Basic Fundamentals of Carpet Cleaning.

What are the Basics of Cleaning Carpets?

The basics of carpet cleaning are pretty much common knowledge. You follow manufacturers recommendations. Vacuum regularly, clean carpet spills and stains as soon as possible to avoid permanent staining and have them professionally cleaned periodically.

Besides vacuuming regularly, it’s important to know the basics of stain removal as well as you don’t want to mar the beauty of a good carpet.

Some of the most common substances used in carpet cleaners are vinegar, baking soda, salt, corn starch, hydrogen peroxide or through the use of other naturally occurring substances.

Many stains can be removed without the need to call in the pros, as they can be expensive. So, let’s move on to the basics of cleaning carpets.

The Basics of Carpet Cleaning

Dirt damages carpet. It weakens the fibers caused by friction. If you don’t have a good quality carpet pad, even walking on the carpet can cause some damage. Walking crushes the fibers so opt for quality padding.

So how can you keep your carpets looking great for years to come? Start by vacuuming on a regular basis.

Vacuuming Basics

If your family is small and consists of two people, you can get away with vacuuming once a week. If you have a large family, you may need to vacuum two or three times a week. Add in pets and you may need to vacuum quite a few times more during the week.

1. If your vacuum has height adjustment, make sure it’s set accordingly for the carpet you are vacuuming.
2. Start vacuuming from the back of the room moving out towards the entrance. Vacuum slowly and overlap so you cover the whole floor especially in high traffic areas.
3. It’s a good idea to vacuum under furniture so periodically move furniture away from walls.
4. If you have stairs in the house, it might be a good idea to purchase a quality handheld vacuum so you don’t have to lug the upright up and down the stairs.

Steam Cleaning Carpets

If you have invested in quality carpets and padding, you should have them professionally cleaned at least once a year.

If the carpet and padding in your house are builders’ grade and hasn’t been upgraded yet, it still needs to be cleaned but to save money, you can use a rental machine. Builders grade carpets are not meant to last years no matter how careful you are.

And remember which ever method you use, keep windows open and keep rooms well ventilated until carpets are dry. No need to worry about mold or mildew happening.

Spots and Spills and Stain Removal Basics

Spots and spills and stains happen on carpets, it inevitable. Spots and spills are those you clean as soon as they happen and are easier to clean.

A stain is what occurs when a spot or spill is left to sit for a longer period of time and this can be more challenging to clean.

The Basics

The quicker you act, the more success you’ll have with stain removal.

• If a spill is solid, carefully scrape it up first.
• If it’s a liquid spill, carefully blot it dry with clean absorbent paper towels or clean rag. Repeating until no liquid is coming up.
• Do not rub as this can cause the spill to become larger and can damage carpet fibers.
• Always blot the stain, working from the outer edge in towards the middle.
• Change absorbent material as needed.
• Spot test new cleaning methods in an inconspicuous spot first.
• If you’re using a store bough stain removal product, always follow the instructions.
• After any stain removal treatment, lightly rinse with clean water to remove any cleaning residual.
• Place a clean dry towel or paper towel over cleaned area until dry.

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How to Polish Marble and avoid Etching

Marble is a hard crystalline calcite or dolomite rock that takes a high polish.

It is unparalleled in it’s beauty. Polished marble floors or countertops will look like they are wet just by the high shine possible when the stone is honed.

Marble colors vary from pure white, to pink, red to green and even blue and black. The variations are endless and are a result of mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand, iron oxides, or other minerals.

Marble is a “soft” and porous stone, which is one reason why it is so easily polished. It is prone to scratching and etching so care must be taken with every day cleaning and maintenance.

Use area rugs and floor mats in high traffic areas to reduce the risk of scratching or scuffing the beautiful stone. Always clean the floor with a pH neutral cleaner.

Highly alkaline or acidic material will actually etch or dissolve the glossy finish right off the marble. The high gloss shine will be ruined until the marble is re-polished.

Just about anything can cause marble to become stained/etched. Vinegar, tomato sauce, bleach, lemon, coffee, urine, vomit or other cleaners can ruin your marble in an instant.

Not to worry, Mrs Clean will get your marble shine and polish back on track.

Cleaning:

Regular cleaning should be done with either plain warm water or a cleaner specifically made for marble. The key is that whatever cleaner you use, it MUST BE pH neutral or you will damage the surface.

Sealing:

Because marble is porous there are tiny little pits on the surface. Sealing protects the marble from stains and scratches. You can also use an impregnator sealer which penetrates beneath the surface to help repel many liquid stains.

You need to reseal marble every 6 months to keep it stain resistant.

Re-Polishing:

When you polish marble, you are removing the damaged surface. You need to remove the surface finish down to the level of the deepest damage.

Small scratches and surface etching can be removed by hand. Larger area or deep etching require polishing pads or the services of a marble professional. The materials we use to polish marble are acids and abrasives. When these materials are used and carefully buffed onto the surface, a new mirror finish will result.

Tools Needed:

• Soft cotton towel for hand buffing light damage
• Marble polishing powder or polishing spray
• Diamond polishing pad for deep damage

Marble Polishing Process:

This process is a general guideline for re-polishing etched or worn polished marble. The actual process may vary depending on type of marble, method of application, and condition of the marble to be re-polished.

Severely damaged or worn marble may require professional restoration using diamond pads to restore the shine.

Always test a small area first to ensure satisfactory results.

1. Ensure the marble surface is clean and dry.
2. Spray 1 or 2 squirts of plain water from a spray bottle onto etched or worn area.
3. Immediately apply a small amount of polishing compound directly onto the wetted area.
4. Using soft cotton towel, buff the area until slurry becomes clear and nearly dry.
5. A Diamond Pad Polishing Kit, either hand or variable speed buffer is helpful for larger or heavily damaged areas.
6. Re-wet the area thoroughly and polish dry with an absorbent towel.
7. Repeat the process until the desired shine is achieved.

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Proper Care of Linoleum Flooring

One of the nice things about linoleum is that it’s extremely durable. In fact, it’s so durable; it’s been used as interior floor covering on battleships because it holds up.

Linoleum has been a flooring option for over 100 years and still a desirable choice today because it can last decades!

Linoleum is made from renewable materials such as: linseed oil, wood and cork dust, along with several minerals and other compounds used for the backing. It’s hypoallergenic, which makes it a great floor covering choice for people with severe allergies.

Caring for a linoleum floor involves the usual cleaning tools: A broom, a dust pan, a mop, vinegar, warm water and a bucket.

We (Mrs. Clean) are a real house cleaning company, not just a cleaning tips website. Use these tips to keep your linoleum floor clean and you’ll have a sparkling clean floor just like to pro’s do.

General Cleaning

If possible, dust mop daily to remove any dirt, a microfiber mop works great. This is one of the first steps in linoleum floor care. If daily cleaning is not possible, a weekly cleaning is recommended. Just sweep (with a soft bristled brush) or vacuum (we use a canister vacuum with hard floor attachment) to pick up any dirt and debris before mopping.

Linoleum doesn’t scratch as easily as other floor coverings, but it will scratch if treated poorly.

Mopping the Floor

Once you’ve swept and cleaned the floor of dirt and debris, it’s time to move on to mopping. We use a machine washable microfiber floor mop. The mop is reusable and is tossed in the washing machine along with our cleaning towels. It needs to air dry so don’t toss it in the dryer after washing.

For optimal mopping, use a minimum amount of water. Do not flood the floor with water. The idea isn’t to slosh a bunch of water on the floor. Think of the mop as a damp dishtowel that you use to wipe off counters.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need (and shouldn’t use) soap to mop the floors. Soap leaves a residue that can leave floors sticky and spotty.

We use vinegar at our cleaning company- not because it’s cheap, but because it’s the best thing to use, period. Plain white vinegar will cut through grease and grime better than any commercial cleaner. Plus, it’s non-toxic and a natural deodorizer.

The Process

1. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Use about 2 gallons water to 1 cups white vinegar.
2. Dip the mop in the bucket and wring well. Remember, you only need a damp mop.
3. Completely go over the floor with the mop.
4. Rinse the mop in the bucket after each pass across the floor. This way you are not just pushing dirty water across the floor.
5. If your floors are really dirty, empty the bucket and refill with clean water and more vinegar as needed.

Vinegar does not leave a residue so there is no need to rinse the floor with plain water when you’re finished mopping.

A pH-neutral product can also be purchased if you don’t want to use vinegar.

Drying the Floor

Dry the floor after mopping. Yes, dry it. Drying the floor stops water spots from forming. The water spots form because of minerals that are naturally present in the water remain on the linoleum after the water evaporates.

Linoleum really doesn’t like water being left on it. (No floors do) The floor will last longer if you do not leave water on it. You can use a towel and dry it on your hands and knees, or stand on a clean towel and shuffle your feet around the floor.

We use a Sh-mop to dry the floor. It’s basically a terrycloth towel at the end of a handle that you can use to dry the floor quickly. The terry cloth comes off the base and you run it through the washer and dryer.

We use it only to dry the floor, but you can use a sh-mop to both mop AND dry the floor. As long as you have enough of the terry cloth towels to put on the sh-mop you’re good to go!

Heavy Duty Linoleum Floor Cleaning

Some linoleum floors have patterns where dirt and grime can accumulate. If the etched detail in your linoleum is looking a little grungy, you may need to get down on your hands and knees with a toothbrush, soft nylon brush or grout brush to scrub. Just don’t use anything sharp and a gentle scrubbing will work just fine.

Start with a clean bucket of water and vinegar (recipe above) and dip the brush into it. Scrub the detailed areas until the dirt is loosened and then wipe with a clean rag. Caring for your linoleum floor will be much more rewarding if you keep the entire floor clean and bright.

Polishing Linoleum Floors

As long as the floor has been well cared for, floor polish isn’t really necessary. But if so desired, polish can be added for extra protection. There are many commercial floor polishes on the market. See what the manufacturer suggests.

Linoleum Floor Care Tips

Use furniture pads under chairs to avoid scratches and don’t let water stand on floor as it will damage the floor.

Do not use ammonia on the floor as it can strip the polish.

To keep the floors looking nice all the time, keep doormats or rugs in entryways to avoid scratches from dirt on shoes. Do not use a rubber backed rug as this can stain the floor.

Removing Scuff Marks from Linoleum Flooring

Even though linoleum can withstand high amounts of foot traffic, scuff marks do happen. There are a few options to remove scuff marks easily. Whichever option you use, be sure to clean, rinse and dry the floor when done.

1. A clean pencil eraser can help remove scuff marks.
2. Clean Magic Eraser. Keep wet and lightly clean. No need to rub hard.
3. Rub a light coat of baby oil or WD-40 on the stain.

With these cleaning tips, your durable linoleum floors can last lifetimes.

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How to Clean Wool Rugs

The first step to cleaning your wool rugs is the vacuum them regularly to remove dirt, sand, dust, leaves and all of the other icky stuff we track into our homes every day.

If you can, lightly vacuum them every day. Use a vacuum with a strong beater brush. This will ensure the fibers are being separated and that any ground-in dirt that has accumulated at the bottom of the rug will be picked up.

Don’t sprinkle a commercial deodorizer on a wool rug before vacuuming. If you need to remove odors, sprinkle baking soda on the rug and let stand for 15 minutes before vacuuming.

Cleaning Delicate or Handmade Wool Rugs:

Steam cleaning is usually the recommended method of cleaning delicate, handmade wool rugs. Handmade rugs are not as durable as those made by machine and must be treated with care. Steam won’t harm a handmade rug as long as it is applied properly. To steam clean your rug, you’ll need to rent a steam cleaner if you don’t have one. Follow the directions exactly, as using an incorrect mixture of detergent and water will more than likely damage your rug.

Cleaning Durable or Machine Made Wool Rugs:

If your wool rug is a durable, machine-made rug, you can clean it outside on your patio with cool water, a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush. First, however, vacuum the rug as outlined above to remove all dirt particles from the top layer of the fibers and from deep within the rug. Then:

• On a sunny day, take the carpet outside and lay it flat on the patio
• In a small bucket, mix a gallon of warm water with a tablespoon of neutral pH soap
• Dip the soft-bristled brush into the solution and shake to remove excess liquid
• Gently brush the rug
• Allow the rug to dry out of direct sunlight

Don’t use a sponge on a wool rug unless it’s an all-natural one that has not been dyed to change the color. The dye may stain the rug when the sponge gets wet. Some sponges also crumble when used on fabrics like wool, which means you’ll have sponge detritus covering your wool rug.

Don’t scrub the rug to avoid damaging or fraying the carpet fibers. Wool shrinks when exposed to heat. Keep the rug out of direct sunlight.

Coffee, Tea and Urine Stain Removal:

To remove coffee, tea or urine stains, you can use a mild, pH neutral soap mixed with distilled white vinegar and water. Always be sure to test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet first before applying it to a larger area.

• Start with a 2:1 mixture of water and vinegar (2 cups of water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar)
• Add 2 tablespoons of the mild, pH neutral soap
• Dip a clean, lint-free cloth or chamois into the bucket and squeeze to remove excess liquid
• Lightly dab and blot the stain – don’t rub it
• Lay paper towels or a clean cloth over the area and allow it to dry

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Cleaning Parquet Wood Floors

Parquet floors lend warmth to your home that other types of flooring just can’t match.

While most new floors are either regular hardwood or laminate, older homes often feature intricate parquet style floors, which are made up of smaller pieces of wood fit together in regular patterns or inlaid around the edges of a room.

If you know how to keep them clean and looking their best, parquet ages well and the wood floor can really be a showpiece in your home.

There is a reason why wood floors continue to be so popular, even with so many other choices available to today’s homeowners. The warmth, comfort and durability they offer is unmatched by vinyl, carpeting or tile and they really stand the test of time with the right care.

Different Cleaners For Different Types Of Wood Finish:

You might not know what kind of finish the floor has it has, and before you can clean it properly, you need to know what kind of protective coating it has.

Older floors often have shellac, varnish or a wax finish while newer installations have polyurethane.

The cleaning process for the two types of finish are different, so your first step is figuring out what’s on there. A cotton ball and some rubbing alcohol will give you the answer you need.

Identifying The Finish Of Parquet Wood:

1. Soak the cotton ball in rubbing alcohol
2. Pick an inconspicuous spot on the floor and rub it with the alcohol soaked cotton ball
3. If the cotton has some color and the spot is sticky, you’ve got shellac or varnish. If the cotton is clean and the floor feels the same, you’ve got polyurethane.

Deep Cleaning your Wood Floor:

Because parquet floors are made up of individual tiles, and those tiles are made up of smaller pieces of wood, it can attract and hold grime and dirt more than other types of flooring.

A good, deep clean is a great start to keeping your floor looking good.

Cleaning Basics:

• Choose a cleaner that is compatible with your type of wood finish. Picking the wrong kind of cleaner can leave your floor looking dull and dingy instead of shiny and clean.
• If you’ve got a polyurethane finish on your parquet floor, pick a cleaner made for finished wood floors-without a wax component.
• If you’ve got an older wood floor with a varnish or other finish, you can use an oil based product that will work with your finish.
• Using a soft cloth or a mop, clean the floor. Take special care with especially soiled areas.
• Even if you normally choose to mop the floor, you may want to get down on your hands and knees for the deepest clean between the tiles.
• After mopping, be sure to dry the floor and not let water sit on the surface. If water gets under the tiles, it can loosen the floor or expand the wood which leads to ugly cracks.
• Drying the wood floor will stop water spots from forming as the water evaporates from the parquet.

Keeping Parquet Wood Floors Clean:

Here are some tips for keeping your wood floor looking its best:

• The best thing you can do for your parquet wood floors is to keep it as clean as possible.
• Sweeping, using a dusting sweeper or vacuuming will keep any surface dust and grime from getting set into the wood and making it lose its shine.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen and your floor will keep looking good with very minimal maintenance.
• For regular cleaning, don’t use more than a damp mop because moisture and water aren’t good for wood floors of any kind, but may be particularly harmful for parquet floors because they are made up of smaller, thinner pieces of wood than traditional hardwood floors.

Take care of your parquet and you will enjoy them for years to come.

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How to Clean Pergo Laminate Floors

Pergo is most recognized brand name in laminate floors.

Because it was the first company to introduce the concept of laminate to the United States in the late 1970’s, many of us have come to use the brand name as its meaning, the way we do with Band-Aids or Ziploc bags.

So, when you hear Pergo, it could actually mean laminate flooring manufactured by the company of the same name or it could refer to any number of laminate floors made with the same process.

Essentially, the floors are made of several layers of compressed wood and other materials that make up the floor boards. Because of the way they are made, they are incredibly durable and resist both stains and damage-even under the harsh circumstances your family can dish out.

Matchbox cars and roller skates are no match for Pergo floors; that is for sure. When it comes time to clean the floors, there are some important things to remember.

Dust Mopping

Both durable and easy to care floor, keeping pergo laminate floors looking their best does require one important thing: regular dust mopping.

Simply running a dry dust mop over your floors is the best method to keep dirt and dust from getting ground into the planks, which can take the shine off of those beautiful floors.

Everyday Floor Cleaning

Pergo and other laminate floors are so simple to keep clean, but they don’t repel dust, so you might just spend the most time keeping the dust at bay. A damp mop, or a swiffer sweeping will keep the dust under control.

A vacuum set for hard surfaces will also remove any dust that is collecting on your floor. Pergo brand floors have a special surface protector that keep dust from penetrating and ruining your floors.

When mopping is necessary a simple solution of water and vinegar (a gallon of water to 1 cup of vinegar) will clean the surface without damaging it.

Cleaning Up Spills

In most cases, pergo laminate floors, as with any wood floors, require quick action when a spill occurs. The number one thing to remember is: liquid is the enemy and time is of the essence.

1. Use an absorbent cotton or terry towel.
2. Absorb as much of the liquid as possible.
3. Use a clean cloth with warm water. Wring out the cloth so that it is damp not wet.
4. Clean the area.
5. Dry immediately with a clean towel.

Cleaning Up Sticky Spills

Sticky substances may need to be spot cleaned with more than just plain water.

1. Add a small squirt of dish soap to a clean container of warm water.
2. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and wring out.
3. Spot clean the area until it is no longer sticky.
4. Use a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
5. Dry immediately and completely with a towel.

What to AVOID when Cleaning Pergo Laminate Floors:

Pergo floors, along with other types of laminates, are very hard-wearing but there are some things you will want to avoid if you want to keep your floor looking its best.

You don’t want to ruin the beautiful finish of your floor by choosing the wrong type of cleaning agent, which could ultimately dull or even remove the finish of the floor.

Keeping the right kind of cleaners on hand will help you take the best care of your floor and make it last longer and keep looking as good as when it was first installed.

1. Don’t use any types of cleaners with wax. Wax creates a build-up on the surface of laminate type floors and will make the finish look dingy and dull.
2. Avoid soaps or soap containing cleansers. These, too, can dull the finish of your floor and result in nasty build-up that will ruin the sparkling look of your laminate floor.
3. Never, ever sand your laminate floor. Wood floors, even those with a polyurethane finish, can often be sanded down and repaired, but laminate cannot and should not be sanded due to the multi-layer construction of the floor.
4. When you sand a wood floor, you are just sloughing off the first of many, identical layers. Sanding your laminate will expose one of the less attractive underlying layers.

Damaged Floors

If your floor should chip or be damaged, you can go back to your Pergo retailer for some finishing putty to repair small bumps and chips.

For large jobs, you should contact a Pergo installer who can help you replace any boards that may have been damaged.

With the right care, you can enjoy your Pergo floor for many years to come.Laminate floors have the same character and warmth as wood floors, but without the headache of dealing with wood floor maintenance.

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How to Remove Candle Wax from Carpet

Candles can make your home feel warm and inviting; they can fill your home with your favorite scent from cinnamon buns to evergreen and floral scents. Candles can also make a royal mess if you knock one over and the wax stains the carpet.

Anyone who has burned a scented candle, or even had taper candles on the dining room table knows that the possibility of a mess is always there.

Even when you are careful, accidents can happen and before you know it, your gorgeous apple scented candle is a puddle of wax on your carpet.

Whether it’s the cat, the kids, yourself or your husband who made the mess, it’s something to worry about getting cleaned. Before you worry too much, take a deep breath – because it can be cleaned.

Precautions

Candle wax isn’t too hard to remove from carpeting, as long as you take your time and know how to attack the problem.

As soon as the spill happens, resist the urge to wipe up the hot wax; you will only end up spreading it around and making a larger mess. Let it harden completely first so it will be contained to its original size.

Remove as Much Wax that Comes Up Easily

As I mentioned, let the wax harden. An ice treatment can help here, I mean this literally. Take a few ice cubes and place them in a plastic lunch baggie or gallon sized baggie (whichever will cover the spilled wax). In a matter of 5 minutes or so this will turn the melted wax into a solid and turn it slightly brittle. This will make it easier to remove in pieces.

Be careful you don’t just pull and pull the wax from the carpet as this can damage the fibers. Carefully pick the wax off with a dull knife and your fingers.

Once you’ve gotten up as much wax from the carpet as you can there will be some little particles of wax left, vacuum the area. If you vacuum and notice you can get more wax up, do so then vacuum again.

Removing the Remaining Candle Wax

There are a couple different things you can try depending on the amount of wax on the carpet.

Method 1 – Blow Dryer

If there is just a small amount of wax a blow dryer can work nicely.

• Get a damp cloth and place over the remaining wax.
• Turn the blow dryer to a medium temperature and hold it close to the damp cloth so it will melt the wax and absorb into it.
• Change to a new section of cloth as needed and repeat until gone.

Method 2 – The Iron

Follow the steps for icing and removing as much hardened wax as you can. This is similar to the blow dryer method only we’re using the iron.

• Get a damp cloth, large enough to completely cover the stain and then some, you do not want the heat of the iron directly touching the carpet as it can damage the fibers.
• Turn the iron to a medium setting, place it on the damp cloth, and move it over the stain to draw the wax out of carpet.
• Repeat as needed.
• Change to a new section a cloth as needed.
• If cloth dries out, rewet it as needed. Replace with a new one if necessary.

Removing Any Remaining Color from Wax Stain

There are times when the pigment color from the candle may not be fully absorbed. If this should happen, here are a couple of things you can try:

1. Solvent cleaners like Goo-Gone or Goof-Off are very effective at removing all kinds of stains, but should be used carefully.
2. Be sure not to rub too hard when using them or you could cause damage to the carpet fibers.
3. OxiClean mixed with water or Dawn dish detergent can also help remove any color that remains.
4. 3% Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing dye stains. Test in inconspicuous spot first. Pour full strength onto the dye stain and let dry naturally. If the spot has lightened, repeat. Hydrogen peroxide will not damage the carpet fibers and does not need to be rinsed out.

After cleaning the carpet, it will be damp for a time, cover with a clean towel until dry then vacuum.

Cleaning up a wax stain can actually be a pretty simple problem to fix. As long as you act quickly and correctly, your carpet will look good as new.

If you are concerned about the spill or staining, you could call a professional carpet cleaner, but in most cases, it’s the perfect DIY cleaning job.

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Tips for Cleaning Drywall from Carpets.

How to Clean Drywall Compound from Carpet

I couldn’t wait to see my new living room. I opened the door, anxious to see the job all finished, and couldn’t believe my eyes: the construction workers had tracked drywall compound throughout the entire lower level.

My rugs were a mess. Sure, the walls and new opening looked great, but all I could see were white mud marks all over my floors!

Thankfully, our contractor sent in some professionals to clean up his worker’s mess and even offered to cut a few hundred dollars off our remodeling bill to make amends.

As the cleaners got to work I took notes. After all, who knows when we’ll find ourselves in this same mess again? While watching them remove the drywall compound, I learned a few tips I’d like to share with all of you do-it-yourselfers out there.

For future reference, whatever it is that is laid down to cover carpets, if it is not large enough for the space, be sure it is either overlapping or tapped to avoid a mess. And. Not just the carpet but from the point of entry to the room where work is being done.

Workers can slop and step on paint, compound or other materials they are using and track it around so be sure all areas are covered to keep things clean.

Cleaning Tips for Removing Drywall

Since drywall compound is water based, it is generally pretty easy to get off of your carpets, and thankfully, rarely leaves any lasting damage.

Even ground in mud can be removed with some patience and elbow grease. Of course, some jobs are easier than others and even though drywall compound can be removed, you may need to try a few different tactics.

1. If there are larger clumps you may need to break them up into small clumps using a hammer or something similar. Cover the area first so you don’t end up getting the carpet dirty from dirty tools.
2. Vacuum with a shop vac.
3. For remaining compound, try a spatula and carefully swipe back and forth to break up more than vacuum again. Do be too aggressive and rub too hard as you can damage the carpet fibers. Repeat as needed.
4. When you have broken up and vacuumed up as much as you can (and if needed) take a damp clean rag and blot remaining compound. Keep the rag moist and blot until gone.
5. Cover with a clean towel until dry then vacuum.

When cleaning drywall compound off carpet, take your time and remember, at least it won’t stain the carpet since the mud is colorless. With patience, your carpets will be looking better than ever in no time.

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How to Clean Cork Floors

Cork floors, often overshadowed by its popular counterparts such as vinyl and hardwood, is a misunderstood gem. Contrary to the misconception that paints it as inferior, cork flooring has many benefits.

Cork flooring has emerged as a favorite among the environmentally conscious, harnessing the renewable potential of cork oak trees flourishing in the Mediterranean.

Cork is the bark of the tree that splits from it naturally every 10 years or so. This cork that is used in floors is the same type of cork that comes in a wine bottle.

While cork may seem soft, especially after it’s removed from a wine bottle, it’s actually a very durable substance. After it’s made into floor tiles, it’s treated so its durability and functionality are increased.

Cork is as durable as most hardwood and laminate flooring, but it does require occasional buffing and sealing.

Pros of Having Cork Floors

• Eco-friendly
• Antimicrobial
• Hypoallergenic
• Affordable
• Soft comfortable flooring
• Noise insulator

Cons of Having Cork Floors

• Needs to be sealed yearly if not more often. If not sealed, it will result in more wear and tear of the finish, making it much easier to damage the flooring.
• Direct sunlight can fade flooring.
• It is not moisture resistant.
• Prior to laying a cork floor you must check sub-floor for moisture.
• Susceptible to damage by pets or if not kept clean.

Maintaining Cork Floors

• You must sweep or vacuum at least once a week; daily if there is a lot of foot traffic, to remove sand, dirt and grit. These can mar and scratch the surface.
• Cork, just as every other floor, should have spills cleaned up immediately. It’s very important to not allow any liquid or highly acidic foods like tomatoes to sit on the floor for any length of time
• Cork should be mopped regularly. It’s important to use a soft mop, no hard bristles or scrubbers allowed.
• Door mats inside and outside of entry points are important to keep debris from the bottom of shoes from transferring onto the floor.
• Shoes should be taken off at entry points to keep the floor from being damaged.
• Add felt buttons to the bottom of furniture.
• Do not apply too much water when cleaning.
• If you have pets, be sure to keep water bowls on a mat to keep the floor from getting to wet.

How To Clean Cork Floors

To preserve the longevity and beauty of cork floors, it is essential that they must be kept clean. Cork tiles are usually treated with one of two finishes: Wax or polyurethane. Regardless of which kind of finish was used on your tiles, the initial cleaning steps are the same.

When cleaning these floors, do not apply too much water as this can get between the planks and cause possible mold issues. Floors should be dried after cleaning to avoid water marks or puddles of water.

Cleaning Steps

1. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon warm water and place it on something to keep the floor dry when wringing out the mop.
2. Using a microfiber mop, dunk it into the pail and wring thoroughly to remove excess water. You do not want to splash or pool water on the floor.
3. Place the microfiber mop on the floor and move about in a circular motion.
4. Repeat the process over the floor, rinsing and wring the mop completely.
5. Allow to air dry or dry it with a soft cloth or chamois.

For Wax Sealed Cork Floors

Although cork floors with a wax finish are highly durable and resistant to scratches, they do need to be re-waxed at least every six months and possible more depending on the traffic in your household.

Deep Cleaning a Cork Floor

Again, before mopping the floor, be sure you have swept or vacuumed the floor to remove any dirt or debris.

Occasionally, you will need to use more than water to clean the floor. Use a pH-Neutral cleaner and following manufacturer recommendations.

Always Follow the Manufacturer’s Directions

Just as you would with other specialty flooring such as wood, laminate or vinyl, always make sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s directions when cleaning cork tile floors. Improper cleaning can lead to a dulling or deterioration of the finish. Never use harsh, abrasive cleaners.

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Cleaning Vinyl Floor Tile

To the untrained eye, vinyl floor tile can look like stone, ceramic or wood.

The beauty of cleaning vinyl floor tile is that it is much easier. Plus, it’s amazingly durable and much less expensive than real stone, ceramic or wood. Some vinyl tiles can be installed with grout, others don’t have to be.

Sweep Floor Regularly:

Vinyl floor tiles should be swept regularly to remove food, dust and everything that gets tracked in from outside.

Small, gritty dirt can scratch the tiles if it gets caught and dragged across the floor on a shoe or furniture foot.

If you have a floor attachment for your vacuum, you can vacuum the tiles instead of sweeping them.

Wash with Warm Water:

Most of the time, you shouldn’t need to use anything but warm water when cleaning vinyl floor tile. Simply fill a bucket with warm water and use a damp mop to remove dirt that wasn’t picked up with the broom or vacuum.

Make sure the mop is damp and not wet. If you see water on the floor, you’re using too much.

Regular Cleaning:

Vinegar is the preferred cleaner for vinyl floors. You shouldn’t use soap or detergent on the floors unless you have grease or oils that need to be stripped from the floor. Use a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon warm water. Vinegar will also disinfect, deodorize and sanitize the floor.

If you have pets or small children, you may want to consider cleaning the floor with vinegar on a regular basis.

Heavy Duty Cleaning:

If the floor is exceptionally dirty – a food spill has taken place, mud has been tracked in, etc. – add a teaspoon or two of a neutral pH cleaner to a bucket of warm water.

A neutral pH cleaner won’t strip the finish off the floor. If the finish is stripped, the floor will appear dull and the deeper layers will be unprotected from spills and stains.

Removing Dirt from Pattern Crevices:

This is the difficult part of cleaning vinyl floor tile.

If you sweep and mop your vinyl tiles regularly, you should be able to keep at least some of the dirt out of the crevices. But over time, it’s impossible to keep it all out.

To get the tile crevices clean you’ll need:

• A bucket with a 1:1 warm water and vinegar mixture
• A toothbrush
• A clean rag
• Knee pads

Start in one corner of the room and work your way through all of the tiles one by one. Dip the toothbrush in the bucket and scrub in all of the crevices.

Dip the rag in the bucket to wipe the area you’ve scrubbed with the toothbrush. If you have sensitive knees, wear knee pads (available at any hardware or sporting goods store). Be patient and work hard. Sometimes cleaning vinyl floor tile isn’t easy, but the floor will look great when you’re done.

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