Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaning (Contd.)

You want to make sure that you call a professional hardwood floor cleaning service to avoid damaging your floors.  Professional services not only have all the tools that they're going to need, they have the knowledge and experience to help.

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What Can Damage a Hardwood Floor?

What can damage a hardwood floor?  Turns out a lot of things can.  A woman's shoe that has a bit of the heel wearing out can really gouge a floor to the point of severe damage, as can a man's steel toed boot.  If your dog or cat drags something, it can cause damage as can your pet's claws.  That's why you want to protect your floor as well as clean it.

Although modern floors that are sealed with urethane are more durable than those with wax finishes, they are still vulnerable to scratches. Professional hardwood floor cleaning practices include some between visit tips.

For example, it's best to dry mop or vacuum your hardwood floors to keep them clean, and spot clean when necessary.  The rules change slightly if you have laminate wood flooring. 

How to Handle Laminate Flooring

The easiest 'hardwood' to clean is engineered or laminate flooring, which really isn't hardwood at all, but a floor constructed to mimic the look of wood. Unlike authentic hardwood, damp mops or cloths can be used to clean this flooring with a much smaller risk of damage. Vacuuming or dry mopping should be done first before damp mopping to remove dirt and debris. It's important to note that even though laminate or engineered hardwood can have a damp cloth applied,  like actual hardwood floor cleaning, very little water should be used, and immediate drying should be done after cleaning to avoid damage to the floor's surface.

So remember, you don't ever want to wet mop any sort of wood or wood-based floor.  Instead, remember to damp mop and sweep.  Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hardwood floor, and always clean it once a week to avoid grit and dirt from accumulating.  A little white vinegar mixed with water is often an effective way of cleaning Caring for your hardwood is important for longevity and integrity of your flooring. For best practices, it's wise to employ professional hardwood floor cleaning services to ensure that proper cleaning techniques, equipment and solutions are used.

Read more about this subject here.

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1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750
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Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Do you have a hardwood floor and are you having trouble in cleaning it up? Although hardwood flooring has been around for years, there can sometimes be some confusion as to the best practices for cleaning and maintaining them. 

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Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Restoration:  Clear Up the Confusion

Part of the confusion where hardwood floor cleaning is concerned is due to the increasing types and variations of hardwood, as well as the different finishes and sealants that can be applied to this type of flooring. It is imperative that the proper equipment, cleaning solutions and method of cleaning are employed in order to clean your floors and maintain their integrity at the same time. The following are some of the different variations of hardwood floors, and the applicable professional hardwood floor cleaning methods for each.
• Classic hardwood floor cleaning
More recent hardwood is easier to clean and more durable thanks to the types of sealants that are used. However, in many older homes where original, classic hardwood flooring still exists, cleaning can be a bit more difficult. Since this type of flooring is sensitive to any moisture and liquids, you have to be very careful with the amount of cleaning solutions used. The first thing that should be done is remove any dust or dirt from the floor by vacuuming or mopping with a dry cloth in order to avoid scratches that the dirt and debris can potentially cause. Mopping with a wet or damp cloth is not recommended, as any residue left behind can cause damage to the floor. Professional hardwood floor cleaning include buffing and re-waxing to maintain their cleanliness and luster.
• Urethane-Sealed Hardwood Floor Cleaning
More modern hardwood flooring is typically sealed with urethane, which makes them a little easier to clean than their classic hardwood counterparts. However, as with the classic hardwood, using a wet or damp mop or cloth is not recommended as moisture can damage this type of flooring as well. Waxing is also not recommended, as it can ruin the floor's finish.  If you do end up ruining your floor's finish, then there is nothing left to do but get restoration work done.

Hardwood Floor Restoration: When to Call

If your floor's finish is well, finished, then that's the time to call a professional hardwood floor restoration service.  By no means should you ever try to restore your floor on your own.  You could end up doing more damage to your floor.

A professional service will know when to sand and when not to, and above all else, how to protect your hardwood floor from further damage.

Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750
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Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Refinishing: All About Bamboo Flooring

Part three of our series on hardwood floor cleaning explores bamboo and why it is a popular floor choice.

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Why Bamboo Flooring is Taking Off

Why buy bamboo flooring?  Well, for one thing it is about 70% cheaper than other floor types such as oak, teak, walnut or hickory.  In addition, it is much more ecologically sound.  One of the biggest environmental problems that we are going to be facing in the 21st Century is deforestation.  Without trees, the amount of carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere.  So cutting down teak to make wood adds to this problem.   However, with bamboo, it grows incredibly fast, and as a result, can be re-established a lot quicker.

In fact, according to this article from the New York Times: "bamboo is popular with some designers because of its sleek appearance. It is “more subtle, less ‘knotty’ ” than other wood, said Roger Ferris, an architect in Westport, Conn. “It’s not something you’re typically used to seeing. That makes it really suitable for contemporary and modern design schemes. Steve Appolloni, a designer in Albuquerque, N.M., likes it for its “durability, cost, eco-friendly qualities and, depending on the source, its thickness and quality. "Bamboo is much denser than oak, Mr. Appolloni said, so it makes for a stronger floor that doesn’t warp as much. It is also less expensive than many other woods. (The average bamboo floor costs about $5 to $7 a square foot, not including installation, whereas walnut or pine can cost nearly $10 a square foot.) Because bamboo plants take only about five years to mature, unlike many trees, which can take 50 years or more, bamboo is environmentally sustainable. Like most woods, though, it can vary in quality, depending on the manufacturer and the finishing technique. Solid bamboo floors, which are the most durable, tend to be more expensive, and can cost as much as $9 a square foot. Engineered bamboo floors, which have multiple layers, can run as low as $3 a square foot, but the quality might not be as high." [READ SOURCE ARTICLE]

Bamboo Floor Care

First off, there is one thing we have to point out.  Technically bamboo is not a wood, it is actually more closely related to grass.  As a result, it is a lot more fibrous than regular wood is and as such, if you wish to do hardwood floor refinishing on it, you must use more than the usual caution.  You could find yourself tearing up the bamboo and shredding it.

So remember, whether you have oak, hickory or bamboo, take care of your floor.  And when in doubt, call in a professional hardwood floor cleaning service in Los Angeles.   

For more information on hardwood floor cleaning, be sure to read part one and part two.  

Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750

Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Refinishing: Oak Flooring

Part two of our series on hardwood floor refinishing explores oak flooring.

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Hardwood Floors:  More than One Type of Oak

Oak floors convey elegance and comfort at the same time.  What most people don't know is that most of the oak flooring is made of one of three types of oak.  If you have oak in your home it is either white oak, red oak, or black oak. Here is some information regarding oak from WIKIPEDIA.ORG: "Oak wood has a density of about 0.75 g/cm3, great strength and hardness, and is very resistant to insect and fungal attack because of its high tannin content. It also has very appealing grain markings, particularly when quartersawn. [READ SOURCE ARTICLE]

If you have a home with solid oak flooring, then you must know by now that it is worth a small fortune.  And it is worth the price.  Oak flooring brightens any room up.  It is tough, durable, and keeps its looks for a long time.  it is fairly easy to take care of, and clean.   Another great benefit of oak flooring is increases your home's resale value. So with that said, make sure that you take proper care of it.  

Oak Floor Care and Cleaning

Despite the fact that it is tough and durable, like all hardwoods, you must take care of it the right way.  You either need to call in a hardwood floor cleaning service, or if you do it yourself, make sure you don't use harsh chemicals like bleach.  You also want to avoid using anything oil based like furniture polish as it can leave a residue behind.  Never wet mop your oak floor.  Harsh chemicals can bleach your wood or even cause parts of it to dissolve, particularly softer sections.  In addition, chemicals such as bleach can strip the finishing off the floor as well, and leave the floor vulnerable to stains, scratches and pits.  

So remember, your oak floor is more than just floor.  So whether you have oak plank flooring or solid oak, you want to make sure that you take care of it.  It is an investment in your home both for now and for the future.  Sweep it lightly once a week, and make sure you have mats at the entry points.  Clean up spills immediately, and make sure you have a professional hardwood floor cleaning service come in every now and then to seal your hardwood floor.  

Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750
http://www.morriscarpetcleaning.com

Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Refinishing: Is It Time?

Is it time to get hardwood floor cleaning done? This article will explore some reasons why you may wish to get a professional service in to take care of it for you.  

Call a hardwood floor refinishing service for help with your flooring

Why Hire a Hardwood Floor Refinishing Service?  

Why hire a hardwood floor refinishing service?  For one, they are going to know what type of floor you have.  Laminate flooring requires far different care than floor that is solid wood.  You have to be careful what you use on a hardwood floor.  You never want to use harsh chemicals for example, or use anything that is very watery, otherwise, you're going to soak your floor and end up warping your boards.  However, there is also the risk that you take from something as simple as furniture polish.  

How can furniture polish damage your hardwood floor?  Well, for one, most furniture polish is either oil-based, or has wax in it.  As a result, even though the polish will clean your hardwood floor, after a while, the hardwood will start to soak up the oil and/or wax, and as a result, your floor will look dingy.  In addition, some hardwood floors such as teak have a naturally high oil content already, so adding more oil can discolor or even ruin your wood.  If you end up with oil soaked wood, at that point, there is no amount of cleaning that you can do that will bring back your floor.  What usually happens at this stage, is someone reaches for something acidic like bleach or vinegar to cut through the residue.  While white vinegar in small amounts can hep clean your hardwood floor, in larger doses, it can cause more damage.  That's where a professional hardwood floor cleaning service can help.  They have access to cleaning solutions that you don't have, and can also recommend some general care advice between visits.  

Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Rolling Hills, CA

If you have hardwood floors, and you need hardwood floor refinishing in Rolling Hills, as we covered above, do not try to do this on your own.  A professional service can determine a lot by visiting your home.  They can tell what type of wood you have as well as what will need to be done to it from a simple cleaning all the way up to a full refinishing job.  

So remember, you want to hire someone who knows what they're doing.  The best service to hire is a professional one that offers hardwood floor refinishing in Rolling Hills and throughout the L.A. Area.  

Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750
http://www.morriscarpetcleaning.com

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips Part 3

Part three of our series on hardwood floor cleaning tips explores the importance of knowing your floor before you begin.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning:  First Off Know Your Floor

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It is important that you know what type of hardwood floor that you have.  Why?  Well, different types of hardwood floors require different types of care.  Do you have hickory flooring or teak parquet?  Is it heart of pine, or do you have oak?  Is it a solid hardwood floor, or a veneer?  The answers to these questions help you to narrow down what you're going to need to do where hardwood floor cleaning is concerned.  However it isn't just knowing your floor type, you also have to know what type of finish your hardwood floor has.

Hardwood floor finishes fit into two categories.  Your hardwood floor either has a surface finish, or a penetrating one.  A lot of times, hardwood floor comes from the manufacturer with a surface finish as a rule.  Usually made of polyurethane, the finish fan be damaged if you use the wrong product or cleaning method.  If your floor is glossy, it is most likely a surface finish.  If the finish is more matte level, it is probably a penetrating finish.    No matter what type of floor you have, there are certain no no's to avoid at all costs.

How to Clean Your Hardwood Floor and Not Wreck It

For one thing, water is one of your hardwood floor's biggest threats, so never ever wet mop it.  Damp mopping is okay sometimes, but again, use caution.  Another thing you want to avoid is any harsh chemicals.  You could strip off your floor's finish, which if you want to do hardwood floor refinishing isn't a problem, however, it is a problem when you just want to do a bit of cleaning.

So remember, know what you're doing.  Avoid water on your hardwood floor.  Make sure people take off their shoes, particularly ones like high heels or boots that can scratch the floor up, and make sure that there are mats at every doorway.  And above all else, if you don't know what you're doing, call someone in who does, such as a hardwood floor refinishing service in Los Angeles.

This concludes part two of our series on hardwood floor cleaning.  Be sure to read part one and part two  as well.

Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750
http://www.morriscarpetcleaning.com

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips Part 2

Part two of our series on hardwood floor cleaning tips explores products to use and products to avoid.

Should I Use a Store Bought Product to Clean a Hardwood Floor?

Hardwood Floor Refinishing | (310) 545-8750

Should you use a store-bought product to clean your hardwood floor?  First off, you have to a bit of homework.  Check out the product online, plus any reviews.  Read the ingredients carefully before you use it.  Anything that is wax-based should be avoided.  For one, it will likely make y our floor extremely slippery.  For another, while wax can make your floor look wonderful at first, after a while the wax will accumulate dirt and end up looking dingy.  Then you'll have to put more and more of this sort of product on, ultimately forcing you to call a hardwood floor cleaning service.

Another thing to think about is the fact that a lot of hardwood floor cleaning products have one thing in common.  They are full of toxic chemicals, a great many of which are carcinogens.  And sometimes going green is harder than you might think.  Some environmentally-friendly hardwood floor cleaning products are all but useless, and others are effective, but are vinegar based, leaving your rooms smelling rather like salad dressing.  Or as this article excerpt from Green Living shows: "If you use conventional cleaning products on your floor, well, think of it as swishing and swashing potentially toxic chemicals across the largest surface area of your home. And then consider the Environmental Protection Agency study showing indoor levels of pollutants (like formaldehyde, chloroform, and styrene) ranging from two to 50 times higher than outdoor levels—much of it from conventional cleaning supplies. Some floor cleaners include a surprisingly toxic ingredient list—people exposed to the heavy-duty cleaners often experience eye irritation, dizziness, loss of concentration, fatigue, wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Floor cleaners that give you shine also give you off-gassing of petroleum-based polymers. In addition, most of the fragrance that accompanies conventional floor cleaners are either indoor air pollutants on their own, or are inert on their own but mix with ozone to create formaldehyde and other toxic air contaminates [READ MORE]

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Products: Final Thoughts

So remember, you don't want to make your problem worse.  Do some research and know what you're doing.  Follow some best practices such as floor mats at the doorways, and making people take off their shoes.

Above all else, if you're out of your league, don't try to bluff your way through it.  Get on the phone and call a professional hardwood floor cleaning service in your area.   

This concludes part two of our series on hardwood floor cleaning.  Be sure to read part one and part three  as well.

Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750
http://www.morriscarpetcleaning.com

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips Part 1

Hardwood floor cleaning tips help to keep up your floor between visits. Part one of our series explores some basic tips.

How to Avoid Scratching a Hardwood Floor

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If you have children, they most likely have toys of some sort.  Plush toys aren't anything to worry about, but what about hard plastic or metal ones with wheels.  Racing one car across a hardwood floor can leave a very expensive scratch that you'll have to call in a professional hardwood floor refinishing service to get out.  Solution:  Have a play area, or make sure that there are soft rugs around.  Any dirt or mud that is tracked in by your kids or your pets should be cleaned up immediately.

Here's one of our  hardwood floor cleaning tips.  Never wet mop your hardwood floor.  Instead, damp mop, or spray a mop with a dusting agent to pull the dust and dirt up.  You can vacuum your floor, just make sure that there aren't any metal attachments lowered that can scratch up your floor.  You can also use electrostatic wipes that you can get at a grocery store.  Whichever method you use, make sure you remove dirt and grit. If you don't, you could end up with scratches

Hardwood Floors and Entry Points

Grit is the worst for your floor.  You can't help to track it in, but it is a good idea to have rugs at each entry point and make it a household rule to wipe one's feet on the welcome mat.  A foyer closet is a good place to put shoes and boots that can track mud or dirt in.  Make sure that you clean all of your rugs too at least once a month.  Another good policy to follow is to make sure that you clean up any liquid spills immediately.  You may even wish to seal your hardwood floor.  Call your hardwood floor cleaning service to see if this is an option.

Hardwood floor adds warm tones to any room that it is installed in.  So take care of your hardwood floor.  Never let puddles stand on a hardwood floor.  Wipe them up immediately.  If you have pets, particularly dogs, sealing your floor will help to protect it.  And if you need help, get on the phone to the right people, a hardwood floor cleaning service in Los Angeles.

This concludes part one of our series on hardwood floor cleaning.  Be sure to read part two and part three as well.

Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1007 N.Sepulveda Blvd. #1204
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
(310) 545-8750
http://www.morriscarpetcleaning.com