August 2018

Aug 30

Simple Everyday Grout Cleaning Tips

By Jack Pasienza Tile and Grout

You might love your beautiful tile floors, but what about the grout? For most homeowners, grout is more of an annoyance than an asset. It can collect stains and mar the look of your floors. Luckily, there are easy ways to clean your grout and get it looking like new – and then keep it that way. Start with these simple everyday grout cleaning tips.

Daily Wet Mop

Spotless grout and tile floors require light daily maintenance. Swipe a mop, wipe, or sponge across your tile floors with just water every day to remove dirt and debris. Leaving debris on your tile floors allows longer-lasting stains to form, as feet will grind the dirt down into the grout. Mopping lightly every day to combat dirt can make a big difference in the look and cleanliness of your grout.

Invest in Powdered Oxygen Bleach

Powdered oxygen bleach is non-toxic, with no harmful fumes. It’s also color-safe. This “magic” cleaner for grout removes grease and food stains from tile and grout without a lot of scrubbing. Simply mix oxygen bleach with warm water (according to package directions) and stir until it dissolves.

Pour the solution onto the part of the grout you wish to clean. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Pour more if the grout absorbs all of the mixture, keeping liquid covering the grout. The longer you let it sit, the better it works. The oxygen ions break down the stain molecules for up to six hours! Mop your floors with the solution after a deep clean to keep your grout like new.

Clean Floors after Showers and Baths

Part of what discolors grout in the bathroom is condensation that collects on the tiles from baths and showers. A daily quick-clean routine after you bathe can prevent many stains and discoloration from ruining your tile floors. It might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it can ultimately save you effort in the long run.

After you bathe, use a squeegee across your tile floors to remove excess water. Then, spray tiles with a mild shower cleaner (you can make your own using a 4:1 ratio of water to vinegar) and wipe them down. This will help keep your tiles and grout clean in the bathroom.

Don’t Make Common Mistakes

When trying to clean your grout, never use acid-based products or cleaners. The acid can break down the grout between your tiles. Don’t clean your grout on brand-new floors until you’re sure it has completely cured. Avoid common grout-cleaning mistakes, get professional tips, and enjoy tile and grout that are spick-and-span.

For questions about your tile floors or more information about a professional cleaning service, contact Professional Surface Restoration

Aug 16

Love0

Concrete Floor Maintenance Tips

By Jack Pasienza Concrete Cleaning

One of the perks of installing polished concrete floors in your home, garage, or patio is its low maintenance. Concrete is strong and durable, and part of the charm is in its imperfections. Without a bit of regular floor maintenance and care, however, you risk exposing your concrete floors to the elements. Concrete is porous and can absorb stains that may blemish your space. Use these concrete floor maintenance tips and techniques to protect you for the long haul!

Dust Mop Daily

If you want your concrete floors to look their absolute best, dust mop daily using a soft microfiber cloth. Going over your floors each day with a dust mop can remove dirt, dust, and debris that might otherwise be too abrasive for your polished concrete. You might also need to wet mop with clean water a few times per week to remove harder-to-clean spots. The more often you dust-mop, the shinier your polished concrete floors will remain.

Use a Neutral-pH Cleaner

Concrete floors are special in that cleaners that are too acidic or alkaline can deteriorate the flooring material. Don’t put your floors at risk or accidentally dull the shine of the polish with the wrong cleaner. Make sure you’re mopping with a mix of clean water and a cleaner with a neutral pH balance to prevent abrading, discoloring, and deteriorating your beautiful concrete floors. Avoid cleaners that are “heavy duty,” contain acid, or have vinegar or other acidic ingredients. The manufacturer of your floors or sealant may have recommendations.

Clean Up Spills Quickly

You don’t want to test the stain-resistance of your concrete floor sealer if you don’t have to. Clean up spills immediately to make sure your floors don’t absorb any colors, liquids, or odors. Stained concrete floors can be difficult to make like new again. The best way to maintain their clean and shiny appearance is to mop up spills right away. You might also want to consider laying down mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to catch dirt, grime, and spills before they reach your floors.

Seal against Water

Concrete floors are water- and stain-resistant, but eventually you will need to reseal them to make sure the protection from the elements lasts. Reapply the sealant every few years to keep your concrete floors looking like new. If you don’t reseal your floors every few years, they could be more prone to water damage, stains, and abrasions. Hire our professionals if you don’t think you can clean or reseal your concrete floors alone!

If you’re not sure how much difference professional cleaning and sealing might make for your concrete surfaces, why not see an expert demonstration? Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Aug 01

Love0

Dirty Carpet Is Hurting Your Health

By Jack Pasienza Carpet Cleaning

Dirty carpet is a breeding ground for bacteria. It can act like a sponge, absorbing pounds of pollutants, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, dirt, dust, and allergens. Many people don’t pay enough attention to carpet cleanliness. This can lead to lower indoor air quality, even long-term respiratory problems for homeowners.

It’s important to give your dirty carpet a deep, thorough cleaning regularly to prevent carpet-related toxins and health issues.

Here are the facts…

Carpets Can Collect 40 Pounds of Dirt Per Year

Over time, your carpet can literally gain weight from the amount of foreign material it absorbs and holds. The average carpet can collect 40 pounds of dirt in a year and twice the amount of dust as the outdoor air – dust that harbors millions of dust mites. A poorly maintained carpet can harbor dirt and pollutants someone tracked into your home years ago. It’s vital to clean your carpet often to rid your home of this massive amount of pollutants. Otherwise, you, your kids, and your pets could be breathing in harmful pollutants day and night.

Carpet Pollutants Can Impact Health

Carpeting can be a significant source of indoor air pollution. Chemically coated carpet fibers can seep into your indoor air as you walk on the carpet, unless you invest in a carpet made from natural materials. Over time, the pollutants your carpet collects can fill the air, until your family is breathing in mold and mildew spores, bacteria, dust, and pet dander. Dirty carpets have been known to cause skin irritation, headaches, sore throats, itchy eyes, fatigue, and breathing problems.

Your “Clean” Might Not Be Clean Enough

Vacuuming your carpets regularly might suck up a great deal of pollutants such as dirt and dander, but it still leaves behind plenty of other allergens. It can even stir up particles to create airborne pollutants. You must clean your carpets more thoroughly than vacuuming for a true “clean.” You should also use a special HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter on your vacuum to collect more pollutants.

Hire a Professional to Really Clean Your Dirty Carpet

Pouring chemical cleaners into your carpet might kill the bacteria, but it can add an enormous amount of chemical pollution to your indoor air in the process. To keep carpets clean in a healthy way, stick to human- and pet-safe cleaning products. Vacuum and scrub your carpets at least once a week, following carpet care instructions. Keep the room well ventilated while cleaning your carpet.

Hire a professional carpet cleaning company to get the job done right. Professional cleaning can help you ensure the long-term cleanliness and safety of your carpets.

Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo