A Few House Cleaning Tips
By Steve Gillman
Here's a small collection of house cleaning tips that you
may not have heard before. We start with wooden floors (not every
floor is carpeted).
Wooden Floors
Some treated wooden floors require very specific cleaning
methods, so you might want to check with a flooring specialist
before you try any of the following. Otherwise, proceed at you
own risk - and test a small spot in case your efforts do cause
a bit of damage.
Here's a general wood-floor cleaner you can make yourself.
Mix about a half-cup of apple cider vinegar in a gallon of warm
water. Dunk a soft cloth in it (cotton is good) and squeeze out
most of the moisture. Wipe down the floor without allowing any
pooling of the liquid - it should be drying as you clean it.
You can then buff it with a soft dry cloth to make it shine a
bit more.
Vinyl Floors
Add a squirt of dishwashing detergent to a gallon of water,
and use this to clean vinyl flooring. Sweep first and then damp
mop using your solution. You can scrub with a nylon-backed sponge
to loosen stubborn dirt. You'll probably have to get down on
your hands and knees to clean it right. If you clean the abrasive
dirt and other things off the floor regularly, you can extend
the life and decent appearance of vinyl. Also keep in mind that
even no-wax floors can benefit from an occasional waxing.
How to Clean Rusty Tile
Rust stains can be removed from tile using kerosene. Apply
it first to a cloth (throw away the cloth afterwards) and rub
the stain gently with this. Rinse with water when finished.
How to Clean Ceramic Tile
In the shower run hot water first, to loosen the dirt. Spread
a paste of scouring powder and water over tough areas and let
this sit for several minutes. Then scrub the area with a nylon
scrubbing pad, rinse it well and let it dry.
You can clean dirty grout between tiles with a solution of
a tablespoon of chlorine bleach in a quart of water. After drying
thoroughly, you can apply an acrylic sealer to lengthen it usable
life.
Mildew can be removed with a sponge and a solution of ammonia
and water.
How to Clean Plastic Tile
Plastic tile can be cleaned with a solution of vinegar and
water, and buffed afterwards with a clean towel or other cotton
cloth.
How to Clean Porcelain
Dark, stubborn stains can often be removed from porcelain
sinks and bathtubs using lighter fluid. Apply it first to a cloth
and then rub gently rub the stains with the dampened cloth.
For more cleaning tips be sure to see all the pages on how
to remove carpet stains. You can find those listed on the home
page (use the link below).
|
