'Home Improvement' Category

Scrubbable wall coverings and impregnated wallpapers are tougher than either conventional or washable wallpapers. But they are still subject to scratching. Use a cleaner formulated especially for cleaning such materials, or wipe with a sponge and a very mild cleaner. Do not use an abrasive cleanser, scouring pad or brush. Use silver polish applied with a clean cloth to remove crayon marks from a vinyl wall covering.Concentrated dishwashing detergent works well too. Remember to rinse well afterward. [...] Read More

Here are some methods to remove difficult spots and stains on wallpapers: To remove ink spots from washable wallpaper, liquid chlorine bleach can be very effective. But be careful, the strength of the bleach can sometimes wipe away the color of the wallpaper along with the ink spot. Test the method in an inconspicuous area to be safe. Dab the ink spot with a clean cloth or a cotton swab dampened with the bleach then quickly rinse the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in clear water to neutralize the bleaching action. [...] Read More

The term 'wall covering' has many applications but mostly narrowly refers to wallpapers (vinyl-coated papers, solid papers, foils, flocked papers or murals); vinyl fabric coverings (fabric-backed or paper-backed); and textile wall coverings (linen, silk, grass cloth or cotton toile). Wall coverings need to be cleaned periodically like ordinary walls though their general griminess may not be readily apparent because their patterns and colors tend to hide dirt. A quick dusting a couple of times a year may be all you need to do to prolong the life of most wall coverings and maintain much of their original brilliance. To dust, follow the same procedures we've recommended for dusting painted walls. Other steps to revive the appearance of wall coverings depend largely on the kind of wallcovering you have and the type of stains you want to remove. [...] Read More

Moldings are typically painted with gloss or semi-gloss paint. Even though these formulas are generally tougher, smoother and less likely to show soiling than flat paint, their surfaces gather plenty of dust and dirt. They are also likely to have extra smudging from hands and feet where moldings serve as baseboards and framing for doors and windows. Start cleaning with the dusting brush attachment of your vacuum to remove surface grime. [...] Read More

When washing a room start with the ceiling. Then go to the walls, beginning at the bottom and working your way up. If you start at the top, some of the wash water will drip onto the dry, unwashed walls and cause permanent stains. Work rapidly in small areas. Here are some tips on how to wash painted walls efficiently. [...] Read More

Textured, level-loop, cut-and-loop, and plush (also known as saxonyl) are the predominant styles of carpeting. Any style can be used in high-traffic areas if the fiber is very durable and if the density (number of tufts per square inch) is high. [...] Read More

All carpets should be laid over a separate layer of padding, except those with a cushion backing attached. Padding reduces the matting and crushing that comes from foot traffic and furniture. It also prevents slippage and adds to the carpet's insulating and sound-absorption properties. [...] Read More

Wall-to-wall carpeting has many virtues, soft and forgiving. It creates visual warmth with its texture as well as real warmth with its insulative properties, and it also absorbs sound. Carpeting can also hide a multitude of flaws in the floor beneath. It can be permanently installed directly on plywood subfloors. With the right fiber and weave, and with consistent maintenance, carpeting can last for decades. [...] Read More

These semi- and nonporous materials offer a wide range of colors, patterns and textures. They can also last indefinitely, but their weight demands appropriate installation and subflooring. [...] Read More

The same technology used to produce laminate countertop material is also used for laminate flooring. The surface, which can be made to resemble almost any kind of natural material - from marble to wood to verdigris copper - is bonded to a fiberboard core. It installs with tongue and groove fit to "float" on the subfloor. It is generally easy to care for. It will eventually show abrasion marks if grit is allowed to grind in. [...] Read More