiles have textured surfaces, dust tends to cling easily.

2. Vacuum cleaner - Atlanta tile cleaning also recommends the use of a vacuum cleaner as long as it doesn't have a bar or sharp metals that can cause unpleasant scratches or damage on your ceramic tiles. Vacuum cleaners have been proven to be one of the most effective methods of getting rid of dust and dirt that lurks in between the lines and edges of your ceramic tiles.

3. Detergents and brush - This, according to tile cleaning Atlanta, is one of the simple methods that you employ to clean your ceramic tiles. Aside from brush, you can also make use of a soft sponge or cloth. Use a dry towel to wipe the ceramics dry after you cleaned it up.

4. Walk-off doormat - this is one of the most basic ways to restrain dirt from entering your beloved homes. And since dirt and dusts gets trapped in the mat, you'll only have to worry about the few culprits that will be left.

5. Damp mop - mop your floor regularly so it will maintain its shining look. Aside from maintaining its look, you also get rid of dirt that could have stuck up on your tiles during the day.

6. Ceramic tile cleaners - aside from the use of mop, there are ceramic tile cleaners that can also help you achieve the shining and dazzling look of your tiles, according to Atlanta tile cleaning.

Atlanta tile cleaning recommends that you regularly clean your tiles if you don't want to find yourself looking at dirt artworks lingering on your floors or walls. However, do make sure that, whatever tile cleaner you use, they don't contain materials or chemicals that could scratch and damage your tiles. As much as possible, avoid using these materials:

a. Ammonia based cleaners
b. Strong bleaches - you may use this, but don't forget to dilute it before using.

These products have the ability to cause discoloration. If in case you do use the 2 products mentioned above, make sure that you clean and wipe any spills that could occur, as soon as possible, to prevent ugly stains.

Do you need help in cleaning your tiles, marble, granite or other stone surfaces? Atlanta tile cleaning is a family owned business that could provide you with all your surface cleaning needs. With tile cleaning Atlanta, you don't have to worry about dirty floors and walls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5842750

Tile Cleaning 101: Cleaning Your Tiles on a Budget

Having clean tiles is very important if you want to maintain its beauty as well as keeping them in good condition. The problem sometimes is that tile cleaning can be somewhat expensive as you would need to purchase tile cleaning products and for some even hiring the services of professional tile cleaners. For those on a tight budget, cleaning your tiles may be a bit of a financial burden and some may even just elect not to clean it that vigilantly.

If you are facing this predicament, fret not. There are effective ways for you to be able to clean your tile so that it will not hurt your wallet as much. If you are looking for simple tips to get this done, read the advice listed below and find out how you can clean your tiles even on a budget.

1. Vacuum it Frequently - Tiles can become dirty and result in discoloration because of the build-up of dust and dirt over time. One way to combat this without having to spend much is by using your vacuum cleaner and vacuuming it frequently. This will help remove the dust, dirt, and other unwanted particles on your tiles as well as prevent the build-up from happening to preserve its appearance and cleanliness.

2. Vinegar as a Cleaning Agent - For those worrying about spending a lot of money on tile cleaning products, using vinegar can be a cheap alternative that you can use and still get good results. Vinegar not only works well in the kitchen, it has long been used as a cleaning agent for removing stains on shirts and fabrics. Making a cleaning solution out of vinegar is very simple. Just mix one part vinegar with four parts water. Be careful though not to use vinegar on natural stone flooring as it can damage it. For other kinds of tiles, vinegar can be a great and effective alternative to commercial tile cleaning products.

3. Using Water to Clean Your Tiles - Yes, you don't always need to use a commercial tile cleaning solution in order to clean your tiles. In some cases, water can already be effective in doing this task. Water is natural, eco-friendly as well as budget-friendly, which is why it is an option that you should try. Water works well in removing the dust and dirt on your tiles and can help eliminate stains. A bucket of water and a clean mop can do wonders and will clean your tiles just fine without costing you a lot of money.

You see, having clean tiles doesn't mean that you need to spend a lot of money. Use the simple cost saving tips above and you will be able to have clean tiles even if you are on a tight budget.

To find a qualified tile cleaner visit Tile Cleaning Charlotte or Tile Cleaning Kansas City Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Dannon/632699

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6758603

Vinyl Floor Cleaning and Care

Vinyl flooring has become an ever popular choice in recent years, in both domestic and commercial environments, due to a wide range of designs, ease with which it can be installed and its durability. There are many types of vinyl with standard vinyl common in household kitchens and bathrooms and more durable vinyl and altro safety flooring for commercial use. As with any type of flooring it can be damaged over time, but with proper care and attention it should prove to be a popular and practical option which should last for many years.

As with any floor, a sealant is always recommended as it will offer additional protection against the build up of grime and bacteria, as well as any possible spillages that inevitably take place. It is important that any sealant is applied regularly as they wear out over time and are also susceptible to scratches, but with vinyl which has a shiny finish it can be particularly important as this type of finish can easily fade. A vinyl floor cleaning specialist or company will be able to recommend the appropriate sealant for your specific type of flooring.

An enemy of vinyl is dirt and grit, as this can lead to scratching when people walk on the floor. Scratches tend to have a greater effect on a material like vinyl, as opposed to natural stone or ceramics, as it can mark the surface and affect the 'finish' as well as allowing grime to build up at the point where the scratch occurred.

It is important to make a habit of cleaning and sweeping the floor as regularly as possible, at least once a day is recommended, and to place doormats at entrances where people are more likely to come in off the street. Once the surface has been swept cleaning is simply a matter of a mop and some warm water followed by natural drying.

Vinyl is also susceptible to heavy objects and the weight of the object may mark the vinyl, and there is a real risk when moving objects, especially if they are very heavy and the temptation is to drag rather than lift.

If your floor is scratched it is possible that grime and bacteria will build up over time, even if you clean regularly. It should be obvious if you notice any subtle changes in the colour tone or a 'dulling' of parts of the floor. There may also be a stain you simply can't shift and in that case you would be advised to contact a vinyl floor cleaning company to restore it to its original condition before re-sealing.

For professional advice, tips and information on floor cleaning and restoration visit us at

http://www.simplyfloorcleaning.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8057404

Vinyl Floor Cleaning - Tips

Vinyl floors and altro safety floors are sound choices in certain domestic and commercial settings and, depending on the intended use, should provide a low maintenance surface which possesses a variety of good qualities. One of the main features of vinyl floors is that they are impermeable, which makes them perfect for areas where spillages are likely such as bathrooms and kitchens. Other qualities they possess are that they are available in a vast range of designs and colours and that it is an extremely easy floor to install.

There is a wide range in quality, perhaps more so than with other types of hard floor and as with many things in life - you get what you pay for. Cheap vinyl will be flimsy, will tear and scratch easily and will generally not last very long. The other extreme will be something like altro safety flooring which will be highly durable and able to withstand a lot of traffic and abuse and will, for this reason, be more commonly found in commercial settings. The type of floor you go for will depend on the location and what you need from the floor. In general a good quality vinyl floor will possess a good finish, will be easy to look after and will last - if cared for correctly.

Vinyl will need, like any other floor, to be looked after and maintained if you wish to keep it looking good - it is, in general, durable and resilient but that does not mean it is mark and scratch resistant. If it is not correctly maintained it may not be possible to clean it to a satisfactory finish and a vinyl floor cleaning specialist may need to be contacted.

Many factors can cause damage to vinyl and the most common are the corners of furniture or heavy objects, chair legs and dirt and grit walked into the area on the soles of shoes. While vinyl is a 'wipe clean' surface and most spillages or dirt can be removed by mopping or wiping, this will not work when the floor is marked or scratched and stains or bacteria become ingrained in the aforementioned marks. It is vitally important therefore to make sure the floor is protected as much as possible - place doormats at entrances, sweep and vacuum regularly, take care when moving heavy objects and apply padded tips to the corners of furniture and chair legs.

If your floor does get marked, you may need to contact a professional vinyl floor cleaning [http://www.001streamline.co.uk/] company which will be able to take advantage of modern technology such as heat and pressure cleaning and emulsification as well as the effective capture of waste and slurry in order to leave the floor looking like new. The application of a sealant is an alternative but this will often cause the vinyl to become slippery and may not be advisable in all cases.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5432748

Vinyl Flooring And Its Maintenance Tips

Almost all of the homes have Vinyl Flooring which is also termed as linoleum flooring as this is an useful material which can be used to install using rolls or tiles of the product. This material is found mostly in the bathroom or kitchens where this would make the cleaning easy, cheap material for flooring while the classic wood floors are easily prone to damage or staining. You also have vinyl flooring in different patterns, ranging from faux wood to floral pictures and stone patterns so that you can find a look that would best suit your home. Also remember that materials that are easy for caring also need some TLC for its best look, and little caring would keep for a long time the vinyl flooring beautiful.

Vinyl floor cleaning is a snap till you go along with the schedule of regular cleaning. Simple vacuuming keeps the floor free from grit and dirt and washing occasionally using a floor cleaner would make sure it remains clean. However, spills need immediate wipe off from the Vinyl floor to avoid any kind of staining. In case your Vinyl flooring tarts losing its shine, as it is normal then you can restore this back by using a polish for floor made particularly for vinyl flooring. Be cautious about using any abrasive material since this scratches and damages the vinyl flooring making it easy for the dirt to stay.

If you have noticed any tear or scratch on the Vinyl floor, we can see that it gives an ugly sight and something that needs to be avoided. When you are moving any object across the Vinyl flooring, cover the floor with a plywood material first to avoid scratching and keep you floor look beautiful. In case you do get a scratch then, cover that part avoiding further damage and then get in touch with an expert floor installer. If your floor has seams that start to pull up consider this as a cut in the Vinyl floor and immediately cover it while you call the floor installer.

Any floor that is damaged can be repaired however; any dirt that accumulates in the scratch would result in making the process of repair more complex.

Any moisture underneath the vinyl flooring also makes repairing tough; hence wait for the floor to be washed till it is well repaired too. Being aware of these simple tips for your Vinyl floor caring would help you have a floor that retains the shine for many more years to come!!! Cleaning bamboo floors would not be the same anymore!

Andrew Caxton is the editor of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com - Keep reading about cleaning bamboo floors and floor care at his web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1127001

How I wash My Floors- Deep Cleaning Floors

 

Floor Care - Valuable Information You Need to Know About Floor Cleaning

One of the most important elements of any property restoration project is the type of flooring that you choose to fit. It is often the case that we are all confident of the unique look that we would like to achieve, however, how many times do you hear of people regretting their floor choice? This can either stem from a lack of information or detail on the floor type or it can come from the fact that most individuals are not well-educated about the best ways to clean and maintain any floor.

The great thing is that there is a comprehensive range of floor care services available. This provides us with a direct link and invaluable contact to keep our floors looking at their best, for longer. Whether you are looking for clean carpets, floor sanding services or stone floor restoration there is a service that will match your exact requirements. Although this wide- ranging list of floor types is diverse, there are common important factors that will leave you well-informed when dealing with any floor cleaning project.

The first important element is the specialized product formulations. These will be linked with different stages of the cleaning job and will be entirely specific on the floor type. For example, any natural stone floor will have stone-specific products and a wood floor restoration project will require an in-depth understanding of finish products that will best offer the finish you are looking to achieve.

The second factor is the different techniques that will need to be employed. This may come down to carpet stain removal or repairing scratches or gaps in floor boards. The use of correct techniques will play a pivotal role in the overall success of the job and time-served experience will allow a true understanding of this important element.

The third detail is linked to routine maintenance of any floor. Once you are equipped with the correct product formulations and techniques of floor cleaning, it is important that you are well-informed with how best to approach regular cleaning. This approach will differ from that of full restoration and handled correctly will complement the process, elongating the times between either deep cleaning or full restoration.

The fourth factor takes into account any possible restoration. Once a floor has been laid it is immediately faced with environmental and wear factors that will deteriorate the floor. Even the most careful homeowner or company will not be able to protect their beautiful floors from day-to-day wear. Over time this can make the floor appear unsightly and will lead to the deep cleaning and restoration. The results that can be achieved through this process are incredible as carpets look like new, stone floors are restored to their originally laid look and wood floors are skilfully sanded to produce a hard-wearing and striking finish.

The fifth important element is the requirement of hiring a professional. These floor cleaning specialists will be equipped with the above and will be able to support you through the service from initial contact through the completion of the work and beyond. They will form an invaluable contact for floor care services and your best-served professionals will offer services to clean and maintain all types of floors.

The above information works to aid the process of floor cleaning and restoration and to leave you feeling well-informed to make an educated decision in the approach to floor care within your home or business. Find a local specialist that will offer a tailored service to suit your individual requirements; this will assist the overall process and work towards a superior finish.

Anyfloor are floor and fabric cleaning and restoration experts and specialize in floor cleaning. For more details on floor care services please visit Anyfloor London.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8827015

How to Clean Hardwood Floors (Household Cleaning Ideas That Save Time & Money) Clean My Space

 

Floor Cleaning Tips For Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors make a home more beautiful but can also be costly to install. Floor cleaning for hardwood floors is also different from cleaning ordinary floors made of tiles or linoleum. Wooden floors look gorgeous when they are maintained and cleaned properly. It is important to use the right cleaning solutions and tools to keep your hard wood floors spotless.

To protect your investment, you can either get a professional cleaning company to clean your wooden floors or do it yourself. If you will clean your hardwood floors yourself, it's important to know what cleaning solutions to use and which tools will be ideal. Some cleaning machines can damage and scratch hardwood floors, while the wrong cleaning solution can strip off your floor's varnish or leave permanent white spots.

Here are some floor cleaning tips for wooden floors. Buy a high quality broom with soft bristles. Use this to regularly sweep away debris and particles that your shoes pick up from the street. Leaving dust and dirt for too long on your hardwood floors can make grime embed itself between the floor boards or make your wooden floor appear muddy.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar to get embedded dirt in between floor boards out. A terry cloth mop and rag can come in handy for hard to reach places under tables and chairs. Use the rag for corners where a lot of dust gather. You can use a cleaning solution on your mop or rag after you sweep off the surface dirt. Use solutions recommended by your hardwood retailer.

Use solutions that do not contain alkaline or ammonia which can dull wooden surfaces. Avoid oil based soaps and sprays like the ones you use for furniture. Oil absorbed by the wood can make it difficult to re-coat the floor with varnish later. Oil can also make the floor slippery and dangerous. Use cleaning solutions that will not leave residue or any kind of film on the surface.

If you need a little moisture to clean your floor, use minimum amounts, just enough to moisten your mop and surface.

Mopping your hard wood floors with too much water will make the wood expand and cause cracks. You can remove sticky spots and remove tough dirt with a moistened rag, not a dripping wet rag. When liquid accidentally spills on your wooden floors, wipe it off immediately.

To remove heel and scruff marks, use a professional grade hardwood cleaning solution on a rag. Many people say that they clean hardwood floors with a water and vinegar solution. The vinegar and water cleaning tip is a long-standing myth. Vinegar is acidic in nature and can strip off the natural shine of your hardwood floors. Vinegar is also not an effective floor cleaning solution as many people think.

Find professional upholstery cleaning services in the Westmeath, Roscommon, Offaly area, and the rest of the Midlands of Ireland, visit Master-Clean.net.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_Woodford/20590

SATISFYING CLEANING TIPS YOU *NEED* TO KNOW 💕 Clean With Me Floor Edition

 

Useful Home Care Floor Cleaning Tips

Flooring, no matter what the material is, needs proper cleaning. Besides more appealing and healthier to the home residents, thoroughly cleaned floors also make the flooring more durable and last longer. Below are some basic cleaning tips on how to give good care of your floor.

1. Waxing is not required.

Instead of waxing, the key to maintain your floor clean and shiny is by sweeping and mopping it regularly. For floor mopping, you do not need special, costly cleaning solution. Warm water works well with all types of flooring while a solution of mild soap added to water works well with most types of flooring. The exception is for laminate floors which are not recommendable to be cleaned with detergents due to streaks they leave after the mopping. When mopping with soap, change the detergent solution with the new one when it starts to look dirty. The floor will be sticky and lose its shine if given too much soap or dirty water. Rinse the floor with clean water after detergent mopping. Avoid using scrub pads while cleaning tile floors made of ceramics since they are easily scratched.

2. Vinegar is a magic helper.

As we know beforehand, vinegar has many benefits which include giving your floor shiny and clean surface. Most of the time, vinegar is applicable for cleaning tile floors. Add a cup of vinegar into a gallon of water for homemade mopping solution. Besides cheap, this method also consumes less time since you do not have to give second rinse after vinegar mopping. Nevertheless, forget using vinegar if your tile flooring is made from stone. Vinegar is corrosive towards stone flooring material that it will easily damage the stone tile floors. Laminate floors and vinyl floors are safer to be cleaned with vinegar and other alkali products.

3. Always dust before mop.

Dusting or sweeping prior to mopping the floor is necessary for easier mopping. When dirt and grit are unswept, they will leave messier condition on the floor. Since mopping cannot lift dirt and grit, they will scatter around the floor giving dirtier spacer or even scratches everywhere. If you are not used to this method, make this as a habit. This is the best method for having a clean and shiny floor.

4. Clean grout effectively.

Old grout with heavy stains may need heavy duty cleaner along with special grout brush with stiff bristles. On tougher grout stains, use bleacher. For grout with mildew, use the solution of chlorine bleacher and water with 1:5 ratios. However, bleachers are only applicable for monochromatic grout in plain color. Pouring bleachers onto coloured grout will make the colour becoming dull, or worse, removed.

This article gives you basic cleaning tips [http://cleaning-tilefloors.com/cleaning-tips/] accompanying classic sweeping and mopping methods. Get more info about cleaning tile floors [http://cleaning-tilefloors.com/] from our links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6487100