Clean n Simple Blog

Preparing hard floors for summer

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:09:29 +0000

With warmer weather now upon us we instinctively wish to improve the ventilation for our homes, this means the opening up of windows and doors to improve the natural air flow throughout our homes. Where many homes now have patio or sliding doors opening onto external areas this exposure to the outdoors will invariably lead to a heightened ingress of contaminants like dusts, grit and soils. These will be transported in on shoes or by pets and the wind and will begin to cause damage to the floor.

The effect of this ingress on hard floor surfaces can be quite damaging especially if left unchecked for a period of time over the summer, when homes are usually opened up to invite the external elements in. The transfer of tiny stones or microscopic grit onto hard floors will cause tiny abrasions to the floor surface. The rate of wear will be dependant on the type of hard floor in the property, wood is likely to wear faster than hard stone floors, however both floors will if left unchecked accumulate thousands of microscopic scratches not to mention larger scrapes caused by more substantial particles of stone or grit. These surface abrasions will start to accumulate soiling which gets trapped and in turn attracts more layers and eventually leads to an unsightly darkening of the surface. If left unchecked the longer this process is allowed to continue the worse the damage to the floor surfaces will be. Over a period of days and a few weeks you would expect to incur minor surface damage to the seal on a sealed floor, on a highly polished floor the result would be more prominent in scratching. Over a longer period you would expect to see areas of wear, even after cleaning they will still be apparent, at this point the floor may then require complete floor renovation as in floor sanding for wood or diamond grinding and polishing for stone and marble.

Damage to floor surfaces is usually avoidable by taking precautions and ensuring that the floor remains protected either by surface sealer’s such as polishes, oils or waxes and with stone surfaces, impregnating sealer’s that protect against stain ingress. With the periodic use of such products the life span of a floor can be greatly increased, these measures coupled with regular cleaning should ensure your floor is kept looking beautiful and performing well. As with any floor that is exposed to the transfer of contaminates from outdoors, adequate matting should be in place to stop the majority of the contaminates entering. When choosing matting it is important to ensure that the type of matting you purchase will work for the purpose it is intended. Some matt’s may look really nice however do little protect your floor, take a moment to discuss the floor surface you wish to protect with the supplier and seek their recommendation.

Protecting Your Floors From Winter Damage Choosing a hard floor for your home or business premises...
Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Stone...
The beauty of hardwood flooring – and how to preserve it Hardwood flooring is a popular choice of flooring in both...

Protecting Your Floors From Winter Damage

admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:54:47 +0000

Choosing a hard floor for your home or business premises is a wise choice for many reasons including the creation of a pleasing visual aspect with the benefit of having a hard wearing and durable surface finish. The installation cost of a quality hard floor may be high initially, however it will most certainly add value to property and make the interior space a lot more desirable.

Hard floors are found in many different forms and are made from various materials ranging from solid wood and natural stone through to man made materials like vinyl, resin, concrete and kiln fired tiles such as ceramic or porcelain. Most types of man made hard floor have a very durable finish requiring little in the form of protection from added sealers or finishes. Natural floors like wood or stone will require sealers and finishes to protect the surface from damage and the ingress of staining or soiling. Both natural and man made products are prone to wear and damage and should be protected against surface damage caused by scratching.

Most of the dusts and dirt that accumulate upon your floor surface will have been transferred from the outdoors on the soles of shoes. Microscopic grains of materials like dust, sand, stone and other abrasive materials collect on shoe soles and get walked inside from outdoors. In winter this combination is further added to by the common use of salt or grit which is widely distributed along the pavements and roads. If these particles are left on the floor surface unchecked they will eventually act like sheets of microscopic sand paper and abrade the floor surface. If the floor is sealed, oiled or polished the wearing process will be accelerated causing the floor protection to fail prematurely.

To protect hard floors against the damage caused by winter weather I have several tips that will help , by making some additional small adjustments you can ensure that your floor care is up to date and feel confident that your floor continues performing well and looks in top condition.

Floor care tip 1 – Ensure you place a suitable mat outside the entrance points so feet can be wiped prior to entrance. A mat or runner should also be placed inside the entrance points for added protection.

Floor care tip 2 – If possible remove footwear when entering the property and change to internal footwear such as slippers, this will make a huge contribution to preserving your floor. If it is a commercial premises this is obvioulsy not practicle, so make sure the above mentioned matting is in place.

Floor care tip 3 – Where entrance mats have been placed, ensure a regular routine of vacuumimg the mats is in place. The correct type mats may well be desinged to stop the soil and grit from transfering to the floor, however it is important to enable them to function properly by regular cleaning.

Floor care tip 4 – Ensure that floors are kept clean and more importanly dry, winter conditions useally mean a lot more moisture is transfered onto floors and this will also contain microscopic debris. If outside water has got onto the floor, remove it as soon as possible. It will help your hard floor if you regularly remove any surface dusts and microscopic grits with the use of a vacuum. Make sure that the floor tool attachement is used with the brush setting on to avoid scraching the floor surface.

Preparing hard floors for summer With warmer weather now upon us we instinctively wish to...
Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Stone...

The beauty of hardwood flooring – and how to preserve it

admin — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:21:07 +0000

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice of flooring in both commercial and domestic settings, and came to prominence as an alternative to carpet as homeowners looked for a durable floor that was easier to maintain and would last for many years. This has not always been the case however and hardwood floors were once a luxury affordable only to a select section of society, and lack of knowledge of how to install it led originally to the perception that it wasn’t a long term option.
Solid hardwood floors now come in a wide range of dimensions and styles and real hardwood is milled from a solid piece of timbre. They were originally used for structural purposes and were installed perpendicular to the wooden support beams of a building however modern buildings do not use such structures and hardwood floors are almost exclusively used for their appearance.
There are different types of wooden floor and the division which can commonly be used is that of natural and engineered wood. Natural wood is when the wood consists of a single piece of natural wood, milled into a certain form, whereas engineered wood is composed of two or more layers of wood in the form of a plank, the top layer offering the aesthetic aspect and is adhered to the core which provides the stability and strength.
The history of hardwood is interesting and on its way to being considered one of the most elegant forms of flooring it has had its ups and downs. Hardwood floors were originally introduced in medieval times and later wealthy Europeans began to use fine wood flooring in their homes. Parquet wood flooring became popular but its cost was prohibitive for all but the wealthy. North American homes have always had a higher percentage of wooden floors due to the abundance of timber available and subsequent lower price.
In the late nineteenth century, hardwood flooring went into mass production, but due to lack of knowledge of correct installation and lack of decent sealers and finishes available it was perceived to have a lack of longevity. Carpet quickly became the preferred choice, but nowadays that has changed.
The maintenance of a hardwood floor is fundamental to maintain its natural finish and beauty while sealers and finishes can leave your floor with a truly stunning appearance. Surface scratches and markings, as well as build-up of marks and stains are two factors that can leave your floor having an unsatisfactory finish, but some simple maintenance can help to control this. Regular sweeping and vacuuming, as well as cleaning wood floors with a mop damped with warm water should be enough, combined with a good sealer, to maintain the appearance of a wood floor. Avoid oil soaps and try to control the amount of grit and traffic which will affect the appearance. Doormats and care taken while moving heavy objects such as furniture should leave you with a floor which looks beautiful for years to come.

Hard floor cleaning – Hardwood cleaning tips Hardwood flooring offers a richness and warmth and outstanding natural...
Wood floor cleaning – maintenance tips Hard wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in both domestic...
Protecting Your Floors From Winter Damage Choosing a hard floor for your home or business premises...

Cleaning slate floors – protect the grout

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:32:13 +0000

Slate floors can be a great choice for a variety of situations – it offers unique finishes in a variety of different colours and textures, is relatively slip resistant and the surface is quite durable. If carefully cared for – your slate floor should last for many years.

There are times when, despite diligent maintenance, your slate floor may acquire an uneven or unsatisfactory appearance which will not change even through regular cleaning efforts. Slate can become stained or marked, especially if there is surface scratching, and this can affect the overall appearance, but it is highly probable that the appearance is affected by staining to the grout.

Grout is a construction material which is generally used to fill voids or seal joints – just like those along the sides of tiles. In the case of slate tiles it is recommended to have the tiles professionally installed and the grout professionally applied as it can be notoriously difficult to do correctly. It is a relatively porous substance, meaning it stains easily, which consists of a mixture of cement, sand and water – and it is this grout that can be affected first.

If you take a careful look at your floor you will notice that the grout is, almost always, recessed at a slightly lower level than the surface of the tiles – so if there are any spillages – it is here that the liquid will settle. It is obviously important to clean up spillages as soon as possible, but there is a certain inevitability about the grout being stained.

Once stained, grout can be very difficult to clean, so prevention is the best approach here. It is recommended to apply a sealer to the grout, making it less permeable and offer an additional layer of protection. It should also aid cleaning efforts. Sealers can be recommended by a company that specializes in cleaning slate floors – and some versions of colour grout seal are also available to offer a uniform aspect if the appearance becomes uneven.

If the grout does become stained, if you do not desire the application of a new sealer, you would be well advised to seek professional help. A company specializing in cleaning slate floors will be able to utilize modern techniques and technology such as heat cleaning, emulsification and effective capture of waste, as well as specialized cleaning products to restore the floor to its original condition.

Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Stone...
Grout cleaning and sealing Grout cleaning and sealing Slate and ceramic tile flooring are...
Commercial floor cleaning – hints and tips The choice of flooring in a commercial environment can depend...

Wood floor cleaning – Why you may have an unsatisfactory finish

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:28:51 +0000

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any domestic or commercial setting, and when carefully looked after and cared for, should be a long lasting and durable floor which despite the initial outlay, should offer good value for money over time. Cleaning and maintaining the floor is not always easy and there will be times when, even after due maintenance and care, that the floor still acquires a dull or unsatisfactory appearance. Why is this and, more importantly, what can be done about it?

The starting point should be to look at the floor and see why the appearance is unsatisfactory. It could be that there is surface scratching, that some of the floor has lost its ‘shine’ or that areas of the wood have become stained. When you identify what the problem is – you will need to think about previous treatment the floor has received.

The finish applied to a floor (the sealer) is a very important aspect of the floor caring process, and it is useful to know what has previously been applied. If the floor has a good sealer, it will prevent spillages from damaging the wood, and help stop staining. It effectively acts as an extra layer on top of the surface of the wood.

One or two of the problems mentioned above could be as a direct result of the condition of the sealer. If the floor is dull or has lost its shine, it is possible that in some areas (possibly where there is plenty of traffic and use) that the sealer is simply wearing down and the wood may or may not be exposed, but will offer an uneven finish.

Surface scratches and abrasions can, as well as damaging the wood, also remove this sealer and protective layer – exposing the surface of the wood. This is where staining can occur and a different solution will be needed.

If the sealer seems to be ok and the wood is not damaged or stained, it is possible that, over time, staining and layers of bacteria have simply built up to form a stain or finish which is difficult to clean. In this case a specialist wood floor cleaning company should be contacted to perform a surface clean and polishing and buffing to restore the original appearance.

If the sealer is damaged or worn at certain points, something different may be required. Exposed wood can be susceptible to staining from certain spillages or other factors, and once the wood is stained there is no cleaning solution available. A wood floor cleaning specialist would, in this case, probably need to sand the floor – essentially removing a thin layer from the top of the wood to expose a new finish, before polishing and then applying a new sealer to aid future cleaning efforts.

Wood floor cleaning – maintenance tips Hard wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in both domestic...
Commercial floor cleaning – hints and tips The choice of flooring in a commercial environment can depend...
Hard floor cleaning – Hardwood cleaning tips Hardwood flooring offers a richness and warmth and outstanding natural...

Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:46:56 +0000

Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout

Stone floors offer a natural and alternative look to many other types of flooring available and scores high in terms of cost durability – it is an investment, but if properly cared for will last for many years. It is always recommended to have stone or slate floors professionally installed. The stone is natural and the tiles can often be uneven at edges, so the grout in particular can be problematic.

There is a perception that stone can be easy to clean, but in reality one needs to be very careful to protect both the surface of the stone and the grout. The following tips will help:

Apply a good sealer
A good sealer is recommended for many types of flooring, as it usually offers a surface level protection which helps to protecting the floor from staining from various types of spillages etc. In the case of stone floors, waxy sealers are not recommended as they can remove a certain amount of the slip resistant quality that that stone possesses. The sealer will aid cleaning efforts and is particularly useful for the grout – which is the next step.

Look after the grout
Grout is a construction material, consisting of a mixture of cement, sand and water, which is used to fill voids and seal joints, and is commonly placed between tiles. In the case of natural stone it is very important that it is applied correctly to make sure that no voids or spaces are left, to avoid filtration. Grout is a naturally porous substance and is prone to staining – a good sealer will help protect it and make it less permeable, but one can find that grout can often be affected very quickly.

Take care with spillages
Spillages are a fast track to staining your floor, especially if your sealer is wearing off. Stone floors are not so common in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where spillages are common, but the risk is still there. Grout, in particular, can be affected by stains from spillages and this can result in an uneven appearance which is difficult to clean. If the grout gets marked – it is advisable to contact a company which specializes in cleaning stone floors – and which will be able to restore it to its original state and recommend the appropriate sealer.

Keep away dirt and grit
Sealer is only effective whilst intact and tiny surface scratches and abrasions are one of many forms to reduce a sealer’s effectiveness. Scratches give a place from stains and bacteria to gather, and once a stain becomes noticeable it is probable that layer upon layer of bacteria will have built up to form a stain that cannot be removed. Most scratches are caused by grit and dirt brought in on the soles of shoes, so placing doormats at entrances (and using them!) as well as regular sweeping and vacuuming are the best ways to reduce this possibility.

Of course there is always the possibility that over time a sealer will wear off, or that staining will build up and traditional cleaning methods cease to be effective. In this case you are recommended to consult a company with experience in cleaning stone floors – which will be able to return the floor to its original state.

Commercial floor cleaning – hints and tips The choice of flooring in a commercial environment can depend...
Cleaning slate floors – protect the grout Slate floors can be a great choice for a variety...
Wood floor cleaning – maintenance tips Hard wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in both domestic...

Hard floor cleaning – Hardwood cleaning tips

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:40:25 +0000

Hardwood flooring offers a richness and warmth and outstanding natural beauty and if carefully cared for will last a very long time. It is not a cheap option, but with maintenance it will prove to be a solid investment, if you know how to look after it correctly.

There are several tips as to how to look after your floor and here we will focus on the ‘do not’ list – focusing on that fact that prevention of damage is the best way to maintain the floor. There are several elements with which care should be taken:

Dirt and grit:
Surface scratching can look unpleasant but even the smallest scratch can have the more serious consequence of actually damaging the surface of the wood itself, or exposing the surface if the wood has a quality sealer applied. Once this occurs – it will be far more prone to staining from spillages or general build-up of dirt. Most dirt and grit which can cause these surface scratches are introduced into the area on soles of shoes, and placing doormats at entrances and regular sweeping are two simple ways to reduce this risk.

Spillages:
Exposed wood can stain very quickly, if liquid such as coffee or wine is spilt. However, even water can seep into gaps between the wood and cause damage over time. Even if a quality sealer has been applied, it is highly advisable to clean up spillages as soon as they occur to reduce this as a factor.

Cleaners:
There are many ways to clean hardwood floors – but generally a damp mop can be an effective way, or neutral ph wood cleaners that will not cause any marking or discolouring. Oil soap cleaners should be avoided as they can complicate matters when a sealer is being applied.

Furniture and heavy objects:
Dragging chairs and furniture (or other heavy objects) can cause dents or deeper surface scratching, which can be problematic. Objects should be lifted and not dragged wherever possible to avoid this eventuality, and felt pads can be applied to points and edges.

There is of course the possibility that over time a sealer will suffer from general use and traffic ands need to be reapplied. In this case you would be advised to consult a hard floor cleaning specialist who will be able to recommend the right type of sealer for you. In these cases it is very useful to know what has previously been applied to the floor.

If a floor becomes too market or scratched – the actual wooden surface can be exposed. There is a possibility that the floor cannot be effectively cleaned and a hard floor cleaning company may need to be contacted to sand down the wood before polishing and applying a sealer.

Wood floor cleaning – maintenance tips Hard wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in both domestic...
Wood floor cleaning – Why you may have an unsatisfactory finish Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any domestic or...
Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips Vinyl flooring comes in a...

Wood floor cleaning – maintenance tips

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:56:28 +0000

Hard wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in both domestic and commercial environments due it its attractive natural appearance, longevity and natural resistance. It is, unfortunately, not the easiest type of flooring to keep in pristine condition, but there are several tips to help you maintain your floor in good condition, and to identify what type of action is necessary should your floor begin to dull and have an unsatisfactory appearance.

One of the problems with hard wood is that it is extremely susceptible to staining from any type of spillage. Natural, unprotected, wood will stain very easily, whilst even liquids such as water can seep into the joints or spaces between wood and slowly cause damage over time. To counter this, the first step to protecting and maintaining your floor is to have a good quality sealer professionally applied.

Once the floor is protected, there are several general maintenance tips to help protect the floor:

-Clean spillages immediately
Although a sealer will help protect the wood, any spillages can cause a build-up of staining and bacteria which will, over time, become increasingly difficult to clean. It is recommended to clean any spillages as soon as possible.

-Use doormats and sweep regularly
Walk in dirt is one of the primary causes of surface scratches and abrasions which can damage the wood directly or remove a sealer. Leaving the surface of the wood exposed. These two simple steps can help keep about 80% of all grit and dirt away from the floor.

-Take care moving heavy objects
Heavy objects can mark, dent or scratch the surface of any floor, which will again expose the wood to staining. It is advisable to place felt tips on the legs of chairs and under the corners of furniture or any sharp objects.

If, over time, your floor has an unsatisfactory or dull finish, you may wish to consult a wood floor cleaning company which can advise on the best course of action. It is important to know what has previously been applied to the floor and what state it is in.

If the floor has a good sealer, it is possible that any dullness is simply the result of surface build-up of bacteria and staining and that professional cleaning plus buffing is all that is required. If the sealer has worn down to the point where the surface of the wood is exposed, it is possible that the wood itself has become stained. In this scenario a professional wood floor cleaning company would need to sand the floor, clean and re-seal to restore the floor to its original condition.

Hard floor cleaning – Hardwood cleaning tips Hardwood flooring offers a richness and warmth and outstanding natural...
Wood floor cleaning – Why you may have an unsatisfactory finish Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any domestic or...
Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips Vinyl flooring comes in a...

Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:20:17 +0000

Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips

Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of designs and colours, is relatively easy to install and scores highly in terms of cost durability. Combining these factors makes it easy to see why it has become a popular choice in both domestic and commercial environments – and especially in areas where spillages are likely, such as kitchens and washrooms.

Whether or not Vinyl is chosen as flooring will depend greatly on the ambience, but there really is a type of material to suit all situations and vinyl is very much a case of you get what you pay for. In domestic environments, and suitable vinyl flooring will not be expensive, and can be perfect for bathrooms or kitchens, are relatively easy to clean and maintain, and as a house will be relatively ‘traffic free’ should also offer longevity.

In a commercial environment in general there will be more transiting and a highly quality vinyl or altro material will probably be required, offering the same benefits but being a more durable substance more suited to a commercial environment.
Vinyl is one of the easiest types of flooring to clean and keep clean, but it is still important to maintain the floor properly, and there are several tips as to how to do this:

-Avoid walk in dirt
Walk in dirt can cause surface scratching and abrasions can ‘scuff’ the surface and provides an area for bacteria and can cause staining over time. Doormats should be placed at entrances as up to 80% of dirt and grit introduced into an environment comes from shoes, take a look at the soles of your shoes now and that figure may not seem so surprising.

-Sweep and mop as often as possible
Regular sweeping will remove loose dirt and grit on the floor and make the surface easy to clean. Cleaning should be done with a mop and water, with a little detergent. Regular cleaning will prevent stains or bacteria from building up.

-Take care when moving furniture
Heavy furniture and other objects can mark the floor and affect the surface. Pads can be applied to the legs of chairs and corners of furniture, and simply taking care when moving these objects, as opposed to banging and sliding them will add longevity to the floor.

If a floor becomes visibly stained and cleaning efforts cease to be effective, it may be necessary to call a professional floor cleaning company which specializes in vinyl floor cleaning, which should be able to restore the floor to its original state.

A vinyl floor cleaning company will be able to utilized modern equipment and technology to clean and restore the original appearance of the floor and offer advice on further cleaning and maintenance.

Wood floor cleaning – maintenance tips Hard wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in both domestic...
Commercial floor cleaning – hints and tips The choice of flooring in a commercial environment can depend...
Hard floor cleaning – Hardwood cleaning tips Hardwood flooring offers a richness and warmth and outstanding natural...

Commercial floor cleaning – hints and tips

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:10:09 +0000

The choice of flooring in a commercial environment can depend on the type of area being floored, and can differ from domestic flooring. Generally speaking, a commercial environment will experience more ‘traffic’ than a domestic one, from a mixture of employees, furniture and equipment being moved or placed and often from visitors.

Many commercial floors are chosen as a result of their durability and that is usually the case with slate and stone floors, which offer a high level of durability and often a slip resistant finish. The durability generally means that the floor doesn’t mark and scratch as easily as other surfaces, which can help it looking clean.

As stone and slate are not cheap alternatives it is highly recommended to have them professionally installed, and the way it is installed and finished can also have an impact on the maintenance of the floor. Generally slate needs to be cut, and can often break during this process. It is important that the finish is of a good quality, and that the grout is correctly finished.

Once the installment has taken place it is recommended to have it sealed with a good sealer. Slate and stone often have a smooth yet slightly rough finish which lends it its slip resistant quality and unique aspect. It does however make it slightly more prone to staining from certain foods and drinks. The grout is often recessed lower than the level of the tiles and it is here that any spillages will immediately flow.

A good sealer will make the tile and grout more stain resistant and aid cleaning efforts. It is best not to go for a waxy based sealer which can change the appearance and make the floor slippery. A commercial floor cleaning company will be able to recommend a good sealer for your floor type.

Surfaces can be marked and scratched by dirt and grit introduced into the environment, generally by shoes. These scratches and abrasions on the surface can make the floor more susceptible to staining and also damage any sealer that has been applied. Taking simple steps such as placing doormats and regular sweeping can help reduce the risk of exposure.

If the floor does get visibly stained it is possible that there are layers of staining and bacteria that have built up over time. In this case it may be better to consult a commercial floor cleaning company that will be able to restore the floor to its original state.

Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Cleaning stone floors – Protecting the floor and grout Stone...
Cleaning slate floors – protect the grout Slate floors can be a great choice for a variety...
Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips Vinyl floor cleaning – Tips Vinyl flooring comes in a...