Microfiber mops are excellent for daily use on all sorts of hard floors. I have the ACT Natural microfiber mop which comes with a heavy duty, ergonomic telescoping handle/mop holder, two microfiber mop heads - one for dry, one for wet cleaning. I've had mine for over 5 years and it's still going strong!
The Mop handle is highly adjustable. Unlike the cheap disposable dusting mops, this one will last for years and you won't have to bend over and give yourself a backache or press hard (risking bending or breaking it) to use it. It bends and swivels to get into corners and under furniture. And, you don't have to buy expensive disposable cleaning cloths that are environmentally unfriendly and that smell of noxious chemicals.
The dry microfiber mop head is used to dust mop the floor or "sweep" it. The microfiber is super absorbent and draws dust to it like a magnet. It can be washed up to a thousand times and reused, making it an economical and environmentally responsible choice.
The wet microfiber mop pad is used for damp mopping hard floors. My floors look great after using it with only water. If they're really dirty, I might pretreat with a tiny spray of non toxic cleaner.
Microfiber mops work well on any hard flooring surface: tile, laminate, hardwood, linoleum, vinyl, marble, etc. They make mopping so easy since all you have to do is wring out the mop head in hot water, affix it to the holder (it has velcro on the back) and mop. No rinsing needed. You don't even have to use soap or a cleaning product if you don't want to, which is a huge plus if you have kids or someone in the house with allergies or chemical sensitivities. No mop bucket or dirty water to lug around either. Microfiber mops are so easy to use, even my kids can push them around their floors.
Amazingly, microfiber is even antimicrobial since it absorbs so much. Studies have shown that a surface is 99% free of germs after cleaning with microfiber.
My microfiber mop has saved me lots of money over the years.
Interestingly, the Queen of Clean, Linda Cobb recommends these products. That's where I first heard of them. You can buy microfiber mops on Amazon.com
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
How To Choose The Best Vacuum Cleaner
How To Choose The Best Vacuum Cleaner
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your home can make all the difference in the beauty and the life of your carpet. Vacuuming thoroughly once a week (daily if you have pets or kids!) does much to keep your carpet looking good and lasting longer. Of course, this blog is all about hard flooring. Keep in mind that a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar shouldn't be used on hardwood floors, as it can cause scratching. For laminates it's usually fine, but do check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Here are five of the top rated vacuum cleaners so that you can compare and contrast the various types to ascertain the best one for you.
For best value, many users claim the Eureka 4870 is the best. This is an upright vacuum cleaner which claims to be a better cleaner, especially on carpets than its more expensive counterparts. With attachments and a sealed filter, this 21 pound unit tends to be more difficult to push than others. Bag changes are needed, but for the price of $150.00, it’s affordable.
Touted as the best self-propelled upright vacuum, Kenmore’s Progressive comes in at $280.00. Due to the brush roll which propels the vacuum across the floor, there is less difficulty pushing it than other vacuum cleaners. Also weighing around 20 pounds, this upright also has a bagless feature, and works well on stairs and upholstery.
The Hoover EmPower is a budget bagless vacuum cleaner. Priced at $100.00, it collects dust in a removable bin which saves you from having to buy replacement dust bags. This well known company has had outstanding vacuum cleaners for years and years, and this one is no exception. With five settings, a fold down handle, and a pet hair cleaning tool, this durable cleaner, although not as noise free as other vacuums, still receives high marks.
Much has been made of the Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner. This is a high end product and costs approximately $500.00. The Dyson is a well constructed, high tech vacuum which now comes in four versions. Although the Animal is getting the best reviews, there seems to be a question as to its durability. The Dyson doesn't do so well in Consumer Reports reviews, however.
Finally, if you are in the mood to buy something whimsical, for $150.00 you can purchase the iRobot Roomba. While it is not as good as a traditional vacuum cleaner, reviewers have claimed it does do the job. Because it can fit into places most conventional vacuums cannot, most owners enjoy this fun item for light vacuum cleaning. While paying $200.00 for a gadget that moves around your home on its own may be fun to watch, it may be a good idea to wait until the price comes down – way down, before you invest in this type of vacuum cleaner. Or you could get a remanufactured one and save a few dollars: Remanufactured iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot with Scheduler
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your home can make all the difference in the beauty and the life of your carpet. Vacuuming thoroughly once a week (daily if you have pets or kids!) does much to keep your carpet looking good and lasting longer. Of course, this blog is all about hard flooring. Keep in mind that a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar shouldn't be used on hardwood floors, as it can cause scratching. For laminates it's usually fine, but do check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Here are five of the top rated vacuum cleaners so that you can compare and contrast the various types to ascertain the best one for you.
For best value, many users claim the Eureka 4870 is the best. This is an upright vacuum cleaner which claims to be a better cleaner, especially on carpets than its more expensive counterparts. With attachments and a sealed filter, this 21 pound unit tends to be more difficult to push than others. Bag changes are needed, but for the price of $150.00, it’s affordable.
Touted as the best self-propelled upright vacuum, Kenmore’s Progressive comes in at $280.00. Due to the brush roll which propels the vacuum across the floor, there is less difficulty pushing it than other vacuum cleaners. Also weighing around 20 pounds, this upright also has a bagless feature, and works well on stairs and upholstery.
The Hoover EmPower is a budget bagless vacuum cleaner. Priced at $100.00, it collects dust in a removable bin which saves you from having to buy replacement dust bags. This well known company has had outstanding vacuum cleaners for years and years, and this one is no exception. With five settings, a fold down handle, and a pet hair cleaning tool, this durable cleaner, although not as noise free as other vacuums, still receives high marks.
Much has been made of the Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner. This is a high end product and costs approximately $500.00. The Dyson is a well constructed, high tech vacuum which now comes in four versions. Although the Animal is getting the best reviews, there seems to be a question as to its durability. The Dyson doesn't do so well in Consumer Reports reviews, however.
Finally, if you are in the mood to buy something whimsical, for $150.00 you can purchase the iRobot Roomba. While it is not as good as a traditional vacuum cleaner, reviewers have claimed it does do the job. Because it can fit into places most conventional vacuums cannot, most owners enjoy this fun item for light vacuum cleaning. While paying $200.00 for a gadget that moves around your home on its own may be fun to watch, it may be a good idea to wait until the price comes down – way down, before you invest in this type of vacuum cleaner. Or you could get a remanufactured one and save a few dollars: Remanufactured iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot with Scheduler
Best Way to Clean a Ceramic Tile Floor
Best Way to Clean a Ceramic Tile Floor
Cleaning my ceramic tile floor is definitely not on my list of favorite things to do! But, it needs to be done periodically in order for my kitchen to look its best. Here are some tips on the best way to go about it.
The area that is really tough to clean is the grout. It seems to attract the most oil, dirt and grime in your bathroom or kitchen. Okay then, put on a pair of rubber gloves and let’s get to it!
If you have a small bathroom, you may want to turn on the overhead fan; keep the doors open and wear a mask if you have to. It tends to get quite hot in there when cleaning.
Spray a cleaning solution on the grout and wait a couple of minutes. With a scrubbing brush and hot water, start cleaning it. This will require some kneeling and scrubbing, so ensure you place a rolled up towel under your knees or they'll be sore.
Stop and take a look. Does the grout look clean? If not, you may have to resort to more desperate measures. Do not use chlorine bleach! It is not safe to breathe in and you can become sensitized to it and become allergic. It can cause breathing problems, and the fumes can be hazardous to your pets as well.
There is one excellent cleaning product for ceramic tile that is non-toxic, and is perfect for grout cleaning, it’s called oxygen bleach. Bi-O-Kleen Oxygen Bleach is quite effective and safe. It comes in powder form and when mixed with water it removes all of the stains to produce a clean and undamaged grout. Moreover, there are no fumes or toxins to contend with. Simply apply the bleach and let it sit for thirty to sixty minutes. Then scrub the grout lightly and Voila!
If you have ceramic tile in your kitchen or counter top, you can use the oxygen bleach there as well. Users have raved about this product, so make it easy; chemical free; and pain free during spring cleaning and utilize these tips for cleaning ceramic tile.
Cleaning my ceramic tile floor is definitely not on my list of favorite things to do! But, it needs to be done periodically in order for my kitchen to look its best. Here are some tips on the best way to go about it.
The area that is really tough to clean is the grout. It seems to attract the most oil, dirt and grime in your bathroom or kitchen. Okay then, put on a pair of rubber gloves and let’s get to it!
If you have a small bathroom, you may want to turn on the overhead fan; keep the doors open and wear a mask if you have to. It tends to get quite hot in there when cleaning.
Spray a cleaning solution on the grout and wait a couple of minutes. With a scrubbing brush and hot water, start cleaning it. This will require some kneeling and scrubbing, so ensure you place a rolled up towel under your knees or they'll be sore.
Stop and take a look. Does the grout look clean? If not, you may have to resort to more desperate measures. Do not use chlorine bleach! It is not safe to breathe in and you can become sensitized to it and become allergic. It can cause breathing problems, and the fumes can be hazardous to your pets as well.
There is one excellent cleaning product for ceramic tile that is non-toxic, and is perfect for grout cleaning, it’s called oxygen bleach. Bi-O-Kleen Oxygen Bleach is quite effective and safe. It comes in powder form and when mixed with water it removes all of the stains to produce a clean and undamaged grout. Moreover, there are no fumes or toxins to contend with. Simply apply the bleach and let it sit for thirty to sixty minutes. Then scrub the grout lightly and Voila!
If you have ceramic tile in your kitchen or counter top, you can use the oxygen bleach there as well. Users have raved about this product, so make it easy; chemical free; and pain free during spring cleaning and utilize these tips for cleaning ceramic tile.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Earth Friendly Floor Kleener for Hardwood and Laminate
Earth Friendly Products Floor Kleener is the first naturally derived product that can be used on wooden floors and wood floor laminates. Floor Kleener has been formulated to clean and protect the sealants in your flooring system. It will not strip your floors of their wax or seals. It is an effective way to clean daily spills or it can be used to clean the entire floor area. It is free rinsing which means you do not have to use water to rinse the product off when finished.
Customers are raving about this and all products from this customer. Here are a few comments: “I've never used the Earth Friendly products before and was not familiar with them. But I was very impressed with the Eco Breeze, Floor Kleener, and the Window Kleener - that's all I've used so far. It left my house smelling fresh and clean instead of clean yet chemically. Looking at the ingredients also gave me peace of mind because I could use the cleaners on the kitchen countertop we use for food preparation without worrying about chemical residues.”
Another user wrote: “I bought your Parsley Cleaner, Shower Cleaner, Wave Dishwasher Detergent., Almond Dishmate, Fruit Veggie Wash, Furniture Polish, Uni-Fresh Lavender Air Freshener, and Pear Hand Soap. I will never again buy those chemical products I used to use ever again! The Parsley Cleaner cleans my kitchen better then any 409 ever did and doesn’t make me sick like harsh chemicals did. The Shower Cleaner on its own made my tub look ultra white, instead of drab white. My plates, glasses and utensils have no spots anymore, and plus my food doesn’t bear any distinct taste like my old dish detergents left thanks to your Wave Dishwash. I love the furniture polish, it smells good; it’s not nauseating like some other stuff on the market and the polish lasts for days on end. The pear hand soap smelled so good and my hands still feel soft and smell great all day long. My biggest rave is the Uni-Fresh lavender spray. It gets the nasty smell of anything out right away. I will continue to buy your products for the rest of my time on earth. I have told everyone about them!”
Finally, another consumer commented: “I recently purchased a container of your Oxo-Brite non-chlorine bleach, and I couldn't be happier! It removed stains from clothing that I had given up on! Thank you, I will certainly continue to use your product.”
This is one site that you should be book marking as a favorite. Prices are quite affordable, but the lasting benefits are invaluable! If you have pets, you may also want to check out their pet products. In addition to their kitchen, bathroom, laundry and pet products, they also have personal products which are a must see. You can buy these at Amazon.com: Earth Friendly Products Floor Kleener, Laminate and Hardwood Floor Cleaner, 22 Ounces (Pack of 12)
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips
Hardwood floors are very popular and for good reason. They are attractive, classy, and expensive to install. In addition, they require special cleaning and care. Here are some hardwood floor cleaning tips for you to consider.
* Use a soft bristle broom when sweeping the wood floors.
* When vacuuming at least once or twice a week, ensure that the brush attachment is used. You don’t want to scratch the surface with the vacuum.
* Immediately clean up any spills using a soft towel. Then dry. Water is an enemy of hardwood floors.
* If your floors are covered with polyurethane, use a barely damp mop for cleaning.
* Use carpet runners in areas where there is a lot of traffic.
* Be sure to clean the runners as often as possible so that the dirt doesn’t seep into the floors.
* If you wax your floors, check with the manufacturer to ensure you are using the proper wax covering. There are so many varieties of wood; you want to be certain you are using the correct product.
Hardwood floors are unique; generating warmth and beauty. If you happen to notice a stain on the wood, here is an additional tip which may help.
Take some sand paper to remove one or two layers of finish along the entire length of the board where you spotted the stain. Remove all dust, and apply the same type of finish that was removed. Be careful not to add more layers.
There is something so inviting when walking into a home with hardwood floors. Its rich textures; light or dark, old or new, offers a certain charm and elegance.
* Use a soft bristle broom when sweeping the wood floors.
* When vacuuming at least once or twice a week, ensure that the brush attachment is used. You don’t want to scratch the surface with the vacuum.
* Immediately clean up any spills using a soft towel. Then dry. Water is an enemy of hardwood floors.
* If your floors are covered with polyurethane, use a barely damp mop for cleaning.
* Use carpet runners in areas where there is a lot of traffic.
* Be sure to clean the runners as often as possible so that the dirt doesn’t seep into the floors.
* If you wax your floors, check with the manufacturer to ensure you are using the proper wax covering. There are so many varieties of wood; you want to be certain you are using the correct product.
Hardwood floors are unique; generating warmth and beauty. If you happen to notice a stain on the wood, here is an additional tip which may help.
Take some sand paper to remove one or two layers of finish along the entire length of the board where you spotted the stain. Remove all dust, and apply the same type of finish that was removed. Be careful not to add more layers.
There is something so inviting when walking into a home with hardwood floors. Its rich textures; light or dark, old or new, offers a certain charm and elegance.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Easy Hardwood Floor
Have No Fear, Easy Hardwood Floors are Here!
(ARA) — Are you constantly worried your kids or pets will damage your precious hardwood floor? Or maybe you’re concerned that you don’t have another second left in your busy day to keep up with your hardwood floors. With the introduction of new hardwood floors made with an exclusive patent pending technology, there is no longer a need for concern.
Nowadays there are many time-savers to help us – like spray-on wrinkle removers, ready-to eat veggies and even robotic vacuum cleaners. This new hardwood flooring will also help simplify your life, allowing you to spend more time doing what you want to do, and less time worrying about your floors.
Two trusted brands, Mohawk Industries and 3M, have teamed up to offer hardwood flooring featuring Scotchgard Protector Advanced Repel Technology, which boasts easy stain clean-up, durable protection, and superior repellency to help keep your floor looking newer longer.
“Today, everyone is looking for ways to simplify their lives without spending a lot of money,” said Dewevai Buchanan, Vice President Hardwood at Mohawk Industries. “As the world’s leading floor covering company, we’re always searching for innovative ways to meet consumers’ needs, and this new hardwood floor does just that.”
For the first time, unexpected marks and stains won’t even faze you. For example, just when you finally sit down to pamper yourself; you spill nail polish on your beautiful hardwood floor. You panic and wonder how you can rearrange your furniture to cover it up. Or what about that rainy afternoon when your kids draw on the hardwood floor during one of their most creative artistic moments?
With Mohawk Hardwood Flooring featuring Scotchgard Protector Advanced Repel Technology, there is no need to move furniture. Once the nail polish is dry, grab a plastic spatula from your kitchen and scrape it off. Or use a dry tissue or cloth to rub off the marker. It’s that simple.
Maintenance:
* For everyday maintenance, simply care for your Mohawk Hardwood Flooring featuring Scotchgard Protector Advanced Repel Technology as you would any other hardwood floor, by dry or dust mopping on a regular basis.
* For spills, simply blot with a dry cloth and clean any residual stickiness with Mohawk’s Floorcare Essentials Hard Surface Cleaner.
* For marks such as permanent marker, rub stain with a dry tissue or cloth.
* For glue, paint, nail polish and similar spills, allow stain to harden then carefully scrape from floor using a plastic spatula.
The stain protection in Mohawk Hardwood Flooring featuring Scotchgard Protector Advanced Repel Technology will last the entire life of the floor’s finish. It will not wear or wash off because it’s engineered into the product, not sprayed on. This new Mohawk flooring is available at floor covering retailers across the country. For more information, visit www.mohwawk-flooring.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Kids and Laminate Flooring - Another Reason I'm Glad
My husband was talking with a friend the other day who just happens to be a builder. He told my husband that they had made the decision to put hardwoods in their floor and deeply regretted it. He said that the floor was scratched and pitted from the dogs and kids.
Another reason I'm so glad we opted for laminate flooring - the kids can bang away with their Legos and such and the floor looks great! As long as we wipe up spills quickly we're good to go. :)
Another reason I'm so glad we opted for laminate flooring - the kids can bang away with their Legos and such and the floor looks great! As long as we wipe up spills quickly we're good to go. :)
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered Wood Flooring - A Great Alternative To Solid Hardwood Floors
Engineered wood flooring has been one of the great innovations in flooring to hit the market. Engineered hardwood is not made from solid wood. It consists of several layers and only the top layer is the actual hardwood that you always dreamed of having for the floors of your home. The layers underneath are specifically designed to give you maximum wear and tear and they give you practical flooring for just about every room of the house. Engineered wood flooring has advantages over solid hardwood that make it very attractive.
For one thing, engineered wood flooring is not as costly as solid hardwood flooring. The other layers of the engineered hardwood flooring are plywood or high density fibreboard. They are molded together under high pressure in a factory setting. Engineered hardwood floors will not expand and contract as solid hardwood does with changes in humidity and temperature. You can install it over just about any type of existing floor and by following special instructions you can install an engineered floor over radiant heat sources.
Engineered wood flooring in one of the most versatile choices that you can make when it comes to flooring in your home. It has many practical applications. You can install it over an existing concrete floor or one made with inferior grade wood. You can glue or nail it down and there are also forms of engineered hardwood floors that are glueless, forming a floating floor. It is an excellent choice in areas where there are drastic changes in temperature and humidity. However, engineered wood does not perform well in rooms of the home where there is an excess of humidity and moisture, such as in bathrooms or mudrooms.
One of the major reasons that many homeowners choose engineered wood flooring is its fantastic price. You have the same look and texture of hardwood, but it seems as if you are getting the hardwood at a wholesale price. Engineered hardwood floors are easy to install and the instructions are clearly printed inside each carton of flooring. You do have to make sure that the subfloor is clean of dust and dirt before you start so that any small pieces of rock won't work their way up through the flooring.
In the line of engineered wood flooring, you can get various types of wood, stains and finishes. You can also choose prefinished and unfinished hardwood, but if you are looking for an easy project, then it is best to go with prefinished. This way when you have the engineered hardwood flooring installed, you don't have to bother applying any stain or finish. You can just sit back and enjoy your engineered wood flooring.
Find out more about Wood Flooring, visit Peter's Website Wood Flooring Explained at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/ all about Flooring and more, including Exotic Hardwood Floors and Refinishing Hardwood Floors at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/wood-laminate-flooring.html
Engineered wood flooring has been one of the great innovations in flooring to hit the market. Engineered hardwood is not made from solid wood. It consists of several layers and only the top layer is the actual hardwood that you always dreamed of having for the floors of your home. The layers underneath are specifically designed to give you maximum wear and tear and they give you practical flooring for just about every room of the house. Engineered wood flooring has advantages over solid hardwood that make it very attractive.
For one thing, engineered wood flooring is not as costly as solid hardwood flooring. The other layers of the engineered hardwood flooring are plywood or high density fibreboard. They are molded together under high pressure in a factory setting. Engineered hardwood floors will not expand and contract as solid hardwood does with changes in humidity and temperature. You can install it over just about any type of existing floor and by following special instructions you can install an engineered floor over radiant heat sources.
Engineered wood flooring in one of the most versatile choices that you can make when it comes to flooring in your home. It has many practical applications. You can install it over an existing concrete floor or one made with inferior grade wood. You can glue or nail it down and there are also forms of engineered hardwood floors that are glueless, forming a floating floor. It is an excellent choice in areas where there are drastic changes in temperature and humidity. However, engineered wood does not perform well in rooms of the home where there is an excess of humidity and moisture, such as in bathrooms or mudrooms.
One of the major reasons that many homeowners choose engineered wood flooring is its fantastic price. You have the same look and texture of hardwood, but it seems as if you are getting the hardwood at a wholesale price. Engineered hardwood floors are easy to install and the instructions are clearly printed inside each carton of flooring. You do have to make sure that the subfloor is clean of dust and dirt before you start so that any small pieces of rock won't work their way up through the flooring.
In the line of engineered wood flooring, you can get various types of wood, stains and finishes. You can also choose prefinished and unfinished hardwood, but if you are looking for an easy project, then it is best to go with prefinished. This way when you have the engineered hardwood flooring installed, you don't have to bother applying any stain or finish. You can just sit back and enjoy your engineered wood flooring.
Find out more about Wood Flooring, visit Peter's Website Wood Flooring Explained at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/ all about Flooring and more, including Exotic Hardwood Floors and Refinishing Hardwood Floors at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/wood-laminate-flooring.html
Refinishing Hardwood Floors - What To Expect Once You Start
Refinishing hardwood floors is something that you can do yourself without paying professionals high amounts of money to do it for you. However, you do need to have time to spend on your refinishing project to make sure that you end up with the effect you want to achieve. Many places that rent equipment have the heavy-duty sander that you need for the refinishing job. To start to refinish hardwood floors, you first have to move all the furniture and take up any rugs or mats that you have on the wood floors. You also need to wear a dust mask so that you won't breathe in the dust when refinishing hardwood floors.
Older wood floors can be restored to their former glory when you find out how to refinish hardwood floors. There are many books you can buy on the subject of refinishing hardwood floors and you can also get valuable information when you search online. You do need to have a heavy- duty sander that you move gently back and forth over the wood floors. It is best to move in a straight line with the pattern of the hardwood boards instead of going across, especially if the hardwood has a bevelled edge with small grooves. You also have to be mindful not to apply more pressure in one place that in another because you could take gouges out of the floor.
Once you have the initial finish sanded off, you have to sweep or vacuum up the dust and give the floor a light washing. This is an important part of refinishing hardwood floors because the least little bit of dust and dirt will show up when you apply the stain and finish. In the information you have about how to refinish wood floors, you will find out that you should only use a damp mop to wash up the floor. Excess water, especially on the sanded hardwood, will cause stains in the floor.
When you dry the floor, then you are ready for the next stage of refinishing hardwood floors. You can choose to stain the wood floor in different colors suited to the type of wood. You may want to leave the wood in its natural color, but when you read about how to refinish hardwood floors, you will also learn about the need for a protective coating. The polyurethane coating adds protection to the floor. You can choose a coating that will give you a gleaming floor or one that has a low lustre. When refinishing wood floors, it is essential that the first coat is dry before you apply another coat.. The more coats you put on, the shinier your floors will be.
Refinishing wood floors is a time-consuming project. However, it does not mean that you have to move out of the home until you complete the refinishing. The coatings for refinishing hardwood floors do not have any strong fumes that may be dangerous for anyone with respiratory problems. The only thing you have to remember is not to walk on the floor until the finish is dry. If you do, your refinishing project will have your footprints all over it - in more ways than one.
Find out more about Wood Flooring, visit Peter's Website Wood Flooring Explained at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/ all about Flooring and more, including Exotic Hardwood Floors and Refinishing Hardwood Floors at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/discount-hardwood-flooring.html
Older wood floors can be restored to their former glory when you find out how to refinish hardwood floors. There are many books you can buy on the subject of refinishing hardwood floors and you can also get valuable information when you search online. You do need to have a heavy- duty sander that you move gently back and forth over the wood floors. It is best to move in a straight line with the pattern of the hardwood boards instead of going across, especially if the hardwood has a bevelled edge with small grooves. You also have to be mindful not to apply more pressure in one place that in another because you could take gouges out of the floor.
Once you have the initial finish sanded off, you have to sweep or vacuum up the dust and give the floor a light washing. This is an important part of refinishing hardwood floors because the least little bit of dust and dirt will show up when you apply the stain and finish. In the information you have about how to refinish wood floors, you will find out that you should only use a damp mop to wash up the floor. Excess water, especially on the sanded hardwood, will cause stains in the floor.
When you dry the floor, then you are ready for the next stage of refinishing hardwood floors. You can choose to stain the wood floor in different colors suited to the type of wood. You may want to leave the wood in its natural color, but when you read about how to refinish hardwood floors, you will also learn about the need for a protective coating. The polyurethane coating adds protection to the floor. You can choose a coating that will give you a gleaming floor or one that has a low lustre. When refinishing wood floors, it is essential that the first coat is dry before you apply another coat.. The more coats you put on, the shinier your floors will be.
Refinishing wood floors is a time-consuming project. However, it does not mean that you have to move out of the home until you complete the refinishing. The coatings for refinishing hardwood floors do not have any strong fumes that may be dangerous for anyone with respiratory problems. The only thing you have to remember is not to walk on the floor until the finish is dry. If you do, your refinishing project will have your footprints all over it - in more ways than one.
Find out more about Wood Flooring, visit Peter's Website Wood Flooring Explained at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/ all about Flooring and more, including Exotic Hardwood Floors and Refinishing Hardwood Floors at http://www.woodflooringexplained.com/discount-hardwood-flooring.html
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo Flooring - Is It The Right Choice For You
All About Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a quickly growing type of grass found all over the
world that features durable, hollow cored stems. These stems
are used to make a wide variety of items, including furniture,
fishing rods, and flooring.
Bamboo flooring is an extremely durable, beautiful alternative
to traditional hardwood floors. Made from giant bamboo that
must be harvested e still young, bamboo flooring comes in
different grades and prices that depend on environmental
factors. Choosing the highest grade of bamboo flooring that you
can afford will ensure that your flooring is durable,
beautiful and wears evenly.
Bamboo is treated to prevent pest infestation during the
manufacturing process, so it doesn't attract pesky critters
such as ants or termites. Bamboo flooring is crafted to resist
warping and even fire, making it a great choice for anyone who
desires hardy flooring that will last a long time.
Bamboo floor planks are similar in appearance to traditional
hardwood floor planks and are installed in basically the same
way. Whether or not your bamboo flooring features the nodes is
a matter of personal aesthetic preference.
The color of bamboo flooring depends on the type of finish
applied and can range from pale tan to dark toffee. You can
even find bamboo flooring in exotic rainbow colors from some
manufacturers.
Care and cleaning of bamboo floors is done the exact same way
as that of hardwood floors. Simply sweep your floor regularly
and use any store-bought cleaner made for hardwood floors to
keep your bamboo flooring clean and beautiful. You can even wax
bamboo floors to create a high-shine finish.
When shopping for bamboo floors it's a good idea to compare
different types of flooring made by different manufacturers to
make sure you get the best quality for the best price. It might
be tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing low grade
flooring, but in the long run, it will only cost you more money
because you will most likely have to repair or replace it a lot
sooner than high grade bamboo flooring.
About The Author: For more information about Bamboo Flooring
All About Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a quickly growing type of grass found all over the
world that features durable, hollow cored stems. These stems
are used to make a wide variety of items, including furniture,
fishing rods, and flooring.
Bamboo flooring is an extremely durable, beautiful alternative
to traditional hardwood floors. Made from giant bamboo that
must be harvested e still young, bamboo flooring comes in
different grades and prices that depend on environmental
factors. Choosing the highest grade of bamboo flooring that you
can afford will ensure that your flooring is durable,
beautiful and wears evenly.
Bamboo is treated to prevent pest infestation during the
manufacturing process, so it doesn't attract pesky critters
such as ants or termites. Bamboo flooring is crafted to resist
warping and even fire, making it a great choice for anyone who
desires hardy flooring that will last a long time.
Bamboo floor planks are similar in appearance to traditional
hardwood floor planks and are installed in basically the same
way. Whether or not your bamboo flooring features the nodes is
a matter of personal aesthetic preference.
The color of bamboo flooring depends on the type of finish
applied and can range from pale tan to dark toffee. You can
even find bamboo flooring in exotic rainbow colors from some
manufacturers.
Care and cleaning of bamboo floors is done the exact same way
as that of hardwood floors. Simply sweep your floor regularly
and use any store-bought cleaner made for hardwood floors to
keep your bamboo flooring clean and beautiful. You can even wax
bamboo floors to create a high-shine finish.
When shopping for bamboo floors it's a good idea to compare
different types of flooring made by different manufacturers to
make sure you get the best quality for the best price. It might
be tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing low grade
flooring, but in the long run, it will only cost you more money
because you will most likely have to repair or replace it a lot
sooner than high grade bamboo flooring.
About The Author: For more information about Bamboo Flooring
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)