GoGoKitty’s Do-It-Yourself Secrets

Ceramic tile is one of the most durable, low maintenance floors you’ll ever have. However, just like any well used surface, there are certain things you can do to keep to keep your floor looking its best.

One simple step home owners often over look is the process of sealing the grout. Since all glazed tiles do not need to be sealed, there are many who think that the grout used on that floor doesn’t need to be sealed too. There are a lot of installers that will claim how grout does not need to be sealed, but you will clean your tiles much easier if you do this. Porous grout surface will be protected with this because stains and water will be repelled. This simple process also goes a long way for homeowners who are preparing their home for sale. Its great to have clean entrance that shows all the grout lines, it is something that will impress anyone.

These are few simple grout sealing steps you need to take.

In case you are dealing with a compltely new flooring, it is necesary to wait for 30 days before you can start with sealing.

Apply neutral PH cleaner to clean the grout before you start sealing it. To prevent water from entering the joints, use a damp mop when needed. Do not use vinegar or bleach, because they are too strong and will destroy the grout. To get rid of the dirt and stains from the grout lines, you will have to buy and use small brush. Rinse with clean water and dry the tiles completely.

It can happen that the grout is stained to the extreme and that cleaning can’t help to restore its looks. Situations like these will me much easier to handle if a grout stain pen is nearby. Choose a color that most closely resembles your grout color and run it along the grout line. Since it has sealer inside, it will do two tasks at the same time.

One tip for the end, do not mix the brands. Since the results are much better if you use the same brand again, we recommend that you re-apply the same thing you used before.

Figure out what type of floor you have installed so you can start with proper cleaning. There are surface sealed floors that do not require much maintenance, and if your floor is new, you probably have one of these already. In case you have an older floor, you most likely have penetrating seal treated floor. Oils and waxes will have to be used to properly care for thisfloor type.

For cleaning hardwood floors, in the case of a surface sealed floor, you merely need to mop using a product recommended by your flooring manufacturer. Products like Oil Soap solution (which don’t generally contain oil) are usually safe. Some soap and one damp mop are a good solution for this floor tyoe. It is a must to clean and dry your floor entirely when you finish, because the water can damage the surface of your flooring.

If you have a penetrating seal treated floor, you will not be able to mop with water-based products. You can instead use vacuum or sweep your floor. Old wax will have to be stripped and new coating will be added, so your floor can have deeper cleaning. You can do this once or twice a year, if you like.

Use a stripper, and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Allow the hardwood floor to dry and try to ensure proper ventilation. Check what kind of wax can be used on your type of floor, the manufacturer should tell you this. Just follow the directions so you can properly apply as many coats as you want.

And at last, we have an important step to do, to use a electric floor scrubber. Wax has to seal the floor properly and give it a beautiful shine, so you will have to use this process for sure. Many homeowners buy or rent home floor buffer polisher, because it shortens the time needed for the job. I think it is very important to know that a new floor bufer machines you buy will pay itself off after you use it for several times.