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Monthly Archives

February 2019

Spring Cleaning 101: Ceramic Tile Cleaning

By Tile and Grout

how to clean ceramic tileWhen it comes to most bathrooms and kitchens, ceramic tiles are a very popular choice. The chance that this material adorns any surface of your home is very high. Get a head start on your spring cleaning and learn more about how you can clean your ceramic tile surfaces.

Simple Ceramic Tile Cleaning Steps

Ceramic tiles are fairly low-maintenance and are very simple to clean. You can clean your tiles with simple steps using plain water mixed with the cleaner of your choice. Wash your tiles at least once a week and clean any spills or spots as they occur.

  • Use a vacuum or a broom to clear any debris you see, such as dirt, sand, and grit. You can do this before the actual cleaning process, or any other time to reduce wear on your tiles.
  • Mix a cleaner, such as dish detergent, vinegar, or commercial tile cleaner with water to dilute the effect. Use a string mop, a chamois-type mop, or a rag to wash the tiles, as using sponge mops pushes dirt from the tiles into the grout.
  • Once you have cleaned your tiles, let them dry to prevent accidents. Either use a clean cloth or keep the area clear until the floor dries.

Understanding Grout

Grout is the material applied between tiles that keeps them in place. Because grout is a porous substance with white or light colors, it is vulnerable to damage from numerous sources of filth, including mud, dirt, spills, mold, and mildew. You will need to employ a different cleaning tactic than the one for tiles. Sealing the grout with a sealer protects it from most dirt and grime and can be done once or twice a year.

Cleaning Grout

The method you choose for cleaning grout depends on how strong the dirt and stains are. Remember to start out simple and only increase the materials when the filth is more severe.

  • For small amounts of dirt, use warm, plain water and a specialized, stiff-bristled brush to scrub in circles and let the grout dry.
  • For stronger stains, use a vinegar/water mix and spray the grout, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush after letting the mix stand for five minutes.
  • To increase cleaning effectiveness, make a baking soda/water paste, cover the grout, and spray the vinegar mixture. Scrub with the stiff brush and rinse with water once the solution stops foaming.
  • Steam cleaners can effectively clean the worst stains, and they are incredibly environmentally friendly.

If you need professional assistance in cleaning and restoring your home surfaces, contact Professional Surface Restoration at (419) 705-8693 to schedule a free demo.

Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Even the Dirtiest Carpets Like New Again

By Carpet Cleaning, Spring Cleaning

spring cleaning carpetsCarpet can be found in some of your home’s most high-traffic areas; unfortunately, compared to hard surfaces, it can be difficult to restore to like-new condition. There is a specific process that will help you clean your carpets as thoroughly as possible at every cleaning, and a few best practices can also help keep your carpets looking new for years to come.

Don’t Forget Pre-treatment and Spot Cleaning

Before you get into any deep carpet cleaning treatments you need to remove the bulk of the dirt and debris in the carpet by dry cleaning. Vacuuming is essential before carpet shampooing or any other deep cleaning treatment. This will lift hair, dirt, and other debris out of the carpet fibers. If you neglect to vacuum before cleaning your carpets you may find that treating them with shampoo causes the built-up dirt and dust to simply smear around the carpet, embedding further into the fibers and increasing the chance of staining.

Spot cleaning is also important.

You may notice a stain or spill before you start cleaning; address this issue before you start a deeper cleaning. Use a bristle brush and cleaning agent to remove stains before deep cleaning. Taking time to address stains and apply a pre-treatment will help prevent staining and make your deep cleaning more effective.

How to Do a Deep Carpet Cleaning

Once you complete your vacuuming and pre-treatment it’s time to do a wet extraction or other form of deep cleaning. You can buy commercial carpet cleaners that appear similar to vacuum cleaners and appropriate cleaning solutions, or you can rent an industrial-grade carpet cleaner from a local provider. These tools generally offer better results than commercial-grade carpet cleaners.

Make sure to use a cleaning solution designed for the carpet type you wish to clean. Follow the included directions with your carpet cleaner to ensure a thorough cleaning. You may need to do a second pass if the carpet is very dirty. If a chemical smell lingers, a second rinsing pass with just water is effective.

Know When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner

If you try these methods and still are not satisfied with your results, it may be time to call for professional help. A professional carpet cleaner can offer a much more effective carpet cleaning than you could likely manage on your own.

Getting your carpets professionally cleaned can also help preserve the quality of your floors with special treatments and other industrial-grade cleaning products. Professional Surface Restoration has extensive experience with deep carpet cleaning and all other types of floor treatments, so let us know how we can help restore your carpets.

Professional Surface Restoration’s patented process cleans hard surfaces including but not limited to carpet, tile and grout, brick, block, concrete, granite, and marble Terrazzo.

Our unique process for hard surface cleaning is revolutionizing the way you restore and maintain all floors back to their natural beauty, including carpet! Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.