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Tile and Grout

May 11
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Flooring Red Flags a Potential Buyer Will Notice

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Natural Stone Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Wood Floor Cleaning

flooring red flagsOne of the first things potential home buyers notice when going through a house is the condition of the floors. Since the floor is such a large area that will draw the attention of any buyer, if it has cracks, mold, mildew, or other flaws it may cost the realtor a sale. Identify these flooring red flags before a home buyer does.

Seek professional help from a professional hard surface and floor cleaning company to be certain that the floors don’t keep you from making the sale.

  1. Dirt and Filth

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a neglected floor that will turn off any potential buyer is the general filth, grime, and dirt stuck to a floor’s surface. These range from larger and noticeable stains to small pieces of debris stuck in corners or hidden by rugs, or other items. This red flag is particularly noticeable in tile and grout floors, which may require pressure water cleaning to get them in much better shape.

  1. Water Damaged Floors

Another noticeable red flag of poor floor maintenance is water damage. This type of damage manifests in numerous ways, from saggy or marked floors, to the presence of mold, mildew, and even some cracks and damage. Mold and mildew present a health hazard to any potential home buyer. Also, water damage is usually an indication of a larger problem, such as defective plumbing or possible flooding. Once you resolve the plumbing issue in the house, you will need to call a professional floor cleaning service to get rid of these unsightly features and restore the floor to a better condition.

  1. Smelly Carpets

The final significant floor issue that can drive away potential buyers is the odor that comes from soiled carpets. This smell is usually a red flag that the carpet is old and needs to be deep cleaned or, at worst case, replaced. If the carpet is relatively new, it might need a professional cleaning treatment that includes steaming and a special cleaning formula. Even if it doesn’t smell, deep clean clean the carpet anyway, since it can hold on to allergens and other harmful agents that a cleansing can remove.

Prepare the house you are working on for a successful sale by making sure the floors are in pristine condition. The skilled crew at Professional Surface Restoration has the right equipment and years of experience to handle any type of floor situation.

No matter what type of floors are in your home, Professional Surface Restoration has a deep cleaning solution designed to increase the market value of your home without the need for replacement flooring.

Contact us online or call us at (419) 705-8693 to get started with a no-cost demonstration.

Feb 26
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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.

Jan 21
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How a Home’s Flooring Affects Market Value

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Natural Stone Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Upholstery Cleaning, Wood Floor Cleaning

how home's flooring affect market valueIf you’re preparing to sell a home, chances are you’ve already identified several problem areas you’d like to tackle in order to increase the resale value. Drywall, paint, cabinet hardware, and flooring are all common areas for improvement. Flooring, in particular, is an area many realtors suggest deep cleaning or changing before sale to improve the overall market value of the home.

It can be tempting to rip out older carpet and invest in the hardwood that is so popular with today’s home buyers. Often, sellers elect to install cheap, new flooring instead of restoring their existing flooring – and they may do so at a cost they won’t recoup when it’s time to sell the home.

In many cases, it’s more cost effective to deep clean rather than replace.

Carpets

If existing carpet is still serviceable, it is likely better to keep and deep clean it than replace it with other carpeting. Prospective owners like hardwoods, but are often primarily looking for cleanliness and may even be calculating the amount of time left before they’ll need to replace your existing flooring with their own. It can be difficult to recoup the cost of new carpet in a home sale; it is often better to clean the carpet and offer a small allowance if the buyer asks.

Tile

Tile is the preferred flooring in bathrooms and kitchens. It can be expensive and time consuming to remove, particularly if it was installed correctly. After its removal, you also risk installing a flooring prospective buyers plan on tearing out anyway, and you may not recoup the costs of the new flooring.

To make the most of your current tile floor and increase the resale value, make sure it is clean. Invest in a service to deep clean the tile and the surrounding grout, as well as apply a sealant to ensure new stains don’t linger, and you’ll recoup the costs in the sale of your home.

Wood

Hardwood is the preferred choice of most home buyers in today’s market, but the wood needs to be in good condition. Otherwise, buyers will likely see nothing but mounting costs and time in order to refinish it. Instead of undertaking this time-consuming work yourself – or, worse, covering your wood floors with new carpeting – consider hiring a professional wood floor restoration service.

Your existing flooring will be buffed, cleaned, and resealed, and any discolorations or penetrating stains treated. Your floor will now have the look of a new wood floor, increasing the market value of your home without the cost of new flooring.

No matter what type of floors are in your home, Professional Surface Restoration has a deep cleaning solution designed to increase the market value of your home without the need for replacement flooring.

Call (419) 705-8693 to request a consultation and demo.

 

Jan 07
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How to Prepare a Home’s Floors for Open Houses

By Carpet Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning, Tile and Grout

repare Floors for Home SaleAs a realtor, it is a priority to make your property’s floors impeccable for an open house. They are one of the first features your potential buyer will notice. Stains, odors, and clutter can ruin a buyers’ first impression. Take the initiative to follow these tips on how to prepare a home’s floors for open houses.

Clear Up the Clutter

Before you start the hard work on your floors, make sure to clear up clutter. Store away any extra items and area rugs that make the room look smaller. Removing all unneeded items and repositioning furniture will make it easier for you to clean the floors, and will make the room appear more spacious. Additionally, a clear floor will allow the buyers to roam more freely through the home.

Suck It Up

You never know if you are going to be dealing with a nitpicky buyer. Make sure to keep a vacuum with you and go after every piece of paper, dirt, and lint that you see. Clearing your floor of debris and small bits of trash will not only satisfy a detail-oriented buyer, but will make it easier to polish or treat the surfaces later.

Let Your Floors Shine

No visual quality represents cleanliness better than shine. A shiny, spotless floor will help to convey to the buyer that this is a well-maintained property. If you have a tile floor, sweep and mop it, and if necessary, hire someone to clean the grout between the tiles. If you have a wood floor, mop it, and after that, consider having it buffed by a professional. Spending a little extra time and effort to ensure your floors are in their best condition will help you get the selling price you want.

Deal with the Odors

Carpeted floors have a tendency to retain dirt and unpleasant odors from smoke, spills, and accidents. Strong odors can drive away your buyers the moment they enter the room. If the odor is contained to a small area or spot, clean it yourself by using soap and water, then cover it with baking soda and borax. After letting it sit for a while, vacuum the area. If the odor extends to a larger area or to the entire house, it is best to seek a professional to clean the carpeted areas.

Professional Surface Restoration focuses on cleaning and restoring surfaces such as tile, wood, and carpet floors. If you need help to get your home’s floors in their best shape before an open house, call us at (419) 705-8693 for a FREE demo.

 

 

Aug 30
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Simple Everyday Grout Cleaning Tips

By Tile and Grout

Grout Cleaning TipsYou 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

Jul 18
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What to Clean Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Upholstery Cleaning, Wood Floor Cleaning

What to cleanSelling your home takes ample preparation, and not just in thinking about the financial aspects and figuring out where you’ll move to next. As you’re working on vacating your home, someone else will be determining if it is the place they want to move into. You need to make sure that everything looks as appealing to a potential buyer as possible.

You want your house to have vibe appeal – that intangible factor that makes it feel like home to a prospective buyer. Despite not having concrete elements, vibe appeal goes a long way to making a sale. While you don’t want to dig into any massive investments that won’t bring you proportionate payout, little touch-ups can make a big difference in making your home more appealing to its future residents.

Surface Cleaning

A clean home is easily one of the major components of vibe appeal, and thorough cleaning means your house will look as attractive to potential buyers as possible. Cleaning up any dust, polishing metals, and wiping down the windows can make a big impression on visitors.

Carpet

You don’t just want to stop at surface cleaning, however. Beyond general tidiness, give your carpets a thorough once-over. Don’t just stop at vacuuming; get your carpets professionally cleaned so they look and feel the best they can.

Tile and Grout

Tiles make for a great stylistic choice, but grout has the unfortunate tendency to show staining, even with regular cleaning. A full-scale deep cleaning of grout can make your tile look tip-top, giving the impression of newer tiles.

While all tiles are important, you want to take special care when tending to your bathroom. A dirty bathroom can give the impression that the whole home is dirty. Eliminating any traces of dirty grout will help your restroom contribute to the sale of your home instead of driving potential buyers away.

Front Lawn and Driveway

The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” unfortunately does not apply to homebuyers. Before they even consider taking a tour, potential buyers will decide if they want to buy your house based on the front exterior. You need to do a little more than stick a “for sale” sign in your driveway to make people want to step inside.

Make sure you’ve tended to your front lawn. Adding a few plants and flowers helps make your house look attractive to others. If you have a driveway, keeping that in shape is essential, as well. Tend to any potential cracks and power wash the concrete.

Removing Clutter

There’s a chance your house has been your home for a substantial amount of time, and it’s filled with your belongings and memories. You need to remove as much mess as possible. Clean up any clutter for showings, so potential buyers can feel they have enough space and imagine themselves at home. For areas such as closets, removing at least half of your clothes can make the space seem roomier.

Cleaning is easily one of the most critical parts in successfully selling your home. Be as thorough as possible and watch your vibe appeal increase as a result.

Thinking about putting your home up for sale? Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.

Nov 01
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How to Care for Your Tile Floors

By Tile and Grout

how to care for tile floorsTile is a beautiful and durable option selected for flooring in many homes today. With the right care, and consistent tile and grout cleaning, your tile flooring can last for many years and remain a beautiful addition to your home. There are some risks stemming from poor care you can easily avoid as well as some simple tips for maintaining your tile floors to preserve them for years to come.

Avoid the Risks of Poor Tile Care

Tile is usually made from clay and other earth-based materials. A heavy object falling onto the floor can chip or crack the tile. Take care to position heavy objects so they cannot tip over onto the floor, or be accidentally knocked off of counters or tables.

Moisture can also cause problems with your tile. Grout between tiles can retain moisture and become a source of mold. Be sure to keep tile dry and wipe up any spills as soon as possible.

Simple Tips for Proper Tile Care

Dirt can be an abrasive and can act like sandpaper as the dirt is ground across the surface by foot traffic. Sweep tile floors at least twice a week and mop frequently. Be sure to change your mop water often to avoid leaving a dirty residue across the tiles.

Keeping the grout clean is essential for maintaining the health of your floors and keeping them looking great as well. Use commercial grout cleaners or a mild bleach solution. You’ll need a small scrub brush to clean and scrub the grout.

Routine Professional Cleaning of Your Tile Floors

Even with regular care, it’s important to periodically have your tile cleaned professionally. A professional can easily spot areas requiring extra care. Professionals also have the tools and solutions to address deep stains that may mar the look of your tile. A professional cleaning can restore your tile to a like-new finish, and will also be able to properly and thoroughly clean the grout. After cleaning, your tile will be sealed to close the pores and to prevent dirt from penetrating the surface.

By following these simple care tips you will maintain the quality and appearance of your tile and have a floor to be proud of for years to come.

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

Sep 19
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Keeping Your Grout Sparkling Between Cleanings

By Tile and Grout

grout cleaningGrout is one of the most difficult areas in the house to clean. Even the most luxurious tile can look lackluster when it’s surrounded by discolored grout. A professional can reveal the true luster hiding underneath – but without some maintenance, you’ll find your grout lines accumulating dirt once again. Here’s how to fight buildup between professional tile and grout cleanings.

Understand the Grime

If just you and one other person live in your house, you probably each take a shower every day. That’s 730 showers a year. Grout stays damp around the clock, making it vulnerable to mold and mildew. If you have hard water, rust and minerals can leave behind residue.

Kitchen tiles undergo a similar assault. Every time you prepare meals, enzymes in food can seep into grout to cause stains.

Seal Your Grout

If you had your grout professionally cleaned, the cleaning service probably applied a seal to repel water and resist stains. If you haven’t had your grout cleaned in a while, apply a silicone-based sealer after you get it clean.

Squeegee Daily

In your shower, install a squeegee with a suction cup. Use it to quickly wipe water from tiles to keep mineral deposits from penetrating. Then, mix a solution of four parts water to one part vinegar and lightly mist tile and grout to prevent mold and mildew.

Clean Weekly

Even if you squeegee every time you shower, personal care products and body oil can still build up. Scrub them away with a paste made from baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush to work it into grout, then rinse.

Stained grout can be brightened by mixing a little peroxide with the baking soda instead of using water. Just be careful not to mix your baking soda with vinegar or you might have a reaction that reminds you of your grade school volcano project.

Address Seriously Discolored Grout 

Sometimes life gets too busy to focus on grout, and things get out of hand. If you realize your grout is more discolored than a little peroxide and baking soda can fix, bleach can help remove stains. Use a bleach pen for small areas or apply powdered bleach like OxyClean for grout that shows extensive stains.

Often the best solution is to have your grout restored by a professional so you have a fresh start. Professional Surface Restoration can make your grout look new again. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Aug 25
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Signs It’s Time for Tile and Grout Cleaning

By Tile and Grout, Uncategorized

Tile and Grout CleaningYour tiled areas see their fair share of foot traffic and other forms of wear and tear. Whether it’s spilled food in the kitchen or dirty feet in the bathroom, tiled areas can quickly become soiled. However, since grout lines are often narrow and it can be difficult to notice discoloration. It’s a good idea to know some tips for deciding when it’s time to clean tile and grout.

Try a Test Cleaning

If you think your tile and grout are in need of a good scrubbing, start by cleaning a small test area. Over time, floor tiles will lose their luster and grout will darken thanks to repeated foot traffic and the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris. Choose a spot to clean and then compare the finished result to the surrounding area. If the difference is very notable, it’s time to clean the tiles and grout.

Professional Sealing

When you installed your tile and grout (or paid a professional to install them), you hopefully used a reliable sealing agent to protect the grout. If not, the grout will likely discolor and fall into disrepair before the surrounding tiles. It’s imperative to properly seal grout and tile to avoid water damage in and between your tiles and other surfaces.

DIY Tile & Grout Cleaning

Some grout and tile cleaning jobs can be done on your own. All you’ll need is a cleaning solution, a scrubbing brush, and patience. You’ll need to saturate the grout lines and work in small areas to fully lift all of the dirt and debris out of your grout lines. However, while you can certainly handle cleaning grout and tile on your own, you may find better results if you hire a professional.

Perks to Professional Cleaners

A professional cleaner will more than likely have better, more effective, cleaning supplies than you have stashed under the sink. Cleaning grout and tile is intense labor, so the expense of hiring a professional cleaner may be easy to justify considering the time and stress you’ll save yourself.

If you’re considering professional cleaning, take the time to research your options. Look for before and after photos of their past cleaning work and see what kind of quote they can provide for your grout and tile cleaning job.

Ultimately, cleaning grout and tile is a pain, but you can handle it on your own with a bit of elbow grease and patience. However, tough jobs certainly require a professional’s attention, and Professional Surface Restoration is ready to help.

Professional Surface Restoration specializes in hard surface cleaning. Why waste time on methods that don’t get your hard surfaces clean? Contact us for a free consultation today.

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