Maintaining Indian Sandstone

This beautiful Indian Sandstone tiled floor was laid throughout an open plan Kitchen, Dining and Lounge in a house in Guilford. The floor was in need of a deep clean and seal so we called round initially to survey the tile and grout and provide a quote which was accepted.

Cleaning Indian Sandstone

To clean the floor we used a solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a flexible strong alkaline cleaner specially designed for use on stone floors mixed 50/50 with Tile Doctor Nanotech Ultra-Clean which contains tiny abrasive particles. This solution was left to dwell on the floor for thirty minutes before being worked into the floor with scrubbing brushes. We then used a tile spinner tool and truck mount cleaning system to rinse the floor of all residue soils and chemicals, the floor was covered with dust sheets whilst it dried and also to keep it clean until we came back to seal it.

Sealing Indian Sandstone

On our return we discussed the effects of different sealers, they all offer stain protection to different levels but change the appearance of the tile in different ways. The customer liked the natural look of the stone so we applied Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal using three coats of sealer to fully seal the tiled floor; Ultra-Seal is also a penetrating sealer that gets deep into the pores of the stone. The customer was delighted with the result and we have been asked to return every year to maintain the floor.

   

Source: Indian Sandstone Cleaning and Sealing in Surrey

How to Clean Acid Etched Glass

While it makes a great decoration, etched glass is notoriously difficult to clean. It is particularly vulnerable to grease stains, as well as simply accumulating dirt and dust over time. However, by using the proper strategies, it is possible to keep acid etched glass clean with a minimum of effort and time.

Glass Cleaner

You can make your own glass cleaner that will do a great job of cleaning acid etched glass. It will even remove finger prints if you are willing to spend some time scrubbing. To make your own glass cleaner, you only need water, isopropyl alcohol, and ammonia—all common household cleaning agents. Mix all three ingredients in equal amounts and you will be ready to keep even the most difficult glass clean.

Alternatively, you can use commercially available window cleaner.

Applying

Put your glass cleaner of choice into a spray bottle and apply it to your acid etched glass. Then, wipe it away using a soft cloth. Lint can be as big of a problem as the original dirt, so be sure to use a cloth that will not leave any behind. You may have to scrub a little bit to get the worst dirt, dust, and grease out of your acid etched glass.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Removing Scratches from a Glass Door

A glass door, like windows, can receive a myriad of scratches over the course of its lifetime. Scratches can occur for many reasons, such as your dog scratching at the door when you leave, you moving furniture in or out, or just simply you bringing home groceries. Glass door scratches can not only cause a poor first impression but possibly lower resale value. A professional could charge you hundreds for several minutes of repair work, and the cost to replace the glass could be just as high. But you can remove superficial scratches yourself, and this article will show you how.


What you'll need

• Whitening toothpaste
• Buffer or buffing pad (lamb's wool)
• Ammonia (2 oz.)
• Water (2 qts.)
• Rubber gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Face mask
• Mild glass cleaner
• Soft sponge
• Lint-free paper towels
• Extension cord (optional)

Step 1 - Clean the Glass

In order to properly remove scratches from a glass door, you should first give it a good cleaning. This will ensure that dirt and other small particles will not interfere with the process of removing the scratches. Only use a mild glass cleaner, as harsher ones can leave a residue behind that can also interfere with removing the scratches. Let the cleaner sit on the glass for a minute or two. Then wipe off with a lint-free paper towel or rag. Let the glass door dry before you continue.

Step 2 - Fill and Treat the Scratches

The first steps to removing scratches from glass doors can be time-consuming and a little tedious. You will be using your lamb's wool scrubbing pad and the whitening toothbrush.

Place the whitening toothpaste onto the scrubbing pad and begin rubbing it on the scratches. You can also use an electric buffer on medium speed. Regardless of the application, always use a circular motion when you apply the toothpaste. As you do this, you periodically want to wash away the toothpaste in order to check the progress of the scratch disappearing.

Step 3 - Wash the Glass Door with Ammonia

For this step, it is important that you maintain safety at all times. You will want to put on the protective glasses, the face mask and the rubber gloves. Measure out 2 oz. of ammonia in a measuring cup; then mix it with 2 qts. of water. Be careful not to breathe in the ammonia when you are working, even if you are wearing a face mask for protection.

Apply the ammonia water to the soft sponge and use it to wash the glass door. Use the lint-free towel to dry the glass. Check the scratches on the glass. If they are not completely gone, they should at least be less visible to your bare eye. If there is no marked improvement, the scratches in the glass door are most likely too deep to remove without the aid of a professional. If there is marked improvement, you may complete the previous steps once again until you achieve the result you desire.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Cleaning and Sealing Burford Limestone

These Burford Limestone tiles were in an old farmhouse in the village of Rendham in Suffolk. We were called in because the floor had only been laid less than a year prior and it was proving extremely difficult to keep clean. In fact you should be able to see from the photographs a number of stubborn lines and staining.

Cleaning and Sealing Limestone Tile

To thoroughly clean the Limestone tile we applied Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a strong alkaline cleaning agent; it’s important to use an alkaline cleaner as even weak acidic products will harm natural stone with continued use. We used 5 litres of Pro-Clean in total, leaving it to dwell on the surface of the tile for a few minutes before actively scrubbing the floor with a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. The scrubbing process works the solution into the surface of the tile to release the dirt. The Limestone floor was then rinsed thoroughly with water to clean and neutralise the floor and wash away any remaining cleaning fluid ready for sealing; a wet Vacuum machine really helps at this stage to suck up the water from the floor. We let the floor dry overnight and were back the next day to start the sealing process. To seal the floor we used three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a colour intensifying breathable sealer that enhances colour as well as providing durable surface protection, two litres of Colour Grow was required to cover the 25m2 area of Limestone with three coats of sealer. You can see from the photographs the improvement in the floor, plus its now a lot easier to clean.

   

Source: Cleaning and Sealing Burford Limestone in Rendham, Suffolk

7 Cleaning Uses for Baking Soda and Vinegar

Everyone is trying new ways to clean in a green manner, and 2 of the best, and least expensive, products to try are baking soda and vinegar. They are also very effective for many uses.

1 - Oven Cleaner

To remove greasy buildup in your oven, mix a cup of vinegar with enough baking soda to make a paste. Heat your oven on a low setting, then turn it off. Once the over has cooled enough to where it is just warm, and not hot, spread the paste in the oven. Allow it to sit for at least an hour. Scrape the paste off with a plastic utensil, such as a spatula. The greasy debris will come up with the paste. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any excess left behind.

2 - Cleaning Drains

To clean your drains and keep them smelling fresh, pour a 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with a 1/4 cup of vinegar. You will hear a bubbling sound, which is the reaction of the two. It is dissolving the muck in the drain. Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes to finish the job. Follow with a good rinse, allowing the water from the spigot to run hot water for a few minutes.

3 - Pet Messes

If your pet uses your carpet as a bathroom, blot the spot with paper towels. Follow with white vinegar on a soft cloth to alleviate odors, and remove the stain. Allow it to dry completely, then sprinkle baking soda on the spot. Allow it to sit overnight, and vacuum in the morning. The vinegar will take away the smell which will keep your pet from using that spot again, and the baking soda will trap any odors left over after cleaning with vinegar.

4 - Remove Stickers

To remove a decal or sticker from a new appliance, first, apply a paper towel soaked in vinegar over the sticker for several minutes. The vinegar will break down the glue for easier removal. After peeling off the sticker, use baking soda to gently remove left behind debris. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, but do rub gently, especially on plastic. Finish by rinsing.

5 - All Purpose Cleaning Solution

In a spray bottle, mix 1 quart of water, 1/8 cup of white vinegar, and a tablespoon of baking soda. Use this on kitchen counter tops and appliances and in bathrooms to clean and deodorize. Vinegar has antibacterial properties as well as keep down mold. You can also use it on outdoor furniture and car tires.

6 - Copper Pans

Copper pans are beautiful, but can become dull with use. To keep them sparkling, clean with baking soda and warm water on a cloth. This will remove any food that is stuck on, without scratching, as well as scrub away any tarnish. After rinsing, follow with rubbing vinegar on the copper. It will make the copper shine like new again.

7 - Freshen Washing Machine

To get rid of washing machine odors, run a cycle of warm water and add a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. The odors will be gone.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Clean the Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink should be one of the cleanest surfaces in our home. Unfortunately, quite often, it's full of germs. After all, the kitchen sink sees a lot of action.
We rinse our fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, and almost anything we can think of in the sink. We drain our pots and pans into it. We wash dishes, glasses, and silverware there.

Sometimes, we even toss a child or two in it for a nighttime bath. Maybe we even rinse the pet’s dishes and toys.

Unfortunately, simply rinsing the kitchen sink until it looks clean is not going to keep it germ free. Regular cleaning and sanitizing should take place in order to protect your family from germs and bacteria. Different types of sinks require different types of cleaning solutions. However, they can all benefit from a simple sanitizing procedure that works to deter germs and bacteria from taking roost.

To sanitize the kitchen sink, you have three basic options. You can purchase a commercial disinfectant and use it according to the directions on the label. Commercial disinfectants are available in most home improvement stores, discount stores, supermarkets, and online.

For ceramic and cast iron sinks, you can prepare a solution of one part liquid chlorine bleach to sixteen parts water. You cannot use this solution on stainless steel sinks. Additionally, you need to exercise caution when using a solution that includes liquid chlorine bleach. Pour it slowly and be careful not to get any on surfaces that will undergo damage.

An application of undiluted white vinegar on the sink is another option that you can use. For the best results, apply the vinegar using a clean cloth to ensure that the entire sink is treated with it.

Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel sinks should always be thoroughly rinsed after every use, not only to keep them clean, but also, to prevent potential pitting. Acids and salts can damage the finish of a stainless steel sink, so it is important to avoid leaving foods that contain these in the sink.

Mild soap and a nylon sponge can be used for daily cleaning of a stainless steel sink. Also, an all purpose cleaner or a glass cleaner can be used. Always rinse the sink clean after using a cleaner or soap and then dry it with a soft cloth.

If spots are a problem with your sink, a clean cloth soaked in vinegar can help to remove these. To keep the finish at its finest, avoid using bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners. Also, you should avoid using abrasive sponges and steel wool pads on stainless steel, as they tend to damage the finish.

Wetting the entire surface of the sink and liberally sprinkling baking soda onto the surface is the best way to deal with stubborn stains. Use a nylon scrubbing sponge to work the baking soda in and then rinse thoroughly clean.

Stubborn mineral residue can be dealt with by lining the entire sink with paper towels soaked in white vinegar. Allow the vinegar to sit undisturbed for several minutes, up to a half hour, and then toss them in the trash. Use a nylon scrubbing sponge saturated with soapy water to scrub the area clean. Rinse the sink completely when finished. Remember to dry the sink with a clean soft cloth for the best results.

Stubborn stains can be dealt with by using a commercial stainless steel cleaner according to the directions included with it. Rinse and dry the sink afterwards.

Cast Iron Sinks
Cast iron sinks should be thoroughly rinsed after each use in order to promote cleanliness. Moreover, this type of sink benefits from a thorough drying with a clean cloth after it has been rinsed. To clean a cast iron sink thoroughly, wet the entire surface and liberally sprinkle baking soda onto the sink’s surface.

Use a clean nylon cleaning sponge to scrub the baking soda onto the sink. Rinse the sink clean from all baking soda residue. Avoid abrasive cleaners when cleaning cast iron . The best way to treat stains in a cast iron sink is to avoid them in the first place. Never place any item into the sink that might leave a stain on the finish. Avoid leaving dirty dishes, pots, or pans in the sink. Additionally, do not leave tea bags, coffee grounds, or cans in the sink.

Ceramic Sinks
Ceramic sinks can easily be cleaned with a cleanser in a gel or creamy solution. This helps avoid scratches. It is important not to use abrasive cleaners on ceramic sinks. For stubborn stains, repeat the cleaning with a bit more effort. If the stain persists, remove it using a clean cloth soaked in club soda.

Faucets and Handles
Faucets and handles can easily be cleaned with a mild soapy solution. If fingerprints or water spots remain, use a clean cloth soaked in white vinegar and wipe them clean. The vinegar also sanitizes the faucets and handles.


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How To Install A Hot Tub

Knowing how to install a hot tub according to best practices will ensure that you connect your spa properly, getting the most out of everything that it has to offer as a result. You may consider having a professional on hand in case you have questions or need assistance with this labor intensive project.

Materials:

• Basic Plumbing Tools
• Concrete Foundation or Pad
• Electrical Hookup
• Gas Hookup
• Heater
• Hot Tub
• Pumps
• Water Hookup

Step #1: Choose Location

The first thing to do is to find the perfect spot for the installation of your spa. Since your filled spa is going to weigh approximately 5000lbs, you are going to want to install it on a sturdy concrete surface. You are also going to want to install your spa as close to your home as possible for the sake of convenience.

Step #2: Gather Materials

Gather all of the necessary materials and equipment before you go about installing your spa. This should include all of the water pipes that will be responsible for connecting the heater and the pumps to your spa. If you are installing your hot tub 50 feet or more away from your main source of water, you may not get enough water pressure for your jets.

Step #3: Prepare Gas and Electrical

The next step in the process is to extend both the electrical service and the gas service to reach the location you have chosen for your spa. You are probably going to need to have a dedicated electrical outlet capable of 240V in order to run the hot tub pump. Make sure to contact your gas company so that a line can be extended for heating.

Step #4: Hot Tub Assembly

Now you are going to want to assemble your spa based on the instructions given by the manufacturer. With traditional spa assemblies, this is going to mean locking in each of the wooden staves together using what is essentially a tongue in groove method of construction. Metal bands will then be fastened horizontally, which will make the tub waterproof.

Step #5: Connect Plumbing Features

Now you should connect all of the plumbing features based on the schematic that has been provided by the manufacturer of the spa. Make sure that all of the pipes, fittings and gasket are properly matched to the inventory list before you begin, and make sure as you go along that all of the connections have been made tightly.

Step #6: Test Connections

Before you add water to your finished spa you are going to want to test all of the lines, including both the plumbing lines and the gas lines to make sure that there are no leaks. Certain localities may also require that you undergo an electrical inspection before you can fill your hot tub with water in order to prevent the possibility of being electrocuted in the process.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Kitchen Countertop Options

Currently there are so many kitchen countertop options that it can become confusing to choose. Within the major options there are also sub-types to choose from.

Starting with the most simple and cheap, kitchen countertops can be classified under the following major categories:

Laminates: Made from layers of decorative and Kraft paper over a base of composite chip wood that is compressed under heat and pressure. It is the cheapest among all kitchen countertop options.

Tiles: Ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite and concrete tiles.

Solid surfaces: Man-made material without any layers. These can be worked and polished using woodworking tools. These include Corian and Avonite countertops.

Natural stone: Limestone, marble, granite or slate and granite (the most popular).

Engineered stone: Made from quartz, pebbles, polymers and epoxy.

Stainless steel: Considered the top choice for professional kitchen countertop options, this expensive countertop can be expensive.

Concrete: The latest entrant in kitchen countertop options and usually a custom surface.

Each option has unique advantages and disadvantages. Selecting a kitchen countertop largely depends on cost, durability, maintenance and ease of installation.


Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Paint over Terra Cotta Tile

Terracotta tile floors or walls are practical and these tiles may also be used to decorate various items of furniture. The surface of a terracotta tiles may deteriorate in time, especially if the tiles are kept outdoors, but you have the choice of painting over them.

what you'll need

• Mild detergent
• Brush
• Sander
• Oil based primer
• Oil based paint
• Brushes

Step 1 -- Clean and Prepare the Tile

Clean the terracotta tile, making sure to remove mold, moss or other debris. Use a mild detergent or a tile cleaner with a soft brush. Allow the tiles to dry completely before going to the next step. Use a sander and 220 grit sandpaper to remove any remains of paint, glaze or gloss from the surface of the tile. Remove the dust that forms after sanding the surface using a clean piece of cloth or a soft brush.

Step 2 – Apply the Primer

Choose a highly adhesive, oil based primer and apply it on the surface that will be painted. Apply 1 coat and allow to dry. You may also apply a second coat.

Step 3 – Apply the Paint

Get an oil based paint and apply a thin coat. Allow the area to dry and apply a second coat.


Source: www.DoItYourself.com