Hardwood floors seem simple to clean when you are considering installing them in your home. You don’t have to worry about the dirt sticking to the floor, stains from food and drinks, and other issues you have with carpet. Carpet tends to lose its luster after a few years and can be irreparably stained. While it is more difficult to damage hardwood flooring, it is still possible. You will want to have the proper cleaning supplies when you consider your hardwood floor. Some chemicals can actually be too harsh stripping away the floors finishing. Scraps in the floor can be difficult to repair, and of course pet stains on hardwood flooring are difficult to remove.

A very simple hardwood floor cleaner recipe is taking 1 teaspoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and one quart of water. You will combine these ingredients in a bucket and either use a mop or a washrag to rub over the floor after you have swept the area. Once you have applied the cleaning recipe to the floor you will want to go back over the floor with clear and clean water. It is also best that you take a rag and clean in the corners to help get the dust out of the corners before you begin the treatment.

If you have any scratches on the floor that are not deep you will be able to use a finishing lacquer to cover the scratches. More involved scratches will need to be sanded and refinished. If you have a deep stain you can still use the simple floor cleaner above. It may take a little extra work or you may have to sand the area first to remove the uppermost part of the stain.

When you have hardwood floors you need to deal with spills quickly. While the finishing is supposed to protect the floor from damaging water can still get through. Most importantly you need to know the type of hardwood flooring you have. Some of the newer floors are so simple to put in that the sealer is not applied so the grooves are protected. This means that a spill can leak through the grooves and damage the flooring beneath. On this type of floor it is best to use small amounts of the recipe above and water on the stain and to clean the floor to avoid damaging it.

Another great recipe to use on hardwood floors is using a vegetable soap or Murphy’s oil soap to create a watered down mixture that you can apply to the floors. The same rules apply as above. You do not want to use excess moisture when cleaning the hardwood floors as it can warp the wood or cause more severe damage. You may use a spray bottle to make sure that you have the correct amount of solution come out. A rag or the new Swiffer mops are great for getting your hardwood floors clean because they don’t require the pads to be soaked.

Visit us for more information on installing hardwood floors, refinishing hardwood floors and hardwood floor accessories

People who own carpet and area rugs know that proper cleaning is essential to longevity. It also keeps the appearance of the rug looking fresh and unsoiled. There are many methods used to clean carpet such as steam cleaning or the dry method. Steam cleaning is the most popular method because it extracts the liquid shampoo which is used for cleaning.

If you are lucky enough to own a steam cleaner you should choose your shampoo carefully. Read the label to see what kind of warnings come with the product. Most carpet rug cleaners advise you to test a small area before applying the solution to the entire rug. This is to test for any discolorations which might occur.

If you plan to use professional cleaners, it would pay you to do some research before you hire them. Check out their reputation and talk to others who have used them. Find out if they are insured against accidents in case they were to break something or cause damage to the carpet.

Tinney’s Rug Cleaning: This company is located in Florida and has been in business for over 80 years. They clean carpets, Oriental rugs, upholstery, and antique fabric. They offer repairs as well as cleaning services and promise professional service.

J & J Cleaning Service: This is a family owned business which specializes in improving the air quality in the home by cleaning carpets, furniture, and also air ducts. They offer specialty fabric cleaning and emergency water extraction. If you don’t want to hire someone to clean your carpet they offer equipment rental and professional chemicals which you can use to do the job yourself.

Star Rug Cleaners: This company has been in business in the Santa Barbara area for over 80 years and they specialize in cleaning the high quality Oriental rugs. They are a recognized leader in the carpet and upholstery cleaning business. They offer in-home services and use the hot water extraction method to insure the best possible results.

Stanley Steamers: This company has been in business for many years and can be found in most of the major cities across the country. They offer in-home services that are flexible as to the hours. They realize many people work during the day so they offer evening and weekend hours. They can help with pet odors by using professional strength deodorizers which are dry in 4-6 hours.

Carpet cleaning is important to maintain a fresh, clean smell in the home as well as extending the life of the carpet. If the job is done improperly it could result in mold and mildew forming which is considered to be a top health hazard in the home. It is important that the right chemicals are used in order to prevent carpet damage or further health problems for the family.

When shopping for shampoo, look at the different features the shampoos have. Some of them are designed for pet owners and have an enzyme killer in them. Killing the existing enzymes will usually solve the problem with pet odor.

Other shampoos are non-allergenic which could be beneficial to someone with breathing problems or for people who suffer from indoor allergies. Finding the right shampoo for your home is a very important process.

Kelly Hunter is an experienced writer and researcher for http://www.oriental-area-rugs-guide.com about oriental area rugs with several years experience.

Indoor air quality is an increasing health concern. Pollutant levels (airborne particles, gases, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds) are actually higher inside the home than they are outside. Poor quality indoor air affects people to different degrees, depending on an individual’s age and relative health. There are different ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones against indoor air pollutants.

Indoor air mold
A most common indoor air pollutant is air mold. Mold exists wherever moisture and oxygen are present. Inside your home, molds can often be found in damp basements, closets, bathrooms, air conditioning systems, humidifiers, and any humid place. Here are some steps on how to improve the quality of air in your home.

Improving indoor air quality

• The first step in improving indoor air quality is to attempt to control the source of the pollutant. If it stems from indoor air mold, smoke, or some type of chemical, you can actually remove it from your home through a thorough cleansing. On the other hand, some indoor air pollutants such as dust or pollen are not so easily eliminated.
• The next step is to improve the ventilation in your home. Bringing fresh air into the house by opening windows is not only helpful but also very simple. However, opening a window on a high pollen-count day or in a smoggy city will probably worsen the air situation in your home.
• Finally, you can purchase an air purifier. There are numerous types of air purifiers on the market–be sure to buy one that is well suited for the dimension of your home.

Types of air purifiers
Air purifiers are designed to clean and purify the air people breathe. They can reduce odors and airborne pollutants that contribute to poor air quality, and filter common allergens such as pollen, mold and dust. Cleaner air benefits everyone, especially those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Air purifiers can be conveniently portable or permanently installed.

Tips on choosing an air purifier
Area Coverage – Make sure the square footage recommended for the air purifier is close to or slightly greater than the square footage of the room where you intend to use it.

Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) – This number informs us how frequently the air purifier can exchange all the air in a given room in an hour. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you will want a higher ACH rating.

Filter Replacements – Filters have to be replaced on many types of air purifiers. Be sure to find out the cost of the filters and how often they must be changed.

Noise Level – Some air purifiers are very quiet, while others can be quite loud. Ask for a trial demonstration of the unit before purchasing it.

Energy Usage – Because air purifiers operate on energy and run continuously, the amount of energy they consume will be reflected on your energy bill.

Gary Martin is a freelance writer specializing in health and allergy research for the Mold Removal Unit – http://www.moldunit.com website.

Many people who remodel their homes frequently choose granite as the material of choice when they decide to put kitchen counters or other types of ledges or tabletops in. Having granite put in can be a source of added beauty to your home also, giving it the look that it needs in order to make it more valuable and appreciated. However, when it comes to cleaning granite counter tops, it takes a person who really cares about the look of their home in order to take care of granite in a counter top form. Most of the things that one can do when cleaning granite counter tops are common sense, but there are some specific ways to make it look beautiful that people rarely get to accomplish.

The first and foremost thing that you should do before your construction leader leaves is to ask him or her what the best way is to go about cleaning granite counter tops. If you are having a granite professional install your counter tops then it may go without saying that he or she will tell you how to clean them. However, it would be a good idea to discuss it with the person who installs your granite counter tops anyway. One idea that they may give you is to use a piece of fine steel wool for cleaning your granite counter tops. Even if the counter tops are not that dirty or messy the steel wool can do the preventive maintenance that it needs.

However, another tip that one should know about when cleaning granite counter tops is to use a finishing polish and sealant on the granite counter top. The sealant will ensure long life of the granite counter top by coating the top and making sure the granite is strong as ever. On the other hand, the finishing polish that you can find in any store will make the granite counter top look beautiful and clean. The sealant should be used at least once per year and the polish should be used once a week in order to keep the granite counter top looking nice.

There are plenty of other ways that you should go about cleaning your granite counter tops. However, using sealant, finishing polish, as well as fine steel wool are the three major tools one can use in order to make sure their granite counter top has a long-lasting life.

Joseph Walker is webmaster of http://www.GraniteCounterTopsGuide.coma free informational site that helps to inform you about Granite Countertops and what to look for and how to take care of them. Visit today to find out about these fantastic Granite products.

People experience pleasure having their own fireplaces in their own homes. It is considered a central appliance in a room due to the warmth and comfort it provides. But to keep it working that way, people need to do a bit of effort to keep their fireplaces working well and they should also make sure to remember fireplace cleaning and maintenance tips.

The fireplace needs regular care and clean-up to ensure a secure and cost-effective fire. Creosote, a combustible tar-like matter that builds up in the chimney and flue, should be cleaned out by a professional to do away with at least one possible fire hazard. The fireplace and its accessories must be given routine cleaning all through the wood-burning season to eradicate a buildup of ashes, soot, and creosote tars.

To maintain the efficiency of fireplaces, cleaning and maintenance should be kept regular. During yearly inspections, the chimney should be examined for damage, buildup and proximity to combustibles. The place around the chimney and the fireplace must be kept tidy and free from debris. The flue should be checked for obstructions like birds’ nests, and overhanging branches must also be cut. The fireplace, in general, must be cleaned when necessary. It must be inspected to make sure that there is sufficient protective linings and smoke ducts and that the chimney should be in good condition. The fireplace must likewise be kept clean so it would appear more pleasant to use and also to make it a better attribute for guests and visitors.

Some tips for fireplace cleaning and maintenance include the following:

· To keep the brass shiny, a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce should be used. The brass knobs and the door or metal parts around the fireplace can be cleaned by scrubbing since this would keep the area tidy and gleaming.

· Doors should be open for venting. Avoid fire that burns longer than five hours.

· To avoid hot embers from jumping onto the carpet, the screen should be kept close. Place a non-flammable rug directly on the fireplace. This is to avoid sparks from igniting the carpet or wooden floor.

· Do not leave the fire unattended, especially when there are small children.

· Use a chimney cap to avoid animal nesting, water damage or debris. This is also to avoid obstructing the chimney.

· Clean out the firebox once a week. To help coals heat faster and to retain their heat longer, an inch of ash must be kept in the bottom to work as an insulator. Before the ash is taken out from the firebox, open the damper to avoid ashes spreading out. Do not use a vacuum cleaner in cleaning out the ash.

· Use a brick cleaner when cleaning a brick fireplace. Use lemon oil every month or two to clean exterior slate hearths.

· Clean gas logs once a month using a soft bristle brush. Avoid cleaning them right after a fire. periodically remove the excess ashes and unburned logs from the fire.

These are just some of the ways to ensure that the fireplace performs at its best. In addition, it’s always an advantage to follow the fireplace cleaning and maintenance pointers religiously.

JB Anthony is the webmaster of Fireplace-Ideas.Info. Visit Fireplace-Ideas.Info now for tips on fireplaces, fireplace designs, and fireplace accessories.

Cleaning may not be a favourite choice of occupying your time, so follow these simple rules and you’ll clean with the minimum of effort and achieve the results you need!

1. Spills and stains are usually better off treated straight away. Blot spills up immediately with kitchen roll or absorbent paper and chances are that nothing will remain – leave it until the day after and the stain will have dried and may well have ’set’ – discolouring the carpet or fabric concerned permanently! Also, if you do have to use water to help remove a spill, always use cold water – never hot. Hot water will set a stain almost immediately! One exception to this rule is tracked-in mud. This is best left to dry and then vacuumed or brushed away.

2. When you clean, remember that it’s a good idea to clean vertical surfaces from the top down. Why? Simply put, gravity endures that anything you remove by cleaning – dust, cobwebs and so on – will travel downwards, so don’t give yourself extra work by trying to defy it! When washing walls or windows this is particularly true – don’t fall into the trap of continually wiping up drips and runs!

3. Always dust the wipe. In other words, use the duster first then a damp cloth. Why? The answer lies in the fact that dust particles cling to wet surfaces much more readily than dry ones. Finish your dusting then progress to damp wiping – you will save yourself time and effort!

4. Try the gentlest approach first. If soilage can be removed using a dry duster, don’t use a heavy-duty scourer loaded with aggressive chemicals – it just isn’t necessary and means more work! Also, you have to sometimes make value judgements – does that tiny burnt spot on your ceramic hob really warrant an all-out assault with steel wool and harsh abrasives?

5. Allow any cleaning chemicals time to do their work. A common mistake is to take the phrase ’spray’n'wipe’ literally. Instead, spray cleaner onto the soiled surface – and leave it there. Go and do another five-minute task then return. You will find that the soilage will in most cases be very easy to remove. Also remember that bactericidal products all need ‘dwell time’ to work properly!

6. Carry your cleaning materials around with you. This may sound obvious but how many times have you started cleaning only to find something missing? Invest in a ‘carry caddy’ – available from almost any hardware shop – and keep your cleaning products, dusters and so forth in it. The whole idea is to save you time and effort!

7. If you have a delicate fabric to clean, always try your cleaning product out on an out-of-the-way piece where possible. It may be that the object to be cleaned isn’t as colourfast as you first thought! This method is particularly useful when using a product you have never tried before. Better safe than sorry!

8. Never ever forget that, as a rule of thumb, liquids and electricity don’t mix too well. So if you want to clean your computer monitor or keyboard – spray the cleaning product onto the cloth, not the object to be cleaned. This ensures that overspray does not penetrate to the innards of the object with sometimes dire results!

9. Always read the label. This goes for the cleaning product as well as the item to be cleaned – manufacturer’s labels aren’t put there for the fun of it! If a rug says dry clean only, don’t get mad if you ruin it by scrubbing it with soap and water! Likewise, if a product says something like ‘not to be used on delicate fabrics’ it generally means just that.

10. Look after yourself. Most household cleaning products are very low risk when in use but why take a chance? Always wear protective gloves and an apron and, if using spray products, lightweight protective goggles aren’t a bad idea either. After all, cleaning may be a chore but it doesn’t need to be a danger!

By following these ten simple tips you should be able to keep your cleaning to an easily-managed minimum.

Steve Dempster worked for over fifteen years within the cleaning industry – if you would like more information on floorcare or other cleaning issues, pay his site a visit at http://www.howtocleanit.info