How to Keep Concrete Counters Clean.

How to Clean Concrete Countertops

Concrete counter tops are a strong, durable surface that’s almost impossible to scratch or dent. Still, while they’re very tough, they’re not quite indestructible. The concrete surface can stain if you’re not careful, so it’s very important to attack spills as quickly as possible to prevent stains from setting.

Here are some tips for helping you keep your concrete in tip-top shape.

What Type of Concrete Counter Top Is It?

These types of counter tops can be either porous or non-porous. Non-porous counter tops have been coated with a sealer.

The important thing to keep in mind with this kind of counter top is that although the concrete is practically indestructible, the sealer material is not and can be damaged by cleaners, sharp or heavy objects, and heat. It is always best to use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners for this kind of sealer and protect your concrete countertops.

Porous concrete counter tops, on the other hand, have not been treated with a sealer. These counter tops are the easiest to stain because of their porosity. Therefore, they might require more abrasive cleaning methods and more aggressive scrubbing or wiping. Hopefully your installer has given you advice on which cleaners to use.

As a general rule, concrete counter tops in bathrooms are almost always sealed, whereas concrete counter tops in kitchens are less frequently sealed (only most installers recommend sealants).

Cleaning Concrete Counters

Regardless of the kind of concrete countertop that you own, it’s always important to wipe them daily and deep clean them at least once a week to maintain them.

You should not use any harsh chemical such as bleach or disinfectant wipes with bleach on your concrete countertops to clean and disinfect as they will leave stains and eventually wear away the sealant. While it is recommended you reseal concrete counters every so often, using harsh cleaning products will only require you to do it sooner.

Remember, concrete counter tops are a big investment and you want to make sure to keep them looking like new for a long time.

1. Soap and Warm Water

Before cleaning or removing stains be sure to remove any dry debris. Mild dishwashing liquid can go a long way when cleaning counters. Simple soap and water are safe to use on both porous and non-porous forms of concrete.

To clean:

• Add about two tablespoons of a mild dish soap to a medium-sized container with warm water and swish to mix.
• Submerge a cloth or dish sponge in the water and give the countertop a good cleaning.
• Rinse the countertop with clean water to remove any soapy residue.

Disinfecting After Cleaning the Counters

After cleaning the countertops you can easily disinfect them using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and water. Simply mix in a spray bottle:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol

Spray the counters with the solution you just made and let sit a few minutes. With a clean towel wipe the counters dry. If you have left over disinfectant, label the spray bottle for the next use.

2. Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover

These are two other great household cleaners that can be used on concrete countertops. These cleaners are also mild and are safe for both porous and non-porous counter tops.

• Start by spraying laundry stain remover directly on the stains in your counter top
• Let sit for a few minutes
• Follow up by sprinkling some powdered detergent on the stain and waiting a few more minutes
• Finally, clean both substances with a wet cloth or towel while softly scrubbing on the stain

3. Make a Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

For stubborn or older stains, create a paste using:

• One or two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
• A cup of flour and enough water to form a paste
• Place the past directly on the stain and let it sit for a few hours: You can even cover the stain with the paste using plastic wrap over it
• Wipe the paste off with a wet cloth while scrubbing on the stain at the same time

This solution will remove very stubborn stains, but, should be used as a last resort; especially for non-porous counter tops.

4. Use PH Balanced Wipes or Concrete Specific Cleaning Products

It is important to use products that are formulated to clean concrete countertops for daily use. There are many products on the market that will clean concrete counter tops while protecting them from damage.

One of the most convenient products is PH balanced wipes. These wipes are made especially for concrete counters and are safe to use every day. They are easy to use and can help you wipe down your counters after cooking.

Keeping Countertops Clean

Waxing your countertops can help avoid tough stains and keep your them looking like new. Applying wax is easy and similar to waxing a car. The wax will act as a sealer preventing stains from setting in, making your counter tops easier to clean, and giving them a shiny appearance.

Whether you use soap and water, a paste or apply a wax, keeping your concrete countertop looking its best is critical to maintaining its appearance and protecting your investment.

Author Miguel Salcido is an experienced home remodeler. When he’s not maintaining his home, he writes for PremierVanities.com, a website selling designer vanities online.

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Reduce your Footprint: Ways to Make your Spring Clean and Green

As the weather gets warmer and the skies clear up, the remnants of winter days become noticeable. Cobwebs on the ceiling, dust bunnies on the floor, and sludge on glass windows make our homes look dowdy. It’s time to use some elbow grease and spring clean our homes.

The first step to spring-cleaning is de-cluttering our homes of all the things we’ve accumulated in the past year. Thinking about dumping all the junk on the curb for disposal makes any spring cleaning task become a guilt-ridden activity.

Who knows how many people out there can still use the things that we call rubbish? As people say, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

To keep spring-cleaning guilt at bay (and help reduce our carbon footprint), we can adopt green methods to make our homes clean and organized.

Donate Old Clothes and Other Belongings to Charity

• Clothes that no longer fit and have seen better days don’t need to end up in landfills.
• Give away baby clothes to relatives or friends who have a new addition to their family.
• By de-cluttering the closet, you not only free up valuable space, you also get to help people in need.

A homeless shelter or daycare center can benefit a lot from the old clothes. Check your local community for the nearest religious organization, Goodwill, or Salvation Army office. Make sure that the charity is 501(c)(3) registered so that you can also get a tax receipt.

Check Out Mail-Back Programs for Recycling

Mail-back programs are great for disposing old products like batteries, small electronics, and the like. All you need to do is send your stuff via mail and the recycling companies will do the rest. Note that there are certain fees involved (usually shipping related) in this kind of program and special packaging instructions that you need to follow.

Some home improvement stores will recycle light bulbs for you but they must be unbroken.

By sending your e-waste and other household products to recyclers, you help in reducing the amount of garbage that end up in landfills. In addition, some of the products we use at home contain hazardous chemicals and we are unequipped in disposing them the right way. Throwing them over fire could lead to serious damage to property and lives.

Hold a Yard Sale

When you want to make extra money out of your junk, yard sales are your best bet. Make an inventory of the items that you want to put up on sale and make sure that they are classified accordingly. If you don’t have time to hold a physical yard sale, try a virtual one. Post the items on sites like Craigslist or eBay and wait for customers to make an offer. In the meantime, pack them up in labeled boxes and store them in the garage, basement, or attic.

Get Creative

You can save a lot of money by putting some ingenuity to work and reusing common household products:

• Cut up old clothes into smaller pieces and use them as cleaning rags. You can also sew the smaller pieces together to make quilts, table runners, and pillowcases.
• Glass bottles can be reused several times. Use old glass bottles as candle holders or vases.
• Baby food jars and other small glass bottles make great containers for spices, homemade sauces, condiments. You can also use them to store trinkets, office supplies (like paper clips and staples), and nuts and bolts.
• Polish your shoes and scrub bathroom tiles with old toothbrushes.
• Re-purpose old mouse pads by cutting them into circles to serve as door and appliance stoppers.
• Cut up Styrofoam to make creative craft items. You can also use it as container for jewelry and other small items.
• Paper can be recycled into many different things — bags, paper-mâché stationery, or gift wrappers. Use old envelopes for storing receipts and coupons or for writing your grocery list. Use shredded paper to store fragile items like china, vases, and special glass ornaments.
• Convert old, worn-out tires into garden containers or a children’s swing.
• Transform egg cartons into seedling and golf ball containers. Use toilet paper tubes for craft projects.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Although there are plenty of commercial-grade cleansers that do the job, most of them contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment and to health. You can find alternative items in your kitchen that work just as well as store-bought cleansers. Vinegar and baking soda are very good in removing stains and nasty smells at home.

Do your share in protecting the environment by minimizing contribution to landfills. You’ll be surprised at how much of the items in our homes are recyclable. All it takes is a little creativity, some imagination, and a bit of patience. Happy (green) spring cleaning!

This is a guest posting from Jessica Phan at Balsamhill.com a purveyor of high-end artificial Christmas Trees.

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is perfect for her because she has a wide range of interests, including Art & Design, Fashion, Photography, Painting and Thrift Store Shopping.

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Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring cleaning can seem like a scary task at first – those mountains of clutter built up over time, and you probably can’t just sweep it all into a bag and throw it out.

These tips will help you to come up with a systematic approach to spring cleaning, making the task easier, and hopefully more appealing.

Bedrooms

Your home away from home. The bedroom is one of those places we go to relax, so clean it up and air it out and get it ready for the new season.

1. Declutter your bedside table. Put away old books, throw out old magazines, and get rid of any cosmetics that have been open for more than a year.
2. Wash the duvet cover, pillow cases, and curtains.
3. Vacuum the mattress, and turn it over.
4. Treat your carpets to a nice shampoo session with a Vax Powermax or similar product.
5. Check under the bed for any socks or other items that may be hiding under there.
6. Clean out your cupboards. Throw out any clothes that you aren’t going to wear again. If your clothes don’t fit anymore, share with someone who can wear them.

Kitchen

It’s always nice to have a clean, fresh surface to work or eat at.

1. Clean off all your work surfaces, and give them a good wipe down with an antibacterial solution.
2. Clean the oven, all trays, the hob, and the grill.
3. Disinfect the sink and the drain.
4. Mop the floor. Make sure you know the type of surface they are so you use the correct cleaning agent.
5. Empty your cupboards, wipe them down, and check all the foods – throw out anything that’s gone out of code.
6. Defrost the freezer.
7. Clean the microwave. For tough cleaning, put 1/2 of a lemon in a bowl and turn the microwave on for 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t open for 3 – 5 minutes (depending on how bad it was) allowing the food to slide off the sides.

Bathrooms

1. Clean all surfaces, and throw out any toiletries that have been open for more than a year.
2. Clean the shower head.
3. Disinfect the basin, bath, and toilet.
4. Clean and re-grout the tiles. Call in the professionals if necessary.
5. Mop the floor, use appropriate cleaners for the floors you have installed.

Living Rooms

1. Clear off the table, mantle piece, and any other areas that gather clutter and dust. Bag anything that is not necessary to have in the room; maybe it’s time to pass it on to someone else.
2. Dust the TV / DVD player / Consoles.
3. Give the carpets a thorough cleaning with a Vax Powermax.
4. Clean your sofa, and shampoo it if necessary.
5. Dust any light fittings.
6. Re-organize your DVD or Blu-Ray collection.
7. Clean the curtains.

Outside

1. Mow the lawn.
2. Wash all the windows.
3. Weed and trim the gardens and make them a conversation piece.
4. If you have a fence, make sure are solid and secure, and that any your gate are oiled and working smoothly.

General Cleaning

In each room, wipe down the inside of the windows and the window frame using a solution of warm water and white vinegar (this is NOT a harsh detergent). Dust the radiators, and make sure that they’ve been bled (this may not apply to everyone).

The above tips should cover most parts of the house. You may have your own priorities and preferences. The best thing to do is to print out a list of things that you want to get done in each room, and work systematically. Do the bedrooms one day, and the kitchen the next.

Spring cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. When you’re checking windows, radiators, light fittings, and drains, be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. It’s often during spring cleaning that problems with plumbing, wiring, or damp are spotted. It’s best to get any issues that you see fixed as soon as possible, before they grow into expensive problems.

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Carpet Cleaning 101

There are different types of stains that may mar the beauty of a good carpet. Bringing it to a professional cleaner is expensive. There are ways, however, where the stains may be removed. Some of the most common substances used in carpet cleaners are vinegar, baking soda, salt, corn starch, or through the use of other naturally occurring substances.

There are several ways that may be utilized to remove stains, so before you call the carpet cleaners, determine what type of substance produced the stain. Using a cleaning solution made from materials that will address specific types of stains increases the possibility of being able to successfully remove carpet stains.

Light Stains:

When treating light stains, a sprayer is filled with liquid that consists of equal portions of water and vinegar. This mixture is applied directly onto the stain using the sprayer. It then stays for about ten minutes. Once it is somewhat dry, a nylon brush is then utilized to clean the stain. After the stain has been brushed out, the whole area is wiped using a towel that has been dipped in the spray containing the vinegar and water mixture.

Heavy Stains:

Heavy stains need to be addressed in a more aggressive manner. The materials to be used are a half cup of salt, half a cup of vinegar, and half a cup of borax. These are mixed together to form a paste, which is applied in liberal quantities on the stained area. It is important that the stained portion is completely saturated with the paste. Allow it to set for two hours before using a vacuum cleaner to remove the paste.

Fresh Stains:

It is better to remove stains at the time they occur. It may be possible to remove stains immediately by applying a generous amount of club soda to the affected area. The whole area is then gently cleaned. The process needs to be repeated until the whole stain has been removed.

Urine Stains:

Urine stains originating from pets using the carpet as a bathroom can be cleaned using the following procedures. A dry towel is used to absorb the excess liquid urine. To one and a half quarts of warm water add one cup of vinegar. A sponge is then dipped into this mixture and applied onto the area affected by animal urine. Excess moisture is removed using a cloth until the area is dry. The area is then sprinkled with baking soda and left in place for an additional 20 minutes. This process is repeated until the stain is completely removed.

Grease Stains:

Grease stain removal requires a completely different approach. As much of the stain should first be removed using an absorbent towel. It is important not to rub the stained area. Otherwise, removing the stain will only become more difficult. Once all the grease that can be absorbed has been removed, a large quantity of corn starch is sprinkled onto the remaining stain. This is allowed to set for a full day, after which a vacuum cleaner is utilized to completely blot out whatever is left of the stain.

When dealing with stains, it is important to act quickly and correctly. The right substances should be used based on the type of stain involved. Therefore, keeping a carpet stain-free is not as difficult as some people believe.

This is a guest posting from Gin Fisher, an ex-nanny with a passion for all things neat, clean and tidy.

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How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Although Quartz Countertops are priced at $50 per sq. ft., the quantity and quality that this countertop provides you with is money well spent. Quartz countertops provides you with unbeatable performance, durability, its scratch resistance and sophisticated in appearance.

Furthermore quartz countertops require little maintenance to keep the luster and appearance looking brand new. Unlike laminate countertops, which require specific supplies for maintenance, quartz countertops can easily be cleaned daily using a sponge or cloth dipped in warm water mixed with a mild liquid dish detergent.

If you have stuck on gunk, let a bit of the water detergent solution sit for about five minutes to soften and then clean.

Cleaners you Should Avoid Using on Quartz

Like any other countertop on the market, quartz can be permanently damaged if exposed to strong chemicals. Do not use household cleansers that contain chemicals like Trichlorethane and Methylene chloride.

These chemicals are commonly found in paint removers, paint strippers and bleach and can alter the way quartz looks by etching and dulling the surface. Other cleaners to avoid include oven cleaners, dishwasher detergents, ammonia based products and cleaning products that contain high alkaline or pH levels of 8.5 or higher.

Avoid using scrubbing pads or anything abrasive to clean counters as these can also dull or scratch the surface.

Products that have oils or powders are likely to leave a residue and need to be rinsed off thoroughly. If your counter comes into contact with any of these things, rinse with water immediately which should prevent damage.

Removing Stubborn Stains From Quartz

I have yet to see a countertop that is stain proof and until one is invented we will continue to wage war on removing stains from our countertops. Whether it be a coffee, gum, nail polish, marker, glue or a food stain, quartz countertops make it easy to remove such residue.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can be used as a solvent to remove many types of stains such as: blood, marker stains, and ink. Simply dip a clean rag in a small amount of rubbing alcohol and gently apply it in a circular motion to the stain. Rinse with warm water (using a clean cloth) then wipe dry.

Using Baking Soda

To clean coffee, tea, juice or wine stains from quartz, make a paste of baking soda and warm water (about the consistency of toothpaste). Gently clean the stain, do not scrub hard, when finished rinse with water to completely remove the cleaner then wipe dry.

Heat Tolerant

Quartz tends to be more heat resistant than other stone surfaces. That does include granite, limestone, marble and others. These stones can withstand temperatures up to just under 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Countertops that are made from these stone materials can, however, be damaged with rapid temperature changes leaving etch marks and color changes to the surface. It is highly recommended you avoid placing hot pots an pans directly on your countertops. Instead use hot pads, trivets, pot holders and coasters as water rings from a glass or bottle can leave staining.

Conclusion

Cleaning daily and knowing how to clean and remove stains will keep your quartz countertops looking great for years to come.

This is a guest posting from Melanie Tavora at Countertops & Beyond, Inc.

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Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing Surfaces in the Home.

Easy Ways to Keep Your House Clean

These days, with most of the household out in the workforce, we all know what challenges are involved to keep your house in tip top shape.

No one wants to get home from a hard day at work to find a messy house that needs to be put back in order.

We all want to get home, relax and unwind from a stressful day.

Look around your house. Is it a huge mess right now and does the thought of having to clean it make your head spin?

Why not hire some professionals to come in and give it a huge “once over” and get everything shiny and clean again.

Then, after this is done, it is up to you to keep everything in that same condition from then on.

Never Let It Get Out of Hand

Okay, I know that this is easier said than done! However, would you rather do fifteen to twenty minutes of cleaning here and there or leave it all and eventually have to devote an entire day to destroying the dirt.

All it takes is a small commitment of a few minutes a day. Easy things like keeping on top of the dirty dishes in the kitchen, quickly making your bed each morning and keeping your clothes picked up off the floors goes a long way.

Maybe each night, pick a floor to vacuum, toilet to scrub or window to clean. If you spend a small amount of time to do just one or two of these things each night your house will always be clean.

It is all about picking up after yourself so it doesn’t pile up and creep up on you.

A Floor’s Best Friend, a Floor Mat

Floors get dirty. Dirt comes from mostly tracking it in from outside. To combat this use floor mats.

No exterior door should be without one. They will trap the dirt from your shoes as you step in the door and some will even “welcome” your visitors in with a nice welcome message.

Got space for a mudroom?

Maybe it is okay to have that one room in the back of the house that is for one purpose only – to be dirty.

If you have a mudroom, use it! For me, that would be using our back entrance into the house.

Our family is the only one that uses that door and it is a great place to remove footwear that could easily track in dirt from the outside.

Make Cleaning Convenient

Where do you keep all your cleaning supplies? Are they organized or are they strewn in different closets and cupboards all over the house?

Do you even know where that crevasse tool is for your vacuum?

Like I mentioned before, you want to try to do a little bit each day to make it add up to a lot over the course of a week.

Of course, if you are anything like me, the hardest part is to get started on a task (once I start, I’m good!).

To help you stay motivated, start by keeping your cleaning supplies logically organized so they are convenient for you or your family to use.

Think about where you store your cleaning supplies and keep them in places that are closest to where you are going to be using them.

Look at products like cleaning wipes, dusting brushes and other supplies to make your job easier.

Remember, it is all about making it as easy as possible to keep things clean!

This is a guest posting from Corey Palmer at Floormats.co.uk.

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Stains and Scratches can be Removed from Wood Floors with a Little Hard Work and Patience.

Tips for Cleaning Wooden Floors

1. Sweep your wooden floors often using either a soft, fine bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to minimize the chances of scratching the wood.

2. Clean up wet spills immediately. Mop up with a soft towel and then dry thoroughly, this is particularly important if you have waxed floors.

3. Use a dry damp mop for polyurethaned wood floors because otherwise excess water can seep into seams and cause irreparable damage. Go over the floor once, then rinse the mop, wring it dry and go over the floor again. Double mopping is important as it first dislodges and then dissolves the dirt. For additional shine buff the floor completely dry with a towel. If the finish has been damaged it is best not to use water at all.

4. Make sure you use a suitable cleaning product. A solution of hot water and 1 capful of plain white vinegar or another low pH (acidic) cleaner is effective on epoxy or presealed. If you are using a commercial cleaner, check first that is suitable for wooden floors.

5. If your flooring has been waxed avoid cleaning products which contain or requires water.

6. It is a good idea to lay down rugs or carpet runners to prevent damage in high traffic areas.

7. Vacuum your rugs and runners often so dirt doesn’t filter down through the weave and scratch the wood underneath.

8. It is best not to wear heavy shoes or high heels on hardwood floors as some heels can cause dents in the wood.

9. Never drag furniture or other objects across a wood floor. Instead, clean the floor thoroughly to remove dust and grit and then use ‘gliding’ pads to move the object.

10. Put floor mats at each entrance so you don’t track dirt in on shoes, preferably all shoes should be removed.

11. Scratches and dents – follow manufacturer recommendations to treat damaged areas effectively.

12. If your floor has a waxed rather than varnished finish you can apply more wax polish to improve the colour of the wood. However, it is best not to do this too often and don’t use too much wax or you can end up ruining the effect. Wax build up can look dirty and if this happens you need to strip it back and start again. Use a cloth moistened with white spirit to lift off the old wax then wipe away the residue with crumpled newspaper. When this has been done, mop the floor and apply new wax.

13. Some floors may require periodic waxing and buffing. Get recommendations from the manufacturer for the specific procedures for your floor.

This is a guest posting from James Brack at Dreamscape design.

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