|
Cautions : When working with
any chemicals, carefully read and follow the label directions
for using that chemical, especially any cautions on safe use!
With solvents, be very careful to have ventilation, and no flame
or spark in area!
The first time you use any procedure
on any floor, test it first on an out-of-the-way part of the
floor to be sure it does not damage the flooring or finish.
Notes : If steel wool is suggested,
use fine grade, 000 grade.
Scouring powder will help remove
many stains, but can also permanently scratch the floor. If you
decide to use it, use only a mild type, and be very careful about
rubbing too much.
Concentrated liquid commercial
household cleaners, rubbed onto a stubborn spot, may remove it
as well as scouring powders without the danger of scratching.
Rinse off well. Do not use on wood floors.
Do not use water solutions,
or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water, on wood floors.
Use a solvent or solvent-based cleaning wax.
After removing a stain, rinse
the area thoroughly, dry completely, and, if floor finish has
been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or
wax.
Vinyl Floors - Removing Old
Wax
If too many layers of wax build
up, especially in non-traffic areas, floor may discolor or look
yellowed. Removing all the wax requires harsher cleaning than
ordinary cleaning, and should be done no oftener than once a
year, and not that often when not necessary.
You can buy commercial wax removers,
some made to remove certain types of waxes, or use a homemade
solution. If you know the brand of wax on the floor, follow directions
on its label for removal.
If you want to make a cleaner:
1. Mix from 1/2 cup to 1 cup
of ammonia (start with less and add more if needed) and one cup
laundry detergent in 1 gallon warm water.
2. Test in an inconspicuous
area to see if it softens the wax film. After several minutes,
the area where the solution has been applied with a sponge mop
should turn cloudy and soften.
3. Then scrub that area with
a stiff brush, electric scrubber or very fine steel wool pads
to loosen old wax.
4. Repeat process in another
area until entire floor is stripped of wax.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean,
cool water.
6. After drying thoroughly,
apply one or two coats of wax depending on conditions of floor,
drying between coats according to wax instructions.
Carpets Cleaning - General
Information
Eventually carpets need some
type of cleaning to remove soil that sticks to the fibers. How
often depends on amount of use and soil carpet gets; some areas
will need cleaning before other. Basic methods are: dry absorbent
powder, foam, shampooing, and hot water extraction (sometimes
called steam cleaning or extraction). Each method has advantages
and disadvantages. Costs in dollars, time, and energy vary, as
do skill needed to do a good job. Always vacuum thoroughly before
starting cleaning method.
Here are some general precautions
for all methods:
Pretest before using (see "Carpets-Pretesting
Cleaning Products")
Protect the carpet from rust
stains by putting aluminum foil, wax paper, or plastic wrap under
furniture legs, until carpet is dry.
Follow the cleaner and equipment
instructions as directed.
Do not overwet the carpet. Excess
moisture can cause shrinkage, streaks, or mildew.
Keep mechanical action to a
minimum to avoid carpet damage or streaks.
Home Shampoo Formula
Lightly soiled carpets can also
be shampooed using a home formula of 1 tablespoon light-duty
detergent (such as liquid dish detergent) whipped with 1 cup
warm water to form heavy suds. Never use soap, ammonia (a dilute
solution is sometimes necessary for removing certain stains),
washing soda, or strong household cleaning agents on carpeting.
Soap leaves a sticky residue that encourages resoiling. Harsh
cleansers are not necessary and may have an adverse effect on
carpet fibers and dyes.
Apply the dry suds to a small
area at a time with a damp sponge. Remove soiled suds with a
spatula and rinse with clear, cool water. Repeat process until
entire carpet is cleaned; overlap areas as you work. Be careful
not to over-wet the carpet. When carpet is thoroughly dry, vacuum
to remove any residue or suspended soil.
Whipping up your own shampoo
may cost less in dollars, but takes much more time and energy
to do. In most cases it's much more practical to use a commercial
rug shampoo, which is formulated to give you better results. |
Refer
