Tile Caulk Cleaning and Whitening

Tile caulk is a rubbery material that is used to line the area between tiles and the edges of a bath or sink. Due to its frequent contact with water, the caulk can become moldy and discolored, giving your bathroom an unpleasant and dirty look.

Depending on the level of dirt and mildew on the tile caulk, you may be able to make it white again by following the process outlined below.

What You'll Need:

• Household bleach or bleach pen (grout and caulk repair pens)
• Old toothbrush
• Baking soda or white vinegar
• Bowl or bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Sponge

Step 1 - Assess the Situation

To determine whether the stains and discoloration on the caulk can be successfully removed by the following methods, you need to work out whether mildew is on the caulk or beneath it. If the mildew appears to be beneath the caulk then you will need to remove it and replace it. If the stains are on the caulk, then simple cleaning should get rid of them.

Step 2 - Try Baking Soda or Vinegar

Applying either a baking soda/water paste or vinegar/water solution is a gentle, natural way to start. Scrub your preferred mixture into the stains with a toothbrush. Let the caulk dry before moving on to the next step. Despite some popular but misguided advice, you shouldn't mix the baking soda and vinegar together. Their chemical structures will largely cancel out, and the resulting substance will be salty water.

Step 3 - Use Bleach

Applying a bleach solution to the caulk should help whiten the surface (though it won't necessarily kill mold or mildew, so if you suspect those are present, reach for a more standard bathroom cleaner). Put on your rubber gloves to protect your hands before mixing ¼ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Remember to open the bathroom window or switch on an extractor fan to help aid ventilation. This is necessary to prevent the inhalation of toxic fumes. You should also use eyewear to protect you in the case of splashing bleach. Apply the bleach and water solution to the caulk generously, using a sponge. Leave the solution on the caulk for around 10 minutes for the maximum effect.

Step 4 - Scrub

Scrub stubborn stains off of the caulk with an old toothbrush. Try to do this gently or you might actually scrub the caulk off. Rinse the bleach and water solution off the caulk with warm water. If you're not happy with the results, try repeating the above process.

Step 5 - Use Bleach Pens

Bleach pens or grout and caulk repair pens are another option. They're easy to get hold of and provide a fuss-free solution. Simply press the pen along the caulk, leave it for 10 minutes to set in, and rinse with warm, clean water. Repeat as necessary and let the caulk dry naturally before allowing the area to get wet again.

Step 6 - Protect Against Further Staining

The correct application of caulk and using a mildew-resistant caulk during initial installation are the best methods in the prevention of mildew growth. However, adopting the following methods is also advisable to reduce the presence of this problem in your bathroom.

Clean the caulk regularly with a mold and mildew remover spray to stop the spread of mildew spores. Turn on the extractor fan or open a window whilst using the bathroom. Ventilation will reduce the humidity in your bathroom. Once you are finished showering or bathing, dry your tiles with a towel or cloth so that mold and mildew will have less moisture to thrive on.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Clean Different Kinds of Flooring

Don’t risk damaging your floors by improperly cleaning them. You’ll wear the floors out faster if you don’t care for them correctly. We recommend giving all the floors in your home a little extra love and attention (above and beyond sweeping and vacuuming) once every few months. Learn to care for the various types of flooring in your home with this quick and easy comprehensive guide.

Porcelain Tile Floors

Cleaning porcelain tiles floors is simple. First, vacuum or mop up any surface dirt or grime. Make sure to use a tile-friendly vacuum if you choose to suck instead of sweep. After any removable debris has been removed, switch to mopping. Porcelain can be porous, so use a homemade solution instead of a harsh cleaner. Mix one cup of distilled white vinegar into a bucket of warm water and mop as usual.

Laminate Floors

While wood and laminate are very different, the cleaning process is the same. Sweep and dust the floors and remove all surface-level dirt with a cloth broom. Then take half a cup of vinegar and add it to a gallon of water. Use this solution with rags or a mop to scrub the floors. Be careful not to go overboard with the amount of liquid on the floor. For wood and laminate flooring alike, you may need to go over the floor with this solution two or three times. For laminate flooring, check to see if the floor needs aesthetic touch-ups once it’s clean.

Brick Floors

There are four simple steps to cleaning brick flooring: sweep, scrub, rinse, and dust. First, sweep the floors, then take one tablespoon of washing powder or borax and add it to a gallon of water for your brick scrubbing formula. If you want a stronger cleaning solution, use one part vinegar to fifteen parts water.

After you’ve scrubbed, let the solution sit on the bricks for a few minutes, then rinse it off completely—especially if your brick flooring is sealed. Lastly, if you have a sealed brick floor you may need to flush stuck dust with water and let it dry completely. Repeat the flushing steps until any lime and dust are gone.

Limestone Floors

Start by sweeping your limestone floors and mopping them with a gentle mop solution. Once a month, apply a limestone cleaner.

Epoxy Floors

Epoxy flooring is usually found in garages or on patios. To start the cleaning process, sweep and rinse the area with warm water. Mix 1/3 cup of dish soap in a bucket of warm water and use the solution to wash the epoxy. Using a pH balanced soap will work best on these types of floors. Watch for stains as you mop and use a rag to scrub them up before you rinse the solution off the floor.

Engineered Flooring

Start by taking anything that can be removed from the area off of the engineered floor. Then sweep or vacuum the area. Take your favorite mild cleaning solution and add it to a bucket of lukewarm water and mop the floor. Make sure your mop is damp, not dripping. After you have mopped, dry the floor with towels.

Terrazzo Floors

Sweep the floor with a cloth push broom to avoid bristle scratches. Use a gentle mop solution and a yarn-style mop to remove any dirt or grime. Then, use a steam cleaner to suck the water from the floor. Repeat this process at least twice to get your terrazzo floors fully clean.

Concrete Floors

Start cleaning your concrete floors by sweeping or vacuuming up loose dirt and dust. Then, make a mop solution and begin mopping the floor. Use a hard bristle brush to remove stuck buildup or gunk, then gently rinse the floor off with clean water. If you have a stain on your concrete, use a soft bristle to scrub.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Have you ever wondered how to clean vinyl flooring? It’s simple. Start by sweeping and mopping like normal—don't use a vacuum on this type of floor. Use a gentle mop solution and go over the floor twice. Once a year, reseal your vinyl flooring to keep the flooring looking good and functioning great.

Aggregate Flooring

Start by sweeping and mopping your aggregate flooring. When mopping aggregate, you will need to use a heavy-duty chemical cleaner. Some aggregate floors may even require the use of acid to get fully clean. Safety Note: Acid cleaners can be dangerous. Always wear protective gloves when cleaning with these solutions.

Tile Floors

Tile is an easy material to clean, which is why it is so popular in many homes. First sweep the floor, paying special attention to the groves in the grout. Make up a mop solution next using a specific tile cleaner, or a combination of water and vinegar. Use a mop or go full Little Orphan Annie on your hands and knees with a rag to get your tile nice and clean.

Sealed Cork Floors

Cleaning sealed cork floors is relatively simple. After you have swept the floor, take a non-acid floor cleaner (like one you would use on lino) and use a damp rag to wipe the floor with the cleaner. Use very little water on the rag, and then towel dry the floor before you let it air dry.

Unsealed Cork Floors

Cleaning an unsealed cork floor is a little tricky. It’s important to remember that untreated cork will warp and expand when wet, so use as little liquid as possible cleaning cork. Before you resort to washing your cork, try vacuuming it first. If vacuuming isn’t enough, use a barely damp sponge to spot treat the floor. When you dip your sponge into dish soap and warm water solution, make sure to wring it out all the way before it goes near your floor.

Ceramic Tile Floors

While you can clean your ceramic tile floors like any other tiles floors, for the best results you need to steam. You may not have a steam cleaner around your house, but renting one is often inexpensive and easy. If you don’t have means to steam, sweep and mop the floor like normal, making sure to use a gentle, tile-specific cleaner.

Flagstone Floors

Clean your flagstone floor like you would a basic tile or wood floor. Sweep and mop with a gentle cleanser, making sure not to get the floor too wet. For best results with flagstone floors though, consider sealing the floor. This will keep the floor nicer longer, and make it easier to clean.

Granite Floors

B is for blot, which is how you should always clean your granite floors. If the granite in your home is new or newly sealed, only use a dry mop on this porous flooring. If you choose to deep clean your granite, be careful. Cleaners can leave the floor streaked and can even change the color. Use a pH balanced cleaner and risk the urge to go overboard. For best results with granite, spot clean daily. Regularly buffing granite floors is also a great way to keep them looking their best.

Wood Floors

Clean wood floors much like laminates. After you have swept, prepare a gentle mop solution. The key to getting clean wood floors without damaging them is to use minimal water and to not let the water sit on the wood for long. There are several all-natural solutions when it comes to keeping your wood floor shiny after a clean. Pick a favorite and make sure to treat your wood regularly.

Marmoleum Floors

A great green flooring option, you need to make sure you use special cleaner on your Marmoleum floors. After you sweep, use a Marmoleum-specific cleaner from the hardware store on the floor. Make sure to wash the solution off completely and towel-dry the floor. Use an old toothbrush or a nylon brush to scrub in the deep grooves of this floor. Marmoleum needs to be deep cleaned twice a month.

Linoleum Floors

Sweep your linoleum floors and then gently mop them with mild dish soap and warm water solution. If your linoleum is stained, make a baking soda paste and use vinegar to help lift the stain. You can also use a scouring pad on linoleum floors to get a deep clean.

Carpet

Most homes have carpet flooring in at least one room. All carpet is different, so it’s always a good idea to know how to best treat your specific types. Regardless though, all carpet should be vacuumed several times a week—especially in high traffic areas. There are several ways to DIY carpet clean if you don’t want to pay a professional company. If you stain your carpet in between deep cleanings, spot treat immediately. As a general rule, we recommend that you keep a bar of Fels Naptha laundry stain treat on hand to use (sparingly) in carpet emergencies.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Natural vs Carbonized Bamboo Flooring

 If you’re looking for a wider variety of color shades in bamboo flooring, carbonized bamboo flooring is sure to meet your needs.

Bamboo is carbonized by undergoing a boiling process during manufacture subjecting it to high heat thus "caramelizing" the wood fibers giving it a rich brown color almost coffee-like, but available in varying shades. Natural bamboo flooring is however light-colored, typically falling between yellow and blond shades. Below is a comparison of natural and carbonized bamboo floors.

Pros of Natural Bamboo Flooring

It costs much less than the carbonized variety. This makes it easier for homeowners to achieve bamboo floors without price imposing a restriction. The natural straw color appeals to homeowners who desire the un-tampered natural bamboo color. The floor also enhances the natural lighting effect indoors which adds to the ambiance. Natural bamboo floors are also extremely durable.

Unlike the carbonized variety that is softened significantly during manufacture, natural floors are a lot harder. They can withstand heavy usage and will not easily develop dents, scratches, or other marks. You can install them in whatever area of the house you choose without worrying about the effects of high traffic. Natural bamboo flooring also holds up better to water and moisture than the carbonized variety. You can confidently use it in the kitchen or bathroom.

Cons

Dust and dirt show easily on natural bamboo floors due to the light-colored surface. This necessitates more frequent cleaning. The light color, although ideal for those who prefer the natural color shade may limit color scheme choices where décor is concerned. Generally, the darker shades of the carbonized variety give more flexibility when trying to attain the desired décor.

Pros of Carbonized Bamboo Flooring

The rich dark color of carbonized bamboo adds a luxurious and elegant touch to rooms. This helps achieve a uniquely fashionable décor for your home. You’ll find you have greater flexibility with carbonized flooring when décor changes become necessary. Due to the dark-colored floor, dirt and dust will not easily show. It makes it easier to maintain a clean and neat look for longer without frequent cleaning.

Cons

The carbonization process adds to the overall cost of the floor. This may push it out of range where the budget is tight. Carbonized bamboo floors aren’t as durable as the natural bamboo variety. The boiling process during manufacture weakens the bamboo considerably, by about 30 percent. Certain activities or heavy impacts will easily cause dents or scratches on the floor.

You need to be extremely careful when moving heavy furniture around the room. This type of floor will not hold up well in high traffic areas. It is best to use it where floor usage is not as frequent. More restrictions are associated with carbonized bamboo because it is susceptible to water. Frequent moisture or water also causes wear and tear on carbonized floors. It is best not to use carbonized bamboo floors in the kitchen or bathroom.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Wet vs Dry Concrete Grinding: Everything You Need to Know

Concrete grinding and polishing is a cost-effective and efficient way to strengthen and beautify your floor. A professional job enhances any concrete’s natural beauty, boosting aesthetics and value.

It’s also environmentally friendly, low maintenance, and sustainable. There are two main methods: “dry” and “wet.” Each has unique benefits.

Choosing the correct method is crucial for the best results. Read on to compare wet vs dry concrete grinding and find the best option for your project.

What Is Concrete Grinding and Polishing?

Concrete grinding smooths rough surfaces using heavy machinery and diamond tooling. It involves multiple stages, with polishing as the final step.

Fine discs in this stage provide excellent shine and smoothness. Grinding and polishing create an exceptional concrete surface resembling polished stone.

Benefits of Concrete Grinding and Polishing

• Durability: Polished concrete floors are strong and outlast regular floors. They handle high traffic well and resist chipping, stains, and discolouration.
• Easy to Maintain: Sweep and mop ground and polished concrete floors to keep them clean.
• Affordable: Refreshing polished concrete floors in high-traffic areas every 7 to 10 years makes them cost-effective long-term.
• Eco-friendly: Concrete grinding produces minimal waste and improves air quality by reducing mould and dust.
• Enhances Safety: Polished concrete floors are glossy and attractive, reflecting light to create a safer environment and lower lighting costs.

Difference Between Wet and Dry Grinding and Polishing

The Dry Grinding and Polish Method

Dry method of polishing involves using commercial machines to grind concrete surfaces. These machines are tailored to achieve specific levels of shine.

A coarser diamond grit is used, followed by a finer one for the final polish. Modern grinders can connect to dust extraction systems to collect dust.

The Wet Polishing Method

In the wet polishing method, water cools the diamond abrasives and captures dust in a slurry to keep it out of the air. The polishing discs have the same grit size, producing a low lustre shine.

To get a high shine, you should grind wet and polish dry. This approach helps expose the aggregate and removes a significant layer of concrete.

Pros of Wet Grinding and Polishing Concrete Floor

• Increases diamond lifespan: Wet grinding and polishing extend the life of diamond tools and allow for more aggressive grinding. They keep the tools cooler, preventing metal bonds from glazing. This results in faster cutting on medium to tough floors.
• Removes ugly scratches: Using water removes scratches from metal bond diamonds early on. This ensures a duller, easier-to-maintain shine on your floors.
• No dust: Wet grinding eliminates airborne dust, reducing the need for dust collectors, respirators, and vacuums, which lowers operation costs. Water protects users from toxic silicon particles, safeguarding their health.
• More familiarity: Wet concrete grinding and polishing came first before the dry grinding method. So, experienced contractors often prefer it, especially where water is plentiful.
• More options: The wet process of polishing produces a consistent finish in a range of flooring materials from porcelain, marble, terrazzo, quartz, limestone, travertine to the hardest granite.
• Less costly: Wet pads are usually cheaper than dry pads. They stay cool with water, preventing overheating and extending their life. This means your machine will last longer with this method.

Cons of Wet Grinding and Polishing Concrete Floor

• Leads to waste: Large jobs can waste a lot of water, especially when dry process is an option. With water costs rising, it might not be the best choice for big commercial projects.
• Lower shine: Achieving the same level of shine with wet polishing is challenging compared to the dry polishing process.  Wet polishing may not be ideal for decorative flooring or a premium shine.
• Creates a mess: The wet grinding method reduces dust exposure but creates a slurry mess that takes time to clean. Disposing the slurry can be difficult, making it inconvenient for some contractors.
• Safety concerns: The wet method of grinding or polishing poses risks, such as slipping on wet floors and electrical hazards. Proper training and safety measures are essential to avoid workplace accidents.

Pros of Dry Polishing and Grinding

• Deliver more shine: Dry polishing makes your floor shinier than wet polishing. It ensures better light reflection and a more sophisticated look.
• Ideal for a soft concrete floor: The dry polishing method is better for soft concrete. Wet polishing causes aggressive grinding, leaving gouge marks. It also hardens and condenses the slab more.
• Immediate results: With dry grinding, results are immediate. There’s no slurry mess, so workers can quickly assess and improve their work.
• Easy maintenance: With dry grinding, the machine is typically much easier to maintain, as the bearings are not exposed to wet conditions that lead to rusting and faster wear.

Cons of Dry Polishing and Grinding

• Health hazards: Dry grinding creates harmful dust. Controlling it is crucial to prevent respiratory risks.
• Added costs: This method requires purpose-built dust collectors to maintain healthy airflow, which increases equipment costs. It also consumes more energy per unit of mass.
• Risks of glazing: Using an inappropriate tool can cause overheating and glazing. It’s also not ideal for very hard concrete.

What Is the Greener Method?

The debate between wet and dry grinding continues. Dry grinding handles disposal better since it avoids slurry mess. However, slurry disposal regulations differ by state, so check your local rules.

Wet grinding tackles toxic silicon, a major environmental concern. It also eliminates dust clouds from dry polishing. Silicon dust is a big issue in the flooring industry.

Even with proper extraction, workers face significant dust exposure during dry polishing.

Most Ideal Environments for Wet or Dry Concrete Grinding and Polishing Process

Choosing the best grinding and polishing method for concrete floors depends on the environment and project needs.

Each method has pros and cons for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Knowing these differences helps contractors and facility managers make smart performance, cost, and safety decisions.

• Hospitals
• Manufacturing Plants
• Showrooms
• Schools / Universities
• Warehouses

Source: www.DCFlooring.co.uk

How to Make a Baking Soda Carpet Cleaner

 If you are not keen on using chemicals when it comes to cleaning your carpets, you will find that an effective one can be made from baking soda. By combining it with other substances, you will be able to create a cleaner that will leave no residue or harsh aromas.

What You'll Need:

• Empty spray bottle
• Funnel
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Water

Step 1 - Materials

Start by determining the quantity of carpet cleaner you will need, which will help you to get the correct amount of raw materials. For this step, you will need to think about how often you intend to use the carpet cleaner and the surface area that the carpet covers. Once you know how much you need, you will be in a position to gather all the materials that you need. An empty spray bottle can be bought from a hardware store and should be of a large enough size to hold the entire quantity of carpet cleaner. You should ensure that it can be closed with a watertight seal. Baking soda is cheap and easy to obtain, while white vinegar should be chosen over any other types as it is less likely to leave a strong odor.

Step 2 - Experiment

Depending on how you intend to use the carpet cleaner, you may find it prudent to do some experimentation on the concentration levels. For carpet cleaner that will be used on stains and heavy soiling, a mixture of straight white vinegar and baking soda will be most beneficial. However, for general cleaning, the solution can be diluted with water and still be effective. A quarter cup of baking soda should be combined with a pint of white vinegar as a base. From this point, the levels of ingredients and concentrations can be adjusted to create small test examples.

Step 3 - Test

Before committing to a combination of white vinegar, baking soda and water, you should test different examples to ensure that it works with carpet and that it does the job it is intended for. Make up different amounts by reducing the amount of ingredients to scale. Apply a little of the solution to an inconspicuous section of the carpet where cleaning is required and determine how well and how quickly it works.

Step 4 - Combine

Once you're satisfied with the levels and concentration of the ingredients, you will be in a position to combine them to make a full amount. If necessary, use a funnel to deposit the soda into the bottle. The entire quantity can be put in. If the carpet cleaner is to be diluted, the vinegar and water should be mixed together before being added to the bottle. This will create a reaction, so it should be done little by little, allowing the solution to settle between each additional amount of liquid. The spray top of the bottle can then be tightly screwed back into place before the bottle is gently dipped back and forth to thoroughly combine the components.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Best Sealers to Use When Sanding Hardwood Floors

 When it comes to sanding hardwood floors, there are a number of different sealers that you could apply when you are finished. The quality of the sealer has a lot to do with the overall performance of the wood floor after you are done refinishing it. Here are some of the best sealers that you can use when sanding a hardwood floor.

Oil-Modified Urethane

Oil-modified urethane is a type of hardwood sealer that is commonly used in the industry today. In fact, more people use this type of sealer than all of the other types of finishes that are available. With this type of urethane sealer, you can expect it to dry in about eight hours after applying it to the wood floor. You can also get this type of sealer in different levels of gloss. This type of finish is also very easy to apply to the floor.

Moisture-Cured Urethane

Moisture-cured urethane is one of the most durable types of hardwood finishes that is available. This type of finish is a little bit more difficult to apply for the average person. Professionals often apply this type of finish. One of the big benefits of this type of urethane is that it does not turn yellow or amber over time. This type of floor can also take a long time to cure depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

Water-Based Urethane

Water-based urethane is a type of finish that is considered to be a little bit nicer to work with. It will dry in as little as two hours. Water-based urethane is resistant to moisture and it is also very durable. This type of finish usually costs a little bit more than some of the other finishes that are available on the market.

Penetrating Oil Sealers

Penetrating oil sealers are another type of sealer that you could use for finishing hardwood floors after sanding them. This type of finish often comes with a color in it and is used by individuals that want to seal and stain the floor at the same time. Using this type of sealer can significantly speed up the process of staining and refinishing as everything is done in one step.

When you utilize this type of sealer, you need to put it on the floor and then allow it to absorb and penetrate down into the wood. This will fill up the pores in the wood and make it a more dense structure. Many people like this type of finish because it helps the wood become a bit harder on the surface which limits the number of scratches.

Wax

Wax is another type of finish that you could use on a hardwood floor. This type of finish has been used longer than any of the other finishes that are available. You can easily apply this to the hardwood floor and it is also one of the least expensive finishes on the market.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Patch and Repair Damaged Carpeting

 If your carpeting has suffered permanent damage due to a burn or stain, you don't have to hire a professional to repair the damage. People often hire professionals to mend damaged carpeting, and after observing the repair, they realize they could have easily completed the job in a matter of minutes.

Repairing a Burn

If you've discovered a burn, try to locate a piece of carpeting with similar wear as the area surrounding the damage. A piece of extra carpeting that was used for a runner is usually a good match for a moderately worn location.

If you don't have a piece of leftover carpeting and can't locate a match through a dealer, consider removing a section of carpeting from an inconspicuous area such as a closet. As a last resort, carpeting can be removed from under a piece of furniture that you don't plan on moving.

Begin by cutting away the damaged area with a sharp carpet knife. Cut all the way down to the surface of the padding, and remove a rectangular or square shaped piece surrounding the burned area. If the padding isn't damaged or burned, try to keep it intact.

Remove the piece you cut away, and use it as a stencil to create the patch. Pay careful attention to the direction of the pile, and trace the damaged piece on the back of the new carpeting with a marker. After cutting it out, you should have an exact replica of the damaged piece you removed.

Once you obtain a perfect fit, apply an even layer of carpet glue on the back and edges of the new piece. Carefully press it into place like a puzzle piece, and gently brush the fibers with your hand to blend and camouflage the repair. Let the glue dry for several hours before vacuuming or walking on the repaired area for best results.

Removing a Small Stain

If a small stain can't be removed with carpet cleaner, you can still get rid of it. If you have an extra piece of carpeting, or if you can obtain one from a dealer or from an inconspicuous area, it's possible to repair the damage. For best results, this meticulous method of repair should only be used for smaller stains. A larger stained area should be patched or replaced.

With a sharp pair of scissors, trim away the stained fibers, all the way down to the base of the carpeting. Once the stained fibers have been removed, trim off new fibers of the same length and shade from an extra piece of carpeting. The new fibers will be used to fill in the bare area.

Using a small paintbrush, carefully and thoroughly apply carpet glue to the bare spot. Using a pair of tweezers and a toothpick, position the ends of the new fibers into the base of the carpet until the area is entirely filled in. Allow the glue to dry completely before walking over the repair, and before vacuuming.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com