Grout Cleaning November 17, 2008

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Reader Question:

“I am getting my ceramic tiles cleaned and the grout sealed and the professionals are using different methods:

1. High pressure washer w/chemical and a color sealer for the grout.

2. A truck mounted hot water extraction system (also used for carpets) and a grout sealant (tubing)

3. Hand scrubbing w/a grout sealant that claims is good for 5 yrs.

Which method is better to clean my ceramic tile?

Thanks for your input!!”

Answer:

For this answer, I consulted with The Grout Doctor for a professional opinion. Their answer is as follows:

Option #1 – In my experience high pressure is not good for grout.  It opens up the natural pores in the grout and allows the grout to collect more dirt, grime and grit.  I can say that if it’s a good color sealer it is a good option.

Option #2 – Pretty much the same thing as option #1.  A high pressure truck mount extraction system can open up grouts natural pores as well.

Option #3 – This cleaning method is good and safe for the grout as long as the correct chemicals and dwell time are utilized.

At The Grout Doctor we used hand scrubbing with proper chemicals and dwell time.  Then would color seal with a 3 yr. guarantee.

Stain removal guide for carpet November 14, 2008

Wear-Dated has an amazing stain removal guide for carpets that I can testify to! Just the other day, my puppy ate an ink pen on our brand new carpet. I followed the guidelines on the Wear-Dated website and the stain came right out!

Here are some general things to have on hand before starting the stain removal process.

1. White paper towels or white terry towels.
2. Hand dish washing detergent that doesn’t contain lanolin or bleach (such as the original Dawn® and Joy® with no special additives). To make a detergent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of the detergent with 1 qt. of water.
3. Spray bottle for applying detergents and special solutions.
4. Household ammonia solution of 1 tablespoon of  clear household ammonia per 1/2 cup of water.
5. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
6. Hydrogen peroxide.
7. White vinegar solution made up of 1/3 cup of white vinegar, 2/3 cup of water.
8. Spoon and dull knife.
9. Brick and brick paver

Stains that cannot be removed

Acid toilet bowl cleaners, acne medication, alkaline drain cleaners, chlorinated bleaches, hair dyes, iodine, insecticides, mustard with turmeric, plant fertilizers and stains of this nature cannot be removed because they permanently alter the carpet’s color. Call a professional. Typically, professionals address these types of stains by replacing the stained area. If you do not have extra carpet on hand, they might cut a piece from a closet, or some other inconspicuous area and insert it into the area where the spot was cut out.

How to remove a few common stains:

• Beer, coffee, perfume, tea, wine:

Blot with a white paper towel to remove as much of the stain as possible. Then, neutralize with a white vinegar solution. Saturate the spot using a spray bottle and blot to remove excess moisture. After neutralizing, try the following.

Apply a small amount of a detergent solution to the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) Blot with a white paper towel to work the detergent into the affected area. If the spot is being removed, continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is completely removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water, and then blot to remove excess moisture. Next, spray lightly with water, but instead of blotting, apply a pad of paper towels, weigh them down with a brick and allow to dry. If the stain remains, moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and let stand for 1 hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Because light will change peroxide back to water, no rinsing is necessary. Apply a pad of paper towels and weigh them down with a brick. Allow carpet to dry. Remove brick and towels and brush up the pile.

ANN SACKS® introduces hand-carved marble by Robert Kuo November 13, 2008

ANN SACKS® introduces hand-carved marble by Robert Kuo

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 11, 2008) – At the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Chicago, ANN SACKS, premier manufacturer and distributor of luxury tile, stone and plumbing products, introduced Robert Kuo Carved Stone, the company’s latest stone innovation that merges ancient tradition with beautiful design. Han Bai Yu (Chinese white marble) and Qing Shi (Chinese black marble) are fine marbles suitable for carved designs and found in the Hebei Province of Northern China. ANN SACKS is proud to offer this prized material in the form of hand-carved marble designed by Robert Kuo.

Stone carvers use a chisel and hammer to carve the intricate designs and then finish by using abrasive grinding tools in the traditional jade carving technique. Craftsmen originally used this method to carve pieces for Buddhist temples. A variety of patterns incorporate traditional Chinese motifs alongside design elements of Western European Art Deco.

Available designs include: Kuai (literally translated as “pieces”), a dramatic geometric pattern; Hua (“bunches of flowers”); and, Shan (“mountains”), a motif popular in Chinese calligraphy paintings and believed by Chinese scholars to bring a sense of harmony and kindness of heart.   “Robert Kuo is famous for the masterful and artistic way that he has of merging ancient Chinese techniques and sources of inspiration with modern influences,” said John Hart, chief merchandising officer, ANN SACKS and Kallista. “His new carved marble tile for ANN SACKS is genuinely unlike anything else and is sure to have a profound impact on any environment in which it is installed.”

All of the Robert Kuo Carved Stone designs are available in either Han Bai Yu or Qing Shi and custom sizes are encouraged.

Founded in 1981, ANN SACKS has built its reputation with inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories. Based in Portland, Ore., the company is a division of the Kohler Co. Interiors Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., that includes Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc., Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker Stores, Kallista plumbing and McGuire Furniture Company.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.