Tile is a beautiful addition to any home. Though tile is extremely durable and low maintenance, it should still be cared for overtime. If you have ceramic or porcelain tile, we put together some simple and easy maintenance to practice on your flooring. Remember, grout can be a little trickier and will take some more in-depth techniques to clean.

Ceramic vs. Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both made from clays. Porcelain clay is denser and less porous, so it typically more durable. Being less porous means it can be harder for water or soot to get deep into the tile as well. However, both tiles should be cleaned regularly to avoid build-up of unwanted grease and other residues.

Glazed Tiles

Glazed tiles can be easily cleaned by just using water without the need for soap. If liquids are spilled on the ceramic or porcelain tile, they should be cleaned quickly. Remember, ceramic is porous, which can allow liquids to penetrate through easily. If you spill a beverage on ceramic, it can quickly stain it if not removed promptly. Simply wipe away spills and add water to dilute. You can use a rag or paper towel to absorb all remaining liquid or residue.

Abrasive Tiles

For more abrasive tiles, consider using a mop or a bristled brush. Rinse your ground and mop with hot water. You can add a tile cleaning solution as well to help break down dirt and soot. You may want to go over your floor again with a clean water mop to ensure you eliminate all dirt in the area.

Polished Tiles

Polished tile can be very vulnerable to acidic products. Do not use acidic cleaner when cleaning polished ceramic or porcelain tiles. You will also want to immediately remove any spills or accidents with acidic liquids like citric fruits, wines, sodas, kinds of vinegar, and pet urine.

Glass Tiles

Never use an abrasive brush on glass tiles – this can scratch your tiles and be seen very easily. Remember this if you have glass as your backsplash as well. Many homes will use glass as a decorative accent in showers or in kitchen backsplashes. Simply, wipe clean with a damp sponge and pat dry.

Tiles are low maintenance and do not demand much work. However, it is essential to keep them clean to prevent the build-up of unwanted soot and grime. These simple tricks can be done whenever you feel like it is time to clean your floors.

There is nothing that screams luxury more than a stone shower stall. In fact, having natural stone built into the design of your bathroom is a luxurious addition to any home. Whether your shower stalls are encased in travertine, limestone or granite, knowing how to maintain it properly is important. While stone can last a lifetime, using harsh chemical products to clean it can result in discoloration. Here is how you can protect your investment:

Never Use White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a natural cleanser that is often suggested for many materials. However, this substance contains acid that when used against any type of stone, can break down the sealant. As a result, the stone slabs or tiles will begin to erode and discolor, and this will ruin the look of your beautifully designed bathroom.

Steer Clear of Ammonia

Ammonia is another product you will want to avoid when cleaning stone in the shower. While ammonia is great at eliminating bacteria and creating a sterile environment, it also breaks down sealants. When mixed with bleach, it can be toxic to your health.

Liquid and Powdered Scrubs Are a No-No

Liquid and powdered scrubs are abrasive, which means that they can end up scratching and damaging stone tiles. These traditional shower cleaners also have acids in their ingredients that will discolor stone over time.

So, how can you safely clean your stone shower? We are glad you asked!

Use a Squeegee or Microfiber Towel

Keep soap scum at bay by using a squeegee or a microfiber towel to wipe away soap scum. Soap sum is a combination of dead skin cells, water, and soap. For the best results, clean off soap scum before it dries to prevent it from coming back as fast. Next, a microfiber towel can easily catch the soap scum on your shower walls. However, you will want to wash it every week to prevent bacteria from building up on the fabric.

Try a Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaners are a powerful tool for cleaning grout and the top layer of stone walls. You can use a small, portable steam cleaner which is effective at cleaning flat surfaces. This is a safe and chemical-free way to keep your stone shower clean.

At the end of the day, remember to avoid harsh acids with your natural stone because they are often sensitive. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below, and we will be sure to answer it for you.

You get into a routine of when to do certain chores. Your daily chores may be as simple as making your bed or doing the dishes, or perhaps you have grocery day and a laundry day once a week. These simple habits can become routines. When you space out chores biweekly or once a month, it can be hard to remember what day they fall on during your busy life. It can be even more tasking to remember chores you only need to tackle once a year. However, we still have some maintenance and tasks we need to do annually. We put together a simple checklist as a reminder. If you have yet to tackle these in the last year, make these your new projects this week.

Curtains

While your curtains may be suspended, they still fall victim to airborne nuisance dust and allergens. Most textiles are magnets for dust. While your carpet and couches will hold more, your curtains and drapes should be washed once a year. This can help keep your home cleaner and prevent allergies.

Gutters

Your gutters are a simple way to take the water off your roof and direct it to a run-off or a drain; however, if your gutters get congested with leaves and debris, it will jeopardize the system. You should try to take care of this once a year to ensure your gutters are working correctly and efficiently. If you live in a wooded environment, you may need to do this more frequently.

Fireplace

When you use your fireplace, the wood you burn release contaminants and soot into your chimney. This build-up takes time but should be removed annually if you are using your fireplace. It is best to tackle this in the fall, so it is prepared by winter.

Mattress

You are recommended to sleep 1/3 of your life. That means you probably spend that portion of your life in bed and matting down your mattress. To prevent your mattress from “over-forming” to your body, it is best to flip and rotate your mattress once a year.

Today’s high pace society can make annual chores the last thing on your mind. With these four annual chores, you can rest assured that your tasks are complete. You can tackle them all once a year or break them into four separate tasks that you complete quarterly. Just find a method that works best with your own schedule.

Stainless steel is a beautiful finish that looks even better when it is gleaming and shining. In fact, many homeowners feel that stainless steel can make any space feel modern and sleek. That being said, anyone with stainless steel appliances and surfaces in their kitchen will tell you that keeping this finish spotless can be a challenge, especially if you have little ones or a big family. How can you keep your stainless steel surfaces free from watermarks and fingerprints? Check out our tips and tricks:

Cleaning a Steel Range

When cleaning a stainless steel stove or range, you will really have to “dig in deep.” It is not enough to simply clean the top surface. You will need to remove the control knobs because dirt and grime often get stuck under them. When you do not remove the knobs to clean them, remnants of the food you have been cooking as well as other types of grime will build up in that area which is unsanitary and eventually become hard to remove. Also, make sure you clean the hood so that grease does not accumulate.

Stainless Steel Appliances Handles

The handles on your stainless steel appliances will require regular cleaning since we tend to touch these areas often. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe them down a couple of days out of the week. It is best to use fine-woven microfiber cloths that are used to clean eyeglasses. This material is great at effectively removing dust and dirt without leaving behind smears or streaks.

Prevent Oxidation

Have you ever noticed a white film developing over a stainless steel surface? This is called oxidation. When steel begins to oxidize, a white film starts to grow over the surface creating a cloudy effect. You can fight against oxidation by applying a pumice powder and water mixture on your appliances. Pumice powder can be purchased at a local hardware store.

Cleaning the Countertops

If you have stainless steel countertops, a weekly cleaning of your countertops will keep the kitchen looking fresh. Plus, you do not have to use expensive cleaners, and you should avoid abrasive cleaning agents. In fact, a simple dish detergent and water mixture can be effective. Use a light dish towel during the cleaning process so that you do not scratch the surface.

Do you have any tips or tricks of your own for cleaning stainless steel appliances? We would love to hear your recommendations below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Removing glue from your carpet can be challenging if you do not know the correct procedures.  Different adhesives bring different challenges and should be handled accordingly.  As you read earlier in the series, freezing glue is always a good tactic to try to harden it then scrape it off the fibers.  However, not all glue respond to this method.  While some heavy hitter glues are challenging, young folks bring some challenges of their own. Here are several common types of glue children may bring into the household that can create a tacky nightmare if not handled correctly:

Stickers

Sticker residue can be easy if caught early, but more challenging if it is matted deep into the carpet fiber.  Heat up white vinegar and dampen carpet residue.  Allow the area to soak for about ten minutes to break up the sticker residue.   You should be able to scrub out the sticker residue after it is broken down by the vinegar.   If some residue still remains, repeat the method. 

Glitter Glue 

Scrape away as much residue as possible.  If your carpet is solution dyed, it should be able to handle a bleach and water mixture.  This can help remove the stained color.  If you are unsure, test your carpet in a discrete area.  You can use the bleach and water mixture to remove to glue.  If some remains, apply ice to harden and scrape up to rest of the residue. 

Super Glue 

Super glue can be challenging to remove.  Apply acetone diluted with water to your carpet.  After you remove most of the super glue, go back and apply a mixture of distilled white vinegar, washing detergent, and hot water.   Scrub away at the super glue and pat dry.  This should remove the remaining sticky mess. 

Like most stains, the sooner you can get to the accident, the better chance you have of removing the stain.  Do not let these sticky situations hold you down.  With some tender love and care, you can have your carpet looking like new again.  For more great tips and tricks, visit us our blog hub here and be sure to subscribe!

Glue is excellent for fixing so many things around the house.  Unfortunately, you can find yourself in a very sticky situation when you get some on your carpet, and homeowners find that it can be one of the more challenging stains to remove.  While not only staining the carpet, it creates a sticky residue that can damage the carpet fibers and mat down the resiliency of your flooring.  Different glues will take different methods in order to remove them. To help, here are several of the most common household glues and how you can remove them from your carpet: 

Hot Glue 

Do not handle when the glue is still hot.  If you try to clean it when it is fresh and warm, it will only sink deeper into the carpet fibers.  Allow the glue to dry.  Apply ice to the glue to harden it.  Once it is hardened, you can pick away at the glue.  You can also apply acetone.  Acetone is a strong chemical.  You should dilute the chemical in water and apply it using a wet rag. 

Commercial Glue 

Commercial glues are usually applied using a caulk/adhesive gun.  These compounds are extremely difficult to remove.  Most commercial glues know this and have a recommend glue removing solvent sold separately.  This is your best option for removing this glue from rugs in your home.  Try applying a small amount to a discrete spot in the house.  These solvents can be powerful agents and may not be very forgiving to the carpet fibers and dyes.  If it seems to be damaging the rug, try to use ice to freeze the glue and remove.  

Rubber Cement 

Another extremely durable glue is rubber cement.  For this process, scrape away as much rubber cement as possible from your carpet.  Mix warm water with a little bit of laundry detergent and some white vinegar.  Apply the mixture using a damp rag and scrub your carpet.  Allow it to air dry.  This should help remove most of the rubber cement from your carpet.  You can repeat this process again after the carpet has dried. 

While glues are extremely useful around the house, they can be quite the pain to remove.  Using these tricks can help you from having to replace your carpet.  Check out the rest of this series to find more tricks and tips to removing difficult glue stains from your carpet.  Have a stain request you want more information on removing?  Let us know in the comment section! 

*Disclaimer: Please check with your carpet manufacturer for their stain removal advice. Results may vary. 

Vinyl has become a popular flooring choice among homeowners. It provides them with a stylish and versatile flooring option that meets their budget. If you are one of the many homeowners installing vinyl in your home, we have three tips to help you keep your floors clean and in pristine shape. Let’s take a look!

Tips for Cleaning Your Vinyl Floors:

Regular Cleaning.

You will want to sweep or vacuum your vinyl floors routinely. Just be sure not to use your vacuum’s beater bar to avoid damaging your floors. Also, you should occasionally wash your floors with the proper solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

Restore The Shine.

If you have a low gloss finish or high gloss finish on your vinyl floors, you can protect and restore the shine of your floors with the proper cleaning solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

Protecting Your Floors.

To keep your floors looking beautiful longer, we recommend following these four protective tips:

1. 1. 1. Use floor protectors underneath your furniture. This will help reduce the effects caused by indentation and help reduce the cause of potential scratches and nicks.
      2. Place floor mats at the entrances and exits of your home to catch dirt and debris at the source.
      3. Put an area rug inside of your high-traffic rooms to help cut back on daily wear and tear. Experts recommend purchasing a non-staining polypropylene rug, colorfast woven rug, or vinyl-back rug. They discourage using rugs that could potentially discolor your floors like rubber-backed and latex-backed.
      4. Cleaning your floors regularly can be one of the best ways to keep them looking new longer. Be sure to follow your vinyl manufacturer’s recommendations on products to avoid damaging your new floors.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your floors, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can call or visit us for more information. We hope you found this helpful and be sure to check back weekly for more updates and posts.

Did you host a Labor Day party or barbeque?  Were you prepared for stains, spills, or any other mishaps that came from having a few dozen people walking through your home with food and drinks?  We’ve got a few great tips for your next hosting experience!

Today we will focus on how to get BBQ sauce out of carpet because that is a likely accident waiting to happen.

First, use a butter knife to scrape as much of the sauce off the carpet as you can. The sooner you catch the stain the better.

Dab some lukewarm water on the stain if it has already dried. Hopefully if someone spills they will tell you right away, but sometimes that doesn’t happen.

Add ¼ teaspoon mild detergent or carpet shampoo to 1 liter of cold water. Stir the solution in a bowl to mix thoroughly.

Before you apply any cleaner to your carpet, test the cleaner in a small patch where no one will see it. Wait a few minutes. If the cleaner discolors or otherwise adversely affects the carpet, remove it immediately with cold water and a sponge. If it ends up causing permanent damage, at least it won’t be right in the middle of the room.

If the cleaner does not affect the carpet, moisten a clean cloth liberally with the cleaning solution, and simply lay the cloth over the stain.

Use the bottom of a spoon to gently press down on the cloth. Gradually work your way all over the cloth, starting on the outside and working your way toward the center in a spiral to prevent spreading the stain. This process works the solution into the carpet without rubbing the stain in or damaging the carpet fibers.

Lift the cloth off the stain and gently spray with warm water.

Blot the stain with a clean cloth.

If the stain is gone, use a hair dryer on a low setting to dry the carpet.

If the stain is not gone, keep the carpet damp and call a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible.

At the end of the day a stain on your carpet is not the end of the world, however, they can be fixed if you follow the steps above. No need to let a little accident ruin your fun of hosting another party.

Winter weather can be tough all around both outside our homes and inside.  Beyond protecting ourselves from the inclement weather through insulation and weatherproofing, now is the time to think about protecting our floors from wet and soggy weather we bring into the house with us.

Rain, snow, ice and sleet can all be tough on our floors.  Along with the dirt we normally track in on the family’s shoes, these wintery precipitations can also carry chemicals such as salts and de-icers that can be terrible for our floors (and family pets).

Easiest thing to do to prevent winter weather and chemicals from being tracked through the home is to take your shoes off in the entry or mudroom.  Have a boot tray for wet shoes and boots to prevent puddles.  Keep cozy slippers nearby to slip into when you get home.  Have guest also remove their shoes when they stop by to visit.  Wipe your pets paws after walking outside with a wet wipe to remove  moisture, dirt and chemicals.

If removing your shoes is not your thing, provide a thick natural doormat like a choir or jute rug just outside the door to wipe shoes and boots.  Inside the door place a water wicking rug to further prevent messy floors. If you or your guests do track in winter weather and salt, wipe up the moisture as soon as possible. Dab carpets to remove dirt and water.

Taking precautions like these means less cleaning later and a longer life for your floors.