What is terrazzo flooring? Terrazzo is a mixture of marble and Portland cement mixed together; two parts marble to one part cement. When it is installed, marble chips are sprinkled on the surface so that a majority of the surface is marble. Terrazzo was most popular during the 50’s – 70’s but is making its come back over the past few years.
To be able to clean the terrazzo floor you have to understand what it is made of. The marble part of its surface is almost non-absorbent; however the cement binder is very porous and absorbs stains easily. This is the part of the flooring which will cause you the most grief. In older floors this seems to be the biggest problem; however if you are having a new terrazzo floor installed, the last step of installation is to apply a penetrating sealant approved for terrazzo. This sealant will be absorbed by the concrete pores, greatly reducing the absorption quality of the concrete.
If you have an existing terrazzo floor that is stained, you will have to use several steps to restore it. First you will want to remove the existing build-up with a plastic scraper (do not use metal scrapers) Apply your floor cleaner over the surface with a mop. For stubborn yellow stains, use a soft-bristled scrub brush. You will need to rinse the floor with a mop and water, rinsing the mop often. Be sure to rinse well so that the floor can be sealed. Once your floor is rinsed, then dry, apply an approved sealant with a roll paint brush. Allow plenty of time to dry.
If you have new terrazzo being installed, most of the work is done for you. With today’s products, the sealants will provide a beautiful and long lasting look for your floors. Terrazzo is easy to clean as long as the installation process was performed according to the installation instructions.
It is important to keep sand and debris off the floor. Sweep the floor often as this debris acts as an abrasive and can damage the floor. Use a cleaner designed or approved for a terrazzo floor. Wet mop the floor allowing the cleaner to remain on the floor for several minutes. For the best results, rinse the cleaner off the floor thoroughly. You may need to change your rinse water a few times. Once the cleaner has been removed towel dry the floor to prevent water streak marks from appearing and to restore the floors natural shine. Do not use any types of wax on your terrazzo floor.
As with any hard flooring you can use carpet mats to trap dirt from coming into your home onto your clean terrazzo floor. You may also want to place carpet rugs in high traffic areas and high use areas such as your kitchen. With daily sweeping, and weekly mopping, your terrazzo floor will look as new as the day it was installed.
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com
Laminate Floor Cleaning Tips
There are more than a few reasons why the use of laminate flooring has caught on so quickly, among them the easy installation, its durability and its ease in maintenance and cleaning. Most floors are warranted from between 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand, and by using a few simple tips on cleaning a laminate floor, it can turn out to look as good as new during the lifetime of the warranty and beyond. While laminate flooring may present the impression of being made of hardwood, it is important to remember the construction when using the tips on cleaning a laminate floor.
Laminate flooring is made simply by using three or more layers of fiberboard impregnated with resins and waterproofing chemicals for strength and the resistance to water damage and staining. The outer layer is basically a thin applique, which is what gives the flooring its visual appeal. For tips on cleaning a laminate floor and to facilitate it retain its luster, understanding the surface qualities can reveal how easy it can be to maintain.
The outer layer can be without difficulty scratched and keeping sand, gravel or other small, harsh particle off the floor is one of the main tips on cleaning a laminate floor. Using a vacuum cleaner or a soft padded broom can also keep the surface from becoming scratched, creating a dull finish. Using throw rugs at entryways can help capture most of these, but in the event some do get through the rug, they will need to be promptly cleaned.
While laminate flooring is intended to be waterproof, wet mopping can in fact cause damage to the floor. Further tips on cleaning a laminate floor include not using any type of abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads or sandpaper on the surface as it will scratch the surface. Even small particles of dirt will also create tine cuts and grooves that can quickly fill with dirt and make the floor dull and lifeless.
Many people also places furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratching, but with today's laminate materials it is not always required. On the other hand, placing a pad under furniture or not scraping it across the floor will add to the floor's life. Among the tips on cleaning a laminate floor take account of regular dusting in addition to the vacuuming, but the vacuums with a brush should not be used. The dirt should be vacuumed up and not moved around by a beater bar.
An ancient proverb argues so as to "cleanliness is next to godliness." Undeniably, this saying could apply to our clothing, our vehicle, or our home! Keeping our investments clean help prevents unwanted substances and bugs from appearing. If we sporadically maintain products from the moment we purchase or install them, they can maintain the same appearance for several years or even decades. Especially, floor cleaning, such as laminate floor cleaning, remains as one of the most difficult items to maintain in our homes. Nevertheless, caring for a floor properly will help maintain a new appearance, increase its life, and prevent damage.
The very first step in laminate floor cleaning actually requires no cleaning. As soon as you enter your home, make it a habit to remove your shoes. The undersides of your shoes contain some substances that you had treaded over outside, including dirt, oil, and bubble gum. In addition, the base of your feet contains oils, so it is sensible to wear socks or slippers inside your home.
Preventing unnecessary substances from being tracked on your floor will make laminate floor cleaning exceedingly more easy. Before mopping the floor, sweep the surface.
Subsequently, before you begin your laminate floor cleaning, get ready a mixture of 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar per each gallon of water. In the past, you may have used vegetable oil on your floor. If that is the case, then increase the ratio to one cup of vinegar for each gallon of water. Vegetable oil cleaners should be avoided as they leave deposits onto the wood flooring. This will ultimately destroy the sealant.
Why is vinegar strongly recommended? As we know that water has alkaline, this can create water spots on wood floors. The vinegar functions as a neutralizer of the alkaline, drastically reducing water spot damage. At the present you are prepared to start your laminate floor cleaning. Dip a towel in the mix and then wring out the extra liquid. You will not call for a mop and you will not need to rinse, when cleaning laminated floors. Plainly use the towel to clean the floor. If the flooring requires aeration, do that.
An interesting issue has just developed in the realm of laminate floor cleaning. Some producers of laminated wood floors now put forward that ammonia be used as a cleaner for their floors. Ammonia is utilized to get rid of wax from floors, and could actually have the same effect on the majority of laminated floors' sealants. Laminated floors are some of the loveliest floors set up in homes. Doing periodic, proper laminate floor cleaning can put together your wood floor look as if it were just installed!
Both Isabel Rodrigues & Cindy Heller are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Isabel Rodrigues has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery and Interest. Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit. Isabel Rodrigues's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
Cindy Heller has sinced written about articles on various topics from Network Marketing, Finances and Jewelry. Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit to learn more about. Cindy Heller's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.
