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1877FloorGuy Archive Page
Thursday, February 14, 2008
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. by: 1877FloorGuy 
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Fun Rugs Your NASCAR Fan Will Adore
Do you have a hard to buy for person on your gift giving list? If you know they love NASCAR, your gifting just got a little bit easier. If you need a fun birthday present make it a NASCAR themed gift. You can start off with a poster of their favorite driver, perhaps an autobiography about one of the NASCAR greats such as Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte, and Dale Jarrett. Then include a t-shirt and perhaps a profile rug of one of their favorite drivers' cars. Other fun accessories you can get NASCAR style for your gift recipient include an entry mat emblazoned with a NASCAR emblem and autograph of one of the greats of the sport. It will let everyone that comes into the home know they are in NASCAR fan territory! Around holiday season, stocking stuffers that encompass a NASCAR theme will be greatly appreciated. If your gift recipient is secretly Bobby Labonte when they drive their own car, let them enjoy the cool style of NASCAR themed car mats. Car mats keep the interior of the car looking sharp and are easy to clean. Those are just a few ideas for your favorite NASCAR fan - it may not be holiday season just yet - but start thinking ahead for the gifts you'll need and you'll find your shopping just got a whole lot easier. Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-Floorguy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit us at www.1877floorguy.com for all your nascar rugs. by: 1877FloorGuy
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. by: 1877FloorGuy
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. by: 1877FloorGuy
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. by: 1877FloorGuy
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. by: 1877FloorGuy
Save Money By Installing Your Flooring Yourself
Becoming self-sufficient is a dream many people have, including those who want to build their own homes and finish all the details themselves. Along these lines, installing your own floors is a great way to save money and do it just the way you want it. Selecting the right floor for your home will depend on your particular home and the materials from which it was built. Log cabins, for example, might look best with beautiful hardwood floors. A more contemporary home may look best with stone or ceramic tiles. Choose your floor looking at many samples. Taste has a lot to do with your final choice, as well as the region where you live, and your ability to maintain and clean your floor. Read up on the materials and the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines to see what works best for you. Other things to consider when choosing the floor is color, texture, patterns and so forth. Do you want to go with neutrals or vivid colors? Is your floor in an area with a lot of natural light or do you need to select a floor that will lighten a room? Is your home small? If so, select a lighter color to help make your room appear bigger. Finally, installing the floor requires making sure the base floor is clean, smooth and flat. If the surface is not flat, build up the floor with proper materials. Use only recommended products as adhesives and glues, and begin the installation with care and preciseness. Call the Floorguy at 1-877-356-6748 or visit us at www.1877floorguy.com for all your Floor Cleaners. by: 1877FloorGuy
How to Ruin Your Vinyl Floor
The key to ruining your vinyl floor is to simply not maintain it on a regular basis. Anyone who wants their vinyl floor to last simply needs to treat their floor with extra care, consistent maintenance, and make a commitment to preserving the floor's original look and sheen. To do this, following manufacturer floor cleaning plans is necessary. After first installing the vinyl floor, protect all the seams immediately with a seam sealer. It's important to note that temperature can make all the difference in the world with vinyl floors. By not paying attention to this fact, you can ruin your vinyl floors within the first 48 hours of installation. Keep the temperature around 68° F or greater for at least those first 48 hours to make sure the adhesive works. If you don't want to ruin your vinyl floor, do not roll heavy objects across the floor within the first five days. Do not wash your vinyl floor with water during the first week. Give the adhesive time to stick before allowing moisture to hit the vinyl surface. After the first week, always remove any grit, debris and sand off of the vinyl floor by vacuuming or using a broom. Mop the floor with clean, warm water and if water alone doesn't remove the grime, use only products recommended by your floor's manufacturer. Finally, if you've moved into a home with a vinyl floor and don't know the manufacturer's directions on floor cleaning. Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-Floorguy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit www.1877floorguy.com for all your Vinyl Floor Care Products. by: 1877FloorGuy
Care Basics for Cork and Rubber Flooring
Just like any kind of new flooring, cork or rubber flooring needs special attention and maintenance. Cork Floor Maintenance Cork is very resilient and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It is probably among the easiest floors to maintain. Use mats near more sensitive areas like in front of sinks and near any doorways. Avoid rubber or non-porous types of backings on mats. To avoid scuffs and scratches, use felt pads under furniture legs. A common sense approach to any floor is that when you move furniture, lift, and don't drag. Because cork is a wood product, keep in mind that it absorbs liquids. Be careful of too much moisture. Clean up spills right away. Make sure your plants don't seep water onto the floor. Only use manufacturer approved cleaners and finishes. Rubber floor maintenance When it comes to rubber flooring, be sure to give it special treatment right away after installation. Manufacturers of rubber flooring use a silicon/paraffin wax. Be sure to remove it after installation as it will attract and contain dust, grit and debris. A good stripper will help remove this wax. Be sure to carefully select the stripper to avoid high pH values. Neutral strippers are the safest to use for removing coatings. Vacuum your rubber floors often, remove any debris, crumbs, and anything else that has gathered on its surface. Using a damp mop daily will help preserve your rubber floor and keep it spotless. Only use mild soaps and disinfectants as needed. Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-FloorGuy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit www.1877floorguy.com for all your Cork and Rubber Maintenance Products. by: 1877FloorGuy
Your Carpet - Before You Replace, Try Cleaning
Did you realize that instead of simply replacing your old carpet, that you could actually go through and give it a deep clean? Many homeowners and landlords alike could save a large amount of money simply by getting their hands on a great carpet cleaning system. With a little bit of effort and an end goal of a fresh, clean carpet, you would end up saving a whole lot of time and hassle. Whenever you have a carpet that seems to be quite dirty on the surface, it is also equally important that you take care of any potential dirt and micro-organisms that may be lurking beneath. In order to get rid of fungus, deep down dirt and other nuisance bits that hang onto your carpet fibers, you need something that is tough and can handle even the roughest dirt and stains. If you do not have the money to have a professional come into your home or apartment and you do not want to bother with renting a steam cleaner, then you could get the same great results and deep down clean from the Mannington Carpet Rescue Kit, Mohawk Carpet Cleaner, and Shaw Carpet Cleaner. Inside the Mannington Carpet Rescue kit, you will have everything that you need including their Quick-Spot and Spray Head, the Ultimate and Spray Head, a great carpet brush and blotting rag along with easy to follow instructions and tips. Before you know it, you will be looking for any kind of a stain that can challenge your cleaning skills with the muscle that you have from such an easy to use carpet cleaning product. You are sure to be thrilled that you took the time to clean the carpet yourself instead of spending hundreds more on a cleaning company or a steam cleaner. Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-FloorGuy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit us at www.1877floorguy.com for all your Carpet Cleaning Products by: 1877FloorGuy
Give Your Bathroom A Make Over
As a homeowner, you try to do everything that you possibly can to make your house look beautiful and inviting at all times. While nothing is ever perfect for long, there will always come a time for you to have to go through some household renovation or small make over. For some people, this may come in the form of a bathroom make over in order to get their lavatory in tip top shape. Of course, as you look around your bathroom, a few areas may draw your attention more than others. You may think of having new paint or wallpaper on the walls or even a new set of fixtures on the sink. However, what condition are your tiles in? Do you need a face lift where your grout is concerned? Know that you are not alone and there are a number of homeowners who run into issues when it comes to dingy or dirty grout. By simply applying a product such as Aqua Mix Grout Deep Clean to all of your problem areas, you could end up seeing dramatic results in very little time at all. Because this formula is made to break through all kinds of dirt, hard water deposits and soap scum, you will see that it will be nearly effortless to restore both the color and appearance of your grout! After using the Grout Deep Clean, you can then follow up with the Aqua Mix Grout Sealer in order to add protection and prolong the life of your grout. Call the Floor Guy at 1-877-Floorguy.com (1-877-356-6748) or visit www.1877floorguy.com for all your Ceramic Tile Maintenance Products. by: 1877FloorGuy
7 Things to Never Do To a Hardwood Floor
Hardwood floors not only look great they are a great investment. There is just something about a gorgeous shiny hardwood floor that makes the room even more special. If you have hardwood floors you probably already know most of this, if you have never had them and are considering installing them or thinking of buying a home that has hardwood floors there are few things to remember to NEVER do to a hardwood floor: 1 Sweep a hardwood floor with a stiff bristled broom. (Use only soft, fine bristle brooms or you may make scratches). 2 When you vacuum a hardwood floor use the hard rubber brush attachment(Use only a soft brush to minimize scratching). 3 It is ok to let a wet spill sit for a while on a hardwood floor. (Water is a wood floors worst enemy; remove spills ASAP with soft towels then dry thoroughly). 4 Never use carpet runners with non-skid pads on top of a hardwood floor. (Actually using the runners in high traffic areas will save a lot of wear and tear on the floor). 5 Try not to vacuum area rugs and runners too often as they tend to get dirty and may scratch the floor. (That is the reason to be sure to vacuum area rugs and runners often so that the dirt does not filter down through the weave and scratch the flooring). 6 It's ok to wear high heels and heavy shoes on a hardwood floor if you walk very softly. (If at all possible avoid high heels and heavy boots like the plague they can do extensive damage to a hardwood floor). 7 Never wax or buff a hardwood floor. (Some may require periodic waxing and buffing to keep them looking great. Be sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines). Call 1-877-Floorguy (1-877-356-6748) or visit www.1877floorguy.com for all your wood floor maintenance products. by: 1877FloorGuy
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Care Basics
After installing your porcelain or ceramic tile floor, it is now time to carefully clean it. Making sure you've removed all grout, construction dirt and grime from the tiles is paramount, and the first thing on the agenda of basic care after installation. From there, most porcelain and ceramic tile requires nominal care. Cleaning grout from tiles requires hot water and a mild detergent. Scrubbing it thoroughly will usually do the job. Be sure to follow instructions, as some tiles will require specific products and more aggressive cleaners. This may include buffers, floor scrubbers, and bristle brushes. Though some individuals use acid washing, it isn't recommended in most cases. Never use acid cleaners to clean colored grouts. The pigment of the grout will change and lock in a different color. Daily maintenance of porcelain and ceramic tiles is pretty simple as tiles are finished materials, in general. A neutral cleaner is recommended for tile cleaning. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions concerning dilution of the cleaner used. Most manufacturers will recommend non-oil, non-acidic and non-soap based cleaners. These can be purchased at www.1877floorguy.com . The great thing about porcelain and ceramic tile is their hard surface. This makes them easy to clean and maintain and they do not hold contaminants and dirt below the surface, as they are low-absorbing materials. Whether you have smooth tiles or textured ones, use the materials recommended by your manufacturer for very best results. by: 1877FloorGuy
Benefits of a Microfiber Mop
Hospitals, hotels, and other commercial operations are big on using microfiber mops to clean their businesses. Once only used among commercial customers, microfiber mops are finding their way into the homes of conscientious consumers with an eye for detail and desire for ultimate cleanliness. Microfiber mops allow for superior cleaning. As the name suggests, they work to fight against micro germs and clean deep on any surface where they are used. They are so much better than conventional loop mops or other types of mops used for cleaning. Their benefits include dramatic decrease of any uses for extra chemicals. No heavy buckets are necessary and money is saved using a microfiber mop. End-users of microfiber mops are sold on the product because it not only cleans and makes a surface look extremely well; it also removes bacteria and again, reduces the need for chemicals. Microfiber mops are lightweight, making it easy for anyone to clean. Microfiber mops have even been tested and proved to remove the Nora virus. Some businesses, like hotels and hospitals use microfiber mops especially because of this fact. The technology of the microfiber mop is one of years of innovation and evolution. Because of its amazing ability to clean without hurting the environment, green movements suggest switching to a microfiber mop for cleaning. The health care industry has helped in research and technology in producing the Microfiber mop because of having a vested interest in fighting viruses and bacteria at every turn. With Microfiber technology, today's serious house, office or organization cleaning person will be a very satisfied customer. by: 1877FloorGuy
Basics of Laminate Floor Care
The great thing about laminate floors is that they're easy to take care of. When you first lay down a laminate floor, you'll want to carefully follow the instructions that come with the floor. Post-installation is very important, especially during the first two days following installation. Never wet mop a laminate floor. Too much water on laminate can seep under the flooring and around the baseboard causing damage and mildew. Instead, vacuum it carefully and then follow with a nice, steady damp-mop. Laminate floors need no wax or acrylic finishes. Never use either. Product literature and basic laminate floor care instructions will tell you to use only certain types of stain removal products. Follow recommendations carefully to assure your floors are properly cared for, without compromising their integrity. Use acetone and mineral spirits, depending on the type of spill or situation. Avoid getting grit, dirt and anything abrasive on your laminate floors. Consider laying down doormats in strategic locations where one might enter from outside. Always use protective plastic coverings and buttons under the feet of furniture to avoid scratching. Lift and do not pull furniture across laminate floors. Though the floor may seem perfect for sliding furniture, just a pebble or grit caught under a corner of the furniture can damage your laminate floor permanently. Laminate floors come in many styles, colors and fashions. When shopping for laminate, be sure to purchase a solid type of laminate that will last for years to come. You'll definitely be glad you did. by: 1877FloorGuy
Renew and Color Your Grout
Many people are stuck with dull, discolored grout between their beautiful tile floors. They're not quite ready to change their floors because they look fine, but their grouting? That's a totally different story. To renew and color your grout, you must first be aware that it is much simpler than it sounds. In fact, it doesn't involve scrubbing and chiseling! It only requires your ability to apply paint, much like painting your fingers or toenails! Stained or discolored grout can make a new floor look old and sloppy, but as soon as you renew and color your grout, you will feel as though you have a whole new floor. It will make the tile colors standout and your eye won't automatically look for those stains like you've been doing! Grout paints help cover stains common with grease, mold, mildew, dark spills and other discoloring or staining agents. Before you apply any grout color, clean and dry the tile surface thoroughly. Use a toothbrush to carefully clean grout before painting. A brush scrub is good if you have access grit and stains. After washing and rinsing, let the grout dry well before applying the grout paint. Some people use the grout color on tiles, when the color is right. This seals them both and helps make them resistant to future stains. When grout does not absorb anything because it's been well sealed, the color will remain and maintenance will be simple. Painting grout is only useful if the grout is strong and unbroken. Chipped and broken grout should simply be replaced. by: 1877FloorGuy
Monday, February 11, 2008
Making Your Linoleum Floor Last
Linoleum is known for its ability to endure the elements, as well as endure time itself. Linoleum is a very durable material that has made a come back in the interior design market in recent years. For a long time, people stayed away from linoleum, choosing vinyl instead. Linoleum was a material most commonly used in the 50s and 60s, but because of its strength and durability, builders and homeowners are using it again. Linoleum is one of the best floors to have in a home if you have heavy traffic, children, and think "green." If you hate cleaning and maintenance, and don't want to fuss with such things, linoleum is the way to go. It is virtually waterproof and doesn't scratch even under the heaviest traffic or movement. Minimum care is required and as a result, families enjoy having it installed in their kitchen and bathrooms. Basically, you don't have to worry about making your linoleum floor last. It probably will, having a reputation in the market for being the "40 year floor." Not only that, but with the environmental green movement strongly being advocated across the nation, linoleum ranks as a top choice due to its environmentally-friendly materials. The great thing about linoleum is that if you get tired of its color, you can always paint it. Over the course of "40 years", you can change the color as often as you want! To clean linoleum, simply use a damp mop. As a result of naturally being resistant to dirt and so forth, linoleum resists bacteria, allergens, dust and pollen. A perfect floor for the sensitive nose! by: 1877FloorGuy
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