1877FloorGuy.com Blog

Removing Acrylic Polishes from Hardwood Floors and other hard surface floors

2008-06-04T12:13:00.006-04:00

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

2008-02-14T15:01:00.001-05:00

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.

Fun Rugs That Your Nascar Fan Will Adore

2008-02-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

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.

Keep Your Investment in Your Floor

2008-02-12T15:08:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-12T11:04:00.000-05:00

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.

Save Money By Installing Your Flooring Yourself

2008-02-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

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.

How to Ruin Your Vinyl Floor

2008-02-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

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.

Care Basics for Cork and Rubber Flooring

2008-02-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

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.

Your Carpet - Before You Replace, Try Cleaning

2008-02-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

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

Give Your Bathroom A Make Over

2008-02-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

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.

7 Things to Never Do to a Hardwood Floor

2008-02-12T10:01:00.000-05:00

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.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Care Basics

2008-02-12T09:46:00.000-05:00

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.

Benefits of a Microfiber Mop

2008-02-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

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.

Basics of Laminate Floor Care

2008-02-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

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.

Renew and Color Your Grout

2008-02-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

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.

Making Your Linoleum Floor Last

2008-02-11T17:04:00.000-05:00

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!

Tips for Cleaning a Floor

2007-10-26T12:17:00.001-04:00

Tips for Cleaner Floors

Everyone has their own ideas about the best way to clean floors. For instance, you may have heard that vinegar and water works great for cleaning ceramic tile floors; however that may not be the case. It is an extremely acidic food product and as such may cause bacteria to develop. The smell to begin with is not that great and it gets much worse when combined with bacteria. One of the difficulties of cleaning ceramic tile floors is the grout. Dirt and odors tend to get trapped inside it and it makes it very difficult to clean. If you have the time and patience, consider re-doing the grout and possibly use a colored grout as when it is dirty it is much less noticeable than the standard white.

Hardwood flooring is a beautiful, often expensive, investment and by taking proper care of it, should last a very long time. Major concerns with hardwood flooring are scratches that often result from moisture and heavy wear. The ideal solution is preventative maintenance, which includes area rugs and floor protectors on all furniture on your floors. This should also include sweeping, vacuuming and/or dust mopping to remove dirt and grit. You want to make sure you do this type of cleaning before and after any event that involves a lot of traffic on the floor. This will help to keep grit from scratching the floor. Another form of prevention is to make sure high heeled shoes are in good repair, with taps on the heel. Better yet if at all possible avoid wearing these types of shoes on hardwood flooring. The same goes for your pet’s nails, keep them trimmed or off the floor if possible. Also, many companies that install hardwood flooring have a clause in the contract stating if anything other than “XYZ” product is used the warranty or guarantee will become void. So be sure to follow their instructions for cleaning and products.

Laminate flooring is low maintenance, attractive and long-lasting making it a good alternative to hardwood flooring. By following a few simple steps for cleaning and maintaining a laminate floor you should get many years of trouble-free use from it. First and foremost you should only use a damp cloth or mop as excessive water will damage the floor. Be sure to wipe up spills as well as water from wet footwear immediately with a clean dry cloth or paper towel. Avoid the use of soap-based detergents or abrasive cleaners along with scouring pads as that may scratch the laminate panels. If you have a really stubborn stain spot clean with a product made specifically for laminate floors as you can damage the surface if you use a product that isn't. All you need is a damp cloth in most cases to clean up spots and spills as they happen and you can keep your laminate flooring looking fabulous.

There are numerous products available for cleaning use on floors, and if you follow the instructions pertaining to your particular floor type along with a little preventative maintenance, it should last and stay beautiful for years to come.

Pergo Laminate Cleaner

2007-10-26T12:07:00.000-04:00

Do You Need Pergo Cleaner For Your Floors?

When you finally have amazing Pergo flooring in your home, you are going to want to have only the best when it comes to cleaning products, which would more than likely include Pergo Cleaner. After all, if you want to keep your stunning floors looking incredible at all times, it may be necessary to have the best cleaner always handy.

One of the many mistakes that people tend to make is using a cleaner that is not meant for the particular flooring that they happen to have in their home. Such mistakes can lead to an unsightly buildup on your floors as well as the potential for damage to your flooring, which can make for expensive and annoying repairs or replacements down the road. Because Pergo Cleaner is meant for your particular floors, you will see that you can clean much easier as well as maintain a clean that you are looking for.

If you are on the fence about having laminate flooring installed within your home, you can simply look to some of the advantages of having Pergo flooring. With such easy installation, moderate cost and a beautiful look, homeowners of just about any financial level can enjoy gorgeous flooring by Pergo or any other manufacturer available. Although not made of real wood, this kind of flooring can give you a look and feel of the real thing without any of the damage or worries that can come along with it. Actually, simply having your Pergo Cleaner on hand can eliminate any worries that you may end up coming across when it comes to any spills or messes within your home on your flooring.

The nice thing about laminate flooring is that you are basically taking any of the hassle and worry out of caring for your floors. Using Pergo Cleaner is a nice way to take out any scuffs and keep the floor looking amazing at all times. In addition to that, you can also easily get rid of various dust and bits of debris that you may have collecting on the floor. You can simply sweep it up or even use a great duster to help whisk everything away.

Many people who have this kind of laminate flooring and use their Pergo Cleaner will get asked by friends and relatives if they have a cleaning person that comes into their home. When you have such an easy floor to care for, you can focus your time and effort on other chores around your home that you would like to get finished up. Pergo Cleaner is definitely your best friend when you want to push the incredible look of your flooring a little bit further to impress all of your guests.

Aqua Mix Grout Stain and Colorant

2007-10-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

Save Time and Money by Using Grout Stain and Colorant

If you have tile walls or floors with dirty grout, stain and colorant might be a quick and easy way to fix that problem. Not only is grout stain and colorant a cheap and easy way to remodel a bathroom or kitchen, but it is a great way to add your own twist to your tile projects. With a variety of colors of grout stain and colorant you can match a color scheme in your bath or kitchen and seal that color all in one application.

Grout stain and colorant can be used on your outdoor projects as well. Do you have a pool with tiles around the edge that have dirty or chipped grout? Stain and colorant can help you with this problem. You can even choose to use a beautiful blue grout stain and colorant to enhance your pool. Of course if you have a more modernized lagoon style pool, you may want to choose a green grout stain and colorant. Either way you can see the endless possibilities you have.

Now, if by chance you have a kitchen and bathroom that has perfect grout, stain and colorant may not help you in your home. However, grout stain and colorant would be a great way to enhance a business as well. Do you have a restaurant, or a hotel? Use grout stain and colorant to make your business different from the competition. We all know that basic white or cream color grout is the norm. Sometimes it is the little things that sets one business apart from another and turns a first time visitors into a loyal customer.

Are you a mosaic artist? Imagine what grout stain and colorant could do for your art projects. Tired of always using white grout? Stain and colorant will open many doors for mosaic artists around the world. It will also increase their profits by decreasing their time put into the project. Grout stain and colorant dries quicker than traditional grout, and looks better too!

As you can see, the possibilities are endless with grout. Stain and colorant add a beauty to tile work that never existed before. Now the home owner, business owner and artist can easily all have clean crack free grout. Stain and colorant will add life and longevity to your tile projects. Whether for fun creating a beautiful mosaic on your wall, or remodeling your bathroom, using a grout stain and colorant will not only add life to your project but it will save you money in the long run.

Grout Sealer and Cleaner

2007-10-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

Grout Sealer and Cleaner Can Make Your Tile Beautiful Again

If you are like many people and you have tile in your bathroom, you're no strange to mold and mildew and the battle to keep their growth at a minimum. Between the mildew and the soap scum that builds and builds it can make the most good-intentioned house cleaner feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However there is hope for all of us and that hope comes in the form of grout sealer and cleaner. Once you are sure that you have sufficiently and totally cleaned your tile you will want to apply a good grout sealer and cleaner. Actually a good version of this should be able to do both, clean and then seal. Looking into the best grout cleaner and sealer is especially important as you want to get the best results that you can for the least amount of energy and money expenditure.

The two important steps to making your tile and the surrounding groat be all that they can be is to clean and then seal. Using a great grout cleaner and sealer first to totally remove all of the mold, mildew and other gunk and scum is the first step. Mold and mildew love to set up home in your unsealed grout. It's porous, holds moisture deep within and gives it an optimum place to grow. Clean your grout well and then let it dry a full 1-2 days and then apply the sealer. The beautiful thing that the sealer does is now when water hits your tile, it is no longer absorbed (along with dirt, soap scum and other elements) into the grout. The sealer repeals the moisture and it stays on the surface where it can be easily wiped off and keep mold and mildew at bay.

Keeping your tile looking sharp is easy. Just clean and wipe with a good cleaner on a regular basis and many people redo their grout cleaning and sealing on a yearly or every-other-year basis to keep the grout clean and the seal tight on their tile. It's easy to see when the sealant is no longer covering an area of your tile as it will show small black spots of mold growth. You can keep your tile maintained between applications of grout cleaner and sealer by spot cleaning and re-sealing the areas as necessary. This is a simple way to keep your tile looking outstanding and keeping mold and mildew a problem of the past.

Finishing a Floor Tips

2007-10-26T11:52:00.000-04:00

Finishing Tips for a Fabulous Floor

Remember how great it looked when you had new flooring installed in your home? Unfortunately, without some preventative maintenance it is possible that your floor may become damaged and dirty in a relatively short period of time. Applying a good floor finish is one preventative measure that can be used to help ensure your floor will retain its beauty for years to come.

Just as there are numerous types of flooring, there are probably twice as many different finishes available and it can be difficult to decide which one is the best choice for your floor. Naturally your first step is to see what types of finishes are exactly intended for the type of flooring you have. Many times if you have the floor professionally installed they will have suggestions for what works best with the floor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, if you are unsure about something ask them to clarify it and see what they suggest for the floor. Likewise, just because they installed the floor it does not mean you have to limit your choices to their suggestions. It is always a good idea to do some research for yourself and find the best products for your own needs.

There are some basic procedures that are applicable to all types of floor finishing. If it is a new floor be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparing the floor as well as getting information about which types of finishes are suited to your floor. One point that is brought up continually when discussing various ways to finish a floor is preparation before cleaning. The surface should be free of all dirt, oil, grease and anything else that may have settled on the floor.

Hardwood flooring is beautiful and can be an expensive investment, so you want to make sure the finish that you choose not only keeps the floor looking good but also helps protect your investment through many years of use. One way to finish hardwood flooring has become more popular through the years and that is “Surface” wood floor finishers.

This type of finish is durable, water-resistant and requires a minimal amount of maintenance. Surface finishes are blends of synthetic resins that remain on the surface of the wood and form a protective coating, available is high gloss, semi gloss, satin and matte. However, you should be aware that finishers for hardwood flooring are not perfect. If you are expecting a “table top” or flat surface type of finish you may be disappointed because with the many different types of grains used in flooring make it virtually impossible to have a completely flat surface. Also, no matter how careful you try to be when applying finish, there is almost always dust in the air and that dust will fall onto the freshly applied top finish. You should also keep in mind in spite of the term “hardwood” some flooring will still indent under high heel shoe traffic and any finish that is applied will not prevent these dents. Having rubber heel taps placed on high heeled shoes will help keep the denting to a minimum.

Basically you need to remember that preparing the floor itself is the number one way to help ensure that the finish will come out as planned and continue to protect it for years, and lots of foot traffic, to come.

Cleaning Laminate Floors

2007-10-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

Great Ideas For Cleaning Laminate Floors

The minute that you have your new flooring installed, you might just begin to worry about the best possible ways to clean laminate floors. Well, if you are like many people who have switched to laminate flooring, you should know that you are definitely not alone. However, the really nice thing about laminate flooring is that you are basically taking all of the worry out of messes and clean up. All you really need to do is find the best ways to pick up and maintain the flooring that you have chosen and you should be all set.

When it comes to the best quality flooring available, you should know that your days of worrying about cleaning laminate floors are pretty much over with. These floors are really built to last and take a whole lot of traffic and messes before you ever notice any kind of wear and tear, if you do even notice any at all. Most people have gone years and years without any noticeable wear and on their laminate floors with regular cleaning.

Consult your care guide with your laminate floors so you can find out the best recommendations for cleaning procedures. Some flooring companies generally have special cleaners available for their laminate floors, while others will simply suggest a quick sweeping or mopping with soap and water. However, some soaps can leave a film on your laminate flooring that will not only defeat the purpose of cleaning it, dirt and grime will actually get trapped in the soapy film that is left. Professional cleaners will cost a little more than the floor cleaner from the Dollar Store up the street, however it will really clean your floors and give them a much longer life.

If you happen to have Pergo flooring, you will find that there is a product dedicated to their laminate floors that you can find both online. It is available in a spray bottle as well as in a handy kit and will cut your floor cleaning time so you won't have to spend hours cleaning your laminate flooring to keep it looking nice.

Once you have made the step toward laminate flooring, you will wonder why on earth you waited so long to make the switch. Your cleaning time is less, it is a less expensive than tile and hardwood floors and is magnificent for high traffic areas that would otherwise show a lot of wear and tear. Additionally, with children in the house, it's easy to keep the spills mopped up and all those other "oops" accidents that always seem to involve grape juice, oily peanut butter and other spills that can be devastating to carpet as it will stain, tile can hold stains and odors in the group and wood flooring is very unforgiving to stains- however with a laminate floor - you just clean and go.

Daily sweeping to keep dust and dirt to a minimum and giving your laminate floor a good cleaning with a "made for your floor" cleaner; you will find that your laminate floors will do service for your home for years upon years to come.

Aqua Mix Cleaners

2007-10-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

Clean Stained Tile or Stone Flooring With Aqua Mix Product

If you have a tile or stone floor that has been neglected for years or has been pounded by heavy traffic, unsightly staining has probably occurred. Aqua Mix Tile and Stone Deep Clean is a product that is designed to clean stained tile and stone flooring. In addition to neglect and heavy usage, deep staining to tile and stone flooring may be caused by grease, body oils, mildew, algae, soap residue, and old waxes and finishes. The Aqua Mix product, Tile and Stone Deep Clean, will strip off synthetic and acrylic floor finishes.

Many people are attracted to stone or tile flooring because of its natural beauty, it’s durability, and it’s reputation for being low-maintenance. However, stains will eventually mar stone or tile flooring that is not maintained and properly cared for over a period of time. Flooring of this type that is not properly sealed will become more susceptible to staining because it is a porous material. Aqua Mix Tile and Stone Deep Clean will effectively pull stains porous flooring such as ceramic tile, granite, marble, porcelain tile, quarry tile, slate, terra cotta, travertine, and saltillo tile. In addition to natural stone and tile, this Aqua Mix cleaner is effective on grout and concrete tile.

Cleaning deeply stained tile or stone flooring will add to the value and the beauty of your home. Having your floors cleaned professionally is an option, but an expensive one. For the homeowner looking for a more affordable way to clean neglected, stained tile or stone flooring, a product such as this one from Aqua Mix offers a do-it-yourself option. When deciding on the amount needed for the job, keep in mind that one gallon is diluted and makes six gallons of cleaning solution. This amount of Aqua Mix Tile and Stone Deep Cleaner will clean or strip a flooring area of 150 to 600 square feet, depending on the severity of the staining.

Once the stained flooring is cleaned, the homeowners main goal should be to properly care for the floor such that this type of damage won’t take place in the future. The floor should be thoroughly sealed with a high quality sealer. Regular cleaning of the floor once it is sealed should include dry or damp mopping. Gritty materials should be removed regularly to cut down on wear and tear on the sealant. Vacuuming or damp mopping grit is preferable over sweeping which can damage the seal on your tile and let in moisture which will cause buckling and loose tile that is expensive to repair and/or replace.

Aqua Mix is a company that sells a variety of products specifically for the sealing, cleaning, polishing, and overall maintenance of stone and tile flooring. Aqua Mix has been in the business of floor care products for over twenty-five years and has a name you can trust to keep your tile flooring looking gorgeous.