Friday, May 3, 2019

How to clean tile grout after it has been applied

How to clean tile grout after it has been applied

If you are going to install tiles in almost any area of the home, Grout will be part of the process. Grout is used to fill gaps between tiles, reinforce them and keep moisture out. Since it extends over the top of the tiles as it is pushed to the joints, it is important to clean it properly. Grout starts curing in 3 days and is cured after 3 weeks.

Grout Cleaner Product


Instructions


1 Wet a grout sponge by dipping it in a bucket of water and drain excess so that the sponge is moist but not dripping. A grout sponge is specially designed with rounded corners. Use these corners to help clean the grout from above the tiles without disturbing the grout inside the joints.

2 Clean the top of the tiles with the grout sponge. Make a pass with the sponge on each side before rinsing well with water. If the sponge is cleaned over and over again without rinsing, simply redistribute the grout. Clean the tiles to the edges, and use the corners of the sponge to carefully shape the joints.

3 Clean the tile surface with a lint-free cloth until it dries. Keep a replacement tile up to the newly washed tiles to compare. If there is surplus mortar on the tile installed, it will appear cloudy or color-off. Repeat cleaning with sponge moistened with fresh water and a dry towel again until all traces of grout are gone.

Tips and warnings

  •     Grout can be removed in this method up to three days after installation. After that, you can scrape it off with a green scourer and lots of fresh water. Beyond three weeks, the grout will cure and not get out of the tiles.
  •     Do not use a dripping sponge when cleaning fresh grout. Excess water may wash grout or weaken gaskets.

How to clean tile grout in a tub

How to clean tile grout in a tub

Grout is a sandy, porous material used to seal the spaces between the tiles. Grout in a tub tends to absorb dirt and soap residue, and can promote the growth of mold and fungus in humid locations. It is possible to clean and brighten the grout without hard fumes using oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach absorbs deep into the grout and dissolves dirt and stains without excessive washing. Clean your bath grout regularly to make it look your best.

Grout Cleaner Product


Instructions

1 fill a spray bottle with hot water and add 2 tablespoons. of oxygen bleach. Shake the bottle to completely dissolve the oxygen bleach.

2 Spray the tile grout thoroughly with the cleaning solution. Be sure to soak grout with cleaner. Leave to soak for a maximum of 30 minutes. If the solution dries in the grout, spray again to keep it moist.

3 Rub the grout with a grout brush or old toothbrush.

4 Rinse the grout thoroughly with clean water. Use a large glass or removable showerhead to rinse the sides. Allow grout to dry thoroughly.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

How to clean the dried epoxy grout

How to clean the dried epoxy grout

Epoxy grout is stronger than regular tile grout, and is harder to remove once dry. Cures epoxy grout quickly, and requires a chemical remover to clean it once it is dry. After completing the injection process, an epoxy mist or film may be left on the tile surface. To clean the epoxy grout dry with a stripper, read all instructions carefully and let the chemicals cure for the proper amount of time.

Grout Cleaner Product


Instructions

1 Open the epoxy grout remover mist and paint on the surface of the dry epoxy grout with a brush. Wait 10 minutes, then apply a second layer.

2 Wait 30 minutes, then gently shake a small area of the epoxy grout with a hard-bristled nylon brush to see if the grout comes easily. If not, continue letting the healing grout remover. Shake the test area every 30 minutes until grout comes easily.

3 Rub the rest of the dry grout surface with the brush, then clean debris and left over grout remover with a clean towel.

4 fill a bucket with clean water and rinse the mop area with clean water. Dry the area with a clean towel. Do not walk on the surface for at least two hours.

How to clean the grout if it dries completely

How to clean the grout if it dries completely

Grouting between the tiles helps keep them in place and prevents water seeping into the ground below. Portland cement is the main component in most grouts. When cement hardens, it can be difficult to remove. For this reason, a quick cleaning after any tile project is a must. If some points have been lost during grouting or delayed cleaning, do not turn to a metal tool for assistance. When it comes to eliminating dry grout, a nylon sponge is your best friend.

Grout Cleaner Product


Instructions

1 pour 1 gallon of hot water into a bucket. Add 1 cup granulated white sugar. Stir with a wooden paint bar until the sugar dissolves.

2 pour the water with sugar on tile areas containing dried grout. Of any pouring directly from the sugar-water spoon or shovel with a plastic cup.

3 Let the water with sugar sit on the tile for about two hours. The two hours soaking will give the time water with sugar to loosen the grout from the tile.

Scrape 4 larger pieces of tile grout using wood paint stick. Exfoliating distance dried grout using a high-strength nylon sponge. Keep the surface of the tile moist at all times with sugary water.

5 Clean the clean tile with a cloth moistened with clean water after the dry grout is removed. Polish the tile to a shine with a dry cloth.

Tips and warnings

  •     Wiping the tile with a damp cloth immediately after grout minimizes further cleaning.
  •     Do not use metal spatulas or any other type of sharp metal instrument to remove dry grout or risk damaging the tile.

How to clean grout on tile joints

How to clean grout on tile joints

If after scrubbing the floor you think it still does not look clean enough, it may be that your problem the correct cleaning of the ground joints to remove the grout that is still embedded. Cleaning it will require an extra effort, but don't worry that if you do it properly it doesn't have to be complicated.

We have the alternative to clean with natural and organic products or with the chemicals found in the supermarket. No matter what your preference, we tell you how to clean the grout in tiles so your floor is really clean.

Grout Cleaner Product


Steps to clean grout in tiles


Follow these steps to remove grout in tile joints without much effort.

1. It is not new that we recommend cleaning with baking soda, usually very effective and affordable for routine cleaning. In this case, to remove the grout we will create a mixture of bicarbonate with water. You need 3 parts of baking soda and a piece of water. Mix until thick dough is formed. Spread that dough on the board and keep in mind that if you do it with your fingers it is advisable to use rubber gloves to perform the cleaning.

2. Another of our secrets is to use vinegar for ecological cleaning. The second step you must follow is to mix in a water sprayer with white vinegar. And spread this mixture over the bicarbonate you previously applied to the joints. You will see how bubbles immediately begin to emerge that will be the sample that the chemical reaction has started and that the mixture is working.

3. This bubbling chemical reaction should last for a few minutes. When it is finished it will mean that the mixture has done its job and that you can proceed to remove it. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the joints with the mixture and remove dirt.

4. To close with a golden brooch, scrub the floor with water. This way you will eliminate the bicarbonate residues and by the way you can eliminate the dust or dirt that has been left in the ground.

Additional Tips for cleaning grout

For extreme cases it is likely that this homemade housekeeping trick will not end up solving the problem. When this happens, we recommend using a vaporeta so that the pressurized water will definitely remove the grout. And the dirt accumulated in the joints leaving as new. If you do not have a vaporeta at your fingertips we recommend the Express cleaning team. That in all their work they use this type of machinery to thoroughly clean more than 200 areas of your house.

In addition, its 10 years of experience let you know the best way to clean different types of soil and surfaces inside the home. Do not wait for a thorough cleaning of your home and extend the life of your furniture and appliances. Calculate your price in our Online calculator of floor and house cleaning and you won't regret it.

How to Clean Tile Grout

How to Clean Tile Grout

Grout these days, is it still white or does it have a different color? Don't worry there are ways to control that mold, dirt and grime that cling to those cracks. 

First of all do not go to waste your money on products that are not able to do what you are looking for a complete cleaning, when the cheap and healthy solutions are in our home.

Grout Cleaner Product


Prepare to start cleaning! Then I mention some tips for cleaning the same.

Best ways to clean tile grout

When we talk about cleaning the grout you probably already have what we will use at hand. Besides, we'll need a rag and a toothbrush.

Vinegar 

We can either pour the vinegar directly into the grout or lower it with water. Then poured it on the edges of the grout. Let it rest for 10 minutes. And finally we use a toothbrush with a circular motion.

Vinegar + baking soda

These 2 are a fantastic duo because when you join fight against dirt very easy. We make a bicarbonate paste with a little vinegar. Rub the grout with the pasta and the toothbrush. Finally wipe the waste. It's slow but the results are fantastic believe me it's worth the effort.

Lemons  

The lemons came! The high acidity in the juice of the lemons corrodes the difficult stains and the discoloration of the grout. Poured the lemon in the grout. We let it act for about 10 minutes before cleaning. If you realize the smell of fresh lemons is much better than the Limpadora solution.

How to clean the really hard stains from the tile grout

Without ever it occurred to clean the lines of your grout for years (do not ashamed sometimes happens) if this comes to pass is the time to bring the big fish. Here I leave the best ways to clean the grout, when stubborn dirt does not want to go out.

Hydrogen peroxide 

Because it has oxidizing properties, this liquid is the most spectacular cleaning solution for many household needs, especially tile grouting. It is much safer than chlorine bleach or ammonia-based products, and best of all less expensive. We make a mixture of peroxide with water in a container half and half. Poured our mixture in the grout. Let stand for 10 minutes before scrubbing away with the toothbrush.

Betun of white Shoes

If you want to know the trick?, and if not lost the hope of getting a white grout?, the time has come to be creative. We apply white-colored shoe cream and let it rest all night. The enamel is easily cleaned, but the color will remain in the grout.

How to clean the grout between the tiles

How to clean the grout between the tiles

Even after scrubbing the floor, the tiles with the dirty grout may still look dirty. Leave your floors as new cleaning the grout as well. Depending on the type of tile and the color of your soil grout, there are different cleaning methods that you can use to renew your appearance. Whether you opt for chemical cleaners or more natural methods, grout can be spotless with little effort.


Grout Cleaner Product



Method 1 With baking soda and vinegar



    1
  •     Make a paste with baking soda and water. Mix 3 parts of baking soda and 1 part water to make a thick paste. This versatile cleaner will clean grout of all colors, but vinegar can be detrimental in some natural stones, such as marble or limestone.
  •         Apply the pasta to the grout lines with your finger.
  •         Although baking soda is not harmful, the use of rubber gloves can help prevent scratches or irritations from rubbing the grout with baking soda.

    2
  •     Make a solution of 1:1 of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution into the sodium bicarbonate paste you applied. You will immediately see bubbles, which will tell you that the natural cleaning process has begun.

    3
  •     Wait for the solution to stop bubbling. Bubbling is a chemical reaction between sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. This reaction usually lasts for a few minutes. After the bubbling is completed, the chemical cleaning action will have culminated.

    4
  •     Scrub the grout with a brush. With a nylon bristle brush, or a toothbrush, scrub along each grout line. Pay attention to the corners and edges to clean them well. [1]

    5
  •     Scrub the floor with water alone. Use a mop with water alone to remove the residues of baking soda and vinegar. Rinse the mop and change the water followed during the cleaning process so that you do not spread the waste on the floor.

Method 2 Clean with sodium percarbonate



    1
  •     Dissolve 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate in 2 cups of lukewarm water. Make the solution immediately before using it to get the best results. Mix the solution well to ensure that the sodium percarbonate is fully activated. The bleaching power of sodium percarbonate could damage the color grout, but it is soft enough for all types of tile.

  •     2
  •     Make a test in a little visible grout corner before cleaning up all the sleep. Some tiles or grouts may be bleached or discolored by sodium percarbonate. Apply a little of the sodium percarbonate solution to a discrete section of the grout to make a color test.

    3
  •     Pour the sodium percarbonate solution into the grout. Make sure you throw enough to cover all the lines of the grout. Clean the floor section by section to not wet it completely.

    4
  •     Use a nylon bristle brush to soak the sodium percarbonate solution in the grout. Leave this solution acting several minutes to get the best results. [2]
  •         Scrub the grout with the brush from front to back.
  •         Be sure to scrub the corners and around the edges of the floor, as dirt and dust tend to accumulate there.

    5
  •     Insert the brush into the powdered sodium percarbonate to increase its cleaning power. If you see a darker or more visible spot, you can make a solution of stronger sodium percarbonate by inserting a wet brush directly into the sodium percarbonate powder.
  •         NOTE: Pour a little of the powdered product into another container to avoid adding water to the main container of powdered sodium percarbonate.

    6
  •     Rinse the floor with water and then dry. Pour clean water directly into the tiled floor and dry with a clean scouring pad or mop.

Method 3 Clean the grout with oxygenated water, sodium bicarbonate and liquid dishwasher


    1
  •     Make a dough. Mix ¾ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of oxygenated water and 1 tablespoon liquid dishwasher. This highly effective paste cleans the grout in 3 ways:[3]
  •         Sodium bicarbonate acts as a natural abrasive to rub the grout.
  •         Oxygenated water reacts chemically with sodium bicarbonate, which releases bleaching oxygen ions.
  •         The dishwasher liquid helps to loosen dirt and remove grease.
  •         NOTE: The whitening action of the chemical reaction may affect the color grout. Make a color test in a slightly visible corner before cleaning the entire floor.

    2
  •     Apply the pasta with a nylon bristle brush. A toothbrush or a nylon brush will do the trick. Make sure to apply the pasta to the grout between the tiles and around the edges to make them evenly clean.

    3
  •     Let the mixture act in the grout for about 15 minutes. You'll see a bubbling reaction as sodium bicarbonate and oxygenated water interact. Give it time to soak in the grout and you can remove the stains.

    4
  •     Rinse the grout with warm or warm water to remove the entire solution. Pour some water directly onto the tiled floor to remove the grout solution.
  •         Be careful, because a wet tiled floor can be very slippery.

    5
  •     Use a scouring pad to clean the grout and remove any debris from the product or dust. Remove the remaining dough from the grout by lightly scrubbing the floor with a scouring pad. You can do it stopping on the sponge and move with both feet or you can go scrubbing the floor while you go wiping to Gatas.

    6
  •     Scrub the floor with clean water. To make sure there is no residue or foam, scrub the floor thoroughly with a sponge or cotton mop. Rinse the mop and change the water followed so that everything is clean.

Method 4 Clean the grout with a vaporizer


    1
    Rent or buy a vaporizer. Vaporizers effectively clean and disinfect all types of tile and grout because they do not use any chemicals. Go to your local home maintenance store to rent or buy one of those machines. Make sure the vaporizer you get has the right accessories to clean the grout:[4]
  •         Steam Hose
  •         Small brush

    2
    Follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembling and filling the vaporizer. Read the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the equipment.

    3
    Fill the container with clean water to the line indicated in the instruction manual. Do not add chemicals or detergents to the water container of the vaporizer.

    4
    Turn on the vaporizer and let it heat up. The vaporizer's instruction manual will tell you how long you have to wait after turning on the machine for use.

    5
    Move the cleaning brush back and forth over the grout. Start on one side of the room and go forward to the other end. The steam will lift dirt and dust from the grout, and also kill any mold you may have.

    6
    Use a scouring pad or mop to clean up excess water after cleaning. Be careful, because the floor may become slippery after the steam is condensed in water.

Tips

  •     You should always first try a new cleaner or cleaning solution in a slightly visible area before using it to make sure it will not damage the tile or grout.
  •     If you are using sodium bicarbonate or sodium percarbonate solutions, do not do more than necessary, because these solutions lose their power quickly.
  •     After cleaning the grout, apply a sealant to make the cleaning last longer. [5]

Warnings

  •     Do not use hard-bristle brushes such as steel or wire bristles, as they may break and damage the grout.
  •     Do not use vinegar in marble, granite, travertine or other natural stone floors, as this may cause the surface to be carved and permanent damage. Grouting These surfaces should only be cleaned with a neutral pH solution. [6]

Things you'll need

  •     Cube
  •     Sodium percarbonate
  •     Clean water
  •     Nylon Bristle Brush
  •     Mop
  •     Sodium bicarbonate
  •     Toothbrush
  •     Spray

Monday, April 29, 2019

How to replace a Kohler toilet tank

How to replace a Kohler toilet tank

Kohler toilets are one of the most popular toilet brands in the United States. They are well manufactured, efficient and come in a variety of styles. However, even Kohler toilets will suffer wear and tear. Replacing a defective part of the toilet, like the tank, can be simple or require a little more time, depending on your Kohler model. You can quickly change a Kohler two-piece toilet tank. But you will have to take out the entire toilet to replace.

Toilet Bowl Ring Remove Product


Two-piece toilet
Turn off the water supply in the wall. You can find the shut-off valve by following the inlet hose from the tank to where it is connected to the wall.

Unload the toilet to remove the water. Wipe off any remaining water with a sponge and towels.

Unscrew the inlet hose.

Separate the Kohler tank from the base by unscrewing the two bolts inside the bottom of the tank. On most models, the bolts inside the tank have a screwdriver head, which allows you to use a screwdriver to keep the bolt stable while unscrewing the nut at the other end with a wrench. Or you can keep the key firmly on the nut at the bottom and unscrew the bolt.

Remove the bolts and washers. Gently lift the tank and out of the way.

Install the new Kohler toilet tank as you align the two bolt holes in the tank with the holes in the bowl and align the tank gasket with the inlet port in the bowl.

Pass the bolts and washers back into the tank holes once the tank is in place. Screw the nuts and washers onto the end of the bolts and tighten by hand.

Tighten the nuts a few turns with the key. Turn on one side and then on the other. Alternate the sides to maintain even pressure.

Add a few drops of glue or plumber's tape to the water inlet connection in the tank. This will ensure a tight connection. Then screw the water inlet hose. Squeeze with a wrench.

Turn on the water and allow the toilet to fill. Check for leaks.

One piece toilet
Turn off the water supply, clean the water and disconnect the hose following the steps above.

Unscrew the bolts at the base of the bowl that hold the toilet to the flange.

Gently shake the toilet back and forth to loosen it from its fit. Then lift it up and out of the way.

Wipe the remains of the old wax ring on the flange and install a new wax ring in place.

Insert the new flange bolts into the flange.

Turn over the new Kohler toilet. Add a thin strip of putty or plumbers putty along the bottom of the tank. This will help ensure an airtight seal between the cup and the floor.

Lower the new Kohler toilet into the wax ring, making sure the flange bolts seat through the holes in the base.

Press the toilet gently on the flange to make sure it is positioned on the ring.

Thread the nuts and washers onto the bolts on the bottom of the toilet. Hand tighten, then squeeze one side at a time with the key.

Things you will need
  • New tank
  • New one piece toilet
  • Towels and sponge
  • Wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Plumífero, adhesive tape and putty
  • Wax ring
  • Disposable gloves
Tip
  • The above steps are a guide to use in conjunction with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Warnings
  • Do not over tighten the nuts or the porcelain could break.
  • When cleaning wax rings, wear gloves; This part of the bathroom is full of harmful bacteria.

How to repair a toilet seal

How to repair a toilet seal

If you're wondering how to repair a seal toilet, you do not need to be worried since this is a simple repair job that can be done easily with some basic household supplies. Broken or loose toilet seals are among the most common causes of a leaking toilet. The toilet seal in most contemporary bathrooms is a ring-shaped seal that has an adjustable collar for a tighter installation. This seal is necessary to prevent the leakage of water and sewer gases that can contaminate the bathroom space. You can use the following guidelines to repair your toilet seal in an affordable and non-demanding manner.

Toilet Bowl Ring Remove Product


Step 1-Starting

Start by getting ready with a pair of rubber gloves. Turn off the shut-off valve or main valve that controls the toilet water supply. This valve is usually located on the wall on which the toilet cistern is secured. Rinse the toilet several times to make sure that the remaining water also drains. Now proceed to the base of the toilet, that is, where the toilet is secured on the floor of the bathroom.

Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to round the putty or putty ring. This can be tedious since the base of the toilet is well compacted at the time of installing the toilet. Use the tip of a screwdriver to open the plastic caps on each side of the toilet seat. Under the covers, you will find metal bolts that secure the toilet bowl on the floor. Loosen these bolts with a wrench and remove them.

Step 2-Dismantling the toilet flange
It is best to seek help from another person at this time to hold and lift the toilet bowl. Sometimes, the toilet bowl is not properly secured on its base and loosening the flange can cause it to fall off suddenly. Spread some old rags around the base of the toilet before attempting to tilt the toilet bowl. Ask your assistant to slowly tilt the toilet bowl. This could also cause a small waste of water retained in the toilet flush outlet along with traces of dirt for which the rags are made. This should reveal the flange bolt with the nuts that accompany it. The flange is a durable accessory, necessary to secure the toilet bowl in the underlying drain hole. The flanges are made of different materials, including cast iron and plastic. Metal flanges are difficult to handle as they can corrode. Use a sharp end of a screwdriver to remove rust. Use a wrench to loosen the nut and remove the bolt.

Step 3-Replace the toilet seal

It is best not to remove the toilet bowl, as adjusting it again could be difficult. Ask him to partner to keep the toilet bowl tilted as he goes through the repair. Using a spatula, edge the old wax ring. Replace it with the new wax ring. The seal of the wax ring should be adjusted. The new wax rings tend to protrude a little, which could damage the tight fit. Therefore, press down repeatedly on the seal. Now move towards the insertion of the flange bolts. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts.

Step 4: repair of the toilet board

Ask your associate to gently place the toilet bowl in its original position. Doing this with a tug can break the underlying ceramic tiles of the bathroom floor. Insert the metal bolts to secure the toilet bowl on the floor and tighten them with a wrench. Replace the plastic caps that you had removed at the beginning of the project. Finally, apply a thin layer of putty around the base of the toilet for a tighter fit.

How to wash the toilet? How can I clean a toilet?

How to wash the toilet? How can I clean a toilet?

To wash the bath Cup it is recommended to perform the following steps:

Toilet Bowl Ring Remove Product



1. Pull the handle from the TOILET and let the water run clean.


Como puedo limpiar bien un inodoro2. If using any product, apply and let stand for the time indicated on the label.


3. Brush very well, even on the water discharge flange and around the inside sides.


4. Let the water run again, and rinse the brush at the same time, shake very well and put it back in its base.


5. If the scale cannot be removed, apply muriatic acid (in half a bucket of water, two cups of acid and size with a broom or toilet brush), if you do not want to use the acid, tállela with a moistened water sandpaper.

Leaks in the toilet

Leaks in the toilet

Leaks on the outside of the toilet are easy to detect, but to solve them often it is necessary to dismantle the sanitary

Leaks on the outside of the toilet can cause significant damage and seepage across the floor. The advantage in this case is that water losses are easily detected. Sometimes problems are recorded in the area that joins the cup with the ground. Other times, leakages originate from watertight gaskets in poor condition. In many of these cases, it is necessary to dismantle the toilet or cistern to make repairs.

Toilet Bowl Ring Remove Product


 Problems between the toilet and the cistern

In order to solve the problems of water loss between the toilet and the cistern, it is often necessary to dismantle the latter to replace the sealing gasket and sometimes it is also possible to remove the fixing screws and the mechanism of the cistern. You have to take note of the deposit mark to buy a kit with all the necessary elements for the repair.

Then, the foam gasket is removed that allows the watertightness between the toilet and the cistern, the edges of the hole are cleaned to remove the lime scale and the new mechanism is inserted into the cistern. On the outside, the PVC nut is placed on the thread and locked to compress the gasket. Finally, a new foam gasket is installed on the nut and, again, the cistern on the toilet.

Leaks in the evacuation tube gasket


When leaks are recorded between the evacuation tube and the toilet, the latter must be disassembled. To do this, close the water stopcock, empty the cistern and disconnect the water inlet pipe to the cistern. Then it is separated from the wall and the clamping brackets are removed. To release the toilet from the floor, remove the screws that fix it. After unscrewing them, the toilet is carefully balanced to loosen the adhesive that binds it to the pavement.

    When leaks are recorded between the evacuation tube and the toilet, the latter must be dismantled

Sometimes the solution is to replace the seal gasket. In this case, after removing the toilet, remove the damaged gasket and cut the adjustment ring with a hacksaw. A new ring and elastomer gasket are then placed in place. Finally, just pull the ring to immobilize it in the neck of the tube and place the toilet in place.

Leaks in the bottom of the toilet

As time passes, water leaks can be recorded through the bottom of the toilet. Sometimes the escape is so scarce that it is barely noticeable. It may occur that the seal that joins the Cup with the floor has worn out and that this causes small puddles of water around the toilet.

To avoid the formation of moisture, fill this gasket with silicone or plumber's putty. This last product has a yellowish color that can be somewhat tarnished, so it can be painted with the same paint that is used to coat the joints of the tiles.