How To Clean Anything

General Info:
In most cases cork floor should be sealed in which case using a neutral chemical and washing should be fine however if the cork is not sealed it becomes more challenging. Cork should not be exposed to large amounts of water. Rather if it is not sealed you should use a dry method such as a foam rubber sponge which is like a large eraser without the pumice which are in pink erasers.

The dry sponge or foam rubber sponges are available at any janitorial supply store or hardware or paint stores. Common sponges should not be used. Since cork is so porous be sure absorb as much as possible with a good absorbent towel almost treat it like you would removing a carpet stain, by blotting and absorbing rather than scrubbing. Using stronger chemicals like bleach etc. will damage the cork

This question was submitted from Phil S.

“How do I remove dried paint from linoleum flooring?”

Dried paint can very difficult. You will need to use a stronger solvent.

Try these techniques :

First, try using a neutral cleaner and saturate the paint. Then using either your fingernail or a plastic scraper (so you will not damage the linoleum) try to remove the paint.

If this doesn’t work, you will have to use a general purpose solvent or a solvent like rubbing alcohol. The problem with using solvents is that they may effect the floor so be sure to apply the solvent to a cleaning rag first, and then try to remove the paint as best you can.

Be sure to always test a small area first when using a chemical or technique which you have not used before on the surface you are working on.

This question was submitted from Kirsten M.

“I just moved into a new apartment with a vinyl tile kitchen floor. The tile appears to be older than I thought and in some spots it’s very dull and has lost its gloss. Is there any way to clean the tiles and give them back some of their texture and shine?”

Vinyl tile which looks dull are usually low on wax or finish.

Try these techniques :

Give the floor a good cleaning with a strong ammonia based cleaner. Bbe sure you scrub the floor evenly and rinse with clean water until there are no soap suds in the mop water. You want to be sure that there are no traces of soap residue.

Next buy a floor wax or sealer, either from local hardware store or janitorial supply store. (You will have better results with a commercial product and they cost not much more than what you would pay in a grocery store for far inferior products).

Then apply a fresh coat of wax to the floor. Apply at least 2 coats – the second coat should be applied at a 45 degree angle to the first coat for full coverage of the floor with no spots missed.

If you want the floor to shine even brighter add a couple of thin top coats and your vinyl floor will shine like new.