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  • Choosing and Caring for Floors
  • Get the 4-1-1 about the options in flooring from tile to hardwood.
    From "Today Show Tips"
    episode DTST-109


    (Continued from page 1)

    Maintenance
    Whether your floors are wood, tile or stone, or even carpeted, there are special products, some easy moves and one power tool that will make maintaining them a breeze.

    Hardwood. Hardwood floors are beautiful, but they can be difficult to maintain. You can lengthen the life of that floor by using the right products. One that works great is Bona, made by a Swedish company that makes waterborne finishes for the commercial market. It comes with a mop with a washable microfiber pad. You spray the product on the floor, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with the microfiber pad.

    Scratches present another kind of problem, but Bona also offers a "refresher" for worn floors. It's actually a urethane that you apply with the sheepskin pad that comes with it.
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    Carpeting. As the most popular floor covering, carpeting provides warmth and a soft feel underfoot. However, maintaining its appearance can be difficult, especially if someone spills something on it or a pet has an accident on it. There is a product called Tech that is the only stain remover on the market that will not void the manufacturer's warranty. Spray Tech on the stain, work it into the carpet a little bit, then blot up the stain with a warm cloth. (The company also makes wipes for removing stains on clothing.)

    Tile. Most people don't use the right cleaner on tile. One that works well, though, is S.C.I, manufactured by Marbalex. Look for the black bottle.

    If the problem is the grout, you may have to replace it. But that becomes an easier job with a tool called a Dremel XPR. With its grout attachment, it makes short work of removing old grout. Then you can put in the new grout.

    Sooner or later, scuff marks will appear on your tile floor. They're easy to get rid of, though. Use a dab of nail-polish remover to clean it right up.


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