roof mold and algae cleaning
Removing Mold and Algae From Your Roof
Unfortunately, this is one of those problems that necessitates some hands-on work. Many hardware stores and rental centers will suggest power washing as the ultimate solution to any outdoor project, but power washers in the hands of amateurs can be dangerous! If you feel uneasy about climbing around on your roof, this may be a good time to call a professional roof cleaning and repair service. It can be costly, but if your whole roof is in need of TLC, it may be worth the price tag.
For Big Jobs, Hire a Pro - For Small Jobs, DIY
However, if you only see a few spots of mold, it would be well worth it to learn to handle it yourself. Power washers can blast water underneath your roof tiles or shingles, and can loosen them or even blast them away! They can also cause unseen pools of water to build up under your roof which can later lead to rotting. Use a bucket and a scrub brush instead. It might require a bit more elbow grease, but you’ll be happy with the results. Take the necessary safety precautions first, and perhaps even recruit a partner to assist you.
Try Bleach to Kill Mold and Keep it Away
Examine your roof thoroughly before beginning to make sure that you’re aware of all the affected spots. Mold will most commonly appear on the areas of your roof that are shaded. Use a solution of two parts bleach to one part water and scrub with a bristle brush. You may want to do a spot test first to make sure that the bleach won’t affect your roof’s color. Once you’ve scrubbed the moldy areas, rinse with a bucket of water.
The bleach solution will not only remove the mold, but it will help keep it from growing back again. Once you know how to find those telltale spots and how to get rid of them, you’ll never have unsightly buildup again!
Cleaning Unsealed Grout Between Porcelain Floor Tiles
Dealing with unsealed grout between porcelain floor tiles can be tricky. Too much vigor and the grout can deteriorate and begin to crumble. Too little cleaning, however, can leave ugly stains that are nearly impossible to remove.
The easiest method to ensure that your grout stays clean and intact is to avoid water or wet cleaners. Always begin your grout cleaning with a thorough dust-mopping. A micro-fiber mop, if you have one, is an ideal tool. Otherwise, use a dry mop head or a dry sweeping tool, such as Swiffer. If you see any discolored areas, use a dry, stiff scrub brush and brush the stains until you see improvement. Monitor the floors and take care of stains as soon as you see them. The longer they are left, the harder they will be to remove.
How to Know if Your Grout is Sealed or Unsealed
If you are unsure if your grout, or the tiles themselves, are sealed or not, do a quick “spill test.” Take a teaspoon of clean water and dribble it in the center of one of the tiles. If it sinks into the tile, you’re dealing with unsealed tiles. If it beads up and evaporates, your tiles are sealed. Repeat this test on the grout. Once you know what you’re dealing with, “to seal, or not to seal -that is the question.”
Keeping Your Unsealed Grout and Tiles Clean
Sealed tile floors are much easier to maintain and keep clean. However, if you want to leave the grout natural, you only need to take a couple of precautions. Make sure to vacuum or dust mop the floor frequently. If dirt is left on the floor and it gets wet, it can create mud which can soak into the grout and stain it. You can feel free to use a damp mop once you’ve made sure that all the dirt is removed. Make sure that no one walks across the floor with dirty shoes until the floor is completely dry. It’s best to make a habit of vacuuming or sweeping frequently to keep those dirty stains away.
Maintaining your freshly cleaned wood furniture
Once your wood furniture is clean and dry, give it a good polish to protect it. You can use your favorite polish or wax, or try this homemade formula - Use the same concoction mentioned above, equal parts lemon juice and vegetable oil, and polish the entire piece with it.
This is a great solution if you happen to be out of polish, but it is also wonderful for people with pets or small children because it’s 100 percent safe to ingest and it’s good for the environment as well!
No matter what polish you use, buff the piece with a clean cloth afterwards to remove excess polish and enhance the shine.
tips on cleaning a laminate floor
Keeping Your Laminate Floors Clean
Because of potential scratching, always vacuum or sweep the floors thoroughly before cleaning. Once you’ve removed all solid debris, you can damp mop or spot clean. Never use a wet mop or excessive water, as it can seep underneath the floor and cause warping.
Use a floor cleaning system, such as Swiffer, with pre-treated damp cloths, or use a barely damp mop. Try spraying an all-purpose cleaner directly on the floor, working in small sections, and follow with a dry mop or a towel.
Never use floor wax or acrylic finish. They will cause a build-up that can discolor your laminate. If you have heavy soil that can’t be handled with a damp mop, you may want to get down on the floor and scrape up any sticky solids. A plastic knife, such as from a fast food restaurant, works very well and won’t scratch. Then just follow that with a few sprays of an all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a paper towel or rag. For grease or tar, try using mineral spirits. Make sure to rinse well. As long as you take care to avoid scratching, laminate floors can be very easy to maintain, and they retain their looks for years.
Keeping Your Whirlpool Tub Clean
Whirlpool tubs are a fabulous way to relax and soak away your troubles, but if they aren’t cleaned regularly it can lead to poor performance. Worse yet, they can breed bacteria that can make your family sick. As long as you remember to do it regularly, you can keep your tub clean, safe, and running like new.
Flush Your Tub to Prevent Build-Up
Experts recommend that at least once a week, you fill your whirlpool tub with clear, cold water, making sure to cover the highest jet and let the jets run for ten to fifteen minutes. This will help keep the system running smoothly. It can be hard to remember to do, and it may seem like a waste of water, but keeping your tub flushed will save you down the line by preventing costly repairs.
Remember not to overuse products when bathing. With the jets moving the water, large amounts of bubble bath or bath salts aren’t necessary. If you are unsure of how much product to use, measure! With most bubble bath, two tablespoons are sufficient to create all the bubbles you need. For bath salts or bath oil, usually one tablespoon is enough. Also make sure that you don’t use gritty products such as exfoliants or scrubs in the shower. When the grains of products like these are forced through the jets, they can clump together, forming clogs.