Katie Barton
If you want a safe and effective laminate floor cleaner, Bona is a great option. Bona Hardwood floor cleaner is PH neutral, so it’s safe for all floor types. It will gently clean your floors without leaving any sticky residue behind and won’t damage your laminate flooring. Here’s how to … Read more
Hardwoods with coordinating stairs are an effortless look. Matching the two is the best route to ensure a seamless transition. But what happens when you can’t match the stair color to your hardwoods or vice versa? Fortunately, you can use a completely different color. Your stairs and hardwood floors don’t … Read more
If you’re getting ready to purchase wood floors for one level of your home but already have hardwoods on the other, you’re probably wondering if they should match. The good news is that you don’t have to use the same flooring on all levels. And if you’ll be using different … Read more
If you’re getting ready for a deck remodel, chances are you’ve considered Trex. Trex is low-maintenance composite decking that looks like wood but is scratch, rot, termite and fade resistant. Trex has 22 decking material colors – but not all colors are available on all lines. The four most popular … Read more
My home decor motto is if you like it, do it. But sometimes, it’s hard to know if you’ll like something before doing it, especially when it comes to wood combos like dark wood floors and honey oak trim. While honey oak trim was prominent in the 90s, it’s now … Read more
If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably had someone tell you to run the same hardwood floors throughout your entire house. And while there are some benefits – like creating a flow and making a small space look bigger, matching your hardwood floors isn’t necessary. You can use two different hardwoods … Read more
If you already have honey oak cabinets but want grey wood floors, you might be worried the two types of wood won’t match. And that’s understandable because this look is hit or miss – when done right, it looks phenomenal. When done wrong, it clashes. To coordinate your honey oak … Read more
If you’ve mopped your floors with Murphy’s Oil soap and have a hazy residue left behind, you’re probably wondering how to get it off. Luckily, it’s not too difficult. You can remove a Murphy’s Oil Soap residue by cleaning your floors with water and a microfiber cloth. If that doesn’t … Read more
Choosing a stain color is a pretty big deal when refinishing hardwood floors. Because, after all, you don’t want to pick something that you grow tired of in a year. But just like stain color, you also need to consider the finish of your floors. While there are many finishes … Read more
If you live in a house built before the 1960s, chances are, you have at least some hardwood floors in your main living spaces. And now you’re ready to extend those hardwoods into other areas of your home. So, how do you match new hardwoods to your existing floors? The … Read more
If you have grey wood floors and wonder if cherry cabinets will look good with them – it depends. If your floors have hints of blue or green, cherry cabinets will coordinate nicely. Cherry cabinets also work well for very light gray flooring and gray floors with beige undertones. If … Read more
When I bought my house, I loved everything except the orangey pine hardwood floors. And even though I wasn’t in love with them, I knew I’d probably never replace them. After all, they were in excellent condition and covered the entire 2,000 + square foot home. Instead, I accepted and … Read more
If you’re like me, cleaning bathtubs and showers is one of your most dreaded chores. But unfortunately, when you let a shower go too long in between cleanings, gunk starts to build up. If your plastic shower floor is starting to yellow or mildew, there are several methods you can … Read more
Wood-look tile floors are currently trending, and it’s easy to see why. With this type of flooring, you get the beauty and warmth of wood with the durability of tile. But if you’ve never had them before, you might wonder how to clean wood look tile floors. Wood-look tile floors … Read more
Whether you’re saving up for your dream deck, renting your home, or want something a bit more unique, there are plenty of great temporary deck ideas you can use. The most common temporary decks use pallets. However, you can also purchase temporary composite decks, wood tile, or build one out … Read more
Do you have your heart set on gray walls and white trim? If so, the best carpet colors for gray walls and white trim are gray, white, cream, or beige. Since these colors are neutral, they’ll match perfectly. You can also spice up the look with a subtle pattern or … Read more
Are you afraid to put a rug over carpet because you think it will look dumb? Don’t be. Rugs look perfectly fine over carpet and there are many benefits of using one. Some of the best reasons to place a rug over your carpet include bringing definition to a space, … Read more
Grey is a versatile carpet color. It matches most styles and can appear warm or cool depending on the wall color and furniture you pair it with. If you want a classic look, try a white wall and natural-toned wood furniture with your grey carpet. However, if you want to … Read more
Picking a stain color for your hardwoods is a huge choice and one you’ll likely live with for the next decade or more. So getting it right is pretty important. If you have red oak hardwood floors, you can leave them in their natural state and add a sealant. But … Read more
Having the right deck color for your house can help create visual interest and boost your curb appeal. But since there are so many options, narrowing down the right one can be challenging – especially if your house isn’t white. So, what are the most compatible deck colors for a … Read more
Grape juice is notorious for staining fabric – which might have you worried if you spilled some on your carpet. Luckily, even though grape juice is a hard stain to remove, it’s not impossible to do. Here’s how to get grape juice out of the carpet. If the grape juice … Read more
You open up a makeup palette and clumsily drop it on the floor. Now you have a bright stain on your carpet. Or, maybe your kids decide to do “makeovers,” resulting in eyeshadow smears. While you may think you’re doomed to live with stained carpet forever, you aren’t. If you’ve … Read more
Nobody likes to deal with stains on their carpet. But here’s some good news – if you’re dealing with a Gatorade spill, you can easily remove it. Many stain removal methods work for Gatorade stains, and you probably already have the supplies on hand. To get Gatorade out of the … Read more
If you’re in the market for a vacuum and mop combo, chances are you’re considering the Bissell Crosswave. The Crosswave lets you vacuum and wash your floors at once, saving you a ton of time. But does Bissell Crosswave work on carpet? Here’s what you should know. While you can … Read more
If you have a grey house and are getting ready to build a deck, you really can’t go wrong with color selection. There are many stains and types of decking material you can use, depending on the style you like best. Are you wondering what color deck goes with a … Read more
There are three carpet piles: low, medium, and high. Low carpet pile is one of the best choices for busy families with kids and pets. It’s durable, easy to clean, and holds up to a lot of foot traffic. If you’re wondering what is low pile carpet and the advantages … Read more
Gray floors are a lovely neutral. They work with many color schemes and can look modern or rustic, depending on the type. What are the Best Wall Colors for Gray Floors? Two colors that will go with all gray flooring include pure white and light gray. If you want balance … Read more
Vinyl plank flooring has become one of the most popular choices over the past couple of years due to its durability and beauty. But if you’ve never had these floors before, you may be wondering how to clean them. You can use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring. The dry Swiffer … Read more
Hardwood flooring is a significant investment, which makes choosing a color that will stand the test of time pretty important. But when it comes to timeless colors, there isn’t just one. For the most part, any natural color will work, and as long as you stay away from trends (like … Read more
Grey walls are a great neutral backdrop for just about any space. But not all flooring colors look great with grey. How Do You Match Flooring with Grey Walls? If you want to keep grey walls for the foreseeable future, try balancing out their coolness with a warm-toned floor. Hardwoods … Read more
Dark kitchen cabinets are beautiful. They can feel modern, traditional, or rustic and are a great asset to your kitchen. What’s the Best Color Floor for Dark Cabinets? If you have dark cabinets, go lighter with your flooring. You can create a lot of contrast by using white oak or … Read more
It’s not uncommon for white linoleum floors to yellow – especially if they’re more than 15 years old. But even though it’s common, it’s still not desirable. Depending on how discolored your floors are, you may be able to restore their original color. What’s the Best Way to Clean a … Read more
If you’re afraid to make a mistake, choosing the perfect wall color to match your floors seems like an impossible challenge. After all, you don’t want to paint a room only to hate the end result. I totally get it. What’s the Best Way to Match Your Hardwood Floor and … Read more
Every time it gets hot you get a whiff of urine, so you pull up a piece of flooring, and there it is – your wood subfloor with cat urine spots. Key Takeaways: Try using Clorox Urine Remover or an enzymatic-based cleaner to remove urine. You can also use hydrogen … Read more
If your tile floors have lost their shine, don’t worry. It’s pretty easy to restore them to their former glory. What’s the Best Way to Make Your Tile Floor Shine Without Wax? The best way to make your tile floor shiny is to thoroughly clean it and then seal it … Read more
If you clean your counters or tile floors with Fabuloso, you might be wondering if you can use it on your new laminate flooring too. Laminate floors are an engineered product that consists of many layers with a sealant on top to create the look of a wood floor. Is … Read more
Ceramic tiles are one of the most durable and long-lasting flooring options. But even with their durability, they can still lose their shine and luster after years of use. This is often due to a breakdown of the original sealant, dirt accumulation, or regular wear and tear. Key Takeaways Due … Read more
Although it’s not talked about, wood floors need to maintain a proper amount of moisture. While you often hear warnings not to oversaturate them, you rarely hear warnings about the opposite: drying your floors out. Key Takeaways Here’s how to rehydrate your wooden flooring. What’s the Best Way to Rehydrate … Read more
If your wood deck has seen better days, you might think pressure washing is the only way to get it clean. Fortunately, it’s not. While pressure washing does a great job of removing grime and build-up, there are other less harsh ways to get the same results. What’s the Easiest … Read more
Fabuloso is a multipurpose cleaner that’s been around since 1980. Many users love it for its smell. It’s excellent for cleaning counters, bathrooms, and other hard surfaces. But is it okay for floors? Is It Okay to Use Fabuloso on Wood Floors? Yes, as long as you have sealed wood … Read more
If you’re a lifelong Pine-Sol lover, you may be wondering if you can use it to spot treat or shampoo your carpets. This is an understandable question, especially since Pine-Sol has disinfecting and degreasing powers. Key Takeaways You can use Pine-Sol to clean your carpet. You can treat stains directly, … Read more
If you’ve noticed green spots on your deck, it’s likely mildew caused by dampness. You’ll be glad to know that getting rid of these green marks is super easy to do, and you probably have the necessary supplies in your kitchen cabinet. How do you Remove Green Mildew from a … Read more
When it comes to natural wood decking, it doesn’t get any better than Ipe. Ipe is an exotic wood that is about eight times harder than redwood. As a result, this decking is naturally rot, decay, and termite resistant. And because the wood is so high-quality, maintenance for Ipe decks … Read more
If you’re not interested in using harsh cleaners on your wood deck, you can clean it naturally. As long as you’re consistent with your cleaning, natural methods work just as well as store-bought cleaners. After all, the most important thing any deck owner can do is promptly address messes like … Read more
Composite decking contains a mixture of wood and plastic. Because of this blend, this type of decking is more durable, easier to clean, and requires less maintenance than traditional wood options. But that doesn’t mean composite decks are no maintenance. If you want your deck to last and look good, … Read more
If you have 50+-year-old wood floors in your home, no doubt they’ve seen their fair share of dirt and wear. But if you want them to look good again, do you need to go through the trouble of refinishing? Not necessarily. What’s the Best Way to Clean Old Floors Without … Read more
You walk out to your deck to enjoy a cup of coffee, and piles of bird poop that seemingly piled up overnight greet you. Everyone with an uncovered deck has found themselves in this position at least a handful of times. But what do you do about the bird poop? … Read more
You install tile and grout in your bathroom, forget to seal it, and notice that it’s becoming discolored only a short time later. Unfortunately, this is a pretty typical scenario. If you’re getting sick of scrubbing your grout every week or month to keep it clean, there is a less … Read more
If you’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel or getting new floors, the question has probably popped up – how do I make sure my cabinets and floor look good together? If you’re putting down tile or vinyl floor, choosing is easy. But if you have wood cabinets and … Read more
Old hardwood floors add character to a home. But when the dirt on those floors becomes the room’s focal point, they become more of a liability than an asset. Luckily, you can get your floors clean without the need for heavy machinery or back-breaking work. The Best Way to Clean … Read more
With everything that goes on in a bathroom, cleaning the floor regularly is a must. But what’s the best way to do that? There are a few methods you can take to disinfect your floors and keep them in excellent condition – although disinfecting floors isn’t always necessary. The best … Read more
There’s nothing like installing tile to notice a haze covering it a couple of days afterward. Of course, that haze can’t be soap scum because, by this point, you’ve barely had a chance to break in the bathroom. Instead, the haze is the result of left-behind grout after tile installation. … Read more
No matter how hard you try to keep your floors clean, life happens, and your carpet inevitably becomes dirty. But just because you don’t have a carpet cleaning machine doesn’t mean you can’t clean your carpet. All you need is a little bit of creativity and some standard household supplies. … Read more
If you have carpet in your home laid directly over concrete, taking it off isn’t difficult. The Best Way to Remove Carpet from Concrete To remove carpet from concrete, start by cutting a piece of carpet into a 12-24 inch strip. Roll the strip up until it becomes too big … Read more
Are you afraid your wood floors have germs and bacteria all over them? It’s not necessary to disinfect wood floors on a daily or even weekly basis. In most cases, cleaning with your regular mopping solution keeps your floors clean and in excellent shape. However, if there’s an illness in … Read more
Rubber flooring is excellent for commercial and home gyms. It’s durable, protects the subfloor from heavy equipment, and absorbs sounds and shock. But as great as it is, cleaning it can feel like a mystery. The Easiest Way to Clean Rubber Flooring To clean rubber flooring, start by thoroughly sweeping … Read more
You light your favorite candle, and then someone bumps into it, spilling the wax all over your wooden floors. What’s the Best Way to Remove Candle Wax from a Wooden Floor? To remove candle wax from a wooden floor, you first need to let it fully harden. If the spilled … Read more
Steam mops and vinegar are two popular tools for cleaning floors – but do they go together? Is it Okay to Put Vinegar in a Steam Mop? You should not put vinegar in steam mops. Almost every steam mop comes with explicit instructions to not add any descaling, aromatic, or … Read more
If you’re looking to upgrade your mop, one question you might have is which is better, a steam mop or a regular mop? And here’s the truth – they both are great choices. Choosing one over the other will come down to personal preference and the type of flooring in … Read more
Steam mops are amazing at cleaning most hard floor surfaces. They naturally deodorize and disinfect and usually leave the floor sparkling. However, if you’re new to a steam mop, one thing you’re probably missing is the smell of your favorite cleaner. Which might have you wondering – what can you … Read more
Steam mops are excellent tools for deep cleaning and disinfecting most hard surfaces. And if you’ve got a Shark steam mop, you’re in luck – they’re one of the best brands on the market today. Here’s how to use a shark steam mop. Start by placing the mop head on. … Read more
Vinyl is one of the most durable and easiest to care for types of flooring. And it’s making a big comeback. You can now find beautiful patterns of vinyl in planks, tiles, and sheet flooring. But that doesn’t mean it’s without its flaws. Because as easy as is to care … Read more
If you’re new to having a basement, you may be confused about the best way to clean an indoor concrete floor. Fortunately, it’s very easy – even if you haven’t sealed your concrete floors or if there’s no drain in your basement. Key Takeaways: Start by sweeping your floor thoroughly. … Read more
If you’re tiling a room in your house, aside from materials, the next highest cost is labor. While labor costs can vary greatly depending on the region, having a general sense of installation prices will allow you to budget appropriately. Plus, knowing these numbers can help you decide whether you … Read more
If you’re looking to clean and disinfect your tile floors, one of the best ways to do it is with a steam mop. Steam mops are great at breaking down dirt and will leave your floors sparkling clean. How to Use a Steam Mop on Tiles Before you steam mop … Read more
Terrazzo flooring has been around for centuries. It has a unique beauty and usually consists of chips of marble, granite, or glass set in concrete. However, even though terrazzo isn’t new, it’s not a flooring that many homeowners use, making it more of a mystery when it comes to proper … Read more
If you have unsealed concrete floors in your basement, you may be wondering if caring for them is different than any other type of floor. And because they don’t have a waterproof coating, it kind of is. What’s the Best Way to Clean Unsealed Concrete Floors? Since unsealed concrete floors … Read more
If you’ve recently moved into a house with a basement, you’re probably wondering how to clean basement flooring. Luckily for you, cleaning a basement floor is pretty much the same process as anywhere else in the house. How Do You Clean a Basement Floor? The best way to clean a … Read more
So, you made the plunge and installed hardwood floors throughout your house. Now comes the time when you have to add furniture back to the room. But what’s the best way to do that? After all, you don’t want your furniture scratching up the wood floors. If you want to … Read more
Hardwood floors are pretty easy to care for. Keep them swept, mopped, promptly clean up spills, and you’ll have floors that stay in good shape for years to come. But as easy as they are to care for, it doesn’t mean you should use just any cleaner. Some cleaners can … Read more
You’ve had your laminate floors for a few years now, and over time they’ve started looking a bit dull. So you wonder – can you wax laminate flooring? It seems like wax would be an easy solution to bring your floors back to life. Is it Okay to Wax Laminate … Read more
You spot a pile of dirt on your hardwoods and reach for your vacuum. After all, it seems like the quickest, easiest, and most effective way to clean up the mess. Is it Okay to Vacuum Hardwood Floors? Yes, it is perfectly okay to vacuum your hardwood floors. Many vacuums … Read more
Concrete isn’t just for the driveway. Sealed concrete is a prevalent flooring option for basements, outdoor shops, and large commercial spaces. Its shiny appearance can give a room a high-end luxurious feel. Plus, this type of flooring is highly durable and easy to care for. If you’re not familiar with … Read more
While unfinished wood can look beautiful, cleaning it requires finesse. Unsealed wood is highly porous, meaning it absorbs liquid instead of repelling it. As you can guess, this type of wood is much more at risk for water damage, mold, and staining. Because of this, harsh cleaners are out of … Read more
It’s always disappointing to finish cleaning your floors only for them to feel stickier than they did before mopping. But as disappointing as it is, it’s a common problem. Top Reason for Sticky Tile Floors After Mopping If your tile floors feel sticky after you mop them, you’re probably using … Read more
Choosing new flooring material is a huge decision. It’s a big investment, which means you need to pick flooring you’ll like for years to come and an option that holds up to the traffic in your home. This means if you have dogs, you need a floor that is easy … Read more
Vinyl flooring has made a big comeback. It’s one of the most durable flooring options available and comes in many timeless designs. It’s excellent for houses with active kids and pets, is virtually maintenance-free, and is one of the best flooring materials for kitchens and baths. Is It Okay to … Read more
When you’re choosing carpet, you not only have to decide on color and pile but also on material. After all, certain carpet materials are more stain resistant while others are softer and less expensive. The carpet that’s best suited for your home, depends on many different factors. Which is Better: … Read more
If you’re going for a wood look on a budget, laminate flooring is one of your best choices. It looks great, lasts a long time, and costs significantly less than hardwoods. The big downside is that laminate flooring is much more sensitive to harsh cleaners. And when you use too … Read more
Hardwood floors are relatively easy to care for. That doesn’t mean they’re entirely without issue, though. One common problem is cloudy-looking floors. You know, floors that look kind of dull and like they have a white or light gray haze over top of them. The Main Reason Your Hardwood Floors … Read more
Hardwood flooring continues to be the most popular flooring option available. It not only adds beauty to your home but also adds value. Which makes it a real bummer when you see that your floor is turning black or has black dots all over it. Luckily, in most cases, this … Read more
Marble flooring can make any space look high-end. It’s a very durable, classic, and long-lasting floor option. There’s just one downside, though – marble floors can be hard to clean. Marble is porous, which means you can’t use harsh cleaners on it. And if you do end up using the … Read more
Whether you’ve run out of your favorite mopping solution or are simply looking for a more eco-friendly option, you have a lot of choices when it comes to homemade floor cleaner. Key Takeaways: Need a great homemade mopping solution, quick? Try one of these solutions: What is the Best Homemade … Read more
If you have a new dog, finding puddles of urine on the floor is a common occurrence. But as typical as it is, if not dealt with promptly can lead to permanent stains and odors coming from your hardwoods. The best way to clean dog urine from hardwood floors is … Read more
Over time grout can build up dirt, soap scum, grease, and grime, making it look dull and dirty. While you may think your colored grout is doomed to live with this build-up, it’s actually just as easy to clean as white grout. The big difference is that with colored grout, … Read more
If you’re adding on to your hardwood floor, it’s almost always a good idea to make the new match the old. After all, using two different types of hardwoods can be difficult to pull off. There’s just one problem, though – how do you get your old and new flooring … Read more
It’s a nightmare – someone gets a hold of a can of spray paint, sprays it inside, and gets it all over your carpet. Now you’re left with splotches of paint, and you’re wondering if you’ll be able to get them out. The Best Way to Remove Spray Paint from … Read more
Water and hardwood floors don’t mix. This is why large water spills or leaky pipes are a big deal. Fortunately, if you act quickly, a water spill can be cleaned up without any problems. If you don’t catch it quickly, though, that spill can lead to permanent damage. Here’s how … Read more
If you’re dealing with a leaky pipe or a bit of flooding, you may think removing the standing water is the most important part of cleanup. The truth is, that’s just the beginning. Key Takeaways: To avoid damage, always attend to water under a wood floor as soon as possible. … Read more
Having your floors refinished can make a massive difference in the look and feel of your home. It’s no wonder why you’re in a hurry to put your furniture back. It’s exciting to see how your old stuff looks with your new floors. Plus, it’s nice to have somewhere to … Read more
Tell me if this has ever happened to you… You mop your floors expecting they’ll look and feel clean after you’re done. When they’re dry, you walk on them, but yet, they feel sticky – even stickier than before you mopped. Which is a bit crazy since you JUST cleaned … Read more
While wood floors will always hold strong, carpet is making a comeback. If you’re looking to replace your flooring, here are six of the biggest carpet trends of 2023 for you to consider. Key Takeaways 2023’s top carpet trends are: What is the Biggest Carpet Trend of 2023? The biggest … Read more
If you’re getting ready to clean around your home, you’re probably wondering what is the best cleaner to use in a pressure washer. The truth is, you don’t always need a cleaner. Many times your pressure washer has enough power to clean through even the toughest of grime. Which Pressure … Read more
While wood floors are durable and can last for years, they start to lose their shine if not cared for properly. This is especially true for floors with a lot of traffic or that have been treated with harsh chemical cleaners. Key Takeaways: Start by sweeping and mopping floors thoroughly. … Read more
You try to be careful. You put coasters on all the wood tables and ban your kids from taking their drinks out of the kitchen. But, the inevitable happens – despite your good intentions, someone has an accident. Now you’re wondering how to remove dark water stains from wood. Key … Read more
Whether you just had new floors installed or moved into a home with beautiful hardwoods, you’re probably wondering how to mop wood floors and keep them in great shape. What’s the Best Way to Mop Wood Floors? The best way to mop wood floors is by using a gentle cleanser … Read more
Getting new floors is exciting, especially when it’s a purchase you’ve been thinking about and saving for over a long period. But as exciting as fixing your old wood floors can be, throwing them out seems like a waste. So, what are you supposed to do with the hardwoods you’re … Read more
Slate is the most popular stone flooring option. It is naturally beautiful, durable, fire-resistant, and less expensive than comparable options. Whether used on a fireplace or the floors, slate can bring earthiness and texture to any room. However, since slate is a natural stone, it takes more upkeep and cautious … Read more
Carpet is soft and cozy and can instantly make a room feel more warm and inviting. However, as nice as carpet can be, it’s also very susceptible to holding onto bad odors. Whether your carpet has gotten a bit wet and musty, has gone through its fair share of pet … Read more
Laminate floors are beautiful. They mimic wood, are heavy-duty, stand up to moisture, and are usually only a fraction of the cost of their hardwood counterparts. But, the downside is that if not appropriately cleaned, laminate floors can begin to look dull. Key Takeaways: Start by vacuuming floors to remove … Read more