How to Choose Flooring Gloss Level

What Gloss Level Should I Use On My Floor?

There are three main classifications of gloss when it comes to flooring, 1)high-gloss, 2)semi-gloss or low-gloss, and 3)matte or satin.

Odorcide 210 Laundry Gets the Job Done

Have you ever had something stink and no matter how many times you clean it, the smell is never quite gone? My most recent experience was with my son’s backpack. He returned from a Boy Scout camping trip with a “wet dog” smell in his backpack and on the items that were in the backpack.

Turns out, it wasn’t a dog that got into his stuff but a raw egg.  He had the bright idea to transport an egg in his backpack for use as a target on the shooting range … needless to say the egg didn’t quite make it.  Instead, it got “scrambled” inside his backpack.

So, we had his backpack, rain gear and few other items that had a nasty stink that two regular wash cycles couldn’t conquer.  I didn’t want to use bleach because it might damage these items that require a delicate wash cycle.

It turned out that my son’s timing with this mess couldn’t have been better! 1877floorguy.com had just received the first shipment of new Odorcide 210 Products for Cigarette Smoke, Fire&Flood and (the one I needed) Laundry!

Next day I brought home a 16oz accumix bottle of Odorcide Laundry and we gave it a try.  Directions on the bottle told me how much to add to the wash load depending on the severity of the odor.  I let my son squeeze the right amount into the accumix reservoir and we added it to the wash cycle.

After one gentle wash cycle (gentle because we were washing a backpack and raingear) the bad odor was completely gone! A fresh scent was noticeable and it wasn’t flowery either, just a mild, clean smell, not overpowering.

I later used Odorcide Laundry for his sneakers which had a pungent odor from sweaty feet.  It was so bad that it greeted me when I entered his room.  Again, one wash cycle and the smell was GONE!  In the past I had used bleach in the wash to rid sneakers of bad odors, but this worked so much better!

So… for all the not-so-fresh-smelling stuff in your life, I highly recommend the Odorcide 210 Family of Products!  Intended for use in Residential & Commercial applications, it is safe for use on a wide range of surfaces such as carpet, wood, laminate, upholstery, most fabrics and ceiling tiles.  Safe also for use around people and pets.  Can be applied using a sprayer, fogger, via immersion and in laundry machines.

Choose the Odorcide that best suits your needs:

Laundry

Fire & Flood

Cigarette Smoke

Dumpster & Chute

Original (Concentrate or Ready-to-Use)

Fresh Scent

Vital Oxide – Hospital Disinfectant, Food Service Surface Sanitizer

Vital-Oxide, EPA Registered as a Hospital Disinfectant and NSF Certified for use on no-rinse Food Prep Surfaces.

This broad spectrum disinfectant cleaner is proven to effectively eliminate and protect against harmful bacteria, viruses, mold & mildew including MRSA, E-Coli, H1N1 & more using new chlorine dioxide technology.

Safe for people, pets and the environment, clear, odorless, not caustic or corrosive. Vital Oxide is a non-irritant to skin, requires no protective gloves or gear during use and leaves no residue where it is applied.

Safe on a wide range of surfaces including fabrics, carpets, laminate, glass, sealed concrete and ceramic tile including shower curtains, under sinks, in basements and crawl spaces – anywhere mold, viruses or bacteria can be found.  Vital Oxide is even an effective additive in laundry machines to disinfect linens, clothing, etc during normal wash cycles.

1. EPA Registered (no. 82972-1) as a Hospital Disinfectant and effective against MRSA, VRE & Norovirus.
   • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective on a wide variety of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, fungi, spores, molds, mildews, and other microbes and can be used on hard surfaces, carpet and fabrics.
   • Vital Oxide kills 99.999% of bacteria, including e Coli, Salmonella and Listeria in less than 60 seconds.
2. NSF Certified (no.141392, category D2) acceptable for use as a sanitizer on surfaces not always requiring a rinse (D2) in and around food processing areas.
   • Ideal for Restaurant and Hospitality environments to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria in food service areas & beyond.
   • Vital Oxide eliminates offensive airborne and surface odors and will not alter the taste of food prepared on surfaces that have been cleaned with Vital Oxide.

Use Vital Oxide wherever bad odors, mold, mildew or bacteria are present. Use in Schools, Hospitals, Restaurants, Hotels, Homes, Gyms and on Sporting equipment.

MSDS, Registrations & Certification Documents are available on our website.

Mannington Ultra Clean NEW & IMPROVED!

Mannington Ultra Clean NOW AVAILABLE!

The first truckload of New & Improved Mannington Ultra Clean has just delivered to our warehouse.  Our Fulfillment Associates are packing orders for Ultra Clean as quickly as possible.  If you haven’t already done so, PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW!

The new, improved Mannington Ultra Clean has been formulated to clean a broader range of Mannington residential floors including no-wax hardwood, laminate, Adura® and porcelain.  Like the original formula, this cleaner is non-toxic, water-based, leaves NO dulling residue and is still available in a 32oz Spray Bottle.

Use the coupon code MUCNEW to take 15% off on your next purchase of Mannington Ultra Clean 32 oz spray. 

Our way of saying, “We appreciate your business!”  

Your time is limited so place your order today!  Coupon expires July 31, 2011.

Cork Flooring-What To Know…

Cork flooring has been gaining popularity in the US market however many are skeptical because they don’t know much about it.  Here are some bits of information about cork that you may not have known.  For example, cork was widely used as a flooring material in the 1950s.  If your house was constructed in the ‘50s, there is a chance that cork floors are hidden beneath wall to wall carpeting.  Depending on the condition of the cork, you may be able to sand & refinish it for an eco-friendly, trendy floor.  Here’s some more to know about cork…

Cork has a cellular construction that provides cushion under your step making it easier on the feet, legs and back especially when standing for long stretches. 

The resilience of cork reduces the impact of fallen objects, such as glass or china, which would likely shatter on a wood or ceramic floor.

Shhh.  Cork is quiet underfoot.

Cork is forgiving (but not impervious) when you drop something that dents or punctures because it “recovers” or bounces back, kind of like memory foam.  Minor damage is inconspicuous.  Major damage can often be repaired.

Cork is eco-friendly because it is a strictly regulated and renewable natural product made from the bark of cork oak trees that are at least 25 years old.  Removal of the bark does not harm the tree and the bark grows back.  It can be harvested again in intervals of 9 years.

Cork has natural fire-resistant (not fireproof) properties and does not release toxins (good for air quality) if it does burn.

Cork is naturally resistant to mold and mildew.

Cork is resistant to insects, such as termites or carpenter ants, because of suberin, a natural component of cork, which repels critters.

Most of today’s cork floors are coated with polyurethane and require 3 – 4 coats for durability and extended wear.  Refinishing is required every 5-10 years.  This involves sanding and recoating.  (A cork floor from the 1950s may have a wax finish requiring different care than urethane.)

Routine cork care is easy and required to keep the floor in good shape.  Sweep or vacuum routinely to prevent small particles of dirt from scratching the floor’s surface.  Dust mopping is recommended. Clean with a neutral spray cleaner and microfiber mop, similar to what is used on polyurethane coated wood floors.  Avoid harsh detergents or high pH cleaning products that will likely cause damage.  

Some cork floors have a veneer surface while others are through and through material.  Patterned cork tiles are typically a veneer while solid color cork is typically cork through the thickness of material.  While veneer-surfaced cork tiles can be coated with polyurethane, you may not be able to sand before recoating. 

Cork should be used on floors at ground-level or above.  Not a good fit for basements that are below grade where dampness and moisture can become problematic.

Cork floors and pets?  Claw marks are not typically a problem because of the forgiving nature of cork.  A deep scratch can be sanded and sealed.  When compared with hardwood flooring, cork will outperform in regards to visible pet scratches.

Cork floors are water resistant but not water proof.  Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible after they happen to avoid staining and degradation of the material.

Hypoallergenic properties of cork:  Cork floors contain no fibers or toxins.

Cork, like wood, will fade when exposed to direct sunlight.  Keep this in mind when placing area rugs on your cork floor and when selecting window treatments.

Remember to lift, not drag, furniture that is being moved across the cork floor or use felt-bottom furniture slides to prevent damage.

Wondering if you can install cork flooring as a do-it-yourself project?  If you’re handy, you may be able to install your own cork floor.  Be sure the surface you’re installing on is flat and level.  Many cork floors use a glue-down method while others are floating floors.  Consult the installation manual that comes with your flooring material and make sure your subfloor is in good condition.

A general rule to follow when it comes to finishing, waxing or cleaning a cork floor is to test a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding with the entire area and follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures.  When product literature is not available for your floor, consult industry sources to produce the best possible results. 

Call 1-877-floorguy with questions and a knowledgeable, experienced staff member will provide the information you need to care for your floor.

Cleaning Stains on Natural Stone Tile

Natural Stone occasionally needs more than routine cleaning maintenance.  The location of the stone surface- such as a shower, kitchen or high traffic area- and the type of surface- for example Travertine, Porcelain or Granite- are factors that contribute to the frequency with stone is likely to need extra attention to maintain it’s natural beauty.  For instance, stone floor or walls in a shower will be more susceptible to soap scum and hard water deposits than a stone foyer floor that sees minimal foot traffic.

To remove difficult stains, try Aqua Mix NanoScrub^® which is an abrasive cream cleanser designed to work on stone surface where other cleaners won’t.  NanoScrub utilizes “nano-sized” particles to penetrate into small surface pores where it can effectively remove surface stains and residues. NanoScrub is safe and effective on all types of stone and tile surfaces including acid-sensitive polished marble and limestone.  Works on pencil & rubber marks, mildew stains, grout residue (including epoxy), ground-in dirt and mineral deposits.  Will also remove factory-applied waxes and floor finishes, coating sealers, and most sealer residues.

NanoScrub contains no voc’s  is nontoxic, non-flammable and non-acidic for better indoor and outdoor air quality as compared to similar traditional products.

This and other quality AquaMix products, used for cleaning and maintaining stone tile surfaces, can be found on 1877floorguy.com.

UPDATED Top 7 NEVERS for a Hardwood Floor

We’ve updated our top 7 NEVERS for wood flooring.  We tried to keep it to 7 (because of the title) however we thought of more and couldn’t consolidate too much without diluting the message so …now there are 8. 

NEVER…

1. Clean with rag mop & bucket of water.   
   • Water is a wood floors worst enemy! Always clean with the type and brand cleaner recommended by the floor’s manufacturer.  It is typically formulated to work on your specific type of floor.  Not sure what to use for cleaning? Call for advice 1-877-Floorguy (1-877-356-6748).
2. Use hard rubber brush, plastic vacuum attachments, vacuum with beater bar to clean your floor. 
   • Use only a soft brush attachments and a vacuum without a beater bar on the hardsurface setting.
3. 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. Self-adhering felt-backed pads come in many shapes and sizes to fit all furniture and protect your floor from dents and scratches.  EZMoves furniture glides with felt bottoms make moving heavy items EASY and protects your floor from scratches.
4. Let a spill sit for “a while”.  
   • Water is still a wood floors worst enemy! Wipe up spills promptly.  Use appropriate cleaner if needed to remove sticky residue from a spill.
5. Forget to keep carpeted floor mats at exterior entrances & vacuum them routinely.
   • Small particles of dirt & debris tracked on a wood floor cause scratches that dull the appearance of the wood.  Floor mats minimize this tracking-in of dirt and debris.  Routine vacuuming makes the situation even better.  In addition, all mats, area rugs & carpet runners should have a non-skid backing to protect the floor beneath from the rough carpet backing.  Non-skid backing also keeps the carpets in place.
6. Let too much time go between vacuuming area rugs, carpet runners and mats.  
   • The key is to keep dirt and debris to a minimum.  Frequent vacuuming prevents debris from filtering down through the weave and scratching the floor beneath.
7. Allow anyone to wear spiked 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!  Most of your houseguests will respect a no-shoes policy.  That way you don’t single any one person out to remove their damaging shoes.
8. Use a steam mop on hardwood! 
   • Driving it home…water is bad for wood!  Steam is water vapor and the moisture is likely to seep into and between the wood planks causing warping and permanent damage to your hardwood floor.

Start to Think @ Spring Cleaning

Spring is around the corner which makes it time to think about SPRING CLEANING!

Yes, I said it!… Spring cleaning.  May not be your favorite part of spring yet it needs to be done and what a great feeling when it is!  You know there will be no more slush or ice melter tracking inside because the weather has turned milder, the grass is greening up and the first flowers of Spring are beginning to bloom.  No more debris tracking into the house hidden in the treads of winter boots. 

Start now, thinking about which cleaning projects you’ll take on this spring.  Is it time to refresh your hardwood floor? Polish your vinyl or linoleum?  Deep clean & reseal stone tile? 

Bona makes it easy to restore your wood floors with Bona Hardwood Floor Refresher and an applicator pad.

Linoleum Floors such as Forbo Marmoleum can be cleaned & finished when the natural Marmoleum shows excessive signs of wear or if you want to add shine to the floor’s appearance.

Stone Surfaces should be resealed when water no longer beads on the surface.  If your stone floor has been overworked this winter, first deep clean with AquaMix Stone Deep Clean then seal with Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold. 

We sell many brands of floorcare & maintenance products in addition to those listed above.  If you’re unsure what your floor needs but you know it needs help, call our telephone support team for assistance.  They can guide you to the right product for your type or brand of floor.  The phone number is 1-877-356-6748 or 1-877-FLOORGUY.  Phone hours are 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.

Winter FloorCare

Winter snow and ice bring unique challenges to home & business owners.  Among those challenges is maintaining safe, clean floors.

The first line of attack in keeping snow, ice & ice melt products off of a floor is to have clean walk-off mats at each entry door.  If possible, keep a mat in the garage, warehouse or covered porch to catch water and debris from shoes before they enter the living or working space.  Have another mat inside the entry door where shoes & boots can be removed when they are wet.  Even if shoes don’t seem wet it is best to remove them this time of year because ice melt products such as rock salt, ice melt pellets and sand become stuck in the treads of shoes and track throughout your home or business.

Keep a dry rag or paper towels near the entry to conveniently wipe up puddles right away.  Prevent small particles of dirt & debris from scratching hard surface floors by sweeping or vacuuming frequently.  Carpets can be especially challenging because particles of debris fall into the carpet fibers and are not always visible.  Vacuuming carpet routinely is especially important this time of year because the ice melt particles could damage the carpet fibers.

Have an appropriate cleaning product on hand to spot clean residue left behind from melted rock salt or ice melt pellets before they have a chance to damage the floor.  Different types & brands of floors require different cleaning products so choose the cleaning materials that are right for your floor.  Here are some of the best sellers in our store that might fit this need: 

Mannington Ultra Clean, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy No-Rinse Cleaner (pre-mix in a spray bottle), Wilsonart Laminate Floor Cleaner (only avail as concentrate, mix in a spray bottle), DuPont™ StoneTech® Revitalizer® Cleaner and Protector, Host Carpet Dry Cleaner.

If you don’t find the right product for your floor, browse our website by floor type or brand or call us for assistance at 1-877-FLOORGUY (1-877-356-6748).

To sum up winter floor care, do the following on a daily basis:

• Shake-out floor mats (outside or into a utility sink)
• Sweep or vacuum
• Spot clean (with Cleaner) as needed
• Clean entire floor daily if residue or shoe tracks are visible

Follow these tips to keep your floors looking good all winter long!

Update Grout In Three Easy Steps

Here’s a great way to easily update or refresh the look of a tile floor in your home.  Won’t break the bank either!  Aqua Mix makes grout colorant kits.  Easy to use and includes everything you need for most grout coloring projects.  Just about anyone can use do this.  It takes just three basic steps and can be done in a day, ready to walk-on. 

First step is to clean the grout to remove dirt, debris and coatings. To do so, start by sweeping or vacuuming then wet the grout lines with water and spray with the pre-treatment cleaner (included in the kit). Scrub the grout with the white scrub pad (included).  Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry completely (at least 2 hours) before applying grout color.  Applying colorant before grout is dry will lead to poor adhesion of the color which may result in peeling/flaking.  Follow product label directions for best results.  Not recommended for use on some types of tile nor in certain conditions so read full product instructions prior to use.

Second step is coloring the grout.  Pour your colorant into a small bowl.  If using more than one bottle, mix the bottles together in the bowl to ensure even color since dye lots between bottles can have some variation.  Apply the colorant with the brush (included). You’ll use it much like a paintbrush, but with more back and forth motion, to apply color into all crevices and grooves of the grout.  It is OK to go “out of the lines”.  In step three you’ll go back to clean up tiles where you went out of bounds.  If, when the first coat of color dries, you feel a second coat is required, go ahead after 2 hours.  A second coat is typical when you’re using a light colorant over dark grout.

 When you’re done coloring the grout, allow it to dry until it’s dry to your touch (approx 1 hour) then you’re ready for step three.  Moisten the white scrub pad (same one you used in step one) and carefully use it to clean off the tiles surrounding the grout where you colored out of the lines.  You may need to scrub back and forth a bit on textured tile but the water-based colorant will come clean off the tiles.  A longer wait time to clean tiles was ok during a test we did where we cleaned textured porcelain tiles the next day after applying grout colorant.

When you finish cleaning the excess colorant off of the tiles, you are done.  Grout colorant is dry in two hours.  I like to play things safe, so if possible, especially in a bathroom where the floor can get wet, I’d recommend letting it dry overnight before using the space.

To maintain your tile and colored grout use a stone or tile cleaner formulated for use on the type of tile in your home.  Aqua Shield is a protective routine cleaner by Aqua Mix that can be used on most tiled surfaces.  Read the “USES” section in the product description to see if it right for your application.

Whenever you use a new product on your tile, test a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire surface.

Wilsonart DISCONTINUES Flooring, Cleaner Continues AVAILABLE

Wilsonart Flooring, as of December 3, 2010, has discontinued the Wilsonart Flooring brand.  The company plans to honor warranties, through their stated terms, on all flooring purchased before December 31, 2011.

Wilsonart Flooring has a branded cleaner for use in maintaining their laminate floors.   This cleaner is still available as a concentrated cleaner.  

Wilsonart recongnizes www.1877floorguy.com as a reliable source for Wilsonart Flooring maintenance products:

Wilsonart Laminate Floor Cleaner concentrate is available in 32oz Concentrate or Gallon Concentrate.  Dilution ratios are shown on each bottle of cleaner.   Mix solution in a generic spray bottle and use with Bona Microfiber Mop for best results. 

If you have any questions about proper care for your Wilsonart Laminate Floor, call us at 1-877-356-6748.

Congoleum Residential & Commercial Vinyl Floorcare Easier to Shop

We’ve separated Congoleum Residential & Commercial into two separate sections on our website to make shopping easier for you! 

Still under Vinyl Floor Care Products-

 Congoleum Residential inludes all of the Bright ‘N Easy Floorcare Products for use on
Congoleum Sheet Vinyl, DuraCeramic Tile & DuraPlank Luxury Vinyl, AirStep & AirStep Plus Fiberglass, Ovations Limestone Composite Tiles, DuraStone HPF and Connections & Endurance Plank Floors. 

Congoleum Commercial includes the Congoleum Commercial Floorcare Products intended for use on Congoleum Commercial-Grade Sheet Vinyl and Commercial Vinyl Floor Tile including Flor-Ever Plus, Alternatives, Choices and CX Series.

1877Floorguy.com has floorcare products to clean & maintain all types of residential and commercial floors.  Not sure what you need?  Call 1-877-356-6748.

Award Wearmax Hardwood Floor Cleaner DISCONTINUED

Award Hardwood Flooring has discontinued its WearMax brand wood floor cleaner. 

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is the preferred replacement for Award WearMax Hardwood Floor Cleaner.  

Bona products are conveniently packaged in REFILLABLE, RECYCLEABLE containers that provides convenience, sustainability and economy in 32oz Spray Bottle, Spray Mop Cartridge and Gallon Refill containers.

Bona Features:

Directions For Use:

1. Lightly mist approximately a 4′x6′ area of your hardwood floor with cleaner.
2. Using a Bona Microfiber Mop  (an existing Award Hardwood Mop is fine) wipe the sprayed area using a back and forth motion with light pressure on the mop.
3. Allow floor to air dry before walking on it. Floor will dry in just moments.

Note: Cleaner dries quickly so spraying too large of an area will result in a sticky floor. Re-clean a sticky area, wiping with microfiber mop immediately after spraying.

Also available:

Bona Hardwood Floor Care System includes a mop, microfiber mop pad, dusting pad and 32oz cleaner conveniently packaged and competitively priced to provide everything you need to maintain an Award Hardwood floor.

Bona Spray Mop is, hands down, the easiest way to clean Award Hardwood.  The Spray Mop is packaged with wood floor cleaner for an all-in-one floor cleaning solution that will save you time and energy.

Carpet & Rug Care Q & A

We frequently get emails from customers with common and unique floorcare questions. We answer these questions directly to the customer who asks and we post many of them on Facebook and (more briefly) on Twitter.  If you find the following carpet care tips helpful, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter for answers to all types of flooring questions.  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

Remember to “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter for answers to all types of flooring questions.  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

This post includes info for Mohawk FloorCare Essentials, Host, Nylac & furniture glides for use on carpet.

Q:  How do I clean grease and tracked-in dirt from the “green” carpet Mohawk makes out of recycled pop bottles?

A:  Mohawk recommends the Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Carpet Stain Remover, 32oz Spray or Carpet Cleaning Kit, to treat stains on their EverStrand™ & SmartStrand® Carpets and they emphasize routine vacuuming & cleaning for ongoing care and upkeep.

Q:  My carpet gets “dented” where the coffee table sits in my family room.  The table moves when my kids rest their feet on it and they never seem to notice so now I’ve got carpet dents in more than one spot and the table is getting wobbly from being moved.  I’m looking for a way to fix this problem since telling my kids to take their feet down doesn’t seem to be working well enough.

A:  Equinox makes carpet glides for furniture that disperses the weight of the table leg onto a disk that is padded on one side and hard plastic on the other reducing the “dent” effect on the carpet.  The table will move more freely on these discs alleviating the stress on the table legs. So now when your kids put their feet up, the table will still move but  you won’t have the problem with carpet “dents” and the table legs will not be stressed.  Glides come in two sizes, 2-3/4” or 5” round.

Q:  I cleaned a coffee stain from my beige carpet with a cleaner I bought at the grocery store.  The stains seemed to be gone at first but now the area keeps getting dirty so I think it’s not totally gone.  How do I get rid of this?  Is there a carpet cleaner that will take up the whole stain?

A:  Host Carpet Cleaner will take up most stains without leaving a residue.  Host is a dry extraction system that absorbs soils as it dissolves them. The dissolved spot does not have the opportunity to run to the base of the carpet so there isn’t anything there to wick back to the surface.  For small areas, the carpet cleaning kit or 2.5lb shaker pack should do the job.

Q: Someone told me that Nylac Carpet Cleaner is good for cleaning my carpet because I’ve got allergies and it’s got no odor and is safe.  Do you have an MSDS sheet for this product so I can check for myself?

A: Yes, we have just updated the Nylac product information to include the MSDS sheet.  You can go directly to the Nylac MSDS sheet or to the Nylac Product page.

Stone, Tile & Grout Care Q & A

We frequently get emails from customers with common and unique floorcare questions. We answer these questions directly to the customer who asks and we post many of them on Facebook and (more briefly) on Twitter.  If you find the following stone, tile & grout care tips helpful, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter for answers to all types of flooring questions.  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

Remember to “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter for answers to all types of flooring questions.  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

Q:  Does 1877floorguy.com have product for use on ceramic tile?

A:  We sell a variety of products for ceramic tile.  Here are a few brands that have products for ceramic tile- Aqua Mix,  Bona,  DuPont™ StoneTech®.  In addition, we can answer your questions about  the right maintenance products for the type of tile you have.  Call us at 1-877-356-6748.

Q:  Which DuPont Sealer has a lifetime warranty for use on Marble?

A:  I don’t know of any sealer (by any manufacturer) that has a lifetime warranty. All sealer needs to be reapplied. You may be thinking of DuPont™ StoneTech® BulletProof® Sealer or Heavy Duty Sealer.  Both are recommended for use on natural marble w/ expected wear of 3-5 years when properly maintained. For routine cleaning of sealed Marble, use DuPont™ StoneTech® Revitalizer® Cleaner and Protector or Stone & Tile Cleaner.

Q: My foyer floor is Marble and I’m not sure if I need to seal it.  How can I tell and what Sealer should I use?

A: Place a few drops of water on the marble floor and wait 15 minutes. (This works for any stone surface.) 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.  For interior use,  DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Heavy Duty Sealer works well to protect a polished marble floor.  Once sealed, use Revitalizer® Cleaner and Protector, for routine maintenance.

Q:  Can I use AQUA MIX High-Gloss Sealer to seal natural stone in a shower?

A: AQUA MIX High-Gloss Sealer is a topical sealer and is NOT recommended for areas where there maybe standing water. Instead USE a penetrating sealer such as AQUA MIX Sealer’s Choice Gold or AQUA MIX Penetrating Sealer.

Q: Can I use AQUA MIX grout colorant over epoxy grout?

A: AQUA MIX Grout Colorant can be applied over epoxy grout. Coverage is 50 to 300 sq. ft. per kit depending on the width and porosity of grout joints. For best accuracy use the Coverage Chart.

Q: I use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner for wood floors in my house.  It seems like such a gentle cleaner, can I use it on my bathroom ceramic tile?

A.  For tile floors (stone & laminate also) use Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner which is formulated for this type of floor. If you’re already using the Bona Floor Cleaning System for hardwood, you can use the same Microfiber Mop & Cleaning Pad which makes this an economical choice.  The Bona ST&L Cleaner is available in 32oz Spray & Spray Mop Cartridge.  However if your floor is under warranty, check the warranty before you buy cleaner. Flooring manufacturers often require a particular cleaner to uphold warranty.

How to Remove Acrylic Polish Residue from Hardwood & Laminate Floors

Using the wrong type of cleaning solution on a hardwood or laminate floor may result in oil residue that looks murky or hazy.  These cleaners often contain acrylic polish which requires mineral spirits to remove the film left behind.

For removing acrylic polish and other wax-residue left by product such as Mop & Glo or Orange Glo follow these directions.  Test this method in an inconspicuous area before treating the entire floor.  Consult the flooring manufacturer for their recommended cleaning methods.

 Preparation & Materials:

• Bucket
• Microfiber Mop
• Microfiber Cleaning Pads, min qty.2
• Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Gallon (for hardwood floor) & 32oz Spray
• Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner, Gallon (for laminate floor) & 32oz Spray
• Ammonia, 16oz
• White, Non-Abrasive Scrubbing Pad (optional)
• Clean Water

Mix in a bucket (8:1) 16 oz (2 cups) of ammonia to 1 gallon of Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or 1 gallon of Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner.

Directions:

1. Dip the Microfiber Cleaning Pad into ammonia + cleaner solution and wring out so that the pad is saturated but not dripping.
2. Evenly apply the solution to a small section of floor using the Microfiber Mop w/Cleaning Pad.  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 same Microfiber Mop Pad. A non abrasive scrubbing pad may be used to loosen any excessive build up. A whitish appearance may show. Remove all residues before moving to the next section.
4. Follow up with a second (clean / new) Microfiber Cleaning Pad and Spray Bottle of Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner, following the label directions to clean the area.
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 flooring professional before continuing.
• Be advised that complete removal of acrylic polishes may not be possible along board seams or on heavily textured (ie: hand scrapped) 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.

Other types of flooring, such as vinyl or ceramic tile, can often handle more aggessive cleaning agents than wood and laminate floors.  If you’ve got a similar problem with a type of floor not addressed in these instructions, contact us at help@1877floorguy.com or 1-877-356-6748.  We’ll direct you to the best solution for your floor.

Linoleum & Vinyl Floorcare Q & A

We frequently get emails from customers with common and unique floorcare questions. We answer these questions directly to the customer who asks and we post many of them on Facebook and (more briefly) on Twitter.  If you find the following linoleum & vinyl floorcare tips helpful, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter for answers to all types of flooring questions.  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

Q:  Is the Armstrong Genuine Linoleum Polish a high shine or a satin finish shine?

A:  Armstrong GLP is a MEDIUM-HIGH FINISH so it’s in between high & satin. Try it in an inconspicuous area before treating the entire floor to see if you like the sheen.

Q:  We have a Mannington Adura® Floor in our kitchen that is very hard to keep clean.  Every few months it needs a deep cleaning, which means me on hands and knees using a brush — very hard work.  I am wondering if the Mannington Heavy Duty Cleaner would help this.  How would you recommend this product be used?

A:  This product will help as it is more aggressive than a daily cleaner and should be used only every few months or so depending on the traffic in your home.  Read the article, Mannington Adura® Vinyl Floor Care & Cleaning Guidelines, to learn more about cleaning & maintaining Mannington Adura®.

Here’s one for the industry- Q:  How far into the floor does the flash cove need to be when it butts up against the floor which is a different color?

A:  There are no set “”rules”" regarding flooring that is coved meeting the field material.  Based on my experience, I suggest the coved material should have min 6″” (more commonly 8”) from the wall /vertical surface.  This allows enough material, beyond the cove stick, to be flat on the floor for 100%  contact with the floor and adhesive.

Remember to “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter for answers to all types of flooring questions.  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

Hardwood & Laminate Floor Care Q & A

Includes questions regarding Bona, Bruce, Uniclic, Quick Step, Award Wearmax.

We get emails all the time from customers with common and unique floorcare questions. We answer these questions directly to the customer who asks and we post many of them on Facebook and (more briefly) on Twitter.  If you find the following hardwood & laminate floorcare tips helpful log onto Facebook and “Like Us” or Twitter and “Follow Us” for answers to all types of flooring questions.  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

Q:  I cleaned my hardwood floor with Orange Glo and it left an ugly residue.  Is there anything that will get this off? 

A:  Click on this link for directions that will help you remove the Orange Glo from you floor, Removing Acrylic Polishes from Hardwood Floors & Other Hardsurface Floors.

Q: When I take up the rugs from my hardwood floors I can tell that the wood under the rugs is lighter than the rest of my floor. Is this due to sunlight? Is there anything I can do to darken the light areas?

A: Yes, exposure to daylight does cause wood to darken. The areas covered by rugs aren’t able to darken. Remove the rugs completely or move them every so often so these areas get exposed to daylight.

Q:  My Uniclic-Quickstep Laminate Floor (installed ‘07) has worn very well however the cleaner I am using, given to me by the contractor who installed my floor, leaves an oily film.  What do you recommend to clean the residue and shine the floor as it should?

A:  Quick Step has floor care products to clean and maintain Uniclic Floors.  As far as restoring any luster that may have been lost with the wrong cleaning products, try Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Polish to restore shine.  We suggest that you test all products in an inconspicuous area to be sure they bond properly and give the right sheen before you treat the entire area.

Q: Bona Hardwood Floor Refresher says that it CANNOT BE USED after Bona Hardwood Floor Polish has been applied to the floor.  Does that mean if the polish has EVER been used on the floor? What if I use the cleaner (for a thorough clean) and then Refresher even though I have used the Bona Polish in the past?  If not, what can I do to bring the shine back to my dull hardwood floor?

A: This is a great question that we get often.  If Bona Polish has been applied to the floor, EVER, you CANNOT use Refresher BECAUSE it will leave a white film or haze on the floor.  You CAN apply Bona Polish, Low or High Gloss, again to rejuvenate your hardwood floor.  This can be done periodically to bring the shine back to your floor.  Frequency depends on the amount of traffic on your floor so it may be every few months or every few years. 

Q: A couple months ago I ordered a Quick Step Floor Care Kit for my Quick Step Laminate Floor.  The cleaner and mop work very well.  I have noticed, however, that Bona also sells a laminate floor cleaner. As long as my laminate floor is Quick Step, should I stick with the Quick Step Quick Clean, or will Bona work just as well? 

A: Flooring manufacturers often formulate their cleaning products to provide optimum care for the floor they are intended to maintain and using these products will uphold your floor’s warranty should you ever need it.  Other cleaning products may contain ingredients potentially harmful to your floor. Quick Step and Bona are both quality laminate floor cleaners however in this case we recommend you stay with the QuickStep Floorcare Products. 

Q:  I have an Award Hardwood Floor with the Wearmax Ceramic Finish. I have ordered the recommended Wear Max Cleaner from you in the past and see that it is now discontinued.  What should I use to clean my Award wood floor?

A:  Recommended replacement is Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.  Use a Microfiber Mop with the cleaner.  Mop package comes with a dusting pad which can be used dry to dust the floor periodically & before mopping.

Q:  I’m looking to buy a Bona Professional Floor Mop.  Do you carry this product?  It looks like you carry just about everything for the “Bona System”.

A:  Likely you’re looking for the 18″ Professional Mop which is sold in a kit.  In addition to that we carry several Bona floor mops on our website in the Bona Mops, Pads & Covers Section including a 15″ Residential Mop Set and an all-in-one Spray Mop.

Q: I have 8 year old Bruce hardwood floors throughout my home.  It seems that I have, over the years, used products that have built up on the wood floor leaving a film. What cleaner do you recommend to remove the film then keep the floors looking great? 

A: Bruce has their own line of maintenance product recommend for use on their wood floors.  Presuming your floor is urethane coated hardwood, you’ll want to use the Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Cleaner, avail in 2 sizes- 32oz Spray & 64oz Refill.  This cleaner should lift the residue on your floor and leave it residue and streak free. You’ll likely need to put more pressure on the mop than you typically would and go over it a several times if the buildup is heavy from years of other cleaners.  Bruce also has Fresh Finish Floor Polish that will refresh the shine on your floor once it is thoroughly cleaned.

Q: How do I get an MSDS for a product on your website?

A:  Many of our products have an MSDS link located at the end of the product’s description.  If you are viewing a product that does not have an MSDS, contact us via email at help@1877floorguy.com or call 1-877-356-6748 and we’ll forward the information to you.

Remember to “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter for answers to all types of flooring questions!  We post Q & A’s a few times each week.

Mannington Adura® Vinyl Floor Care & Cleaning Guidelines

Mannington Adura® is a high-performance luxury vinyl floor that resembles wood, tile, or stone in appearance and texture.  We’ve had questions from customers about the care & maintenance of Adura®…

Clean:

• Sweep regularly, one or more times each week depending on use & traffic, to prevent small particles of dirt & debris from being ground into the floor under-foot.
• Prevent stains by wiping up spills promptly.  Keep a spray bottle on hand, filled with properly diluted Award Series® Rinse-Free Cleaner so it’s easily accessible for spot cleaning when you need it.
• Occasionally mop with Mannington Award Series® Rinse-Free Cleaner when dirt builds up. Use a solution of 2 to 3 capfuls of Award Series® Cleaner in one gallon of warm water. Though rinsing is not required, it will provide the best care if time permits.  Use of more than the recommended amount of cleaning solution may leave a dulling film. Do not use soap or detergent products as they will leave a dulling film.

Shine:

Adura® floors are low-gloss floors.  If you wish to give your floor a high-gloss shine use Award Series® High-Gloss Polish. After several applications of polish for a high-shine floor, an occasional stripping and reapplication of polish may be necessary. We recommend the use of Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper. After thorough cleaning, rinsing and drying, apply Mannington Award Series® High-Gloss Polish to restore the shine. High-traffic areas may require more than one application of polish. Allow polish to dry “tack-free” between coats.  Do not use wax.  Do not buff.   

Preventive:

• Use doormats at exterior entrances to prevent outside dirt from tracking in on shoes. Stay away from rubber-backed, latex-backed or coco fiber mats that can stain or damage the floor’s surface.
• Asphault driveway sealer tracking is a common flooring problem.  Minimize potential staining by using a latex-based driveway sealer on your driveway and removing shoes when entering the house.
• Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining felt or non-pigmented hard plastic floor protectors. The larger the flat surface of the protector, the more it protects the floor from indentations.
• Use furniture slides to move heavy furniture and appliances across the floor. When using a dolly or wheeled appliance, roll it only on masonite or plywood laid over the floor for protection. 

Handling Spills & Stains:

Stick to these general rules when you follow the procedures below:

• Always use a clean, white cloth for wiping up stains and turn it frequently to avoid spreading the stain.
• Rinse with clean water and allow area to dry between steps.
• If stain removal causes a change in gloss level, apply polish per recommended guidelines.
• Always try solutions/products in an inconspicuous area prior to full use.
• Use Caution: Some stain cleaning procedures call for solutions that are flammable & dangerous for use around children & pets such as mineral spirits, lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha, and isopropyl alcohol. Take extreme care with these solutions and follow precautions listed on the container.

Cleaning Procedures for Spills & Stains:

• Food/ Beverage : If a substance is gummy, scrape off with dull knife. Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Saturate a clean, white cloth with bleach solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour.
• Tar, Oil, Asphalt, Grease, Wax, Paint (oil-based) : Scrape excess substance off with dull knife. Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush.
• Scuffs, Marks, Scratches : Wipe with a clean, white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha or isopropyl alcohol.
• Minor Cuts, Burns : Limit traffic over damaged area, cover with masking tape to avoid further damage, contact your retailer or Mannington for advice.
• Lipstick, Antiseptics : Scrape excess off with dull knife. Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Wipe with a clean, white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha or isopropyl alcohol. Saturate a clean, white cloth with bleach solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour.
• Rust : Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Saturate a clean, white cloth with bleach solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour.
• Crayon, Ink, Hair Dye, Permanent Marker : Clean using Mannington Award Series® Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a soft nylon pad or soft bristle brush. Wipe with a clean, white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha or isopropyl alcohol.
• CAUTION : Mineral spirits, lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha, and isopropyl alcohol are flammable liquids. Take extreme care & follow precautions listed on the container.

Steam Mops are NOT for Hardwood Floors, See What IS…

Steam mops are popular now and many customers have asked if they should try a steam mop to clean their hardwood floor because it appears to clean deep to remove dirt.  The answer is NO!  In no way, shape or form should a steam mop ever be used on a hardwood floor.  Steam mops do clean deep because the steam is penetrating.  When steam (or any form of water) is introduced to wood, the wood will absorb the water causing the wood to warp, discolor and distort.   This includes polyurethane & acrylic finished wood which will absorb steam as it penetrates into the crevices between wood planks which will expand and contract as the wood gets wet then dries causing an ugly mess.  Other types of finished hardwood will get sticky and filmy right away with steam (or water).  If you haven’t tried a steam mop on your hardwood floors, DON’T!

There are several types of hardwood floors, most common are Polyurethane or Acrylic Finished and Waxed Wood Floors.  The two are treated in completely different ways yet steam mopping is bad for both!

Polyurethane & Acrylic Finished Hardwood:

Use a spray & mop system such as Bona Spray Mop which is an all in one spray cleaner or a separate spray bottle and microfiber mop such as those made by Bona (32oz spray bottle & microfiber mop or kit) or Basic Coatings Squeaky (floor care system kit includes both items).  Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to get all the tools and cleaner you need from one source.   Be sure you’re using a microfiber mopsbecause it is most effective at picking up dirt without releasing dust particles into the air.  If your wood floor is new, check your manufacturer’s warranty because many wood floor manufacturers have their own branded cleaner (similar to Bona or Basic) formulated specifically for their hardwood flooring product.   Using the cleaner recommended by the floor’s manufacturer is typically required to uphold the  floor’s warranty.

Here are a handful of manufacturers that have branded spray cleaner: 

The brands goes on and on so refer to the wood floor care Section of  1877floorguy.com/wood for a complete list.

Performance expectations for all spray & mop wood floor cleaners: 

• Easy to use
• Work in small sections for best results
• Apply pressure on the mop to remove visible dirt  (most dirt lifts easily; spray & rub by hand with a microfiber cloth for stubborn spots)
• No streaking
• No dulling of finish
• No offensive odors, low or no VOCs, non-toxic 
• Wash microfiber mop cover between uses (dirty mop cover will not clean effectively) 

If you’re trying to improve the shine of your floor, there are several wood floor polishes or refreshers available (shown below).  All are easy to apply with an applicator pad on a microfiber mop.  Good do-it-yourself project.  These products will fill microscopic scratches creating a smooth surface thereby improving the floor’s appearance and shine.  Several sheen levels are available so choose carefully based on your desired result.  Hardwood floor polishes & refresher are available from Bona, Basic Coatings & Bruce.

Waxed Hardwood Floors:

Sweep routinely to pick up loose dirt that can scratch the floor under foot traffic.  That is the only FREQUENT maintenance required.  When spots or spills happen, spot clean with a liquid paste wax with cleaner.  DO NOT clean with water or spray cleaners!   Periodically (twice each year is typical) clean the entire floor with a liquid paste wax with cleaner (same cleaner used for spot cleaning). Bruce makes one for light wood and one for dark wood floors.  In between cleaning/wax applications, machine buffing will bring up the floor’s shine. 

Another option is to use a product like Bruce’s, No Buff Acrylic Finish for Waxed Wood floors that provides a tough acrylic finish that will then be cleaned like the Polyurethane & Acrylic floors shown above.

Additional questions about cleaning & caring for a wood floor (or any floor) can be emailed to help@1877floorguy.com.  Our knowledgeable Customer Support team will answer your questions to help you find the right products to care for your floor.

Pergo Discontinues Branded Floor Cleaner

Pergo has discontinued its branded laminate floor cleaner. 

Recommended replacement:  Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner is proven effective on Pergo Laminate flooring and available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs.  Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner is non-streaking, neutral, safe and environmentally friendly.

Bona products are conveniently packaged in REFILLABLE, RECYCLEABLE containers that provides convenience, sustainability and economy in 32oz Spray Bottle, Spray Mop Cartridge and Gallon Refill containers.

Bona Features:

Directions For Use:

1. Lightly mist approximately a 4′x6′ area of your laminate floor with cleaner.
2. Using a Bona Microfiber Mop  (an existing Pergo Microfiber Mop is fine) wipe the sprayed area using a back and forth motion with light pressure on the mop.
3. Allow floor to air dry before walking on it. Floor will dry in just moments.

Note: Cleaner dries quickly so spraying too large of an area will result in a sticky floor. Re-clean a sticky area, wiping with microfiber mop immediately after spraying.

Also available:

Coupon Code “FGBLOG” will give you 10% off your next purchase from www.1877floorguy.com so take this opportunity to stock up on Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner for your Pergo Laminate Floor.

Fall for the Best Time to Get Back to Floorcare Basics

Autumn the perfect time to get back to floorcare routines that keep your floors looking GREAT.  It may even be time for your floor to get an extra bit of TLC to really shine before the winter holidays set in.

There are many types of floors that require different routines however they all have one thing in common- 

• All floors need to be cleaned and maintained on a routine basis in order to keep looking good. 
• There is no such thing as a “maintenance-free” floor. 

Many flooring manufacturers maintain care instructions on their websites for easy reference. Some recommend specific floor care products for cleaning and maintenance.  The floor’s warranty will tell you if using a specific product is required in order to uphold the manufacturer’s warranty.  Look up instructions for your floor if you know who made it. 

Hardsurface floors: 

Sweep or vacuum!  I can’t emphasize enough that routine sweeping or vacuuming  is a must (vacuum should be in good condition and on the correct setting for hardsurface floors) for all hard surface flooring- including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, linoleum, stone and tile.  This keeps small particles of dirt and debris, which can cause microscopic scratches and dulling of your floor’s finish, off the floor.  The higher the gloss level of your floor’s finish, the more evident the scratches will be.  Stone and tile are the most resistant to scratches however the grout lines will collect dirt if left unswept.  I’m often asked how often a person should sweep their floor.  I typically reply that it depends on how much use and traffic the floor gets.  A floor that is lived-on daily by a family of four (or more) is likely going require sweeping daily.  For a person who lives alone the same floor may only need to be swept once each week.

Basic routine maintenance also involves cleaning.  Like sweeping, the frequency with which your floor should be cleaned varies between households.  Use your good judgment based on the amount of traffic on your floor.  Many hardsurface floors can be easily cleaned with a no-rinse spray cleaner and a microfiber mop.  This includes urethane-finished hardwood, laminate, stone & tile.  Each type of floor requires a different cleaning product (so always read labels) however the idea is the same across the board.  Clean the floor in small sections to avoid the sprayed cleaner from drying before you get a chance to wipe it.  Bona & Basic  both have popular spray cleaners for use on urethane wood floors (and more).  These are reputable floor care products that are not directly linked to a specific flooring manufacturer.  If you know the brand of your wood floor, check to see what the flooring manufacturer recommends before purchasing cleaner & care products.  Several flooring manufacturers have their own brand of cleaner that is specifically formulated for use on their floor.  Websites, such as www.1877floorguy.com carry most manufacturer specific floor care products such as Mannington Ultra Clean and Bruce Dura Luster which are formulated for cleaning wood and laminate floors made by these companies.  Several spray cleaners, like the Ultra Clean and DuraLuster, are intended for use on multiple types of flooring surfaces.  Wilsonart Ready Mix Spray is a laminate and linoleum floor cleaner.  Bona makes a stone, tile & laminate cleaner.  These can be economical cleaning products if you’ve got more than one type of flooring materials in your home so do some research before you buy.  For cleaning stone & tile well-known products are made by AquaMix and DuPont StoneTech .  Among the available products are easy to use spray & wipe cleaners.  These quality routine cleaners, AquaMix’s AquaShield and DuPont StoneTech Revitalizer, both contain cleaning agent and sealer to protect the stone surface as it cleans (sealing is very important for natural stone).  AquaMix and StoneTech also offer products for deeper cleaning (occasional use) such as Grout Deep Clean to remove stubborn grout stains or KlenzAll for cleaning soap scum and mildew from natural stone.

Tips to keep in mind when using spray & wipe cleaners:

• Always use a clean microfiber pad.  Bona’s microfiber cleaning pads are machine washable and you can purchase replacement pads so you’ve always got a clean one ready to go.
• If the floor feels sticky after cleaning, according to product directions, you’ve used too much cleaner or sprayed to large an area and did not wipe sufficiently with the microfiber mop.  Repeat cleaning procedure in sticky areas to resolve this problem.
• For visibly dirty spots that don’t come clean on the first pass, put a little elbow grease into your wiping with the microfiber mop or use a separate cloth to get really tough spots. I haven’t had a spot on my wood floors yet that wouldn’t come clean.  When cleaning stone & tile it is ok to introduce water along with cleaning agents to work out a tough stain.  For wood and laminate floors water is a no-no.
• Keep a spray bottle of cleaner under your kitchen or bathroom sink for spot cleaning.  The cleaning products will tell you to use a microfiber cloth however I’ve found paper towels to work well for cleaning small messes, like spilled juice, on my wood floor.
• Only use cleaner recommended for use on your type of floor (urethane wood, laminate, natural stone, etc).  Each type of cleaner is formulated for use on specific type(s) of floor(s).  Using the wrong type of cleaner can have dreadful results.

Waxed wood floors require a completely different cleaning regiment.  Routinely, a waxed wood floor should only be swept and spot cleaned.  If spot cleaning is needed, use a cleaner formulated for use on a waxed hardwood floor such as Bruce Lite-n-Natural or Bruce Dark-n-Rich Liquid Paste Wax with Cleaner.  You’ll use the same cleaner when your floor needs to be completely cleaned and waxed which should be done every 6 months to a year.  The Bruce Liquid Paste Wax with Cleaner is an all-in-one product that takes care of cleaning and waxing thereby reducing the number of steps in the process.  Waxed wood floors require a buffer machine which you can typically rent from a local hardware store.  More information on cleaning waxed wood floors can be found in the blog post, Surprise! Wood Floors Under the Carpet! Wax or Urethane Finish?

Carpet:

Like hardsurface floors, carpet also requires routine maintenance to keep dirt and debris from becoming ingrained into the floor and dulling it’s appearance. The #1 rule is vacuum! Vacuuming will pick up loose dirt and debris left behind from foot traffic, food crumbs, etc. and it will lift the carpet pile which becomes especially matted down in high traffic areas. You can’t really overdo vacuuming so however often you can, do it. Your vacuum needs to be in good working condition in order to pick-up dirt. If you notice it’s not picking up visible dirt, take it to a service center for repair or get a new vacuum if the one you’re using is very old. The lint bag should be changed with some frequency since a full bag will generate dust into the air landing on the carpet. Vacuuming around the edges of the room where carpet meets wall is often missed because the vacuum itself can only get so close to the wall. Dirt build-up in these areas will eventually look like a dark rim around the edges of the room. Using the vacuum’s crevice tool around all edges of the room every few months will eliminate this problem.

When we talk about cleaning carpets we need to include periodic maintenance and spot cleaning.  Periodic maintenance involves wet or dry cleaning your carpet.  I am a firm believer in dry cleaning carpets.  Wet or steam cleaning introduces water to your carpet which can damage carpet fibers, cause buildup of mold & mildew and require more than a day to dry leaving the room unusable for the duration.  Dry cleaning is much less invasive, removes dust and mold spores from the carpet, can be walked on immediately after cleaning and is safe to use on all types of carpet from synthetics to wool.  Host is my dry carpet cleaning system of choice because of the approval level of their products, proven effectiveness and ease of use.  The Host website has great information to help you determine if it is the right system for your carpet, where to rent a machine (not much bigger than an upright vacuum), and how much cleaner to buy.  Often you can purchase the cleaner where you rent the machine or check online retailers also where more sizes and products may be offered (machines can only be rented local to you).  Host has small shaker packs of cleaner that can be used for spot or small area cleaning and don’t require use of the machine.  These packs are great to keep on hand for spot cleaning.

Protect your work!

furniture glide under coffee table leg

Protect your floor and your efforts to clean your floor by putting protectors on the feet or base of furniture.  Felt protectors on the bottom of chairs and table legs keeps hardsurface floors from getting scratched when the furniture is moved.  Think about how many times a chair is pushed in and out from a table and the damage that does to a floor.  Round felt protectors cost between 16- 30 cents each and come in different sizes and quantities. Is there value in these felt protectors? Absolutely!  For carpeted areas, furniture glides can be used permanently under pieces that are moved frequently.  For instance, I have the 2-3/4” glides under my family room coffee table that is often moved to allow space for playing Wii.  The light grey blends into my beige carpet so they’re barely noticeable.  I think the legs would have snapped off or the berber carpet would have come unraveled if it weren’t for the glides. 

 www.1877floorguy.com is dedicated to helping customers properly clean and care for floors by providing popular and hard to find quality floor care products.  Try one of these quality products to routinely clean your floor and we’ll extend a 10% discount when you enter coupon code FGBLOG at checkout.

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.

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!

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.

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 $200 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.

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.

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.

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• *1877Floorguy (10)
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• Green Floor Care (3)
• Hardwood Floor Care (31)
• Laminate Floor Care (16)
• Marmoleum & Linoleum Floor Care (10)
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• Stone, Tile & Grout Care (29)
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