Fact vs Fiction – Forbo, Marmoleum Cleaning & Maintenance

A lot of information is available about Forbo Marmoleum Floors that will tell you it is a natural, sustainable Linoleum flooring material made from a blend of wood flour, jute, rosin, and linseed oil.  You’ll find out that Marmoleum is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-static, has high wear-resistance, becomes more durable over time and has low maintenance requirements.  Forbo’s durable 2-part Topshield factory finish is widely publicized and effective.  All of this is true FACT about Marmoleum.  I wanted to know more about cleaning and mainting Marmoleum, beyond the manufacturer’s written instructions, so I conducted a telephone interview with Forbo’s Technical Services Manager, Frank Wiggins, Installation Training Coordinator, Becky Korinchock and Technical Services Assistant, Jennifer Malloy who clearly explained some lesser know facts about caring for a Marmoleum floor.

Routine Cleaning
FICTION:  Marmoleum has so many natural properties that it does not need to be cleaned on a routine basis.
FACT:  Every floor, regardless of type, style or species requires maintenance to uphold appearance and durability.  Marmoleum routine maintenance is relatively easy. On a consistent, routine basis sweep and mop your Marmoleum floor.  When dirt becomes visible it is time to use floor cleaner following manufacturer instructions.  It’s hard to say exactly how often your floor should be cleaned because it depends on the amount of traffic the floor sees.  The more traffic, the more frequently you should clean.  Note:  Dirt and debris tracked on the floor will, over time, create microscopic scratched in the floor’s finish making it appear dull.  Frequent sweeping or dusting the floor will minimize this occurance.

Type of Cleaner
FICTION:  It doesn’t matter what type of cleaner I use on Marmoleum.
FACT:  The right cleaner is critical to a good looking Marmoleum floor. High pH cleaners or those with harsh alkalis (such as Ammonia or Mop & Glow Triple Action) will degrade Marmoleum resulting in sticky residue or haze that could damage or discolor your floor with continued use.  Forbo recommends their Marmoleum Neutral Floor Cleaner that comes as a concentrate to dilute with water, available in quart or gallon size.  Marmoleum Neutral Floor Cleaner is a neutral pH cleaner that will clean the floor without damaging.  If you want to use a different cleaner, look for a neutral pH level in the cleaner and test an inconspicuous area of the floor prior to cleaning the full flooring surface.  Note: If your Marmoleum is new, keep in mind that using manufacturer recommended floor cleaner and procedures will uphold your warranty.

Scratches
FICTION:  Marmoleum is so durable that it will never scratch.
FACT:  Marmoleum is durable however it is not impervious to sharp or heavy objects dropped on or dragged across the floor.  Protect the floor when moving furniture or other heavy objects by putting inexpensive yet very effective felt pads on the feet of furniture that is moved frequently, such as tables and chairs.  Use felt bottom furniture slides for moving appliances and other heavy objects or cover the floor with masonite or plywood.  Even with these precautions, accidents do happen and Marmoleum can scratch. There is a procedure to follow that will, in most cases, repair the floor to where you don’t see the scratch.  Always try the least invasive procedure first and only move on to the next procedure if the repair is not successful.

1. If the scratch is superficial, into the top layer only, rub the area with finish, such as Marmoleum Floor Finish.  This will blend the scratch with the surrounding area because Marmoleum, like wood, has color that goes through the material.  The finish will disguise the scratch.  This works best for a small area.  Note: You can use masking tape on the floor to isolate the area before getting started. 
2. If this doesn’t produce good results, try scrubbing the scratched area with Marmoleum Neutral Floor Cleaner, diluted per instructions on bottle, and a light pad to rough it up a little then apply finish. This can be repeated a few times if necessary before applying finish.  Note: The deeper you go into flooring material, the color goes through but the pattern is less which makes the color more uniform.
3. If scratches span a large area use a floor machine with a light to medium pad to strip the effected floor area.  This abrasion will smooth out and dull the surface. Thoroughly rinse the floor.  It will still be hazy.  Then apply thin coats, 2-3, of floor finish to restore even finish and remove the haze.  Note: Topshield has a satin (or matte) finish.  Unless you’ve applied another finish to your floor, use Marmoleum Floor Finish or similar satin/matte finish to match the sheen.
4. If a scratch is deep and wide and the steps described above don’t conceal the damage you may need to do a repair using leftover material (hopefully you’ve got some).  Sand a scrap piece of flooring material to a powder and mix it with household white glue to make a paste.  Fill the scratch to just above floor level so you can sand it after it dries hard.  Once the area is dry, use steel wool or fine sandpaper until the repair is even with the floor’s surface and smooth. For detail sanding, you can use a damp cloth as a sanding mechanism because the glue will soften and remove with water.  Be careful not to get lower than the floor’s surface.  Apply floor finish to seal the surface.  Note: Be careful about the size of the surface area, it should be small to reduce the possibility of the repair coming loose.
5. If #4 doesn’t work, cut a patch of extra flooring material and fill the cut area.  If you’re not skilled in this type of work, you will want to call a professional for a repair of this magnitude.  The cutting can be intricate depending on the size and shape of the cut.  This should be a last resort if you can’t live with the imperfection.  

Stains
FICTION:  Marmoleum will not stain.
FACT:  High alkaline or high pH substances will stain Marmoleum if not cleaned up in a timely manner.  The amount of time a substance remains on the floor is critical.  Quickly wipe up spills- such as ketchup, wine, pet accidents- and clean the area with diluted Marmoleum Neutral Floor Cleaner then rinse thoroughly to minimize staining.  If a stain is still visible, repeat.  If stain is still evident apply undiluted Marmoleum Neutral Floor Cleaner to the stain and leave it for 2-3 minutes.  Rub with a nylon kitchen pad then rinse with clean water.  Repeat if necessary.  Once the stain is lifted and the area is dry, apply a small amount of finish, such as Marmoleum Floor Finish, to restore finish removed by the undiluted cleaner.

Initial Care
FICTION:  Marmoleum floors need a finish applied immediately following installation.
FACT:  Marmoleum does NOT need floor finish right away because Topshield is a durable factory applied satin finish.  Initial sweeping and damp mopping is recommended to remove dirt and debris.  This is typically done by the flooring installer.  Don’t wet mop (just damp) right away because adhesives used to install the floor needs to completely cure and wet conditions may decrease adhesion.  Diluted  Marmoleum Neutral Floor Cleaner can be used after a week or so.  Follow manufacturer dilution and cleaning instructions and rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water.  Marmoleum floors only need to be finished after excessive wear or if damage occurs –this applies to Commercial and Residential uses.

1877Floorguy.com sells Forbo Marmoleum Cleaner & Finish.  Professional, Experienced Customer Service can answer your floor maintenance questions at 1-877-Floorguy (1-877-356-6758).  Use coupon code FGBLOG for a 10% discount when placing your order.  This coupon code cannot be combined with other discount codes.

Forbo Marmoleum Floors –Common Complaints & Helpful Tips

Dull & Dirty After Cleaning
COMPLAINT:
My Marmoleum floor looks dull and dirty after cleaning with diluted Marmoleum Cleaner.
SOLUTION:
Not enough rinsing is usually the culprit.  Rinse the floor again, thoroughly and with clean water (I can’t emphasize this enough).  If the cleaner is not completely rinsed it will leave a residue that attracts dirt.

Dark Circle Under the Dog’s Water Dish
COMPLAINT:
There’s a dark circle on the floor where my dog’s water dish sits.  How can I fix this?
SOLUTION:
This is a water stain that results when water sits in the same place, trapped, for an extended time.
Treat the area with a solution of 10% bleach diluted with water. Repeat as needed until stain is gone. Increase the dilution slightly if 10% doesn’t handle the stain but do not to go above 50% dilution ratio.  Neutralize with a 50% white vinegar solution diluted with water.  Rinse thoroughly, allow to dry, then apply floor finish as needed.

Yellowish Cast
COMPLAINT:
My new Marmoleum floor has a yellowish cast.
SOLUTION:
Marmoleum flooring, when initially installed, has a yellowish cast, known as ambering. This visual yellowing is only TEMPORARY and is a result of oxidation during the manufacturing process. When exposed to light, the ambering disappears. The process may take only a few hours in bright sunlight but longer with artificial light. Applying a finish over the ambering makes NO difference—it will still dissipate with exposure to light.

GENERAL TIPS:

1877Floorguy.com sells Forbo Marmoleum Floor Cleaner & Polish.  Professional, Experienced Customer Service can answer your floor maintenance questions at 1-877-Floorguy (1-877-356-6758).  Use coupon code FGBLOG for a 10% discount when placing your order.  This coupon code cannot be combined with other discount codes.

LONSEAL Resilient Vinyl Floor Care & Maintenance Troubleshooting

Lonseal Resilient Vinyl Flooring provides easy to follow maintenance programs for each type of flooring they manufacture along with troubleshooting guidelines for common problems.  Outlined here are typical problems, causes and solutions.  For the more serious issues, when it may be difficult to discern the cause, you may want to consult with the factory or your local sales agent before proceeding with a remedy. 

Black scuff marks and scratches are typically caused by hard plastics or rubber on shoes, carts, rolling beds (in hospitals) or from painted items dragged across the floor.  To remedy these marks, removed thick residue with a dull putty knife, carefully so as not to cut into the floor, then rub the marks with a white scouring pad moistened with diluted LONCARE.

Scuffs, scratches or gouges are caused by tracking of dirt and debris, by dragging (or dropping) heavy items, such as furniture, on the floor or by use of inappropriate pads or brushes.  Apply floor protectors to the feet or bases of furniture (chairs, tables, etc) that sits on the floor, place walk-off mats at doorways, sweep or dust mop routinely (frequency will depend on use) to remove dirt particles that can scratch the floor, and check all equipment before machine cleaning or buffing- pads & brushes should be clean and in good condition. Always use a dolly, cart or furniture slides when moving heavy objects. 

Low or uneven surface gloss level can be caused by several conditions.  Check for correct dilution ratio of LONCARE to water, dirty mop water or dirty equipment such as mop head, buffing pads or brushes.  Correct the issue and clean the floor again with correctly diluted LONCARE and clean water & equipment.  Also check your pads or brushes to ensure they are the correct type.  If these simple corrections are made and the problem remains, there may have been an error during initial floor preparation (refer to Initial Care Instructions) or there may be insufficient finish (LONFINISH or LONSATIN) on the floor.  In this case thoroughly cleaning and recoating the floor is required.  You may need to completely strip and recoat depending on the severity of the problem.

Cloudy, Sticky Finish can occur if phenolic-type disinfectants or high pH cleaners are used to routinely clean the floors.  Clean the floors only with Neutral pH Cleaner such as LONCARE (except for instances where higher pH cleaner is recommended for removing specific types of stains or residues) and if disinfectant is required, use a quaternary-based disinfectant.

Powdery or Scaly Finish can be a result of several factors.  First, check your pads and brushes to ensure they are suitable for the type of finish on your floor’s surface.  Pads and brushes that are too aggressive will accelerate wear of the finish. Other causes may be layers of incompatible finish materials on the floor, not enough wait time between coats of finish during finish application, or prep work was not properly executed prior to finishing.  Any of these issues will require strip and refinish according to Lonseal Instructions.  Some types of floors need a more flexible finish, such as gym floors, and powdery or scaly appearance may be the result if the finish on the floor is too hard for the type of use it gets.  In this situation, the finish will need to be stripped completely and a more suitable finish should be applied.  This is a situation where I would recommend consulting with Lonseal or your local sales agent before proceeding.

Yellowing finish is a result of continuous use of dirty mop, buffing pads or tracked-on contaminants.  To eliminate discoloration, strip and refinish the floor and ensure all maintenance equipment is kept clean and dirty water is changed frequently during cleaning. Floor mats at doorways will reduce the contaminants being tracked onto the floor.  Routine or daily cleaning will pick up the contaminants before they become widespread.

Ink or Dye stains should be scrubbed immediately with a high pH cleaner, such as GP Forward or denatured alcohol.  Don’t use solvents.  Not all stains can be removed however cleaning a stain soon after it occurs will improve the result.

Slippery Floors can often be minimized by placing walk-off mats at exterior doorways or in strategic locations to capture tracked-in moisture, dirt or contaminants that may be causing the problem.   Liquid spills, leaks or condensation will make a resilient floor slippery.  Locate and eliminate the source of the liquid, blot or pick up liquid with wet-vac (depending on the severity) and rinse with clean water to remove any residue.  If moisture is being tracked in from exterior doorways, walk-off mats will minimize the problem.  If accumulation of dust and dirt is causing the floors to be slippery, sweep and dust mop frequently and use walk-off mats at doorways.  Contaminants, such as soap residue, grease or furniture polish overspray, can also cause the floor to be slippery.  These contaminants will likely leave a film that will clue you in to the source.  Use a higher pH cleaner, such as GP Forward, to lift the contaminants off the floor then return to routine cleaning with LONCARE.  If possible, eliminate the source of the contaminant or reduce its effect on the floor with strategically placed floor mats.  If a contaminant is widespread and the higher pH cleaner does not resolve the problem, a complete strip and refinish may be required and controlling the source will be crucial.

Note: Mats should be non-staining, preferably not rubber-backed.  If mats have rubber backing, use acrylic spacers to avoid rubber coming in direct contact with the floor since rubber-backed mats can cause brownish staining on the floor.

1877Floorguy.com sells Lonseal Care & Maintenance Products.  Professional, Experienced Customer Service can answer your floor maintenance questions at 1-877-Floorguy (1-877-356-6758).  Use coupon code FGBLOG for a 10% discount when placing your order.  This coupon code cannot be combined with other discount codes.

Information contained in this article was provided by Lonseal’s Technical Manual for Interior Flooring Products.

Care Basics for Cork Flooring

Cork is a resilient, eco-friendly flooring material that has a unique aesthetic appeal and can reduce stress on your feet and legs when you spend a lot of time standing on the floor (as compared to other hard surface floors).  Cork is not as commonly used as other types of flooring materials, such as wood, vinyl and laminate.  Because of this, not everyone knows how easy it is to maintain a Cork floor.  Here are some basics for Cork floor care that will get you started in the right direction. 

A Cork floor should be swept frequently enough, depending on the amount of traffic it gets, to remove loose dirt and debris off the floor thereby reducing the instances of microscopic scratches that occur when these particles become ground or rubbed into the floor. Microscopic scratches will dull the appearance of your floor.  Always sweep your cork floor prior to mopping or use a vacuum on the “hard floor” setting.  Note: Vacuums with metal beater bars or in poor condition can damage cork so check your machine before vacuuming.  Place mats near exterior doorways to limit dirt and debris tracking on your floor.  Avoid rubber or non-porous types of backings on mats because they tend to trap moisture that could damage your floor.

Clean up spills right away with a soft cloth because, like hardwood floors, moisture is not cork’s friend.  To clean up after a spill, if it’s something other than water, use a spray cleaner to remove any residue left behind.  Wipe the cleaner until it’s dry.  This will be the same product that you use to clean the floor.

Use manufacturer approved cleaners on your cork floor to uphold your warranty on a new cork floor.  Check your manufacturer warranty for specific time frames and details.  If you don’t know the flooring manufacturer, there are products approved for use on cork floors such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Basic Squeaky Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner.  These are spray cleaners that spray directly onto the floor then mop with a microfiber mop.  Both, Bona & Basic, have a mop kit that includes cleaner and mop.  Replacement mop covers (Bona, Basic) can be purchased separately.  Bona also has a spray mop for all-in-one cleaning.  If you are uncertain about what product to select, ask the retailer.  A knowledgeable retailer, local or internet, will be familiar with cork and what types of cleaner or finish is compatible.  Basically, you’re looking for a cleaner with neutral pH and that leaves no residue. 1877floorguy.com is available by phone during our normal business hours at 1-877-356-6748.

Minimize scuffs and scratches.  Save your floor from furniture scratches by using felt pads under furniture legs and bases.  This is a MUST DO to protect the floor from scratches especially on tables and chairs that are frequently moved!  Be aware of spike-heeled shoes or shoes with worn-out or excessively heavy heels that can dent and damage the floor.  Remove shoes or ask others to do so in order to save your floor.  These rules apply to any hard surface floor in your home. 

When moving large pieces of furniture or appliances on cork, don’t drag!  Cork will scratch or gouge if a heavy or sharp object drags across it.  If possible, lift objects to move them.  If items are too heavy to lift, such as hutches or large appliances, use tools to assist you such as EZ Moves felt bottom slides.  This will save your floor and your back!  Again, good practice for any hard surface floor.

Follow these basic rules, along with the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions, and your cork floor should look good for many years.  Finishes can sometimes be applied to cork for added protection in high traffic areas.  To be sure you select a compatible finish, we recommend you call us at 1-877-Floorguy or contact the flooring manufacturer for guidance before you purchase and apply a finish.  If you buy from 1877Floorguy.com, use coupon code “FGBLOG” for a 10% discount off your order.

Check our website under Cork & Rubber Floor Care for some manufacturer recommended care products or our Hardwood Floor Care section because many wood care products work well on cork floors.  For assistance from one of our knowledgeable agents, call 1-877-Floorguy, with your questions.

Summer is Here…Time to Clean the Vacation Home!

Whether you’re headed to your vacation home at the beach, lakeside or in the mountains, your first trip is likely to have your car loaded up with some or all of the following… kids, pets, boogie boards, beach chairs, fishing poles, tackle box, coolers, bed sheets, towels, toilet paper and the list goes on and on.  While you’re trying to fit all of this into your vehicle and realizing what a tight squeeze it is, remember… cleaning supplies to get rid of the must and dust that has settled into your vacation home during the winter months!

Have no fear… (1877)Floorguy is Here!  Before you leave for your lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer, take a few minutes to log on to www.1877floorguy.com, place your order for cleaning supplies and have it ship to your summer address.  This way, you won’t have to fit it into your car which leaves more space for lounge chairs, inner tubes, beach umbrellas, etc.  Don’t wait until you get there to buy it at the local grocer who will have a small selection at summer prices.  Shop smart at www.1877floorguy.com! 

Check out our Top Picks for Summer 2010.  We’ve included products that take care of mold, odors and stains and convenient, easy to use items that will make cleaning your home away from home a breeze.  Then use our Shipping Calculator to estimate how far in advance you should place your order so it’s there when you arrive.  This feature is further explained in How Can I Reduce My Floorguy Shipping Costs Without Sacrificing Service blog.     

 Top Picks for Summer 2010:

Bona Spray Floor Mop with Refillable Hardwood Cleaner Cartridge will make cleaning hardwood floors easy with its all-in-one design, just pull the spray handle and mop. It’s that easy!  Comes with a Refillable Cartridge (we sell economical gallon size for refilling the cartridge) however, if you’re feeling kicked back and relaxed, you can order additional Hardwood Cleaner Cartridges for your mop.  Just replace it and you’re ready to go.  All we ask is that you, please, recycle the empty cartridges.  

The same Bona Spray Floor Mop can also be used with the Refillable Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner Cartridge to easily clean hard surface floors in your vacation home such as stone, tile and laminate.

DuPont StoneTech Revitalizer Cleaner & Protector is a popular choice for cleaning and maintaining natural stone & ceramic tile surfaces often found in foyers, kitchens and bathrooms.  Available in spray or disposable wipes the Revitalizer Cleaner & Protector comes in two great scents,  Cucumber and Citrus, and the built-in sealer protects the surface of the stone while it cleans for a worry-free surface.  No need to rinse.  Just clean and go.  This allows more time for you to enjoy fun in the sun!

Great for routine bathroom & kitchen cleaning, AquaKleen is a multi-purpose basin, tub and tile cleaner that effectively cleans even soiled grout joints.  The No VOC, water-safe formula is approved for use on ceramic surfaces, natural stone, tile, porcelain, grout, plastic, glass, fiberglass, cultured marble, metal surfaces laminate, and fixtures which will give you peace of mind that a guest staying at your house, while you’re not there, won’t use the “wrong” cleaner because it’s hard to go wrong with AquaKleen.

Grout-Aide is a great quick fix for grouted tile floors that have stains on the grout that just wouldn’t come clean at the end of last season. Or maybe the grout just looks dingy.  With very little effort Grout-Aide covers the stains and dries quickly.  Grout-Aide comes in 5 different colors.  More information on this product can be found in our Quick-Fix for Dirty Grout blog.

Vital-Oxide is a must-have if mold or mildew has taken root or if you’re concerned about bacteria anywhere in your home. Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria on a wide range of surfaces in your home including counters, floors, mattresses, upholstery and in the laundry.  Vital Oxide is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial disinfectant, safe for use around children and pets. Ready-to-use formula available in 32oz Spray or Gallon Size.

Odorcide 210 is used alone, or with Vital-Oxide when a disinfectant is required, to neutralize and eliminate strong, adverse odors in the home.  Extremely effective and safe on a wide range of surfaces including wood, carpet, upholstery, laminate, tile.  No residue, non-irritant, safe for use around people and pets.  Available ready-to-use or concentrate.

Three can’t-go-wrong spot cleaners for carpet.  All proven effective and easy to use to quickly remove stains from carpet.  Don’t worry if your son spills his chocolate milk, the dog has a little “accident” or your husband tracks grease in from the bbq.  Here are three convenient carpet spot cleaners to have on hand that can clean-up the mess:

Spot Shot removes both oil-based and water-based stains without leaving any residue or ring behind.

Capture Carpet Spot Eliminator works great on grease and oil based stains.

Host Dry Carpet Cleaner Shaker Pack is a dry carpet cleaner that absorbs stains, reduces allergens such as dust mites, mold and pet dander, has no drying time.

 We’ve got many more fabulous floor cleaning & maintenance items at 1877Floorguy.com, hundreds of products to keep your floors looking their best including equipment and tools, such as Bona Kemi Mops & Microfiber Covers and Manufacturer Supplied Care Kits such as Bruce Wood Flooring Maintenance Kit and Quick Step Laminate Cleaning Kit.  We carry many hard to find floor care items so, if you don’t find what you need on our website, call us at 1-877-Floorguy (1-877-356-6748). 

Thanks for taking the time to see our Top Picks for Summer Cleaning.  Place your order today and take a 10% discount off your order by using coupon code “FGBLOG”.  We appreciate your business and wish you a Wonderful Summer!

How Can I Reduce My Floorguy Shipping Cost Without Sacrificing Service?

I think you’ll agree that…Shipping is EXPENSIVE!  Shipping is IMPORTANT!  AND you’re a HAPPY Customer when our products ship to you in good condition and in a timely fashion.  We want to keep you happy by providing reliable delivery at the best possible price.  I am going to share with you some strategies you can use to improve shipping costs for the products you buy from us.

First, take a moment to find the Shipping Calculator located  on our “View My Cart” page by scrolling to the bottom of the page.  (At lease one item must be in your cart to be able to scroll.)  Our Shipping Calculator is linked directly to UPS and uses their rates based on weight, # of packages and destination.  This makes it easy for you to look at shipping cost before you place your order.

In order to maximize packaging opportunities and save money for our Customers we have figured out the right size boxes for each of our products and how many items per box create economy in shipping without sustaining certain damage en route to you.  You’ll notice, on our website, that most items are available in quantity discounts.  Minimum quantity for the price breaks correspond with the way our products are packaged because, for example, it costs less to package 2 bottles of 32 oz. Bona Pro-Series Hardwood Floor Cleaner  than 1 so we pass the savings on to you.  In addition to the price break, your freight will be substantially less per item for 2 bottles than 1. (There is some difference due to handling and weight.)  The Shipping Calculator is an excellent, easy to use tool that you can use to compare shipping costs for multiple quantities vs individual quantities before placing your order.

Our Customers have let us know that shipping cost is an important factor in purchasing decisions.  Customers also say that reliable delivery, without damage, is even more important.  Based on this feeback, we continue to ship our producst with UPS because they provide us and our Customers with the best record of successful deliveries, ease of order tracking and reliable estimates for transit time (also shown in the Shipping Calculator).  If damage does occur in transit, UPS has a system in place to promptly notify us of the damage so we can reship the order to you in the shortest amount of time. 

Here’s what some of our customers have said about our shipments:

Amy in Buffalo, NY, “Good products, good prices. Shipping was efficient and timely; the products were well-packaged.”

Miriam in Las Vegas, NV, “I received a confirmation email when I placed the order and another when the order was shipped. The email had a link to the UPS tracking website so I could see exactly when my products would arrive. The process was quick and easy.”

Mary in Newport, TN, “This was one of the easiest orders I have placed on line. The service was very fast and convenient. I received an E-mail confirmation immediately following placement of my order. The order was well packaged and it arrived as promised.”

In addition to quantity discounts, we offer FREE FREIGHT on orders of $150 or more.  If you place an order with $150 or more in products from www.1877Floorguy.com freight is FREE (valid for orders shipping within the 48 contiguous states).  To obtain Free Shipping enter the coupon code “FREESHIP” at Checkout.  If you only need a small amount of product, consider purchasing with a friend so you can both stock up on the floorcare products you need and share the benefit of free shipping. 

The question, “Is there a way to reduce the shipping cost on my Floorguy order?” 
The Answer is “Yes”…

Helpful Notes:

If you have any questions about our shipping policies as you place your order, call 1-877-Floorguy (1-877-356-6748) to speak with one of our courteous, knowledgeable Customer Service Agents.  Our “Thank You” for reading this blog post is coupon code “FGBLOG” for a 10% discount off your order. (This discount does not apply if you are using the “FREESHIP” coupon code. Sorry…only one discount per order:)

Dr. Schutz WaxNoMor Aboard USS Ronald Reagan

PNC Bank -Great Results with Dr. Schutz SlipNoMor

Dr. Schutz SlipNoMor Satin Finish was recently applied to an existing Nurazzo floor in the foyer of PNC’s Meadville, PA Bank Branch to evaluate the product’s ability to improve slip resistance on this existing foyer floor to meet ADA Requirements.

With the SlipNoMor Finish, this floor is now ADA Compliant for Slip Resistance and has an appealing Satin sheen that will be easy for the bank to maintain.

WaxNoMor with SlipNoMor Additive on Nurazzo Foyer Floor

Close Up of SlipNoMor on Nurazzo

The Dr. Schutz family of products works together to complete and maintain a floor finish application, from prep to cleaning & maintenance. If you think Dr. Schutz SlipNoMor or WaxNoMor might work for an application in your business, call SchutzNA directly to discuss your project at 1-877-272-4889 x 1.

Quick-Fix for Dirty Grout

If you need a quick fix for dirty, stained grout on tiled areas in your home, Grout-Aide Markers are a great solution. Grout-Aide is likely the easiest and quickest way to refresh the look of tiled spaces It can’t fix all of your grout woes but it will greatly improve the appearance of grout lines.

Grout-Aide is an effective solution if…

…Your In-Laws are coming to see your new house (which was built in 1965) and you know, as you survey your small downstairs bathroom, your Mother-in-Law will have something (negative) to say about the old tile floor. Grout-Aide Markers are a quick, inexpensive way to refresh the look of this floor. It’s fast-drying and odorless so you can get the job done in record time and at a price you can afford. Your Mother-in-Law will not be able knock the “dirty” bathroom tile because it will look clean and fresh!

…You’re putting your house up for sale and your Realtor suggests you have the kitchen tile floor re-grouted so the home “shows better”. “After all,” she says, “the kitchen is the heart and soul of a home.” Before you turn to this costly and messy option, try Grout-Aide Markers. If the grout is dingy and stained, but otherwise in good shape, you can use Grout-Aide to make the grout look like new at a fraction of the cost (and mess) of re-grouting.

Here’s how it works…

Grout-Aide is a water-based permanent paint marker that is odorless and non-toxic. The quick-drying paint covers stubborn stains leaving a uniform finished grout line. If some of the paint gets on the tiles just wipe off within 5 minutes to remove. No harsh chemicals and no fumes so it is safe for use in an environment with pets and children.

Application tips…

Grout-Aide Markers are available in five colors –White, Buff, Almond, Grey and Charcoal Grey. Select the color closest to your current grout color (or the color you think your grout would be if it were new) and give it a try with a 10% discount from www.1877Floorguy.com. Just enter coupon code FGBLOG when you order online.

How to Remove Efflorescence from Tile, Stone, Masonry, Grout

Efflorescence, according to www.britannica.com, is a spontaneous loss of water by a hydrated salt, which occurs when the aqueous vapor pressure of the hydrate is greater than the partial pressure of the water vapour in the air… These salts effloresce (i.e., lose all or part of their water of hydration) and their surfaces assume a powdery appearance.

This “powdery” appearance, or efflorescence, can be troublesome because it is often flagged by home inspectors, during the home sale process, as potential signs of a moisture problem. Efflorescence can be removed, and inhibited, from the surface of most natural stone, masonry, tile and grout. Before getting started, it is a good idea to investigate the source and level of moisture to determine if it is within normal range prior to treating the surface.

Treatable Surfaces:
•Natural stone (such as marble, granite, slate, travertine and limestone), porcelain, quarry, Saltillo, terra cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces and other porous tile and grout.
•Interior and Exterior Surfaces.
•Note: Polished stone may be dulled by the efflorescence removal process. Re-polishing may be required. Test a small, inconspicuous area before full use.

Materials:
Aqua Mix Eff-Ex, mop or sponge (depending on the application), scrub brush, clean water and bucket. Where appropriate, a high-pressure washer or scrub machine may be used.

To Remove Efflorescence:
1.Apply undiluted Aqua Mix Eff-Ex to the surface using a mop or sponge. (For best results, pre-wet the surface, avoid puddling, and remove excess water before applying Eff-Ex).
2.Allow solution to dwell on surface 30-60 minutes. Go towards the longer end of this range for more severe efflorescence. Do not allow the solution to dry on the surface. Reapply as needed. If covering a large area, you may need to work in sections.
3.Agitate with a scrub brush or scrub machine.
4.Thoroughly rinse with clean water. (High-pressure washer may be used if appropriate.)
5.Mop or wet-vac up dirty water & solution.
6.Heavily built-up efflorescence may require additional applications or longer dwell time.
7.Allow to dry 24 hours before applying Sealer or follow steps below to Inhibit Future Efflorescence.

To Inhibit Future Efflorescence:
1.After completing the removal process, apply a thin coat of Aqua Mix Eff-Ex to the surface using a mop or sponge.
2.Scrub into the surface with a scrub brush or scrub machine.
3.Wipe dry.
4.Repeating this process may be required to fully inhibit.
5.Allow to dry 24 hours before applying Sealer.

Important Notes:
•Efflorescence can be cleaned from sealed surfaces but Eff-Ex will not inhibit future efflorescence unless sealer is removed prior to treating.
•Polished stone surfaces may become etched by efflorescence removal process. Always test an inconspicuous area prior to treating full surface, regardless of surface material.
•If efflorescence has been allowed to crystallize on surface, it may be necessary to use an acidic cleaner. Check surface application prior to use because this may etch certain stone surfaces.
•Always read full product instructions prior to application.

If you need help determining the amount of product you’ll need to cover the area to be treated, call 1-877-Floorguy for assistance. When ordering on-line, use coupon code FGBLOG to receive a 10% discount when you order from www.1877Floorguy.com. Our way of saying, “Thanks!” for checking out our blog.

Tips for a Successful WOCA Oil Finish Application

This article is an overview of some need-to-know info for applying WOCA Oiled Floor Products. Before starting your job, read the full product application instructions that can be found in WOCA Application, Care & Maintenance Instructions- Detailed Instructions for Use and on specific WOCA Product Pages. Keep reading here for some general tips…

1. Prevent rags from self-igniting by soaking all oil soaked rags in water after oil application and before discarding. Rags are safe to discard only after they are soaked in water then air dried.
2. Keep unfinished surface of wood floor clean from adhesive or wood glue to prevent oil from penetrating and resulting in light spots. Light spots can be scrapes or sanded off then refinish spots with oil. In extreme cases it may be necessary to re-sand the entire floor before proceeding with oil finishing.
3. Do not confuse Wood Cleaner with Wood Soap. These are two distinctly different products. Wood Cleaner is only used to prepare a wood floor before new oil or paste is applied (ie: initial application of Master Oil or a periodic reapplication of Maintenance Paste). Wood Soap is used for everyday maintenance and cleaning of the oiled wood floor.
4. Proper dilution of Soap, Oil Refresher and Wood Cleaner is critical to final results. Too little water in these products will result in unwanted haze on the surface of the finished floor. In the event this happens, put a polishing cloth under a dust mop and polish away the “haze”. For correct dilution ratios see the full version of Tips for a Successful Application or the specific product instructions.
5. Dark wood floors, such as Merbau, Brazilian Cherry and Walnut, must be washed with Wood Cleaner twice to ensure that floating color pigments are neutralized as these may otherwise impede the ability of the oil to fully harden and may cause water spots to show. If such spots occur, due to inadequate cleaning, see remedy in the full version of Tips for a Successful Application.
6. Let the floor dry completely after mopping with Wood Cleaner and before any Master Oil or Maintenance Oil Paste is applied. Any trapped moisture under the oil may cause mildew to develop, which causes black or dark blotches in the floor. It may also greatly increase drying time of the oil.
7. If the floor has sizeable gaps between the floor boards, a brush may be used to apply the oil generously down the middle of each floor board covering approximately 50% of the floor surface. After 20 to 30 minutes the oil is polished into the floor with a buffer using a red pad. This method reduces the consumption of oil, which otherwise would drip down into the gaps between boards.
8. As it is usually difficult for a buffer to reach into corners and tightly along walls or base boards, it is advisable to hand rub oil along the edges and in corners of a room. This is easily done by using a piece of red or white pad and rubbing oil into the floor by hand. It will blend nicely with the machine buffed area.
9. When applying Master Oil to a large floor, which may require longer application times, it is recommended to treat an area to a natural break point, such as a doorway or the long edge of a floor board. For best result, tape a plastic cover along this line, ensuring that the plastic covers at least two feet of the unfinished part of the floor. Next day, reverse the procedure and cover the oiled side of the floor. This way, when oil application is resumed there will be no visible break in the floor and no uneven sheen levels between areas.
10. Sometimes Master Oil bleeds back to the surface from gaps between floor boards as it cures. If the oil has not yet fully dried, it is possible to polish the floor again using a white pad. A small amount of Solvent may be added to the pad in order to better dissolve the bled-back oil. If the bleed-back oil has had time to harden it can be removed by scraping it off with a sharp wood floor scraper before Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil is applied. Small amounts of bleed-back oil usually blends well with Maintenance Oil Paste and does not need to be removed. It would be advisable to check the floor two to three hours after the Master Oil (base coat) has been buffed into the floor. If necessary, the floor is then buffed again with a white pad to remove bleed-back oil.
11. If the floor needs to be covered to prevent wear and dirt penetration due to additional construction, allow proper cure time then use paper or cardboard. NEVER use plastic, which does not let the floor breathe. If the floor has been covered during construction it may be necessary to clean it and add a final coat of Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil before moving in.
12. The newly oiled floor should not come into contact with water during the first 36 hours to allow the oil to fully cure. After 36 hours it is safe to use Wood Soap or Oil Refresher to clean the floor.
13. Tough dirt, on a finished floor, should be removed by wet cleaning using a solution of 1 capful of Wood Cleaner diluted per quart of lukewarm water. Apply liberally to the dirty area, and then evenly scrub with a soft scouring pad or soft nylon brush. If there is dried on paint or grime, then remove carefully using a sharp wood floor scraper. Never overly scour a particular spot as this will leave a lighter mark. Wipe excess solution off the floor. When dry, re-oil the area by dampening the tip of a Polishing Cloth or lint free rag with Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil and manually rub it in (or by machine with white pad). NEVER pour oil directly onto the floor. Leave the oil to dry for 20 to 30 minutes before dry buffing it to match the rest of the floor.
14. Light scratches are best repaired by hand rubbing Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil into the scratch using a cloth. If necessary, first clean the area to be repaired with Wood Cleaner solution, which then must fully dry before applying oil. This drying time can be substantially shortened by using a hair dryer on “cool” setting. Leave the oil to absorb for 20 to 30 minutes before thoroughly buffing and removing the oil from the surrounding area. The scratched wood will be protected and lost in the general pattern of the floor. Deeper scratches or gouges should be scraped and/or sanded until they are no longer visible. Do not use a sand paper that is too fine. An 80-100 grit sandpaper will usually suffice,
depending on the wood species. Then clean the spot with Wood Cleaner solution, mixed with water in proper solution, and let dry completely. Do not use a hair dryer for this, as this may prevent the pores from opening all the way, preventing full saturation of the Master Oil. This is especially important when using Master Color Oil, which will need this to fully blend with the surrounding color. Then follow directions for light scratches.
15. Abrasives of any grit grade or scouring nature will physically cut into the oiled or soaped surface. While the offending stain or mark will be removed, it is highly likely that wood of a different color will be exposed relative to that of the surrounding area, even after re-treatment of oil. A solution to this is to use a slightly darker Color Oil or by mixing a Color Oil with Master Oil to obtain a color that matches the surrounding floor area before applying it to the sanded area.
16. Whenever an area of the floor has been cleaned or repaired with new oil, it is important to remove all new oil from the surrounding area to avoid different sheen levels. This is easily done using a Polishing Cloth or a cotton rag, which then allows both areas to blend by having approximately the same sheen level. If necessary, steel wool can also be used to eliminate the “halo” effect of a slightly higher gloss level in the area around the repair.

Be sure to buy your WOCA products from a reliable, proven Seller who will provide customer service and product information. This will help to ensure you are getting all of the products you need to complete your project. 1877Floorguy.com is an Excellent-Rated web store with representatives who will take the time to answer your questions and make sure you’ve got the right supplies for the job. See the 1877Floorguy website for free freight on orders $150 or more or use coupon code FGBLOG for a 10% discount. 1877Floorguy.com is dedicated to providing customers with easy access to flooring manufacturers’ recommended floor care and maintenance products at the best possible prices with superior customer service.

Benefits of a WOCA Oil Finished Wood Floor

Wood floors have long been popular in Europe and America though the way Europeans and Americans finish and care for their wood floors varies from one side of the Atlantic to the other. Europeans trend towards low sheen, natural looking wood floors often achieved with an oil finish. Americans typically purchase urethane coated wood floors because of the desire to have their wood floors look eternally shiny and new, no imperfections and no scratches. European wood floors are lived-with and American wood floors are lived-on. “The difference?” you ask.

While easy to maintain with spray and mop products, urethane coated wood floors, very popular in America, get microscopic scratches in the finish that dull the floor’s shine over time. The only way to truly regain that “brand new” look is to sand and refinish the entire floor. The best way to extend the “new” look of urethane coated wood floors is to be careful with traffic on the floor to minimize scratches. In other words, be careful how you live on your floor.

Europeans expect imperfections will happen and accept this as part of the wood’s natural character and beauty that make it unique and inviting. Oil finishes are often selected because of their natural look and simple maintenance routine. An Oil Finished wood floor masks most scratches because, along with low sheen, the finish actually becomes part of the wood floor and penetrates the surface minimizing the appearance of normal wear. To live with a wood floor means embracing all of its inherent qualities and traits (accept that a wood floor will get scratches on it).

While an Oil Finished Wood Floor may not be for everyone, it is an excellent opportunity for the consumer who is looking for a natural, comfortable wood floor that minimizes the appearance of scratches(and we all know that scratches happen), is a proven product that is easy to maintain over time, uses floor cleaners & maintenance products that contain no VOCs, environmentally friendly flooring materials and care products.

It’s important to have a little background knowledge about oil finished wood floors. There are two primary types: non-hardening and hardening oil finishes. More commonly seen in the USA is non-hardening oil finishes, like Tung oil, which do not harden as they penetrate and dry and therefore do not provide the best protection against wear and stains. This article focuses on the other type, hardening oil finishes, which penetrate into the surface of the wood floor hardening as it cures to form a very protective surface that is an integral part of the wood. Oil Finish tends to be used when describing either type so be careful to learn more about the products you investigate to determine if they are hardening or non-hardening oils.

If you’re considering an Oil Finished Wood Floor, WOCA is an excellent, proven product choice that has been manufactured in Denmark for over 30 years. WOCA Oil Finish is appropriate for home and commercial uses. WOCA oils are very different from non-hardening oils, as they contain very high amounts of solid particles, as high as 91%. This translates into a very high quality floor finish that is completely VOC free. WOCA contains primarily cold pressed vegetable oils and aromatic hardening oils that penetrate into the surface of the wood floor hardening as it cures to form a very protective surface that is an integral part of the wood. This type of Oil Finished Wood Floor is currently used on almost a third of all wood floors sold in Europe.

WOCA oil finishing products are constantly researched and improved at the manufacturer’s own laboratories in Denmark, always meeting the highest possible environmental standards. WOCA wood care products are also approved and certified by independent laboratories, such as IBR, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN-Norm 53-160. WOCA products also meet or exceed the most stringent VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations in North America. WOCA products are VOC free!

If you’re used to polyurethane or similar wood finished floors, there is learning curve when you switch to oil-finish however you’ll find, if you take the time to learn the care and maintenance process, you’ll spend less time and money on floor care. You’ll find that refinishing is rarely, if ever, required. This finish can be spot treated or repaired without disrupting the entire floor which means no down-time for your entire floor.

Normal cleaning for a WOCA oil finished wood floor is easy using WOCA Soap, simply mixing it with warm water and mopping the floor periodically. As the floor is being cleaned, it is also given added protection against wear and tear. The WOCA soap contains soy and coconut oils, which dry as an invisible film on the surface of the floor and give added protection. Periodic cleaning and maintenance will make it unnecessary to ever screen or sand your entire wood floor. WOCA is the only oil finished wood floor that comes with a complete package solution for all finishing, repair and maintenance.

For more information on WOCA oil finishes and WOCA care & maintenance products call 1-877-Floorguy. The owners and staff have long been in the flooring industry and have an uncanny ability to provide answers. They will guide you to the products and amounts you’ll need for finishing or maintaining your WOCA floor. 1877Floorguy.com carries the full line of WOCA products and ships anywhere in the USA & Canada so you can one-stop-shop. Use coupon code “FGBLOG” to receive a 10% discount on your first order with 1877Floorguy.com.

How to Really Eliminate Bad Odors in the Home or Business

Smells come from many sources and in a variety of strengths. For the really BIG, bad odors that don’t go away on their own…Odorcide 210 is the answer. This deodorizer is different than most for several reasons.
1. It works!
2. It doesn’t leave a residue on hard surfaces like laminate counters or wood floors.
3. Works on fabric, carpet, hard surfaces and airborne odors without staining.
4. Non-toxic, non-irritant, water-based, biodegradable = safe for people and environment.

What type of odors does it eliminate?
Pet odors, urine (or other bodily fluid), mold and mildew, decaying organic matter, cigarette smoke, and sweaty sports equipment.

How does it work?
Odorcide 210 doesn’t mask odors, it eliminates them by neutralizing bad smells and replacing them with a mild, pleasant scent.

Where can it be used?
It can be used on bedding (mattress and linens), sports equipment (ie: football pads, soccer shoes, etc), in bathrooms, in kitchens, on carpet, hardwood floors, clothing/laundry, upholstery (test a small area for colorfastness before use).

How is it used?
Odorcide 210 Ready-to-Use Spray or Soaker is applied then left to air dry. The directions on the product will tell you how much to use to penetrate to the stain. Odorcide 210 Concentrate, 16oz, 64oz or gallon, should be diluted with water for use in laundry wash cycle, general cleaning & deodorizing, heavily contaminated areas,in pressure sprayers and as refill for sprayer or soaker bottles.
If Odorcide 210 reaches the source of the odors, it is guaranteed to work and odors coming from the source will continue to be neutralized long after the initial application because of the residual action.

Did we try it?
We sure did! When we started selling this product, each of us, at 1877floorguy.com, decided to try this stuff out at our own homes because we each has a “smell” situation that came to mind.
The results…

Odorcide 210 is formulated for use in hotel rooms, public restrooms, daycares, schools and hospitals – strong enough for institutional use yet safe enough for home use. It’s available in several sizes so you can buy a small amount for home or a large amount for commercial use.
Whatever the size of your order, try it today and use coupon code FGBLOG for a 10% discount off your initial order from www.1877Floorguy.com. If you need guidance on which Odorcide 210 product is right for your specific needs, call us toll-free at 1-877-Floorguy for professional customer service.

Dr. Schutz ColorRize at Shu Uemura Cosmetics in Bloomingdales, NYC

Dr. Schutz ColorRize was just installed over an existing wood floor at the Shu Uemura cosmetics counter in Bloomingdales, NYC. Result is fabulous!

ColorRize was chosen as a cost effective way to handle the aggresssive wear on the retail store’s floor. The wood floor, at Shu Uemura cosmetics, Bloomingdale’s, New York City, is challenged every day with heavy foot traffic. The store needed a way to improve the durability of this floor while maintaining style. They turned to Dr. Schutz ColorRize for use over their existing wood floor (saving time and money).

The job was completed in two days and the area did not need to be dismantled. Result is beautiful! See for yourself!

Wood floor after sanding and before Dr. Schutz ColorRize.

First coat of Dr. Schutz ColorRize.

Second coat of Dr. Schutz ColorRize.

Finished Job!

Dr. Schutz has a family of floorcare that works hand in hand with existing or new flooring materials to create durable, slip-resistant surfaces. For more information on Dr. Schutz products, go to www.SchutzNA. or call 1-877-272-4889 Sales x1.

SchutzNA –Changing the Face of Commercial Floors in the US Market

SchutzNA aka Dr. Schutz, commercial flooring finishes, has just begun to penetrate the North American Market and the first rumblings indicate success with an innovative group of flooring finishes designed to solve problems in high-traffic areas of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings while maintaining the integrity of the floor.

These products, WaxNoMor, SlipNoMor, MarkNoMor Finishes and ColorRize, each serve a unique purpose (the names say a lot) and can be applied to most types of hard surface flooring, new or existing, to reduce maintenance costs and improve performance.

Dr. Schutz flooring finishes are used to improve durability of a floor, change appearance, adhere to ADA requirements, reduce maintenance, improve slip resistance or increase longevity. Any or all of these often add up to savings and solutions for building owners and managers.

Dr. Schutz products are available on 1877floorguy.com or through a network of authorized commercial Distributors. Manufacturer certified Applicators are the only ones who should apply Dr. Schutz products because they have been professionally trained in the products’ use. These Applicators can be found throughout the US and Canada via the SchutzNA website or by calling 1-877-272-4889. Installations are currently underway in hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, warehouses, retail stores and restaurants throughout the US and Canada.

Find more information about these products at www.SchutzNA.com. To get started with a SchutzNA products contact the manufacturer’s Sales Dept. On-the-job assistance is available in most areas. For a 10% discount on your Dr. Schutz order, use FGBLOG coupon code when you order from 1877floorguy.com.

Vital-Oxide Effectively Kills MRSA, H1N1, EColi & Mold –Environmentally Safe

Removing mold and bacteria does not have to involve corrosive, caustic chemicals!

Vital-Oxide kills bacteria and controls mold while at the same time the formula is gentle, safe in contact with skin and can be used on a variety of surfaces- fabrics, carpets (even wool), polyurethane wood floors, ceramic tile, laminate, sealed concrete, stainless steel, shower stalls, under sinks, in basements and crawl spaces and more–anywhere mold and bacteria is found. Vital-Oxide has even been proven to prevent mold on ceiling tiles for 7 months.

Vital-Oxide is a broad spectrum disinfectant cleaner that is EPA registered (USEPA #82972-1), colorless and odorless, contains no harmful by-products for the environment, no ozone harming VOC’s and is 100% biodegradable. No special handling is required because of the safe nature of this product.

The reason Vital-Oxide works so well is because it eliminates the source of odors. The uses are limitless because this product is safe for people, pets and the environment. Uses include Hospitals, Schools & Day Care, Restaurants, Hotels, Sports Equipment, HVAC Systems, Building Materials, Drip Irrigation Lines, Kennels, Auto Detail Shops and Households. Use it to clean up after pet urine, outbreak of flu or other illness, to eliminate mold and bacteria from sporting equipment, clean public bathrooms or athletic locker rooms, for general maintenance in a school during winter or spring break, in a hotel to disinfect linens during laundering.

To get down to some technical terms, Vital-Oxide is broad-spectrum antimicrobial that has been proven effective against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Norovirus, Legionella pneumophilia, and E. coli in testing conducted by certified independent laboratories under GLP conditions submitted to the USEPA. This disinfectant and mold remover performs against a wide variety of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, fungi, spores, molds, mildews, and other microbes. It is effective at low concentrations and over a wide pH range by creating a molecular free radical with a chlorine dioxide molecule that has one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms which create a magnetic like attraction that seeks out electron donors and selectively oxidizes harmful bacteria and mold.

Chlorine dioxide (CLO2) and Chlorine both contain the same name however the by-products are vastly different from each other. Chlorine Dioxide, as in Vital-Oxide, is an environmentally sound alternative to chlorine bleach. Though both are oxidizing agents, the way they react with organic compounds is distinctively different. Vital-Oxide is not harmful if it comes into contact with a person’s skin and will not corrode the material to which it is applied.

Vital-Oxide is a super-effective, ecologically sound cleaner & odor eliminator, with proven broad-spectrum, anti-microbial action. Take a 10% discount off your purchase of Vital-Oxide from 1877floorguy.com by using coupon code FGBLOG. Vital-Oxide is shelf stable for over one year & Ready To Use—no mixing required. Non-irritating to the skin and not corrosive to treated articles. Always test a small area for colorfastness before full use on fabrics or carpets.

Keep Your Congoleum Vinyl Floor Looking Sharp

If you’ve recently installed a new residential Congoleum Vinyl Floor, there’s no doubt that you hope to keep it looking new for years to come. The bright and shiny “newness” can be maintained with proper care and maintenance. Let’s take a look at ways you can keep your vinyl floor looking sharp.

Following installation of your new vinyl floor it’s important not to disturb the seams. The amount of time you need to stay off the floor or limit traffic varies for the different Congoleum products and can range from 16 hours for Congoleum Resilient Sheet Vinyl to 48 hours for DuraCeramic, DuraStone and Resilient Tile Floors. Furniture and appliances should not be placed on the new floor for 24 – 48 hours. Detailed Care & Maintance for Congoleum Residential Vinyl on 1877Floorguy.com gives the cure time for all of the products in this line. This cure time allows the adhesive that seals the seams to harden and hold. Adhesive may not be completely dry before this time and moving furniture on the floor can cause the vinyl and adhesive to become compressed which could leave permanent compression marks. When you do move furniture, don’t push or pull items across the floor. Use plywood or furniture slides under heavy items to avoid scratching or tearing your new floor and carry lightweight pieces. Finally, wait a full 48 hours following installation before washing your new floor. When you do wash it, use Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy No-Rinse Cleaner as recommended by the Manufacturer.

Ongoing maintenance is critical to maintaining that “new floor” look. Your Vinyl floors should be swept and mopped regularly. How often you sweep & mop depends on how much you use the vinyl floor. The idea is the keep it free from loose dirt and debris which can scratch the surface under foot traffic, dulling the finish. Sweeping will be more frequent than mopping. When you do mop your floor, Congoleum advises you to use Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy No-Rinse Cleaner which has been specially formulated for use on Congoleum Vinyl. Following Manufacturer instructions for how to clean your floor and what to clean it with will keep it in excellent condition and will uphold your Warranty if you should have a claim. Avoid one-step “mop and polish” products, dishwashing liquids and oil-based cleaners that may leave a residue which can attract dirt and dull your floor’s finish. Avoid cleaners that contain abrasives or solvents which may permanently damage your floor.

Preventive Care will extend the life of your floor. More information can be found on 1877Floorguy.com under Congoleum Residential Floor Care & Maintenance. Here are some guidelines:

Keep furniture & appliance feet and bases covered with non-staining felt floor protectors or smooth, flat glides. Check glides periodically for grit and wear and replaced when necessary.

Place mats at outside entrances to prevent dirt, grit and soil from being tracked onto your floor. Use 100% latex- backed mats, because some rubber-backed mats or carpets may permanently stain your floor.

To help prevent staining from asphalt tracking (a frequent problem), use of a latex-based driveway sealer and remove shoes for a few weeks following the driveway sealing.

Draw drapes and blinds during peak periods of strong sunlight. Resilient floors, like other home furnishing products, may discolor or fade when overexposed to the sun.

Avoid wearing stiletto or spiked heels on your floor. These types of heels can indent or damage many types of floors.

Stains & spills should be wiped up right away. If a damp clean cloth is not enough to thoroughly cleanse the area, most stains can be removed by scrubbing the area with a small amount of concentrated Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy No-Rinse Cleaner then rinse thoroughly (because it’s undiluted). More tips are available on 1877Floorguy.com.

Vinyl floors are very durable and last a long time when they are maintained with some degree of care however time and normal use will reduce the shine on even the most well maintained floor. When you notice your floor looking dull, even if it’s only in a high traffic area, you can restore shine with the use of a Vinyl Polish. Congoleum has two polishes for you to choose from depending on the finish you desire. Before applying Polish, you’ll need to remove any ground-in dirt and excess polish buildup with Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy Polish Remover. Rinse thoroughly. Then apply Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy Floor Polish to obtain a high-gloss finish or Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy Satin-Gloss Floor Polish to obtain a satin-gloss or natural-gloss finish. If you choose high-gloss, keep in mind that, like any glossy surface, this will show all smudges and imperfections. Satin-gloss is the more popular of the two. Some Congoleum Flooring Materials require Polish immediately following installation. Check Congoleum Residential Floor Care & Maintenance on 1877Floorguy.com before applying to see when Polish is required on your vinyl floor.

Finally, keep an eye out for any compromised spots on the vinyl floor and treat them immediately. For tears or split seams cover the area immediately then contact the retail store where you purchased the floor or call a reputable flooring installer who specializes in hard-surface floors.

Place an order on 1877Floorguy.com for any Congoleum Cleaning or Maintenance Product and receive a 10% discount by entering coupon code FGBLOG.

Where To Find Manufacturer Recommended Floor Care Products

Residential Flooring Manufacturers devote many dollars to developing floor care and maintenance products specific to the floor(s) they produce. These products are carefully formulated, for each type of flooring the manufacturer produces to leave the floor residue-free, maintain the integrity of the floor’s surface finish without compromising slip resistance or shine and it needs to be the safest possible for people, pets and the environment. Important? You bet!

Using the Manufacturer Recommended floor care & maintenance products on your new floor, in accordance with Manufacturer guidelines, will keep the floor you purchased looking great and it will uphold the Warranty on your floor if you should have a claim. The big question has long been, “Where can I buy the product recommended by the Manufacturer?”

The flooring industry has a missing link when it comes to selling floor care & maintenance products. The flooring industry’s distribution chain, that has been in place for as long as I can remember, is from Manufacturer to Distributor to Retailer. This works like a well-oiled machine for flooring materials. Distributors buy in bulk from Manufacturers and the Retailers order from their Distributor to manage the amount of material they need to inventory. Since this works for flooring materials, it should also work for floor care & maintenance products, right? Wrong.

More often than not, Retailers don’t carry the care & maintenance products that Manufacturers require to uphold their flooring Warranties. The truth is that they likely did when they first brought on the line of flooring because the Manufacturer probably had a spiffy display that was offered for the Care & Maintenance Products as part of their kick-off package however, when that initial supply was depleted, they never replenished the stock. This happens for several reasons.

Flooring Retailers & Distributors have their focus on flooring materials, not care & maintenance products, because flooring material is their primary business and where most of their profits are generated. When they do try to track down the care & maintenance products they find that the Manufacturer is also more focused on the flooring products and they are not always able to obtain the care & maintenance products because their Distributor has trouble procuring them from the Manufacturer. You can see this doesn’t go very far in getting the products to the End Users.

You won’t find the Manufacturer Recommended Floor Care Products in Big box stores either because there is not enough in volume sales for them. Each flooring product in the marketplace has approximately 3 floor care product sku’s (each item has a unique sku) associated with it. Multiply this by the hundreds of flooring products out there and the total equals too many different products for a big box store that focuses on high volume and low cost.

The result- Customers, who buy new floors, become frustrated and may turn to easily available generic floor care products to maintain their new floor. This often backfires because the generic product may leave a cloudy film, etch the finish, create too much moisture, stain or dull the original shine. Depending on the product- cleaner, polish, stain remover, refresher, etc- the result of the generic product may or may not be reversible. Situations like this often wind up as Claims filed with the Manufacturer because the Customer believes the floor to be defective. They rarely see a Claim settle in their favor if they haven’t followed the Manufacturer’s care & maintenance guidelines. If only they could find the floor care products recommended by the Manufacturer to uphold their warranty…

This is where the specialty e-store fills the missing link. 1877Floorguy.com carries over 1000 sku’s, specializing in Manufacturer recommended Floor Care & Maintenance Products. This website has such a large selection of Manufacturers and Products, organized by type of floor and by Manufacturer, that you will likely find the exact item you are looking for along with helpful tips or advise on how to use it. If you don’t find the answer on the website, call 1-877-Floorguy and one of the staff members, each has been doing this for 8+ years, will answer your questions and guide you with expertise. If you don’t see the product you’re looking for, ask! because 1877Floorguy.com is adding new products all the time. Best of all, most products are in stock and ready to ship next business day. To help you get started with the right maintenance products for your floor, use coupon code ”FGBLOG” for a 10% discount.

Hopefully more Retailers will recognize that they can guide their Customers to 1877Floorguy.com to buy maintenance & care products for their new floor. This will make their Customers happy and they’ll go back to that Retailer again for new floors. We’ll never compete for the flooring materials business because our specialty is the products to keep floors clean and maintained.

It has taken some convincing, within the industry, but Manufacturers are beginning to see the importance of breaking the supply chain mold to better serve the end users.

Excellent Rating for 1877Floorguy.com

As a Yahoo! Store, 1877Floorguy.com participates in Customer Surveys that gauge the quality of service and products we provide to our Customers.

We are proud to say that 1877Floorguy.com rated Excellent and Good by 96% of our Customers that participated in the Survey. Of the 96% Excellent and Good Ratings, 80% were Excellent! Based on 2,000 Customers surveys we are pleased to see that our Customers find value in the service and products we provide. Here are a few comments from our Customers…

Jacqueline in NY wrote, “Floor Guy’s delivery was faster than lightning! Also, the customer service number is placed on each item, just in case of questions, problems, etc. What a great idea! I will not hesitate to buy from Floor Guy again.”

Patricia in MN wrote, “It was very easy to order and my purchase came quickly. I was kept informed of my order until it arrived. I would order from them again.”

Jay in CA wrote, “I purchase a supply of floor polish every few months. I keep on going back to the same place because everything goes smoothly. The price is right, and the service is excellent.”

1877Floorguy.com has been an internet retailer, selling floor care products, for more than 9 years. Our employees have, on average, 25 years of experience in the flooring business. With such a depth of experience behind each employee at 1877Floorguy.com we are able to serve our customers well because we know flooring products and how to care for them. Often we hear from Customers like Nicholas in PA who said,
“The gentleman who helped me on the phone was terrific. He knew what kind of floor I have by name and what I needed to care for it. He knew the website, directed me well and advised on quantity. Very quick and courteous. Far above most. I was impressed and recommended to others.”

At 1877Floorguy.com we continue to grow our floor care product lines because we know that most Flooring Retailers and Big Box Stores do not stock a wide range of products to care for the floors they sell. This makes it difficult for individuals to locally find and purchase manufacturer recommended floor care products that uphold their flooring warranty. June in FL had just this experience. When she ordered from 1877Floorguy.com she had this to say,
”I could not find the type of wax needed for my Bruce hardwood floors in my local area. I searched the web and found Floor Guys. They had exactly what I needed and got it out to me promptly and fairly priced.”

Currently, we stock more than 1,000 sku’s (each item has a unique sku), and continue to add products to our offering, making 1877Floorguy.com the largest retailer of manufacturer recommended floor care products in North America.

Our customers are valuable! With over 60,000 customers in North America, 1877Floorguy.com strives to keep each and every one happy so they’ll do business with us again and again. We send coupons to repeat customers for the products they buy, offer Free Shipping to all customers who order $150 or more of product, consistently ship orders next business day (When occasionally products are out of stock we keep in touch with our customer so they know the status of their order up to the time it ships.), we have knowledgeable Customer Service ready to help M-F, 9a-5p EST. Customer can call with questions about floor care or to place orders at 1-877-356-6748 (1-877-Floorguy).

Thank you to all of our Customers. A special thanks to those who have taken the time to respond to the Y!Store survey. Use coupon code ”FGBLOG” for a 10% discount on your next order from www.1877floorguy.com. Your input helps us improve!

Wood Floor Care for Your Kährs Wood Floor

Kährs has achieved market leadership for the quality of their wood floors and the woodloc® joint system. In order to uphold their quality standards, Kährs has developed a line of Wood Floor Care Products that allows consumers to maintain the beauty and quality of their Kährs Wood Floors.

Kährs Wood Floors are mainly pre-finished “floating” floors, where the stain and finish have been applied in the factory. These pre-finished, floating floors, with the woodloc® joint system, give consumers an innovative, quality option to traditional wood floors that is easier to install because the “floating” floor boards bond to each other, side by side, rather than to the subfloor and since the boards are pre-finished no sand & finish is required in the field as part of the installation. Once the floors are laid, they just need to be cleaned with the Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner. The most economical way to get started with this Manufacturer Recommended Cleaner is to purchase the Kährs Microfiber Wood Floor Care Kit.

Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner is specially formulated to clean and remove dulling residue on no-wax wood finishes. Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner dries clear with no streaking and, because it removes cloudy residue from the floor, gives an impression of enhancing a floor’s shine even though this cleaner is not a polish and contains no waxes or oils. The first cleaning for a Kährs Wood Floor should be immediately following installation. First, sweep and dust the floor to remove all dirt and debris then use the materials provided in the Kährs Microfiber Wood Floor Care Kit. -Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner & Microfiber Mop w/Cover- to clean the floor. Spray the floor with Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner, approximately one 4’x4’ area at a time, then rub into the floor with the Microfiber Mop. Allow to air dry. The Kit also includes Felt Floor Protectors with adhesive backs to apply to the bottom of chair legs, table legs, etc. These Floor Protectors are inexpensive and will save your floor from lots of scratches, so make it a priority to get more if you need them and change them periodically, when they look worn or very dirty. One additional item you may want to have is a Microfiber Dusting Pad, which fits onto the Mop (included in the Kit), to easily dust the floor before cleaning.

For continued maintainance of your Kährs Wood Floor, sweep or vacuum the floor frequently to prevent dirt, dust and grit from scratching or dulling its finish and keep mats by doorways to prevent grit from getting into the room. Periodically clean the entire floor with Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner to remove cloudy residue or dulling dirt-film layers. In the event of a spill, immediately blot up spills or spots with a lightly damp (well-wrung) cloth then spray soiled area with Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner and wipe with a clean dry cloth.

Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner is non-toxic, non-flammable, highly transparent, effective and safe for use around children and pets.

Kährs Wood Floors are tough but they aren’t indestructible. Most problems can be prevented with proper care and maintenance and by following a few simple rules:
•Put Felt Floor Protectors on the bottom of chair legs and all other furniture that sits on your wood floor to prevent denting & scratching.
•Don’t allow heavy object to drag across the floor. If you need to move furniture or appliances, use EZ Move Felt-Bottom Slides that allow the heavy item to sit on a cushioned pad with felt on the bottom so you can easily slide the piece along the floor without damaging its surface.
•Place a quality door mat at the entrance of your home to help protect your floor from abrasive dust and grit and to help save unnecessary clean-up tasks.
•Maintain normal interior humidity levels (Wood Floors requires a relative humidity range of 45-60%.Relative humidity should never fall below 30% or exceed 60%).
•Use Manufacturer Recommended Cleaners and Care Products.
•Do not use wax conditioners, oilsoaps, acrylic wax, steel wool, soap, detergents, ammonia-based cleaners or vinegar on the floor.
•Never pour water or other liquids directly onto the floor nor allow them to puddle on the floor. Wipe up spills immediately and clean area with Kährs Wood Floor Cleaner and a soft cloth.
•Keep sharp items off your floor! Such as spiked or worn heels, heavy wooden soled shoes, toys with hard plastic wheels…you get the idea.
•Pets’ nails should be kept trimmed so they don’t scratch the wood floor.

No matter how carefully you treat your floor, accidents do happen. Dropped packages, equipment and other things can dent or scratch any wood floor. Kährs has designed easy-to-use Touch-Up Kits so you can make minor repairs yourself. Touch-Up Kits are available to match each flooring color and come with detailed use instructions.

Over time, your floor may look dull, depending on how much traffic it sees. There is a way to restore its shine and luster without full-blown refinishing. Bona X carries a Wood Floor Refresher Kit This is not a refinisher but will conceal much wear and tear that takes place on a wood floor. The Bona X Refresher is a waterborne polyurethane maintenance coating that fills tiny scratches to restore the shine and luster of the wood. This is a do it yourself process that applies easily when you follow the instructions included with the product. The Bona X Refresher Kit includes the following Bona X products: 32 oz. Spray bottle of Hardwood Floor Cleaner, 32 oz. bottle of Hardwood Refresher, Microfiber Mop with a 4″x15″ Microfiber Cleaning Pad, Microfiber Dusting Pad and a Microfiber Floor Cleaning Cloth for spot cleaning. Bona X Refresher can be purchased separately for subsequent uses but to get started with the right pads, cleaner and Refresher, you can’t beat the price of the Bona X Refresher Kit.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll have a beautiful Kährs Wood Floor for years to come. Order your Kährs product and use coupon code ”FGBLOG” for a 10% discount.

Best Practices for Bruce No-Wax Hardwood Floors & Bruce Laminate Floors

Bruce No-Wax Hardwood Floors with a Dura-Luster, Dura-Luster Plus or Permion Finish and Bruce Laminate Floors are similar in the way they are maintained. If you have one of these Bruce floors in your home or if you’re considering one for purchase, this information will help you understand the process of caring for your floor.

Each floor comes with a detailed set of Care & Maintenance Instructions and a Warranty. These two documents go hand in hand because the Care Instructions tell you how to uphold your Warranty through Maintenance. The instructions contain easy to follow, detailed information about specific conditions and situations. This really boils down to a few basic rules… clean your floor regularly, be careful with items that can scratch the floor and use manufacturer recommended maintenance products only (to uphold the Warranty).

Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner is a unique cleaner, specifically formulated and recommended, for use on the Bruce No-Wax Wood (Dura-Luster, Dura-Luster Plus or Permion Finish) & Bruce Laminate Floors. The cleaner lifts soil from the surface of the urethane floor finish without leaving a film or streaking on the floor.

Initial care for your Wood or Laminate Floor starts immediately following installation. Floor should be thoroughly swept and dust mopped to remove loose dirt and debris then cleaned with Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner and a Bruce Swivel-Head Mop with Microfiber Cover. These items can be purchased as a Maintenance Kit then Cleaner and extra Mop Covers can be purchased separately as you need them. If installing the floor is a Do It Yourself (DIY) project, buy these cleaning products ahead of time (see coupon code for discount). If you’re having the floor professionally installed, check with your installer to see if they provide cleaner and microfiber mop –some will and some won’t. Be prepared with product to start cleaning your floor right away.

To clean the entire floor, simply spray Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner directly onto the floor and use a Bruce Swivel-Head Mop with Microfiber Cover to work the cleaner into the floor to lift the dirt onto the mop head. Spray and mop one small area at a time. After cleaning, wash and hang-dry the mop cover so it’s ready for the next use.

Sweep frequently for your floor to look its best. This keeps small particles of dirt from building up underfoot. These particles of dirt act like sandpaper to a wood or laminate floor. They will, over time, cause small scratches in the floor’s surface and dull the finish.

Many customers ask if they can use a vacuum instead of sweeping to speed up cleaning. Sweeping is gentler on the floor so it is the preferred method however, if you feel you must use a vacuum, only use one with a soft brush or felt pad head. Don’t use a vacuum with beater bars, hard heads or damaged casters because it will scratch and dent your floor and your Warranty will be null &void.

Spot clean your floor as often as necessary and clean the whole floor periodically with Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner. Never let cleaner (or any other liquid) puddle on the floor as this could damage the floor. Liquids are your floor’s enemy! For spot cleaning small areas, wipe up spill then apply the cleaner onto a clean cloth and use it to rub area until clean.

Rules of thumb:
• Don’t let spills sit on the floor. Wipe up promptly and clean area with Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner and a soft cloth.
• Don’t allow heavy object to drag across the floor. If you need to move furniture or appliances, use EZ Move Felt-Bottom Slides that allow the heavy item to sit on a cushioned pad with felt on the bottom so you can easily slide the piece along the floor without damaging its surface.
• Put felt floor protectors on the bottom of chair legs and all other furniture that sits on your wood floor to prevent denting & scratching.
• Keep sharp items off your floor! Such as spiked or worn heels, heavy wooden soled shoes, toys with hard plastic wheels…you get the idea.
• Pets’ nails should be kept trimmed.

Once you use with this maintenance routine, you’ll find it’s easy and convenient.
To get you started, use coupon code ”FGBLOG” for a 10% discount when you order from www.1877floorguy.com.

Mannington Ultra Clean for Mannington Wood Floors

What is Mannington Ultra Clean?
Mannington Ultra Clean is specially formulated for use on Mannington Wood Floors to clean without damaging. Mannington does not list the exact ingredients in their Ultra Clean Wood Floor Cleaner (typical for these types of cleaners) so look at the MSDS sheet that indicates this cleaner as water-based, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and safe for use around children and pets.

Why Use Mannington Ultra Clean?
Mannington Ultra Clean will not leave a film or residue on your Mannington wood floor, it is specially formulated for use on Mannington wood & finishes, it upholds the floor’s warranty if used correctly for regular maintenance. The warranty states, “The Limited Warranties do not cover conditions caused by improper use or maintenance, such as:…loss of gloss or build-up of dulling film due to lack of maintenance or improper maintenance…damage resulting from failure to follow floor care instructions…”

How to Use Mannington Ultra Clean?
1. Sweep or vacuum before mopping. Built-up grit can damage the finish and surface of hardwood. If using a vacuum the head must be a brush or felt type and wheels must be clean. Vacuum must be in good working condition. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar head. *Best to use a broom.
2. Spray Mannington Ultra Clean on floor, one small area at a time, then wipe immediately with a clean microfiber mop or cloth. Floor will air dry in minutes. Do not rinse. Spraying too large of an area will result in cleaner drying before mopping causing you to re-spray area for mopping to be effective.
3. For spills- Remove spills promptly with a soft cloth then wipe area with a clean soft cloth dampened with Mannington Ultra Clean.

How to Buy Mannington Ultra Clean?
Mannington Ultra Clean comes in a 32 ounce trigger spray bottle. The newer bottles are white and shaped differently than the older clear bottles. You may still find both on the market. The cleaner can be purchased as part of the Ultra Clean Mop Kit which is great if you’re just getting started and need the mop, microfiber cover and cleaner. Microfiber Replacement Covers are provided by Bona and can be purchased indivually. It’s a good idea to keep two or more mop covers on hand so you’ve always got a clean one when you need it. If these microfiber covers are hand washed and air dry, they will last for years with normal use.

Additional Info for Good Looking Wood Floors…
Make certain furniture has floor protectors that are clean and operate properly. Change the furniture pads when they appear dirty to effectively protect your floor. This is mentioned in Mannington’s Wood Floor Warranty!
Never mop or flood your floor with water or other products. This can severely damage the flooring.
Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax products or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil or ammonia.
Keep pet’s nails trimmed and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil and stains.
Remove shoes with spiked, damaged or heavy heels before walking on the floor.

Order Mannington Ultra Clean and supporting products now and use coupon code “FGBLOG” for a 10% discount from www.1877Floorguy.com.

Think Green for Floor Cleaning Products – Part II

The trend is obvious when you view the manufacturer links in Part I to this blog. Manufacturers are “greening” their manufacturing processes and their business cultures. Each touts the strides they have made towards environmental stewardship using words like “reducing VOCs, sustainable resources, recycling, improving indoor air quality.” These are all great steps towards a better environment that are measured by organizations that award approvals and certifications as a way for consumers to interpret the progress.

Let’s continue our look at greener cleaners for different types of floor coverings with hardwood & laminate cleaners as our next stop …

As part of the “all natural” Mohawk Floorcare Essentials line, approved by DfE, Mohawk has included a non-toxic Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner made from natural, renewable ingredients. When a product, like this one, is given the DfE Approved label, it indicates that the product, not only, contributes to a lesser impact on both human and environmental health, it also works as well or better than other cleaners in its class.

Bona, a company focused on wood floor care, continually strives to launch effective products with lesser impact on the environment. They do this by using recyclable materials in production and by developing non-toxic formulas, minimizing the harmful effects on people and downstream water pollution. Bona, a leader in the industry, offers a waterborne hardwood floor cleaner that is non-toxic, GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified, GREENGUARD Certified for Children & Schools, fulfills LEED points and meets CHPS and CA 01350 criteria for indoor air quality. The Bona cleaner is safe for the floor, family and environment and is effective in keeping your wood floor clean. In my home I use the Bona Spray Mop and Cleaner Refill Cartridges and my experience with this product has been great.

Moving on to Tile & Grout Cleaners…

Mohawk Floorcare Essentials has a Tile & Grout Cleaner. This, like the rest of the product line, is DfE Approved, made with natural ingredients and non-toxic.

Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System, which we took a look at in Part I for carpet cleaning, has also been used successfully to deep clean grouted tile floors. The Host website has a good illustration of this. A test area is recommended before full use. Typical use is commercial or institutional. Host products are Green Seal Certified, EPP Approved and LEED Qualified.

Several new acronyms and organizations have been introduced in the sections above. Here is what they mean to you…

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute focuses on indoor air quality. GREENGUARD is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that establishes standards and testing for indoor products. Their goal is to improve public health by helping manufacturers build safer products that will not pollute the air with harmful levels of dangerous chemicals or particulates. GREENGUARD awards several types of certification. GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified indicates that a product performs well in testing for low chemical emissions. GREENGUARD Certified for Children & Schools maintains an even higher standard for low-emitting interior use products and materials adhering to the performance guidelines in California Code Section 01350 (CA 01350) pertaining to indoor air quality. A product that meets CA 01350 is also LEED qualified and CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) approved.

CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) helps to facilitate high performance learning environments that are not only energy and resource efficient, but also healthy, comfortable, well lit, and containing the amenities for a quality education. CHPS and CA 01350 are considered to be leaders in improving indoor air quality standards.

I hope this blog leaves you more informed than you were before and gives you resources to use in determining what products are safest or most environmentally friendly. There is not one clear-cut answer because there are many approvals and certifications by various organizations and government agencies. Consumers need to use their best judgment in deterring which manufacturers or products are really doing something responsible for our environment and which are just blowing a lot of hot air (pardon the non-ecological idiom). There are many good products out there, several are mentioned in this blog and in Part I to this blog. My advice is to read labels, check websites and ask questions to draw conclusions about what is most effective in helping you to meet your “Green” goals.

Think Green for Floor Cleaning Products – Part I

What is a green floor cleaning product? Is it about a manufacturer’s efforts to conserve natural resources and recycle? Does it mean that the floor cleaner will help you to conserve water or energy? What will be its effect on indoor air quality? Is it safe when it comes in contact with your skin?

The more I’ve researched the vast topic of “green”, the more certifications and approvals I find. This “bit of information” I planned to share in my blog just kept getting bigger and bigger so I’ve decided to break it down into smaller bites for you. This is Part I. Look for Part II coming soon!

Manufacturers of floor cleaning products are changing what they make and how they make it. As products change to meet consumer demand for “green”, industry and government have introduced a range of certifications, approvals and standards. It can be difficult to navigate through the acronyms and organizations that certify and approve products so here is a guide on a few that I’ve come across. I am not endorsing any one certification, merely summarizing the information so you can draw your own conclusions and better understand what each means.

Green Seal Certified, EPP Approved, LEED qualified, and DfE Approved are “green” approvals I came across while looking into environmentally friendly carpet cleaning products. The organizations behind these approvals and certifications also evaluate other types of products as you’ll see in my next blog. “Green” takes on different meanings, depending on the type of approval or certification and the goal of the certifying organization.

Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System is a full line of carpet cleaning products from spot cleaners to 6lb or 12lb boxes of cleaner used in the Host Dry-Clean Machine. These Host products are Green Seal Certified, EPP Approved and can contribute points for LEED qualification. The inherent nature of this dry carpet cleaning system conserves water because none is needed, conserves energy because water doesn’t need to be heated and fans don’t need to be run for drying the carpet because the carpet never gets wet. Host Dry Carpet Cleaning System reduces the risk of mold and allergans, often associated with wet-carpet cleaning, thereby producing better indoor air quality.

Shaw R2x Green Stain & Soil Remover is a carpet spot cleaner that is DfE Approved by the EPA (different approval than Host) and intended for use on stain resistant and wool carpets and water safe fabrics. Shaw, as a manufacturer, has made great strides towards environmental stewardship in their manufacturing process and improving indoor air quality by reducing chemical emissions in the products they make. You can read more about the Shaw Green Edge on their website.

Mohawk Floorcare Essentials is a line of “all natural”, non-toxic products including Carpet Stain Remover, Carpet Care Kit and Odor Eliminator. These carpet cleaners, like Shaw R2x, are DfE Approved. Mohawk has a corporate environmental policy that emphasizes reducing, reusing and recycling materials in every aspect of their business. Mohawk continues to look for new ways to responsibly use raw materials and natural resources to reduce the impact on the environment.

What does all of this mean to you?
Green Seal Certified and EPP Approved (Environmentally Preferable Purchasing) both focus on the impact that manufacturing and materials used have on the environment.

Green Seal Certified means that evaluation has been conducted by the non-profit organization, Green Seal, and that the product reduces impact on the environment and on human health based on its use of raw materials, manufacturing process and recycling or disposal methods for the product. Green Seal Certified also indicates that the product works as well as or better than others in its class.

EPP Approved (Environmentally Preferable Purchasing) tells you the product has a reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared to other products that serve the same purpose. This comparison applies to raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, use, reuse, operation, maintenance, and disposal. The primary purpose of EPP Approval, given by the Federal EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), is to help agencies across the federal government comply with green purchasing requirements. The EPA website publishes a list of approved products. My experience has been that the list can be difficult to navigate so you may want to check the manufacturer’s website first if you’re looking for a specific product.

LEED qualification is geared primarily towards commercial buildings. LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is an internationally recognized green building certification system aimed at improving building performance as it pertains to energy savings, water efficiency, reduction of CO2 emissions, improved indoor environmental quality, and responsible use of resources and sensitivity to their impacts on the environment. LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. Floor cleaning products that are EPP approved also meet LEED requirements.

DfE, Design for the Environment, focuses on a product’s direct effect on people and on the use of sustainable ingredients. DfE is another EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) program that works with environmental organizations and industry. DfE’s, “Safer Product Labeling Program” promotes protecting families and the environment. Individual products are evaluated for their impact on both human and environmental health and for their ability to perform as well or better than other products in their class.

That’s all for this blog. Stay tuned for Part II –Hardwood & Laminate Cleaners, Tile & Grout Cleaners, GREENGUARD, CHPS, CA01350…

Change Grout Color on a Tile Floor… So Many Reasons Why

There are many reasons why individuals want to change the Grout Color on their Tile Floor.
Maybe one of these situations has happened to you…

“Help! I just installed a New Tile Floor in my Kitchen and the Grout Color did not turn out as I thought it would. Am I stuck with it?”

“My Bathroom Floor is Stained and Discolored in the Grout around the toilet. Looks like rust stains. I can’t seem to clean it no matter what I use. Any suggestions?”

“I’m getting ready to sell my house and my Realtor says that my bathroom floor looks dingy and dated. How can I update the floor without replacing the whole thing?”

The answer to all of these questions is Grout Colorant and you don’t have to be a professional to do the job. (A great DIY project!) There are key steps to follow for good results such as read and adhere to directions on the product label, clean and pretreat according to directions and be sure to allow enough drying time for each step of the process.

Your best bet is to buy a kit so you’ve got everything you need for the job. Aqua Mix has a Grout Colorant Kit that comes in 24 different colors. The kit includes an 8oz. bottle of AquaMix Pre-Treatment Cleaner, 8oz. bottle of Aqua Mix Grout Colorant, Grout Brush, and Scrub Pad. *Tip: You can mix colors if you want to customize.

Pre-Treatment Cleaner is the first critical step because it etches the surface of the Grout and removes any finishes or cleaners that may be on the Grout allowing the Colorant to adhere when it’s applied. *Tip: If Pre-Treatment Cleaner is not used as directed, Grout Colorant will not adhere well to the Grout and may peel.

The Aqua Mix Grout Colorant goes on like paint with the Grout Brush and bonds to the surface of the Grout (after the grout has been pre-treated). The Colorant contains a sealant so it seals the Grout as it dries making future cleaning easier and the Grout less likely to hold stains. If you go outside the lines of the grout during application, you will have an opportunity to wipe off excess Grout Colorant after 2 hours. The Colorant is water-based so it cleans up easily and doesn’t have a caustic odor. Do a test area on your floor before you tackle the whole job. The results of this test area will help you determine the optimum time for the Colorant to dwell on the tile before cleaning up. You may find that you need to allow more than 2 hours before cleanup. *Tip: Don’t scrub the grout lines during cleanup because Colorant is not completely dry at this time.

The final results will last up to 15 years! Extreme weather conditions, harsh cleaning methods and high-alkaline or solvent-based cleaners will affect wear so use a Tile Cleaner that is recommended for use on Tile and doesn’t contain solvents such as Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner.

Grout Colorant is an effective solution to all of the scenarios mentioned above however if the Grout is cracked or chipped, the Colorant is not the right answer. *Tip: Grout Colorant only colors and will not correct any defects in the Grout.

The amout of Grout Colorant required will vary depending on the width and porosity of the grout joint and the size of the tiles and can range from 50 – 300 square feet per 8-oz bottle. Reference the Coverage Guide on www.1877floorguy.com for the amount of Grout Colorant you’ll need. You can also get a free color chart before you buy the Colorant and get answers to your questions by calling toll-free at 1-877-floorguy (1-877-356-6748).

Have Fun Coloring!

Dry Clean Carpets –Reduce Allergans, Environmentally Safe

Whether your carpets need spot cleaning for a stain or a full cleaning throughout the house, you are likely interested in using a product that is safe for kids or pets and is environmentally friendly.
HOST® is the leading dry extraction carpet cleaning method that will meet all of these requirements! HOST is Green Seal Certified, non-toxic and reduces allergans, such as dust mites, mold and pet dander, by up to 85%. HOST is recommended by carpet manufacturers, produces better results than wet cleaning systems, lifts and refreshes matted carpet pile, leaves carpets smelling fresh and ready to use right after cleaning. I’ve been using this system as long as I’ve been in the flooring business and this is the carpet cleaning system I use in my home.
The system works by brushing the HOST Sponges Cleaner (which comes in a shaker pack for spot cleaning or larger pack for overall cleaning) into the carpet with the hand-held brush for small areas or the brushing machine for large areas. The cleaner dissolves, absorbs and traps soil, spots and odors as it cleans then you vacuum. This low-moisture process is proven to reduce Dust mites by 78%, Dust Mite Allergen by 75%, Cat Allergen by 85%, Mold Spores by 85% (EPA Establishment No. 074202-WI-001).
The HOST Dry Carpet & Rug Cleaning Kit will get you started with everything you’ll need for spot cleaning small spills and stains from your carpet. When you use the consumables in the kit, it’s easy to order individual replacements. Shaker packs come in two sizes- 2.5 lb. Dry Carpet Cleaner Shaker Pack or 1.1 lb. Emergency Dry Carpet Cleaner Pack. Pre-Cleaner Spray is available in a 7.5oz Pre-Cleaner
Spray Bottle. It’s a good idea to keep these products on hand for unexpected spills and stains.
Using HOST for an entire room or house of carpet will require a larger package of HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner, 6 lb Box (for approx 500sf) or 12 lb Box (for approx 1,000sf). To determine your square footage (sf) simply measure the width and length of each room that needs carpet cleaning and multiply width x length = square feet for each room. To use this product, you’ll need to rent a HOST brushing machine from a local HOST retailer. You’ll use this machine to brush the cleaner into the carpet before vacuuming. In Delaware, call 1-877-floorguy for rental. Outside Delaware, use this link, http://hostcarpetcleaning.com/diyRetail.htm to locate a HOST retailer near you.

You may wonder how HOST compares to steam carpet cleaning methods. HOST is found to be easier to use, requires no mixing or use of water, leaves carpets dry reducing mold and mold spores, no drying time required before walking on rugs, safe for use on all types of carpet (including wool), carpets stay cleaner longer and look better because the carpet pile doesn’t get matted down. Using HOST in commercial buildings contributes to points earned for maintaining building LEED certification because of it’s environmentally responsible process.

Surprise! Wood Floors Under the Carpet! Wax or Urethane Finish?

Top 7 NEVERS for a Hardwood Floor

To keep your Hardwood Floors looking great NEVER…
1. Sweep with a stiff bristled broom. Use only soft, fine bristle broom to avoid scratching the surface. Sweep often to keep dirt from being ground into the floor’s finish.
2. Use hard rubber brush or plastic vacuum attachments to clean your floor. Use only a soft brush attachment.
3. Let a wet spill sit for “a while”. Water is a wood floors worst enemy! Wipe up spills promptly and dry the area thoroughly.
4. Let too much time go between vacuuming area rugs or carpet runners. Frequent vacuuming prevents dirt from filtering down through the weave and scratching the floor beneath.
5. Allow anyone to wear spike high heel shoes, shoes with cleats or taps, heavy wooden heeled shoes or any “worn” shoes with exposed metal or sharp parts. These types of shoes can cause extensive damage!
6. Allow furniture to rest or drag directly on the floor without protectors on the feet or base. Use Floor Protectors & Glides on the feet and base of all furniture. Equinox pads & glides come in many shapes and sizes to fit all furniture and protect your floor from dents and scratches.
7. Use carpet runners or area rugs without a non-skid pad underneath. These types of rugs are great for minimizing wear and tear in high traffic areas but carpet backing is rough so always use a non-skid pad to protect the floor.

Clean Soap Scum/Mildew from Natural Stone & Grout in Bathroom Shower

How do I clean soap scum and mildew from the natural stone and grout in my bathroom shower?

For tough bathroom soap scum and mildew DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional KlenzAll™ Cleaner is an excellent solution because it will lift difficult stains without etching or damaging the stone surface. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to apply cleaner to the surface, rubbing soiled areas. For the toughest stains, try a soft bristle brush. Mildew in the grout is sometimes hard to get rid of and may require a 50/50 solution of water and bleach if any mildew remains after you’ve used the DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional KlenzAll™. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water when you are finished with this process. After cleaning, it is important to seal the area to keep the tile and grout looking good long term. Wait one hour after rinsing the stone surfaces before applying sealer. Seal with a water-based sealer tough enough to withstand the amount of use your shower gets, such as DuPont™ StoneTech® Heavy Duty Sealer.

Once you’ve gone through the effort to remove the stubborn soap scum and mildew from your shower, routine maintenance will be the key to maintaining the integrity of the stone. Clean frequently using DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Stone & Tile Cleaner which is a stone-safe cleaner for everyday use. Avoid bathroom cleaners that are not specifically recommended for use on stone because they will etch and damage the surface.

Every few months, take a moment to notice how the water beads when your shower is wet. If water beads easily on the surface, you’re in good shape. If not, it may be time to reseal your stone. For more information about sealing and knowing when to seal, see our blog entitled, “When to Apply Sealer to Stone Surfaces.”

Important Note: Always read product labels entirely before using. Use only as directed. Test in small inconspicuous area to determine required dilution and results.

When to Apply Sealer to Stone Surfaces

The type of stone and application change but the question remains the same, “How often do I need to seal my marble floor (or granite counter or terrazzo bath)?” The answer to this question depends on a few factors- how the surface is used, routine maintenance and interior or exterior application. Before answering this question about frequency of applying sealer, first find out if your stone surface needs sealer?”

Simply place a few drops of water on your stone surface and wait 15 minutes. If the water beads up and wipes off without leaving a dark spot then your surface is well sealed. If the water absorbs into the surface then you need to apply Sealer. Sealer protects your stone from harsh cleaners that can damage the surface and it minimizes soils and stains. If you do get a stain, it is more easily removed from a sealed stone surface because the sealer reduces the absorbency of the stone.

Many types of sealers are available. The type of sealer you will use depends on the stone. DuPont StoneTech Heavy Duty Stone Sealer is recommended for use on Marble and Terazzo while StoneTech Professional Bullet Proof Sealer is recommended for use on Granite. All DuPont StoneTech Sealers are impregnated to penetrate into the stone for maximum protection and come with a product performance guarantee.

When stone-friendly cleaners are used for regular maintenance, sealer should last 3-5 years for an interior application. The water bead test can be done once each year to check for wear of the sealer.

If you’ve got questions about which product(s) to use or how to apply them to your stone surface, call 1-877-floorguy for answers.

Important Note: Always read product labels entirely before using. Use only as directed. Test in small inconspicuous area to determine required dilution and results.

Remove Oil Stain from Stone

If you’ve ever spilled cooking oil on your granite (or other natural stone) countertop you know that it can leave a deep-set dark stain. The good news- there is something you can do about it…with just a bit of patience and a few supplies.

First clean the area so all dirt and finishes are removed (ammonia works well). Then use a product specifically designed to remove oil stains from natural stone surfaces, such as DuPont StoneTech Oil Stain Remover.. This Stonetech product is a paste that you apply as a poultice to the soiled area of your stone counter, approximately ¼” thick and going 1”- 2” beyond the stained area. This is where your patience comes in… you’ll need to wait 48-72 hours or until the poultice is completely dry before brushing it off with a soft bristle brush. If the stain is not completely removed, repeat the process. This process will remove the stain without leaving residue and with no discoloration of the stone. Once the stain is lifted, clean the area (and your tools) with mineral spirits (available in your local hardware store) then seal with a DuPont Stonetech Sealer, such as the BulletProof Sealer to minimize future stains. You may wonder if your entire counter needs Sealer. Check my blog about “Sealer for Stone Surfaces- Do I need to reapply?”. This should answer all your questions about Sealer.

You may find other, similar methods, to clean oil stains when you search the internet however most require you to mix ingredients together yourself which leaves room for error. Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to get better results with a product that is ready-to-use.

Important Note: Always read product labels entirely before using. Use only as directed. Test in small inconspicuous area.

Restoring Stripped Marmoleum Flooring

RESTORING STRIPPED MARMOLEUM FLOORS

Although there is no guarantee that this will work successfully, we have had success restoring Marmoleum that has been mildly stripped. Do not try this on the whole floor at first. Try a small spot in an inconspicuous area to see if this will work and then you can continue doing larger areas if successful.

**** Clean with a 50% bleach solution (you can leave it on several minutes)
**** Pick up solution and rinse with clear water
**** Neutralize with a 50% white vinegar solution
**** Pick up solution and rinse the floor well
**** Let the floor dry
**** Apply JohnsonDiverseyLinobase Sealer available at www.1877floorguy.com
**** Apply 2-3 thin coats of JohnsonDiversey Carefree finish

If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call at the telephone number below.

Forbo Flooring Systems
Technical Services
800-342-0604

Clean It, Seal It and Color It

March 14, 2009

GROUT: Clean It, Seal It and Color It

Easy as 1, 2, 3

Aqua Mix Grout Colorant

Pieces of ceramic tile, stone and marble have been used for centuries on floors,walls, tabletops and mosaic murals. And that’s probably how long the search has lasted for a way to keep the grout between the pieces clean and bright.

Commercial products are fine for masons and tile setters accustomed to working with caustic cleaners. But what about the average person looking at grungy grout in a shower stall or on a countertop?

Aqua Mix, a Santa Fe, CA-based company, has been in the business of sealing, brightening and recoloring grout for 20 years. Now the company’s products have been reformulated and simplified for do-it-yourselfers.

“A lot of people have old tile in baths and kitchens, but they don’t want to replace all of the tile,” says Aqua Mix. “When the appearance becomes too dingy, this is a cost-effective alternative.” This easy process now makes more sense than ever as most us look for alternatives to refurbish and rejuvenate our floors instead of the more expensive alternative, REPLACEMENT!
The super-concentrated, phosphate-free Aqua Mix Grout colorant comes in 24 stock shades, including buff, teal, cinnamon, rose and pewter, plus several shades of white.”We are in constant contact with grout manufacturers, so we can match whatever their most popular and new colors are,” Aqua Mix says.

The Aqua Mix Grout Colorant kit, contain an Aqua Mix Grout cleaner, an Aqua Mix Grout Colorant brush applicator and a tube of Aqua Mix Grout colorant. After the tiles are scrubbed, the color is brushed on and left to (almost) dry. Then a nylon mesh pad is used to remove Grout colorant from surrounding tiles, leaving the lines a brighter white or an entirely new color – say green between white tiles in a child’s bathroom, or a robin’s egg blue between slate tiles in a foyer. Results should last up to 15 years, according to Aqua Mix.

“In an older home, if the grout is cracked or missing, this won’t work as a groutfiller,” Aqua Mix cautions. The grout has to be in fairly good condition for the colorto cover well. “If there is more than a hairline crack, you would need to re-grout before applying the colorant.”

Aqua Mix Grout Colorant Kit Description: All-in-one kit to prep, recolor and seal your grout joints. Kit contains 8-oz. Aqua Mix Grout Colorant, 8-oz. Aqua Mix Grout Colorant Pre-Treat Cleaner, grout Colorant Applicator brush and scrub pad.
Available with the following standard Aqua Mix colors: AquaMix Grout Colorant Kits
White
Black
Antique White
Bright White
Linen White
Canvas
Navajo
Smoke
Buff
Mauve
Sand
Evergreen
Beige
Teal
Wheat
Silver
Cinnamon
Natural Gray
Cocoa
Pewter
LightGray
Charcoal Gray
Cadet Blue
Pure White
Rose

Aqua Mix Grout Colorant
http://www.1877floorguy.com/aqmixgrcoki.html

Coverage: Approximately 50 to 300 sq. ft. (5 m2 to 28 m2) per 8-oz. bottle, depending on width and porosity of grout joint, size of tile and method of application.

Description: Easy-to use waterborne epoxy that recolors, seals and rejuvenates existing grout joints.

Uses: Recommended for use on sanded, unsanded and epoxy grout joints. Equally effective for interior and exterior applications.

Expected Wear: Will vary depending on hardness and texture of surface, type of area, surface wear, frequency and type of maintenance products used. Expected wear is up to 15 years. Extreme weather conditions, harsh cleaning methods and high-alkaline or solvent-based cleaners will affect wear.

Grout Colorant Application Kit Application
http://www.1877floorguy.com/aqmixgrcoki.html
Brush Aqua Mix Grout Colorant on horizontal and vertical grout joints. Includes scrub pad.
Available in 8-oz. sizes in the following standard colors:
(Colors are displayed as accurately as possible. Some colors below may not represent exact grout colors. They may appear differently on computer monitors with different resolutions).

Grout ColorantPre-Treat Cleaner

Coverage: One 8-oz. bottle will clean and prepare approximately 50 to 300 sq. ft. of tiled area, depending on the width and type of grout joint, size of tile, severity of surface staining and method of application.

Description: Effective ready-to-use cleaner designed to lightly etch and also remove dirt, soil, soap scum and hard water deposits from grout joints. Prepares grout joints for a superior Aqua Mix Grout Colorant bond.

Uses: Recommended for use on sanded, unsanded and epoxy grout joints and surrounding tile.
Available in an 8-oz. spray bottle.
http://www.1877floorguy.com/aqmixgrcoki.html

All products carry a 15 day 100% satisfaction guarantee! Have Questions? Email us or Call 1-877-FloorGuy.com

www.1877floorguy.com Commitment:
Provide our customers with easy access to the flooring manufacturers recommended floor care and maintenance products at the best possible prices with superior customer service. Our customer service staff understands your flooring needs and is trained on all our floor care products and will do their best to answer your floor maintenance questions. Also, we stock every floor cleaning product we sell so that we can deliver it to you in a timely fashion.

Bona Kemi Professional Series Cleaners

March 6, 2009

For years Bona Kemi has been the leader in hardwood & hardsurface floor care & maintenance products. Obviously, if you have used the Bona Kemi products you have experienced their superior qualities that make wood floor & hard surface maintenance fast, easy and simple. The family of Bona Kemi products has also offered endless options in sizes, concentration and type of maintenance products.
Having said that, just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Bona Kemi did it again. That is right. Recently Bona Kemi introduced their new Bona Professional Series Hardwood and Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaners that are formulated for exceptional cleaning power. The products contain a stronger degreaser which makes the product faster acting without the risk of streaking. The non-toxic, waterbased formula cuts through dirt, grease and other common tracked in debris, making quick work of a seemingly tough job. Bona Professional Series Cleaners will not leave a residue and is safe to use everyday. It’s everything you would expect a professional to use in your home or office if they were to perform the cleaning.
Thanks to www.1877floorguy.com , this Bona Professional Series Cleaners is now available to the Home owner for fast and easy cleaning for families on the go. But wait! There is more! www.1877floorguy.com made a special purchase allowing them to sell the Bona Professional Series Cleaners at the same price as the regular Bona Hardwood Cleaners. This price won’t last, but in the face of a tough economy what a great deal, better product at same low price.
Please try the new Bona Professional Series Cleaners at www.1877floorguy.com . After all, don’t YOU deserve the BEST. Bona and www.1877floorguy.com …what more do you need?

Removing Acrylic Polishes from Hardwood Floors and other hard surface floors

Directions for removing Acrylic polish and other wax residue like mop & glo and Orange glo from hard surface floors. Oil residue from using the wrong cleaners may require mineral spirits.

Always consult the flooring manufacturer for their recommended cleaning methods.

Preparation & materials:
Mix in a bucket (8:1)16 oz (2 cups) of ammonia to one gallon of Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner.
You will need one MicroPlus mop and 2 MicroPlus Cleaning Pads. A white, non abrasive scrubbing pad may be used but may not be necessary.

Directions:
1. Dip the Microfiber mop pad and wring out so that the pad is saturated but not dripping.

2. Evenly apply the solution in a small section. A 3′ x 5′ area or smaller is recommended.

3. Allow the solution to sit for 30 seconds but no longer than 2 minutes. Then scrub the floor with the Bona Microfiber Mop. A non abrasive scrubbing pad may be used to loosen any excessive build up. A whitish appearance may appear. Remove all residues before moving to the next section.

4. Follow up with a second (clean / new) Microfiber cleaning pad and Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner, following the label directions.

5. Move to the next section being sure to rinse the Microfiber cleaning pad in the sink with warm water first.

6. Repeat from step one throughout the entire floor.

Important Warnings & Advisements:

*Always perform a small test in an inconspicuous area for good results before performing work. If any adverse or undesired reactions occur consult with a hardwood floor professional before continuing.

*Be advised that complete removal of acrylic polishes may not be possible along board seams or on heavily textured (hand scrapped, natural tile) floors.

*A second or even a third application may be necessary to produce best results.

*The recommended procedure may not be sufficient to assure adhesion or performance of any additionally applied products including Bona Refresher products.

*The recommended procedure is considered best practices and is not a solution for every situation. For extenuating circumstances, please consult with flooring professional before performing any work.

*Always contact the polish manufacturer for removal instructions prior to performing any work.

*Some polishes contain wax and therefore complete removal of the product may not be possible with any stripping methods. It is recommended to consult a professional to determine stripping and recoating possibilities.

Factory applied Polyurethane finishes on Wood Floors

Factory applied polyurethane finishes are very popular today because they are durable, water resistant and require minimal maintenance. Urethane finishes are blends of synthetic resins. These polyurethane finishes remain on the surface of the wood to form a protective coating. They generally are available in satin, semi-golss and matte finishes.

To Determine if the floor has a urethane finish, check the original installer or refinishers records. If those are not available, scratch the floor gently with a coin in an inconspicuous area behind a door or in a corner. If the finish flakes, it likely is a surface finish floor. Another test is to apply two drops of water in an inconspicuous area. If white spots do not appear within 10 minutes, your floor likely has a surface finish. Use Bona X Wood Floor Cleaner to maintain your urethane finished floors.

visit http://www.1877floorguy.com/ for all you wood floor care products.

Keep Your Investment in Your Floor

Keep Your Investment in Your Floor
Once you make the decision to replace your flooring or have a new floor installed, it’s still an investment and you will want to protect that investment.
One of the largest offenders to flooring is the scooting of furniture across it. People often mistake a shiny floor with being slick and easy to move furniture across and it only takes a time or two before the damage is done. There are easy ways to avoid this and the easiest of all is to use simple floor protectors on the legs of your furniture.
If you’re having a large gathering where the odd ottoman or chair might be scooted across your flooring, just protect it in advance with a floor protector and you won’t have to play floor monitor and it will leave you free to enjoy your get together and not worry about your floor.
Also if you’re going to experiment with your room decor. Use floor protectors on the bottoms of your furniture to not only allow you to move them easily around the room, but also to protect your floor from damage. One table legs scratching across your finished floor can do damage that can be expensive to repair.
Other good measures you can take include having cotton floor rugs in high traffic areas. This will slow down the wear on your floor as well as protect it. Avoid rugs with rubber or plastic backings though as they can damage some finishes.
You made a good investment in your flooring, keep it looking like new with regular care and use floor protectors as necessary.

Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-Floorguy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit us at www.1877floorguy.com for all your floor protector needs.

Make Your Stone Floor Look Like New

Make Your Stone Floor Look Like New

Stone floors are among the most gorgeous of surfaces, and with proper care, a stone floor can be well maintained and last for centuries. Stones, though tough, can lose their color and be compromised with traditional household products and cleaners. The key is to avoid these types of products and only use stone cleaners designed specific for the type of stone you have.

Stone surfaces like floors, counter tops, vanities and etc. can come in a variety of materials like marble, grout, granite, porcelain tile, and etc. Many stones can be damaged or be discolored if not carefully cleaned, restored, polished and protected. Keep in mind that what causes the most damage to stone is sand, dirt and gritty materials. The abrasive texture of these items tends to cause scratching. It’s important to place mats and rugs in strategic areas on stone floors. Be sure non-slip materials are under the rugs and mats.
If you’ve recently remodeled a bathroom or kitchen or put in a new stone floor elsewhere in your home, you have probably been thinking of ways to carefully protect your stone.
Stones can and should be cleaned, polished, sealed and protected. Many various products are on the market. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and ask lots of questions. Always choose products that will not stain or leave lines and streaks across your floor. If you already have scratches and stains, be sure to look for products to handle these tough needs. Overall, stone floors can endure a lot of wear and tear without being compromised or damaged.

Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-Floorguy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit us at www.1877floorguy.com for all your stone maintenance products.

Keep Your Vinyl Floor Looking Sharp

Keeping Your Vinyl Floor Looking Sharp

If you’ve recently installed a new vinyl floor, there’s no doubt that you hope to keep it looking new for years to come. The bright and shiny “newness” can be maintained with proper care and maintenance. Let’s take a look at ways you can keep your vinyl floor looking sharp.

Vinyl floor care is pretty much common sense. You want to sweep the floor thoroughly daily. Mopping regularly with a mild detergent and water will help maintain the floor’s integrity and prevent any subtle discoloration. Keep in mind that a clean water rinse is important after using detergent as detergent can leave a film-like covering. This film can often times be sticky and attract more dirt and grime to the surface.

Special polishes for vinyl floors will help seal them and protect the floor against turning dull. Floor polishes help maintain a glossy finish and surface, making your floor look like new for years to come. If you happen to have an older vinyl floor that has endured wear and tear, a vinyl floor refinishing product will help to reseal the vinyl and help the floor look newer and cleaner.

Because vinyl floors are so shiny and easy to move things on, many people make the mistake of sliding furniture, rather than lifting it across a vinyl floor. This is a mistake as it can lead to scratching, smudging and compromising the look of the floor.

Finally, keep an eye out for any compromised spots on the vinyl floor and treat them immediately.

Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-Floorguy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit www.1877floorguy.com for all your Vinyl Floorcovering Cleaning and Polish products.

Harwood Floor Care Basics

Hardwood Floor Care Basics
There’s nothing like a shiny, scratch-free hardwood floor to make a house look it’s very best. Just like any item you value in your home, hardwood floors needs careful attention and care.
Some tips for preserving your hardwood floors include making sure you dust mop it daily to remove any debris and grit. Keep any carpets and kitchen floors nearby clean, as well, so as not to track dust and dirt from one room to the other where your hardwood floors happen to be. If any spills of food, drinks or moisture fall onto your hardwood floor, wipe them off immediately with a cloth or paper towel. Use a hardwood cleaner to clean spills. Good products to keep on hand for hardwood floors include Bona x, Bona Kemi, or Bonakemi.
There are certain materials in throw rugs that aren’t recommended for hardwood floors. Anything with rubber or plastic backing can damage a good hardwood floor, so stick to cotton. Make sure your home’s humidifier is working properly to keep the humidity control at the right level to reduce any shrinkage in the wood. Never pull furniture across a hardwood floor as it will obviously scratch the surface. Use furniture protectors under the corner of tables and other items sitting directly on the hardwood floor. If you have pets, be sure to keep their toenails trimmed. Brush them regularly, but not on the hardwood floor.
Never wax a Polyurethane finished hardwood floor. Contact a professional or use special buffing products recommended by them.

Call the Floorguy at 1-877-356-6748 or visit us at www.1877floorguy.com for all your hardwood floor care needs.

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