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Flooring
Floors can be a challenge to install, maintain and change. Questions regarding the installation, maintenance and repair of carpets, tile, wood and other materials go here.
6,242 Questions
Where can I buy a Sargent Hardwood Floor Steam Cleaner?
You can get a hardwood floor cleaner at any large big department store particularly a hardware store such as Home Depot, OSH, Lowes, Kmart, Big Lots, Walmart.
What type of hardwood would be suitable to make a tough kitchen table?
i think that pine would be a good wood to use to make a cutting board .
How do you remove excess grout and haze from slate tile?
Mix a solution of 1 part water and 1 part 5% white vinegar. Apply with a soft cotton cloth. Then rinse with clean water. If that doesn't work, slowly increase the ratio of vinegar to water. Straight vinegar will take it off, but it may pit the unpolished porcelain.
How do you clean an unsealed marble floor?
Answer:
There are several different good marble cleaners on the market today. Just do an internet search to find what are the highest rated.
I’ve made my own beeswax furniture polish from a recipe I found in Robert McGuffin’s book Furniture Care and Conservation, published by AASLH Press. This recipe is similar to what many furniture conservators and museums recommend for hardwood furniture care. I’ve used this formula to help restore hardwood pieces that were in Katrina’s floodwaters. And I still use it today with excellent results. Please read the whole recipe before beginning.
Supplies
One wide-mouth Mason jar or other canning jar with two-part ring-seal lid
One cake of good-quality natural, non-bleached beeswax (It will be yellowish in color)
Pure distilled Turpentine (NO TURPENTINE SUBSTITUTES)
One piece of plastic wrap
One wood paint mixing stick or other non-food use stirring implement
Optional Additions
A dropper of Lemon Oil (approximately a teaspoon)
A dropper of Orange Oil
A dropper of Lavender Essential Oil
Assorted artist dry pigments for tinting and coloring polish for darker woods (Ochre and umbers work beautifully)
Method
Shave or shred enough beeswax into the Mason jar to fill it about two-thirds full. Then pour in enough turpentine to cover the beeswax, up to three-fourth full. At this point you can add either the lemon, orange or lavender oils for extra fragrance and/or the dry pigments for the degree of color need for the polish. Add color at about a half or an eight of a teaspoon at a time. I discovered that a mixture of one teaspoon of burnt umber with an eighth of a teaspoon of lamp black makes a great polish for darker woods such as aged oak or walnut. A teaspoon of yellow ochre is great for natural pine and other lighter-colored wood. Mix the contents well with a wood paint mixer or other non-food use stirring implement.
Cover the top of the jar with the plastic wrap. Then close the jar with the two-part, ring-seal lid. The plastic wrap will keep the ring-seal on the lid for breaking down from the turpentine fumes. Place the jar outside in the sun for several days. Make sure it’s a warm day. Or place the jar in a warm place in your house for several days. Stir or shake the jar each day to mix the contents even more. The process can be speeded up by placing the sealed jar in a pan of warm just simmering water (not boiling) until the wax melts and blends with the turpentine. When the wax has completely melted into the turpentine, a soft paste will be formed.
Application and Uses
The finished paste can be used in place of most commercial waxes on most hardwood furniture that does not already have an oil finish. The beauty of the beeswax polish is that a little goes along way and does not have to be applied every time you clean or dust your furniture. Start with a clean, dust free surface. Do not use any commercial preparations to clean or dust the surface. A clean lint-free rag will suffice. A cloth diaper is ideal if they can still be found. Dab a little paste onto a clean rag and apply in a circular motion then finish with strokes along the grain of the furniture. REMEMBER A LITTLE GOES ALONG WAY. Let dry for about a half an hour to let the turpentine evaporate. Then buff the surface well in the direction of the wood grain with another clean soft lint-free cloth. This will bring out a nice shine. To maintain a piece of furniture that has be treated with beeswax paste. Just dust and buff the surface with a clean soft rag. No commercial sprays or other cleaners are needed. And if something spills on the surface, the natural waterproof properties of the beeswax will help prevent damage caused by most spillage. Just wipe with a gentle soap (Ivory) on a damp rag and dry thoroughly. Most people who use beeswax –base polish only apply them once, maybe twice a year depending on the furniture. If you have a dining room table which is used every day, an application two maybe three times a year will work best. If you have a cabinet which is never used, an application of once every two years is fine. Just remember to dust and buff weekly if possible to revive the finish. If this method of cleaning is used, you do not ever have to worry about wax build up. It will never happen and is only something advertisers use to sell more expensive cleaning products.
Non uses
Do not use paste polish or any type of cleaning product on in-painted, gesso, flaking, gilt (gold) or metal leaf, furniture surfaces. Any cleaning method will cause more harm than good. Best advice is to consult a qualified furniture conservator if the piece is valuable. If not, then just leave it be and do not clean it at all.
How can you Repair laminate on a kitchen cupboard?
There may be corner braces in the top of the cabinet that you can screw up into the counter. Make sure the screws are not too long. If no blocks are there, 3/4 thick ones could be added. Simplest method is to use LIquid Nails or similar adhesive on the top edges of the cabinet and just set the counter top on that. Once the glue dries, the counter top isn't going anywhere.
How do you remove white film from dark hardwood floors?
Mix 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Mop with a sponge mop that has its own ringer. Ring as much water from the mop as possible--leaving water on hardwood floors will damage them.
How does one find a good method for tile and grout cleaning?
Take a wet washcloth with Clorox(the powder kind) and gently scrub the tile grout. This will provide a nice and clean area between your tiles! Also, make sure to take a clean rag with water over where you just cleaned so that the chemicals are washed away and it's safe for skin and pet contact!
Tips: How to clean the basement floor. Start vacuuming the floor first.
To get rid of stains mix a tiny amount of bleach with water.
You can use dishwashing liquid instead of bleach.
If using bleach make sure room is well ventilated.
You can also use baking soda or vinegar to get rid of stains.
How do you clean shower tile and grout?
That's rough, I have used detergent 9000, its an acid ,if you use it wear resporator,if its not that bad you can use a puddy knife, brilo pad ,or a scotch btight pad, always try a small area to see if you are going to damage the tile.
What are the best methods for cleaning laminate floors?
contact the manufacturer is your best bet as every product is made differently, usually you can clean them with your usual floor cleaners but avoid anything really harsh. also if you do use soap and water make sure yu rinse it off after otherwise you will end up with a gross build up as the soap will have nowhere to go.
What is the best brand of grout cleaners?
I need to get some grout and tile cleaning spray from the store. Who makes the strongest stuff? The people renting this house must have never cleaned their shower even once because it is absolutely caked on.
Where can someone buy garage floor tile?
One can buy garage floor tiles at Home Depot whether in store or online. Another option would be to purchase it online at Rubber Flooring or American Garage Floor.
Which stores sell swiftlock laminate flooring?
The Swiftlock laminate flooring can be bought at any local home renovation store. One can buy the Swiftlock laminate flooring from the Home Depot or the Lowe's.
Where can I buy cheap bamboo flooring?
There are a few places that sell bamboo clothing. Cariloha in San Diego sells bamboo clothing and offers bed sheets as well. Five Bamboo and doBamboo are a couple other stores. All these stores have webpages where you cab browse their assortment of Bamboo products.
What is the best way to clean tile and grout?
Regular cleaning can be done with detergent and water, and rinsed; or commercial household cleaners or bathroom cleaners used according to label directions. Do not use scouring powders or other abrasives which can scratch the finish.
Special cleaning may be needed for ceramic tile in bathrooms if there is a buildup of: soap scum, a rough white coating, or mildew.
Remove soap scum by sponging with a mixture of 1/2 cup packaged water softener, plus 2 tablespoons rottenstone plus 1 cup hot water; or use a solution of 1-2 tablespoons trisodium phosphate in 1 gallon hot water. Rinse.
Remove mildew by cleaning with a dilute solution of chlorine bleach in water, following label directions on bleach. Rinse. Or use a mildew-retardant household spray.
The rough white coating is a buildup of mineral from hard water (like you get in a teakettle). Dissolve it with a commercial tile cleaner and wipe off.
Occasionally a dark varnish-like stain may build up in a tile shower that has not been cleaned regularly. It is a build-up of body oils and soap scum and very hard to remove. Cover the spot with full-strength liquid laundry detergent and let stand for a couple of hours. Then sponge with water. If it still doesn't all come off, leave detergent on longer and scrub with a brush. Don't use on porcelain enamel tubs or fiberglass or plastic surfaces as it may damage them.
[Info from the Home Maintenance And Repair Database at the Michigan State University website]
Remember bleach should never be used, as it will kill the seal of the tile and grout. If you find your self contently cleaning your grout line you will want to reseal it with a tile sealer. To find out if you grout line needs sealed or if your tile has lost its seal do a water bead test on it. Drop a few drops of water on it and if it bead up then the seal is fine but if it sink in it will need resealed. The harsher the chemical that is used to clean the tile the more damage it will cause the seal. With proper maintenance of tile you should not have to use any harsh chemicals, what vinegar and water should clean your tile.
With white vinegar in warm water. Dry it off with an old towel. Works absolutely great.
There is a product from Australia that is a broom on mop off grout cleaner no nasties. Can also be used for wall tiles. www.pinkstuff.com.au
White vinegar has been proven to work to remove hard water stains and from ceramic wall tiles. See the step by step method below:
Natural Formula to Use:
Pure white vinegar
Method to Use:
1.Fill a clean spray bottle with pure vinegar
2.Spray the vinegar freely over the wall tiles and wait for a few minutes
3.If stains are stubborn spray more vinegar and wait a while longer
4.Simply wipe away with a clean cloth to reveal the shine
Tips:
Sometimes stains are extra stubborn - for this make a paste of white vinegar and baking soda and scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Never use an abrasive cleaner like scouring pads, powders or steel wool as this will scratch the surface.
What are the best ways to clean a hardwood floor?
Lightly sand the residue.
Varnishes seep into the wood so you wont take the colour off right away like with painted surfaces. Don't sand it too heavily.
Of course if you wish to sand and buff the entire surface of a poor condition floor then a heavy sanding may be what you want however I am going to assume the residue you speak of is a result of surfacing the floor in the first place.
Is it necessary to use hardwood floor cleaner on hardwood floors?
It's not always necessary to use hardwood floor cleaner on hardwood floors. While dedicated hardwood floor cleaners are designed to be gentle and effective, you can also maintain your floors using a damp mop with water and a mild pH-balanced soap. Avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wood. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris is also crucial in preserving the beauty and longevity of hardwood floors. However, for specific stains or deep cleaning, a hardwood floor cleaner can be a helpful option, but it's not always mandatory for routine maintenance.
What are the differences between commercial rubber flooring and wood flooring?
The main difference is the material and the place flooring gets fitted. Rubber floorings are generally use for sports activity room or for a gym whether a wooden flooring can be used in home.
You can check this website Symphony International which provides the best wood flooring and many other wooden flooring in the market. They also deal in India.
They are passionate to deliver our customers a satisfying experience from the moment they visit Symphony’s exclusive wooden flooring.
Address. Krishna House, Ground Floor, Raghuvanshi Estate, Tulsi Pipe Rd, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013, India.
Contact Number. +91 8879250089
Are hardwood floors more expensive than tile floors?
Hardwood floors are generally more expensive than tile floors because they are harder to maintain. However, higher quality tile floors can cost more than hardwood floors.
What can you use to wax your wood floors?
I have always used Paste wax either clear or colored, that needs buffing and tends to be slippery when you walk on it in your socks, but it nurishes the wood floor and it does not have to be done very often.
Can you put sheetrock over tiles?
You cannot use sheetrock as flooring, period. If you meant on a wall, there is no reason you cannot put sheetrock over tiles. The question is why would you want to! Why not remove tiles and material behind, which is probably sheetrock, and then install new sheetrock. If it is an area prone to moisture you could use moisture resistant sheetrock. The job would look better and you would not lose the space by adding over existing material.
Can you use a sharp steam mop on vinyl floor?
A "sharp steam mop" is not a standard term, and it's possible you might be referring to a steam mop with a specific design or feature. However, when it comes to using a steam mop on vinyl flooring, it's generally advisable to exercise caution and follow some general guidelines, regardless of the specific type or brand of steam mop you have.
Here are some tips for using any steam mop on vinyl flooring:
Check Manufacturer's Recommendations: Always start by consulting the manufacturer's care and maintenance guidelines for your vinyl flooring. The manufacturer's recommendations should take precedence over any general advice.
Use Low Heat Settings: Vinyl flooring can be sensitive to heat and moisture. Ensure that the steam mop has adjustable temperature settings and use the lowest effective setting to avoid damaging the vinyl or causing it to warp.
Keep It Moving: Don't leave the steam mop in one spot for too long. Keep it moving to prevent excessive moisture buildup in one area.
Dry Mop or Sweep First: Before using a steam mop, remove loose dirt and debris by dry mopping or sweeping the floor. This helps prevent scratches and makes the cleaning process more effective.
Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Prior to using the steam mop on the entire floor, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or issues.
Follow Maintenance Recommendations: In addition to steam mopping, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for regular maintenance, which may include using a damp mop with a mild cleaning solution.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing, as these can damage the floor's finish.
It's essential to remember that vinyl flooring varies in quality and composition, and some vinyl products may be more sensitive to heat and moisture than others. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and, if necessary, consult with the manufacturer or a professional flooring installer for specific advice on caring for your particular vinyl flooring.
Can you steam mop vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is generally considered safe to clean with a steam mop, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
Manufacturer's Recommendations: Always check the manufacturer's care and maintenance guidelines for your specific vinyl plank flooring. Some manufacturers may have specific recommendations or restrictions regarding the use of steam mops.
Temperature Control: If you decide to use a steam mop, make sure you can control the temperature and steam output. Excessive heat and moisture can potentially damage vinyl plank flooring. Use the lowest effective steam setting.
Quick Passes: Avoid leaving the steam mop in one spot for too long. Keep it moving to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating in one area.
Dry Mop First: Before using a steam mop, it's a good practice to dry mop or sweep the floor to remove loose dirt and debris. This helps prevent scratches and makes the cleaning process more effective.
Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before using a steam mop on the entire floor, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it doesn't cause any damage or warping.
Regular Maintenance: In addition to steam mopping, regularly clean vinyl plank flooring with a damp mop using a mild cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing, as these can damage the floor's finish.
Avoid Overuse: While occasional steam mopping can be useful for deep cleaning, avoid overusing it. Excessive steam cleaning may cause the adhesive that holds the planks together to weaken over time.
Remember that the durability and quality of vinyl plank flooring can vary, so it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the longevity of your flooring. If you have any doubts or concerns, it's a good idea to contact the manufacturer or a professional flooring installer for guidance on the best cleaning methods for your specific vinyl plank flooring.
