"When I bought this house, it was was filthy, smelled horrible from outside even, was rodent and roach-infested. Counters, floors were wet and rotting. Everything had to be torn out and rebuilt. Now my home is beautiful. The bathrooms are lovely. There were no short-cuts or rush jobs, or anything left unfinished. I’ve had neighbors and friends who are in building and construction admire and compliment the high quality of the work done on my home. Most people who come in comment on the beautiful flooring, or the cleanliness of the walls and ceilings. I live in a quiet, gated community and there was never a complaint about a mess outside or noise. Very clean."
Baking soda is an excellent choice for a natural dog urine neutralizer. You can sprinkle it on a stain, leave it overnight, and then vacuum it in the morning to help rid your hardwoods of the dog urine smell. Hydrogen peroxide is another odor neutralizer, but be careful not to mix it with other household cleaners.
You can mop bamboo floors, but exercise caution to protect the material from excess moisture, which can seep into the bamboo, causing it to warp and well. Moisten a microfiber mop and wring it out until it’s just damp, or use a pH-neutral cleaner, as this will prevent damage to the bamboo fibers. Avoid harsh chemicals, like traditional floor cleaners. After cleaning, wipe the floor dry.
While it is not recommended, you can mix Bon Ami with vinegar for a more powerful cleaning mixture. However, you should avoid mixing other types of powder cleaners, such as Comet and Ajax, with vinegar or with each other, as the reaction often creates a toxic gas that’s dangerous to the human body.
To properly maintain and care for hardwood floors without damaging the finish, establish a regular cleaning routine. Sweep with a broom or microfiber dust mop daily, or vacuum weekly, to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface; be sure to clean in tight corners and under furniture. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors, but avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as this can damage the wood. You can further protect your floors by placing mats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture and putting felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches. For long-term care, refinish the floors as needed to keep them looking their best.
Yes, you can polish an old cement floor. However, be aware that the first pass with the concrete grinder may reveal a few surprises and imperfections. You may also have to contend with the consequences of previous floor coverings, such as tile or carpet, which can leave a pattern in the concrete. Old concrete is more likely to produce uneven results if you want to use a dye or other coloring.
The Crowell, TX homeowners’ guide to floor polishing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Polished concrete floor costs depend on the size of the area you’re targeting and the style of concrete floor. Our guide breaks down all the cost factors.
It’s impossible to keep floors damage-free over the years. Thankfully, the cost to refinish hardwood floors is far less than the price tag to replace them altogether.
