Coffee stains look awful and they keep coming back from time to time. This article discusses the best solution to deal with coffee stains on your carpet.
What You Will Need
Two spray bottles filled with warm water
Shop-Vac
Cleaning detergent
White towel or cloth
Instructions
Add the cleaning detergent into one of the warm water spray bottles and give it a mix. You can increase the detergent’s quantity if you want a strong cleaning solution.
Spray some of the soap-water cleaner on the carpet and rub it with a cloth or towel. Do not rub too hard; you just have to blot the area.
Spray more detergent-water mixture and keep blotting your carpet for a while with the cloth.
Vacuum the area with a Shop-Vac for 1-2 minutes.
Repeat the process of spraying the soapy water and vacuuming it. When you feel like it’s done, pour simple warm water to get the soap out of your carpet.
The coffee residue left in cups can dry after some time and leave stains at the bottom. A stained coffee mug looks awful, and you think it is washed or not.
Here’s how you can remove coffee stains from mugs!
Add some baking soda to the cup’s bottom and pour some white vinegar; it starts to bubble up.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Add some more baking soda to make its paste with water.
Scrub with a soft brush to remove the leftover stains. Be careful; it may scratch the surface.
From Car’s Seat
Coffee is an on-the-go drink. Stains on car seats are common with coffee lovers. Try dealing with the stain as soon as you can after the spill. It is difficult to remove dried stains.
Use a paper towel or a rag to soak as much coffee as possible. You must blot the surface and not wipe it. Old stains will probably be dried and may not have any moisture.
Use a cold-water wet paper towel to blot the stain. It helps remove more coffee from the seat.
Blot again using a dry and fresh paper towel to remove the excess liquid.
You can use dish soap/baking soda with water to remove the remaining stains. Give the cleaning liquid at least 30 minutes to work its way into the stain.
Rinse with a fresh paper towel. Repeat the process as necessary.
Use dish soaps with low pH for leather and light-colored seats.
Can I remove the coffee stain from my carpet using home ingredients other than kitchen items?
Yes, you can. You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove coffee stains from carpet and clothes. Vinegar can be harsh on some surfaces.https://www.youtube.com/embed/J6OZ_GR0sh4
Motor oil stored in the trunk can spill due to various reasons. It is a tough stain, but you can remove it using common household items.
Things Required
Baking soda/corn starch
White vinegar
Vacuum cleaner
Dry cleaning fluid
Warm water
Liquid detergent
Cleaning Process
Follow the steps mentioned below to remove motor oil from the trunk carpet. You can use these steps on other carpets as well.
Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain. You can also use corn starch if you don’t have baking soda.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and vacuum the carpet.
Pour a few drops of dry cleaning fluid on a clean cloth and apply the cloth directly over the motor oil stain.
Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Slightly stained carpets will be cleaned till now.
Follow the steps below for tough stains.
Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent in 2 cups of warm water.
Soak a sponge with this solution and scrub the stained area until the remaining oil residue disappears.
Rinse the area with cold water and let dry.
That’s it. This is the simplest way to get motor oil out of the trunk carpet.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q1AV3Y-d3Lw
Some other Methods to Clean Trunk Carpet
Oil Based Solvents
You can also use oil-based solvents to remove motor oil from the trunk carpet. Scrub the stain with oil-based solvent and then remove the carpet and wash it in your washing machine.
Dawn Dishwasher
Soak the carpet in hot water and add some dishwasher to it. Scrub the stains using a medium-hard brush for scrubbing. Get ready for some elbow grease, as this will not be an easy task.
Washing the Carpet
Wash the carpet with a carpet-cleaner as soon as you see the stains. Follow the instructions on the packing for better results.
How to remove oil stains from the driveway or garage?
Cover wet stains with baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the oil before it dries up.
Once the oil dries up, remove the sprayed material and wet it with water.
If the stain dried some time ago, skip the two steps above and start the cleaning process by wetting it with water.
Pick a scrubbing brush as per the floor material. Scrub the area with a thick paste of baking soda and water.
Use a high-pressure water stream to clean the area.
Laminate floors are usually scratch-resistant, but even the hardest floors need repairing over time. Scratches occur when you move heavy furniture in your room or sometimes with a dog’s paws or might be with your child’s toys. If your laminate floor has scratches, you must opt for good strategies and ways to remove them without damaging your floor further. This article will provide the practical yet easiest ways to remove scratches from your laminate floor.
Remove Scratches from Laminate Floor
Laminate Floor Repair Scratch Kit
You can successfully repair your laminated floor from scratches if you match the right colors of the floor. The best way to match the floor colors is to get the laminate floor repair scratch kit directly from the flooring manufacturer. Usually, a floor repairing kit consists of a wax pencil, a putty knife, and a colored putty to repair the minor scratches on the floor. If you cannot track the floor manufacturer, you can take the flooring sample to the store and get your floor repairing kit accordingly.
Repair Minor Scratches with Wax Pencil and Colored Putty
Scratches on laminate floors can be minor or major. For minor scratches, a wax pencil is enough to repair them. Take a wax pencil that matches the color of the floor and fill the scratch by rubbing the wax pencil over it. You have to rub the tip of the wax pencil in a back and forth direction opposite to the scratch on the floor. Try to take short strokes to fill the scratch. After filling the scratches with wax, take a soft clean cloth and buff the edges of the repair gently. You have to buff it until it gets blended with the rest of the floor.
White scratches on laminate flooring look very disturbing and get the attention of everyone immediately. A wax pencil will not be enough if the laminate floor has a slightly bigger or wide scratch. You can use repair putty instead of a wax pencil in this case. Hold a putty knife to spread the putty across the scratch. You can also use a craft stick instead of a putty knife. To fill the putty across the scratch, hold the knife at a 45-degree angle and press the putty from multiple angles to the scratch. To ensure a flat and even repair, turn the knife on its edge and gently scrape it around the repair and surrounding floor. The putty will take a day to harden and become the permanent part of the floor.
Repair Major Scratches by Replacing the Board
If your laminate floor board is deeply scratched, bigger than usual, no wax pencil and putty can repair it. In this case, you need to remove the board and replace it. First, remove the board that is nearest to the wall and pull up the next boards one by one until you reach the damaged one. Replace the damaged one with the new board and fix all the boards back to their places. Please leave the gap at the wall for expansion. Replace the baseboard back to finish the repair.
How to Fix Scratches in Laminate Floors from a Dog?
Pets, especially dogs, are the major source of scratches on your laminate floors. They scrub their paws on the floor and make scratches where they sit. Follow the method below to remove dog scratches from your floor.
Remove Shallow Scratches
Clean the scratched area with a hardwood cleaner. Apply a small amount of hardwood cleaner to a rag and gently clear any dirt and debris from the scratched area with it.
Take a stained-filled marker and apply it over the scratch. You can also use pigmented wood polish instead of the market if you want. (follow the directions on the product before applying it for correct application)
If you are using the stained-filled marker, you can directly apply it over the scratch. But for pigmented wood polish, you will require a rag for application.
Let the applied product dry and reapply it if needed. It’s better to coat lightly in the first attempt and then layer it up after drying.
Apply a layer of shellac or polyurethane for a proper finish to your laminate floor.
Clean the scratch area with a rag and a hardwood cleaner. It’s important to remove any dirt and debris from the floor before treating scratches.
Take a wood filler and putty knife to fill the scratch. Check the directions on the wood filler before application for the cure time. Cure time is the time that a product takes to settle down. Usually, the cure time for wood filler is one hour.
After the wood filling is completely dry, sand the scratch area to remove any access on the top and around the scratch.
After sanding, apply a wood stain that matches the floor color.
For a proper finish, apply a coat of shellac or polyurethane.
How to Remove Scratches from Pergo Laminate Flooring?
Pergo is a brand of famous laminate flooring. Pergo floor has multiple layers of materials linked together. If your Pergo laminate flooring has scratches over it, you can remove it through the following method.
Take one gallon of water and add ½ cup of ammonia into the bucket. You can also add 1 cup of vinegar instead of ammonia.
Dip a rag or a sponge into the solution and rub the scratches with it. Turn and dip the rag or sponge frequently to rub the scratches from the floor. Make sure you are not flooding your laminate floor with this solution, as water can damage your laminate floor.
Use laminate floor repairing putty to cover the scratches but choose the putty that matches the colors of the flooring.
Apply the floor repairing putty to the scratch and use a putty knife to push it into the repair.
You can apply a good finishing product or varnish over the floor to give it a proper finished look.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to get scratches out of high gloss laminate flooring?
To remove scratches from the high gloss laminating floor, you can use touch-up kits to fill the damaged area. Besides this, you can also use shoe polish to buff out the damage. You can use some other things for scratches like toothpaste, melted crayons, and bur-in sticks. If the scratch is deep, you have to remove the plank or board and replace a new one.
2. Do vinegar and olive oil fix wood scratches?
Yes, vinegar and olive oil can fix minor wood scratches. Take equal parts of vinegar and olive oil and mix them well. This solution removes dirt, moisturizes the floor, and gives a shine to the wood. Pour this solution directly on the scratch. Let it soak for at least 24 hours, and then wipe it off. Repeat the process if needed and the scratch will disappear.
3. How to get scratches out of grey laminate flooring?
If you have scratches on your grey laminate flooring, you can remove them using a floor repair kit. A floor repair kit is available in various colors. You can use a grey wax pencil that matches your laminate floor. Colored putty is also included in the floor repairing kit, and you can use it to cover up your floor scratches.
Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular floorings because of its easy maintenance and low-cost installation. It is basically a temporary flooring that doesn’t last many years if your floor has heavy foot traffic. If your vinyl floor planks have cracks or you want a change in your flooring, you must remove the vinyl floor. Make it very clear; that removing vinyl floor tiles is not an easy task. It’s actually the glue stick with vinyl floor planks and the subfloor, which makes vinyl tiles hard to remove. Following the right procedure can remove glue down vinyl floor planks without investing much energy.
Six-Step Guide for Removing Vinyl Floor Tiles
Removing vinyl floor tiles is a good DIY job that many homeowners can perform on their own if they follow the correct procedure. I have made a six-step guide here so that you can remove your vinyl tile floor easily and without investing much energy.
Step 1: Prepare the Floor
To remove your vinyl flooring, you have to prepare your room first. Remove all the furniture and appliances from the room and empty your flooring area. You have to give yourself an unhindered workspace.
Step 2: Remove Baseboards
Baseboards are used to cover the edges, so you have to remove them first before removing the vinyl floor tiles. Remove them by following the given guideline.
Place a wood black a few inches above the baseboard to protect the wall.
Now place the broader end of the pry bar at the point where trim and wall meet.
Gently tap the top of the pry bar with a rubber mallet to force it under the trim.
Slowly and carefully pry the trim away. If you do it quickly, it will break the trim.
If you want to use the trim again, you should better mark its back to find its location back easier.
Step 3: Start Removing from the Middle
There is no adhesive in the middle of the vinyl floor because it is perimeter installed.
Start cutting the vinyl floor tile straight from the middle using a utility knife.
Move towards the 12 inches right or left and cut a strip corresponding to the first one. Cut in narrow strips so it will become more manageable.
Roll the vinyl strips to make your way down in the length of the strips.
After cutting the strips, gently lift them off until you feel the resistance near the perimeter area.
You can use a 5-in-1 scraper to loosen the vinyl. If it doesn’t work, use a hammer or pry bar to chip the hardened glued.
Pry up the corner of one of the vinyl floor tiles with a putty knife. Place the putty knife beneath it and remove the tile or plank from the surface.
Step 4: Remove the Glued Sections
After removing the middle sections, it’s time to remove the glued perimeter sections.
To remove or chip away the glue under the vinyl tile, use the flat end of the pry bar.
After removing as much as possible with a pry bar, you can use a scraper to remove the rest of the adhesive.
Step 5: Remove Adhesive from the Subfloor
If your subfloor still has adhesives, you need to remove them with warm water and soap.
Make a solution of warm water and liquid soap and spread it over the glued portion. Now try to remove it with a scraper.
If warm water and soap don’t work, use a heat gun for this purpose. Hold the heat gun over the glued portion long enough to melt it. After melting, scrape the glue off the floor.
Step 6: Clean Up
Cleaning up the entire floor is essential after removing the vinyl floor tiles.
After removing the vinyl floor tiles, use a broom to clean the room. You can also use a wet or dry vacuum to remove all the debris from the floor.
Check if there is a local recycling center near you that performs vinyl recycling. If you are lucky enough to find such a store, you can give your vinyl flooring to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are vinyl tiles easy to remove?
Removing vinyl tiles from the floor isn’t difficult if these are the self-adhesive tiles. You can remove them easily by prying them up with a putty knife. If the tiles are old, you will face some resistance from the adhesive while removing them. Use a good scraper for this purpose.
2. How will you remove vinyl flooring from the concrete floor?
Use a scraper or a pry bar to remove the glue attached to vinyl planks and concrete floor. If it doesn’t help, you must use a commercial adhesive scraper to soften the glue for easy removal.
3. Is there any machine to remove vinyl flooring?
A power scraper is ideal for removing vinyl flooring. You can take a power scraper on rent to remove your vinyl flooring quickly and easily.
4. How to remove vinyl floor tiles from plywood floor?
Starting from the doorstep, use a wood chisel and a stiff blade putty knife to lose one vinyl tile. Check the type and condition of the plywood underlayment under the vinyl flooring. Use a scraper or a flat pry bar to remove vinyl tiles from the plywood floor.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove turmeric stains from carpets, plastic, kitchen counter, and leather.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Carpet
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective food stains cleaner and deodorizer. It can be used to remove dry, liquid or food-grade turmeric stains.
Use a paper towel or old cloth to suck up as much as the stain on the floor. If it is a curry-based stain, blot it dry and remove the excess moisture to prevent the stain from setting in.
If the stain is powder-based, use a spoon or spatula to pick as much powder as you can. Do not rub the stain before applying the cleaning solution.
Add 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon dishwashing detergent in a cup of water. Stir the solution well to form a uniform paste.
Dip a clean cloth in the liquid and squeeze the cloth over the stained surface. This will remove the excess moisture from the cleaning cloth.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stained area. Scrub gently in a circular motion and avoid the unstained area while scrubbing.
Blot, rewet, and scrub. It will take some time, but you will have a clean carpet after some elbow grease.
You can use a commercial cleaner to remove residual stains.
Methylated Spirits/Denatured Alcohol
Use safety goggles, a face mask, and work gloves for this method.
Start by picking as much turmeric from your carpet as you can.
Pour some methylated spirit or denatured alcohol on the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The stain may turn red, so don’t panic this is how alcohol reacts with turmeric.
Blot the stain with a paper towel or an old towel.
Repeat the process until the stain disappears or the cloth/paper towel doesn’t change its color.
Pour some cold water over the stained area.
Make a mild solution of dishwashing detergent in water and spray some on the stained area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and rub with a damp cloth to remove the solution and rinse.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaner and works well against turmeric stains.
Remove as much turmeric as you can from the stain.
Add a 2-3 drops of liquid dishwasher in a cup of warm water and dab the stain’s surface until the stain is totally covered. Let the soapy solution sit on the stain for 10-15 minutes.
Blot the surface of the stain with a clean paper towel. Change the towel once it gets dirty. Continue this process until the towels stop changing colors.
Use a towel or old toothbrush to scrub the surface of the stain.
Add 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 9 parts water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, spray the mixture on the stained surface, and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
Blot the wet area with paper towels. Apply some diluted liquid soap and clean with a damp cloth.
Turn on the fans for drying the carpet.
Glycerin
Glycerin is an effective solvent and can remove turmeric stains from carpets.
Pour some lukewarm water into the stained area and use an absorbent towel to blot the stain.
Add equal parts glycerin and water in a spray bottle and mix them well. Spray the stained area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Pour a few drops of lukewarm water again on the surface wait for a couple of minutes. Blot the stain with an absorbent towel and repeat the step until the stains disappear.
Use a diluted mixture of liquid dishwashing soap to wash the carpet and remove any leftover cleaning solution.
Bleaching White Carpets
Bleach is a powerful turmeric stain remover. Dilute it (1 part bleach, 4 parts water) before cleaning as concentrated bleach can damage carpet fibers. Please note that bleach can discolor colored carpets.
Washing the Carpet
It is recommended to deep clean your carpet if the stain doesn’t come off after trying the methods listed above.
Household Items
Talcum Powder: Spraying talcum powder over the stained area will absorb wet stains like curry.
Flour: It also works in the same way as talcum powder. You can rinse off the floor once it sets in.
Lemon Juice/Vinegar: A couple of drops of vinegar/lemon juice diluted in a cup of water can be used as a cleaning solution for your turmeric-stained carpet.https://www.youtube.com/embed/qr-FhFsjUWY
Tips to Clean Turmeric Stains on Carpets
Avoid hot water to remove turmeric stains from the carpet. It can force turmeric powder/curry stains to settle in the fibers.
Dilute bleach before using it on your carpet.
Don’t scrub your turmeric-stained carpet vigorously.
Make sure you dry the cleaned spot before you start walking over it. Place a fan directed towards the wet spot.
FAQs for Removing Turmeric Stains from Carpet
Are turmeric stains permanent?
Turmeric stains are not permanent but can be stubborn if you don’t act timely. The easiest way to get rid of the turmeric stain is to clean it instantly.
Why do turmeric stains turn red when exposed to dishwashing detergent?
Turmeric contains curcumin. It is acidic and reacts with alkalis in the soap. This is just plain chemistry.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Counter?
Natural Stone (Marble) Countertop: Start the cleaning process by removing as much as turmeric powder/curry from your countertop. Wipe with a cloth dipped in a solution of dishwashing soap and water. Use a paste of baking soda and water if the stain persists.
Ceramic Tile: You can use diluted bleach to clean ceramic tiles. Start by mixing ¼ cup bleach in 2 cups water and spraying over the tiles. Let the bleach solution sit for 10-15 minutes. Use the soft side of a scrub pad for scrubbing the stained tiles. Rinse the scrub pad if it gets dirty while cleaning. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the excess cleaning solution.
Laminates: Wipe with a non-abrasive brush or sponge dipped in a dishwashing liquid and warm water mixture. Sprinkle some baking soda over the stained area and scrub it gently with a soft sponge. Clean with a damp cloth.
Wood/Butcher Block: Clean turmeric stains from wood countertops with a damp cloth and then clean with a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
Stainless Steel: Wipe the counter with a soap/water mixture. You can also use some baking soda to remove turmeric stains.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Plastic?
Add 2 cups of white vinegar and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a sink full of water.
Place the turmeric-stained dishes and containers in the sink and let them sit overnight.
Scrub the dishes and rinse.
You can also use hot water for quick cleaning.
Use baking soda to remove any leftover stains.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Leather
Apply Vaseline generously to the stain. Vaseline is a petroleum-based jelly and helps dissolve turmeric without damaging or discoloring leather. Use a soft dry cloth to rub the area until the stain starts fading.
Spray the stained area lightly with water. Be careful while spraying water as you don’t want water to leave stains on the leather.
Pour some baby powder/talcum powder over the stained area and let it sit overnight. Talcum powder absorbs the remaining stain.
Clean the powder with a damp cloth until all the powder comes off.
It is essential to remove mold on walls before painting as painting moldy walls only hides the problem. The mold will be back in 3-4 months. This article explains how you to treat moldy walls before painting them.
Just a Safety Tip: Wear protective equipment while treating mold. You will need a face mask (one with a filter is the best), safety goggles, and long gloves (like the one used for dishwashing).
Step 1: Scrubbing
EPA suggests scrubbing mold with a solution of dishwasher soap and water. Prepare this solution by adding a few drops of the detergent in a gallon of warm water and start scrubbing.
Scrubbing is a lengthy process; start early in the morning and try to plan this activity on a warm sunny day.
You can use a pressure washer to remove mold outside your home. Add some detergent for better results.
Step 2: Disinfecting (Killing) Mold
Add 1 cup of borax to 1 gallon of water and mix the contents. Scrub the moldy surface vigorously. Let the solution dry naturally so that it settles down on the moldy surface.
You can also add a cup of vinegar to make the solution more powerful. Vinegar comes in handy when the mold is smelly. Commercial mold killers also give 100% results. It is not recommended to use bleach on walls as it can penetrate porous surfaces.
Don’t rinse or wipe the walls after scrubbing, as it is better to have a thin layer of borax to protect against mold bounce-back.
Step 3: Final Touch: Applying Primer
Let the surface get completely dry before painting. The moisture on the wall can feed mold spores that are left un-killed during the last step. Applying 1-2 coats of primer containing mold disinfectants is a great way to ensure that mold spores will not get any breeding ground under the paint layer.
The thicker the layer of primer, the more protection you will get from it. Let the primer get dry before you start you start painting.
How to Treat Mold on Basement Walls before Painting?
Basements are hot spot for mold growth. Most basements have concrete walls that act as a breeding ground for mold. Follow the steps below to clean mold from basement walls.
Scrub the concrete walls with a mixture of detergent and water.
Disinfect the mold using bleach or vinegar. (Bleach: 1 part of bleach and 4 parts of water. Vinegar: use equal parts water and vinegar.)
Paint the walls once they get dry.
Tips to Prevent Mold on Walls
Fix plumbing leaks and water problems as early as possible. Water accumulation on roofs causes ceiling mold to multiply speedily.
Porous and absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, carpets, and rugs may have to be thrown away if they are infested with mold. Mold occupies the space in these structures and may not be completely removed from them.
Never paint a moldy surface. Painting is not the solution. You must clean the mold and let the surfaces dry before repainting.
Increase ventilation in places that are always wet, such as washrooms and kitchen walls. Use a fan and/or open windows as much as you can. Opening the windows for 30-45 minutes early morning is a great idea to keep mold away.
Frequent cleaning and drying of these places also help reduce mold growth.
If you repeatedly encounter mold problems, use paints with special mold prevention additives. These paints contain additives that can kill mold growth and stop it from coming back.
Reduce moisture inside the home by avoiding drying the clothes inside and covering pans when cooking and boiling water.
Keep your home heated or at least the rooms with mold growth.
Keep the furniture away from molded walls for ventilation and stop the mold from spreading from one surface to another.
If not installed already, consider adding exhaust fans to the basement and laundry areas.
Vinegar is a better choice than bleach when it comes to killing mold. First of all, EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill mold. Bleach only kills surface mold as it cannot penetrate non-porous surfaces.
On the other hand, Vinegar can easily penetrate porous and non-porous surfaces alike and is a safer choice than bleach. You can use distilled vinegar or cleaning vinegar with 6% acidity. Both are effective against mold and may take up to 60 minutes to destroy the mold.
However, vinegar must not be used on surfaces like natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron, and aluminum because of its acidic nature.
What are the signs of mold growth?
Finding green, green-brown, orange, or black spots on walls, ceiling, and other surfaces
Cracked or peeling paint
Paint discoloration
Mold smell (musty, damp smell)
Excessive moisture in the air
What is the most common spot for mold growth?
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchen, basements, and showers are the common areas for mold growth.
How can I remove mold from tiles and stones?
You can use homemade bleach-water or borax-water solutions to clean tiles and stones mold. The application process is the same; scrubbing with soap and water and then applying the cleaning solution followed by scrubbing.
A clean mattress is critical for a good night’s sleep. You know how tough it can be to keep your mattress clean if you have kids or the elderly urinating on it. What about sweating stains that are common in hot and humid weather?
Don’t worry; this article discusses the easiest and most effective way to steam clean a mattress to remove urine and sweat stains.
How to Prep Your Mattress for Cleaning?
Once you notice stains of urine or sweat on your mattress, it is high time to clean it thoroughly. To do that, you need to prep your mattress first by following these few steps:
1) Remove the bedding
Remove the bedding, including sheets and pillows, and throw the sheets in the washing machine. Wash the pillow covers as well because they can contain a lot of bacteria after daily usage.
2) Sprinkle baking soda
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the mattress. It will eliminate the bad odor and moisture of urine, sweat, and other dirty spots. Let it sit for 45-60 minutes.
3) Vacuum the mattress
Vacuum the mattress to remove baking soda, dust and debris.
Clean the mattress by running the steamer from top to bottom in vertical direction. Don’t keep the steamer at one point for too long. Make repeated passes if the stains don’t come off.
Let the mattress dry for almost 3 to 4 hours.
Put on clean sheets and pillow covers before using your mattress again.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/DWTP17_9KgAHow often should I steam clean my mattress?
It is recommended to steam clean your mattress every 3-4 months to eliminate bacteria, odors, and stains. However, you can do it sooner if there are visible stains and marks from urine, sweat, and dirt. You cough at night or when sitting on the mattress; the mattress smells bad, or it’s been too long since you cleaned your mattress.
Can I steam-clean a memory foam mattress?
Check the instructions label to see if steam cleaning is allowed. Make sure you use a medium heat setting with light cleaning for a memory foam mattress. The polyurethane in mattresses is sensitive to high pressure and temperature.
Can I use a steam iron to clean a mattress?
Yes. Your house iron will also clean your mattress. You will need to place a wet towel (white to avoid coloration) on the towel before ironing.
Tips for Steam Cleaning your Mattress
Use low-medium settings on your steam cleaner.
Test on a small portion to ensure that steam doesn’t damage your mattress.
Clean in passes; avoid steaming one spot for too long.
The hardwood floor has an artistic and sleek appearance that immediately grabs the attention of anyone who steps on the floor. It’s evident that you get bored with your floor after a few years, and you want to change your floor colors and overall look. So, if you want to change the color of your hardwood floor or you want to stain it, sand it first. Without sanding, it’s impossible to change the color of your hardwood floor. An orbital sander is the top-notch and favorite option for sanding the hardwood floors.
If you are looking for a proper way of sanding your hardwood floor with an orbital sander, this guide is actually for you.
What Does Sanding of Hardwood Floor Mean?
Sanding on the hardwood floor removes the top surface of the wooden floor with abrasive material. This is done to stain or color the hardwood floor. The hardwood floor sanding is done when the previous covering has been removed, and the suitable wood is hidden underneath. Sanding has three main steps: preparation, sanding, and protective sealant coating.
What is an Orbital Sander?
An orbital sander is a tool used to sand the hardwood floors. It removes the upper part of the wood floor at a rapid speed and leaves the surface sparkling. Orbital sanders are worth investing in as they are powerful enough to remove a lot of material within a short period. Moreover, they are always precise and leave a smooth, shiny surface behind. Orbital sanders are of various types, but random orbital sanders and regular orbital finishing sanders are the most used ones.
Process of Sanding Hardwood Floors with Orbital Sander
A random orbital sander is best if you have to sand a small floor like a room or a small house floor. For large floor sanding, you need to invest in professional drum sanders. Before sanding your floor, make sure that you have removed all the stains from the floor. Use fine sandpapers for hard-to-reach corners and grain the old colors. Please follow the below steps to sand your hardwood floor like a professional.
1. Prepare the Floor
The first step in sanding the floor is to prepare your floor. You must remove all the furniture and fixtures from the floor. If your room has curtains and blinds, it’s better to remove them. But if you cannot remove your curtains and blinds, you must cover them with plastic sheets and seal them tightly. Then hang curtains and blinds at least 4 feet high from the floor. Make sure there will be no interference on the floor when you sand it.
Prepare yourself also before sanding. Wear gloves, a face mask, goggles, and earbuds to protect you from dust. Besides this, you should also take frequent breaks during the sanding process to not get tired. Also, take someone’s help clearing the furniture from the room and carrying the orbital sander to the workplace.
2. Determine Floor Thickness
Before sanding, determine the thickness of your hardwood floor. For sanding, your hardwood floor should be 0.75 inches thick at least. So, if your floor is less than 0.75 inches thick, then you should not take the risk of sanding the floor. You may end up damaging your floor more than before. If the floor is less than 0.75 inches thick, it’s recommended to take professional help for sanding rather than doing it yourself.
3. Choose Sandpaper
For sanding, you will require a lot of sandpapers with varying grit. The grit of the sandpaper is the rating of abrasive material on it. Choose open-face sandpaper because they are not only economical but also easy to use. You will require varying grits of sandpaper for the entire sanding process for the following reasons.
Coarser grits of sandpaper: Coarser grits of the sandpaper are needed for the first round of manual sending. Besides this, they are also required to remove the old finish from the wood.
Finer grits of sandpaper: The finer grits of sandpaper are used to get a smoother finish in the sanding process.
20-grit sandpaper: To paint the floor, you will require 20 grit sandpaper.
36-grit sandpaper: 36-grit sandpaper is required for shellac and varnish.
100-grit sandpaper: For final finishing, 100-grit sandpaper is perfect.
It will help if you buy some extra sandpaper, depending upon your hardwood floor condition. You can return them to your home depot if they are not used after finishing the sanding process.
4. Sand the Room with Orbital Sander
You have to use the orbital sander just like mowing on the lawn. Carefully proceed with the orbital sander row by row and overlap the space at least half of the sander’s width. Repeatedly passes over the same part of the floor so that sanding will be perfect.
For corners, use sandpaper manually to remove the stains from hardwood if it’s difficult for the orbital sander to go there.
5. Vacuum and Wipe the Dust
After sanding is done, use a vacuum cleaner to wipe up or suck the dust from the floor. After vacuuming, use a tack cloth to pick up any dust and debris left behind. If the hair of a screw is trapped inside the polyurethane, then carefully remove it without damaging the floor. Sand over the hair strand first and carefully pull it out with any sharp pin. Re-sand this same area by using finer grip sandpaper.
6. Use Sealer to Refinish the Floor
The sanding process is complete without sealing the floor, but it’s better to seal your floor if it sees heavy traffic and is prone to stains easily. Sealing your floor with a good sealer will protect it from stains. Please choose an oil-based polyurethane sealer instead of a water-based sealer. Wear gloves and ensure that the sealer is spread evenly to the entire floor. Let the floor dry for 48-72 hours before you move the furniture to the room.
Benefits of Using Orbital Sander on Hardwood Floor
Using an orbital sander on a hardwood floor has the following benefits.
It is cheaper than a drum sander, so it is very cost-effective.
You don’t require specialized skills or expertise to use it.
For a newbie having no experience with wood grains, the orbital sander is easy to operate and more forgiving.
Final Words
Sanding your hardwood floor doesn’t demand energy, money, and expertise. You can sand your hardwood floor like a professional if you follow this guide. Try it now and get your hardwood floor sparkle within a few hours.https://www.youtube.com/embed/JL0zzY25si0
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does over-sanded wood look like?
The over-sanded wood has an uneven and distorted appearance. Even professionals mistakenly over-sanded the wood floor sometimes. It usually happens when you attempt to sand out the discolored, scratched, and defected portion of the floor.
2. How hard is it to sand hardwood floors?
Sanding the hardwood floors is relatively easy but a bit time-consuming. With a good sander, you can easily refinish your hardwood floor even if you are totally inexperienced. Moreover, it doesn’t cost you much and saves a lot of your money by avoid calling professionals.
3. What does 1000 grit sandpaper do?
The 800-1000 grit sandpaper is ultra-fine. The 1000 grits sandpaper is used for final sanding and polishing the thick finishes.
House renovation projects often involve a flooring redo. When it comes to hardwood floors, you have two options.
Refinish the hardwood floor
Replace it with laminate or install new hardwood flooring.
The most important factor while making this decision is the cost. Hence, it is important to consider the cost of both options; refinishing or installing new floors.
In this article, we will answer a common question asked by thousands of homeowners; is it cheaper to refinish hardwood floors or replace them with laminate? It is important to consider the cost of both options, so you know how much you will be paying and which option is better for your home in the long run.
Is it Cheaper to Refinish Hardwood Floors or Replace them with Laminate?
The Simple Answer: It is cheaper to refinish hardwood floors than replace them with laminate or install a new hardwood floor.
Cost of Refinishing Hardwood Floors vs. New Floors
Refinishing Hardwood Floors
The average refinishing cost per square foot of hardwood floor is $3 – $8. For a room size of 10 by 15 (150 square feet), the refinishing cost will be between $450 and $1,200 for refinishing one room. Similarly, the refinishing cost for 1000 square feet of hardwood floor will be $3000 – $8000. The price can vary $500 – $1000 depending on factors like home size, work location, labor costs, quality and quantity of materials, preparation, sanding, staining, and coating/finishing.
The price also varies slightly depending on the hardwood floor installed in your home. Other factors like damaged pieces, contractor charges, preparation work, and post-cleanup charges also impact the final cost.
DIY refinishing or hiring a contractor can hugely impact the final cost. Labor costs make up the biggest part of refinishing costs. You can take out these costs if you go for a DIY refinishing. However, you will need to rent out a sanding machine and arrange for a long list of supplies. Moreover, refinishing the hardwood floor is intensive and requires time and energy.
DIY refinishing involves the risk factor of sanding or staining mistakes. These mistakes can be pretty expensive and usually occur when you don’t have any knowledge of the work, often leading to floor replacement.
On the contrary, hiring a contractor is costly but brings peace of mind. You don’t have to do anything. When hiring a contractor, you can cut some costs by taking care of prep work like carpet removal, moving furniture, and post-refinishing cleanup.https://www.youtube.com/embed/5lkKN3wjnug
New Floors
Replacing with Laminate: The national average cost to install laminate flooring in a 150 square feet room is between $800 and $1450. The price includes all the costs like labor costs, material, installation, and removal of old floors. The differences are substantial if you compare the price for refinishing hardwood floors, which are $3 to $8 per square foot. You will be paying $450 to $1200 for refinishing hardwood floors.
You will save around $250 in refinishing one room if you go for a high-end job. The savings will be more if you prefer a low-end job. Calculate these savings over 1000 square feet area, and you can save up to a thousand bucks.
Installing new Hardwood Floors: The cost of installing a new hardwood floor is $8 -$14 per foot. For a room of 150 square feet, installing new floors costs $1200 to $2100. On the contrary, refinishing costs $450 to $1200. You could save up to 50% if you chose to refinish over installing a new hardwood floor.
Which is more durable: laminate flooring or hardwood flooring?
Laminate flooring is cheap, but hardwood flooring is more durable. It can be easily refinished and restored to its original life. Laminate floors can be repainted, but they don’t show satisfactory results like hardwood floors. Go for hardwood floors if you want durability, a natural look, and high resale value for your property. Overall, it all depends on your budget and preferences.
When refinishing hardwood floor isn’t an option?
Hardwood floors last for around 8-10 years on average. The recommended time for refinishing is after 7 years of installation, and a hardwood floor can be refinished 3-4 times. However, there are times when refinishing isn’t an option. If water damage has caused serious damage to hardwood’s structural integrity and the subfloor beneath, previous refinishing has made the floor too thin to support another round of refinishing, or you are looking to upgrade your property.
Final Words
Refinishing hardwood is a better option in terms of cost-saving, outlook, and value. Laminate floors look cheap and don’t have the durability, and reliability of hardwood. The theoretical life of a hardwood floor is 10-12 years. If you take good care of hardwood floors, they can easily last up to 100 years, whereas laminate floors only last up to 15 years with proper attention and care.
Pebble tiles provide a natural, relaxing, and spa-like feeling in showers. Pebble tiles in the shower feel like someone is giving you a soothing foot massage. These tiles come in a wide range of colors and are readily available. If you are planning to buy pebble tiles for your shower, I recommend you read this guide before buying them for their pros and cons. After reading, decide whether you are going to buy them or not.
Pebble Tile Shower Floor Pros and Cons
Pebble Tiles Pros
The visual appeal of pebble tile is undeniable, and it’s a great alternative to regular shower tiles. Pebble tiles are many advantages over regular tiles. The pros of these tiles are discussed below in detail.
Slip Resistant
It’s a scary experience to slip in the bathroom and get injured. Bathroom tiles are slippery, and many people fall over them taking a shower. The best thing about pebble tiles is that they are slip-resistant. The uneven finish provides an excellent grip on the feet, and the risk of falling and slipping reduces to a minimum. An extra texture is added between the stones through grout and sealer. This added texture increases the traction under your feet. You will not need a shower mat if you have a pebble tile under your feet.
Affordable
Pebble tiles are cheap as compared to the other bathroom tiles. You can even collect pebbles from beaches, lakes, and rivers. It will not only add sentimental value to your shower but collecting pebbles are also free of cost. But if you cannot collect pebbles, you can purchase pebble tiles as they are cost-effective also.
Pebble tiles installation costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. The natural stone flooring installation cost is between $5 and $10. The overall cost depends on where to get it, the size of your shower base, and the price of pebble tiles.
Easy to Install
Unlike other bathroom tiles, there isn’t any need for specialized skills in installing pebble tiles. Pebble tiles are easy to install as you only need some helping hands to complete the installation quickly. The major part of the installation comprises placing the pebbles near each other on the floor.
Visually Appealing
There isn’t any doubt that pebble shower tiles look aesthetic and traditional. Especially if you have collected different types of pebbles, you have a variety of pebble tiles. Your bathroom will look sleek, rustic, modern, and luxurious at the same time if it has pebble tiles. These tiles are available in various colors, sizes, and shapes so that you can choose them as per your choices and to match your home or bathroom’s interior. You can create various patterns and designs by using pebble tiles and customize your shower.
Durable
Pebble tiles are one of the most durable tiles as they don’t wear out or scratch easily. If you accidentally dropped something heavy on your pebble tiles, you only have to repair those 2 to 3 pebbles that need to be managed. They are more durable than other bathroom tiles, and you need much weight or force to break them.
Comfortable
Thinking of standing on pebbles may seem like torturing, but indeed it’s so comfortable and relaxing to stand on pebble tiles. Usually, pebbles have round finishing and are not sharp at all. The roundness of these pebbles feels comfortable on standing. Moreover, they provide a spa-like feeling, and you might feel that you are getting a foot massage.
Pebble Tiles Cons
Water Retention
Pebble shower floor leaking is a major drawback of pebble tiles. The Pebble tile floor is uneven, so water accumulation between the individual pebbles causes water retention. If the water stays here for a long time, it will cause mold and mildew growth. You can sense moldy growth in your shower with a musty smell. River rock holds moisture more than other pebble tiles types. You need to seal and dry them better to avoid such issues.
To combat this issue, you should select a flat pebble shower floor or a sliced pebble tile shower floor. These two kinds retain less moisture than other types of pebble tiles. Moreover, they are also less complicated to clean.
A lot of grout
Pebble tiles installation requires 2.5 times more grout than the mosaic floor. Regular bathroom tiles and mosaic floor tiles have smooth surfaces after installation. Grout used to fill the gaps in these tiles is symmetrical. On the contrary, the unevenness of pebble tiles requires much grout to get even coverage. Moreover, the grout is more exposed on a pebble tile floor because of the different shapes and sizes of pebbles.
Hard to Clean
Due to the grout exposure, the pebble tile shower floor is hard to clean. If you use harsh chemicals for cleaning, your pebbles may get damaged. The structure of pebble tiles makes it difficult to clean them. If you use too much water, the floor will retain moisture. So, you will have to carefully clean your pebble tile floor and dry it quickly afterward.
Require High Maintenance
Although the pebble tile floor looks aesthetic and attractive, maintaining it requires a lot of energy. As many grout and sealers are used for these tiles, you will have to repair and replace them frequently compared to the other floor tiles. Usually, the sealant last 6 to 12 months on pebble shower floor tiles. So, you have to reseal your floor once a year, which will be costly. Each time you re-grout, you have to reseal also. It will increase your maintenance cost as well.
Not Suitable For Hard Water
Hard water isn’t suitable for pebble tiles cleaning. If you live in an area of hard water, you may face serious problems cleaning your pebble tile floor. A thin chalky film will be formed on pebbles if hard water isn’t properly cleaned. So, when you clean your pebble floor with hard water, you have to dry it immediately after cleaning.
Summary of Pros and Cons of Pebble Tile Shower Floor
Pros
Cons
Slip-resistant and comfortable to step on
Retains water and cause moldy growth
Afforadble
Costly re-grouting and resealing
Durable and don’t easily wear out
A lot of grout and sealant required
Easy to install
Hard to clean and not suitable to hard water
Visually appealing and available in various colors, sizes and shapes
Require high maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to fix uneven pebble shower floor?
If your pebble shower floor is uneven, you need to remove the floor and reinstall it. Remove the pebble stones carefully with a chisel, and then remove the grout afterward. Use a chisel again to remove mortar with care, and do not damage your subfloor. Remove any debris left behind with a shop vac. Use a good sealant to reinstall the pebbles evenly and add grout.
2. How to clean the pebble tile shower floor?
If you feel that the pebbles in the tiles are dirty, take a nylon bristle scrub brush and carefully scour the pebbles and grout in a circular motion. Scrub the entire pebble shower floor thoroughly. Rinse the pebble floor with warm water in the end.
3. How to seal pebble tile shower floor?
To fix your uneven pebble tile shower, take some sealant into a container or a bucket. Choose one section at a time, and apply the sealant over the selected section with the help of a brush or roller. Do not over-saturate your pebbles but apply enough seal that must be sufficient to your pebble tile shower. Wait for 24 hours at least for your sealant to fully dry and cure.
4. How to repair pebble tile shower floor?
Remove the pebbles along with the grout carefully.
Apply the waterproof sealant to the removed and affected areas.
Wait until the sealant gets fully cured.
Apply a good adhesive.
Place the pebbles on your floor in the pattern.
Install grout to the newly installed tiles and apply a second coat of sealant.
