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What to Do If Your Chimney is Blocked

Chimneys will get blocked as long as you use them, and the reasons are very common. Either some ash fragments are stuck to the inside of the chimney, or there is a physical blockage that you need to get rid of.
Depending on what is blocking your chimney, you may need a variety of tools to clear the passageway of the flue. Anything flammable that is lodged in the chimney can be dangerous as it can cause the whole chimney to go up in smoke. If your chimney is blocked and you are unsure what to do, read on.
Determine the Blockage
Any number of things can cause a blocked chimney. Birds that choose to nest may drop debris down that gets stuck. Another animal may have looked for shelter in your chimney if it hasn’t been in use for a while. Regardless of the reason, you need to determine the blockage first so that you know what first step to take.
If you find an animal in your chimney, contact the local shelter or rescue team to help you. You don’t want to risk getting bitten by an animal that has been nesting in your chimney. You can avoid blockages like these if you install a chimney cap. Smoke will still be able to leave the chimney, but nothing will be able to climb down it.
Ready Your Supplies
Cleaning a blocked chimney is easy but time-consuming. You will need a few vital tools, such as safety goggles, wire or plastic brushes, extension pipes, a ladder, broom, and dustpan. There could be hazardous debris in the chimney, and if you work on it from the bottom, you will need to keep your face protected. Many of these parts can be obtained by looking into tool rental. Because you might only need to unblock a chimney once every few years, it can be expensive tools if you don’t utilize them often enough.
You not only need safety goggles, but a mask that will catch any dust from getting into your eyes, nose, or mouth. You will need a ladder to get to the roof and clear out any blockages from the top. It may require physical force with an extension pipe if the object is really stuck in there. You will need a tall ladder so consider ladder hire from a professional instead of buying your own.
Remove and Clean
Even if your chimney isn’t blocked, there will be signs that it needs cleaning. For instance, if smoke is escaping from the bottom, it’s a very clear indication that something is blocking the flue. This can be from moisture that has attached to remnants of wood ash. It can build up along the sides, narrowing the passage where the air escapes.
If at all possible, clean from the top down. You can avoid getting hit in the face by a large object, and you can extend pipes down much easier. From the top, you will also have a clearer view of the extent of the blockage.
With winter around the corner, be sure to check your chimney for any blockages so that you can have a warm festive season around the fire.
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How To Effectively Clean Hardwood Floors

image provided by Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing – hvac technician
Hardwood floors are a great addition to any home. It is hard to beat the look and feel of natural wood in your home. This type of flooring tends to feel warmer than artificial wood or tiles and will generally last much longer.
However, you do need to take care of your hardwood flooring and that starts with effectively cleaning it regularly.
It should be noted that it doesn’t matter what style of hardwood flooring you have, whether it’s the latest herringbone flooring or simple planks, the cleaning routine is the same.
Vacuum Regularly
The first thing you should be doing is vacuuming your hardwood flooring regularly. Ideally, you should do this every day but in lower-traffic areas, 2-3 times a week will suffice.
You will need a hardwood flooring attachment for your vacuum. This is effectively a soft nozzle that won’t leave light scratches on the wood as you clean. Make sure the nozzle is clean and not worn before you use it.
Using the power of a vacuum you’ll be able to get into all the crevices between the wooden pieces.
Sweep Often
Alongside vacuuming, you can sweep the hardwood floor. This can be done to deal with specific spills or instead of vacuuming some days. You will need to use a soft-headed brush as you don’t want to scratch the floor.
An angles broom will also help you to sweep the floor faster, reducing the amount of time spent looking after your hardwood floor.
The Cleaner
Your next step is to invest in a quality hardwood cleaner. You can get this in spray form, allowing you to lightly spray the floor and then wipe it clean. It’s best to use a clean cloth that attracts the dirt and dust when doing this.
Spray cleaner is an effective approach to dealing with spills and other localized issues.
If you wish to clean the entire hardwood floor you’re better off adding a little of the cleaner to a bucket of warm water and using a mop. It should be noted that hardwood flooring doesn’t like getting wet.
In other words, wring the mop out so that it is only damp when it comes into contact with the floor. Work your way methodically across the room to ensure every part of the floor has been lightly mopped.
Sealing the Floor
The best approach is to purchase a hardwood floor polish. This can then be applied to the floor in accordance with the instructions on the container.
For most, this means rubbing a little into the floor with one cloth and polishing it with another. You will need to work your way across the entire room but the good news is that this only needs doing a couple of times a year.
The polish adds shine to the floor, it fills light scratches and helps to protect the floor against dirt and spills. With a little love and care your hardwood flooring will last for years!
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Types of Exterior Drainage Systems for Your Home
A recent study has shown that most of the structural damage that could happen in your home will be there because of poor drainage. This can be a costly home repair, so it is important to deploy preventive measures to help save you a lot of money to keep things safe.
Your home is an important investment and you should work hard to add in the right type of drainage to keep things safe at all times. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of stainless steel trench drains for your home.
Types of Drainage Systems
Understanding the risks of water damage is important when choosing the right type of drainage for your home. Without the right drainage system, you may deal with a lot of issues around the home including:
- Damage landscape
- Loss of home value because of the water damage
- Health risks because mold may grow in the basement
- Basement leaks could flood into the home and cause property damage
- Foundation cracks that will then compromise the house’s integrity
With all of these issues in play, you need to do the right drainage to prevent the issue. Some of the best types of drainage systems that you may consider for the exterior of your home include:
1. French Drain
The first type of drain that you have is the French Drain. This is a simple perforated pipe that is first installed in a flat yard. The goal of this is to help drain away any water that is standing, which can keep the whole thing safe.
To use this pipe, you will need to excavate a trench that can then slope away from the property before installing the pipe. Gravel or another porous material will be used to help fill in the trench before the trench is finally covered.
When there is any standing water in place, it will need to follow the easiest escape route to move away. When this is in place, it will decide to seep down to the French tile and go in a direction away from the yard to keep your foundation safe.
2. Footing Drain
The second type of drain found outside your home would be a footing drain. This can be very effective when it comes to a water drainage system. A pipe will be installed around the perimeter of your foundation walls, usually level with the footing to make it easy to put together.
This pipe is going to collect any of the water that would normally leak through the footing and into the basement through the foundation walls. Since the pipe is in place though, the water will be directed away from the home to keep things safe.
Once the drain is in place, it needs to be covered up with some gravel, up to the surface of the soil, to help with the drainage.
3. Gutter Drainage System

Another option that you can choose is the gutter drainage system. There is often water that comes from the roof of your home when it rains. Without the right gutter drainage system in place, it can cause a lot of damage and havoc that will happen because it will not drain out well.
This is when you will need to use a gutter and a downspout system. It is responsible for helping drain away all the water that is on the roof so it goes away from the walls of your house to make sure that the water does not collect there.
Without these in place, the rainwater will still fall off the home. Without a drain to help push it away though, the water falls right by the home. This may cause damage to the walls of the home and allows water to seep into the basement when it rains hard.
The downspout drain needs to be set up to drain away all the roof water from the walls of the home. Your goal is to direct the water to a storm sewer or catch basin. The further away that you can do this, the better it is for your home.
4. Grading Drainage
The fourth type of drainage that you will see is known as grading drainage. This is a simple type of drain that will involve reworking the grading to slope it away from your home. You always want to keep the water from your home. If there is a slope into the home, this may allow the water into your foundation and basement.
When you see this happening, you need to go through and do grading drainage to help make sure the water will be moved away from the home. You should have a contractor take a look at the landscaping you have in order to assess the gradient needed to move away the water.
You may need to do some work with the landscaping to make this one happen. The right gradient needs to be severe enough in order to help move the water away from the home and into the storm sewer while still fitting into the building code. It is best to work with a professional rather than try to do it yourself.
Deciding to Put New Drainage In Your Yard
Exterior drainage systems can be a great option to help protect your home. Water is something that we can’t prevent around the home, but without the right drainage, it will cause a lot of problems to the foundation and the basement of your home. The type of drainage that you will need outside of your home will depend on the type of landscaping you have.
Most homes will need gutter drainage to help with the rain, but the rest could depend on the way your home is organized. If you have trouble with water getting into your home when it rains, consider some of the types of drainage that you may be able to use to keep your home safe.
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Some of the Repairs You Should Do When Moving Out

Homes play a significant role in our lives. Many people tend to be excited when they finally move out. When moving out, you should not be too carried away by the events, especially if you are planning to sell the house. Those that have tried selling their homes know that it is a struggle. Only a few lucky homeowners have sold their homes with no challenges. There are things you may require to do to increase your chance of making a sale at a good price. Below are some of the repairs you should consider when moving out.
Holes in the Walls
Making a sale when moving things out of the home is challenging because of various reasons. The true condition of the house may have been hidden by some of the items inside. When the house is nearly empty, buyers are most likely to see the damages on the walls. The first repair you should consider doing is to patch any holes in your walls. Make sure you patch the holes neatly to the point that a buyer may not notice. No one will be willing to spend a lot of cash on a house with holes in the wall.
Paint
It is essential to make the house you wish to sell be captivating. It needs to capture the attention of potential buyers. Many people are informed to paint their homes if they want to make a quick sale. Well, a little fresh paint will be significant in helping you sell your home. However, this does not mean that you have to repaint the whole house. Repainting a room or two may be all it takes. Make sure that you choose a neutral color when painting. You should consider getting more useful info from a professional on the type of color and paint to use.
Cleaning
Making your home look presentable is crucial when selling it. You should make sure that you take your time cleaning the house. Every room should be clean and tidy. This will make potential buyers view the home feel welcomed and at home. You can even hire a professional to help you clean up the place. Things like cleaning up the carpet or hardwood floors may require extra attention and skills.
Fix Minor Plumbing Issues
There are some repairs you can comfortably do yourself, and this includes repairing minor plumbing issues. Make a point of checking if there is any leakage in the kitchen sink, and if there are any, try to fix it. Another place that may need a minor plumbing fix is the bathroom. Many people tend to focus on the bathroom when buying a home. If there is a major plumbing problem, you should call a plumbing expert to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
Though doing the repairs mentioned above will help you sell your home, you should also consider hiring an experienced real estate agent. You should also consider remodeling some of the rooms like the kitchen and master bedroom.
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Long-Term Upgrades for Your Home

These homestead upgrades aren’t for the house flippers, the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses, or the downsizing empty-nesters. They’re not quick and flashy, and you can’t hammer your way through the list over a long weekend. These upgrades are for the craftsmen who love their homes and plan to stick around for awhile – a long while. They’re for the homeowner who admires clean lines and straight edges, who thinks long and hard before ever picking up a tool, and who can learn to be patient.
Open Up Your Floor Plan
Maybe you’re lucky and your home came with what is called an “entertainer’s floor plan.” Maybe your kitchen already opens to the dining room and primary living/family room, complete with fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and French doors to a side patio. But there’s a high probability that your home did not come this way; and so you’ve got a good project that will take you a good, long time, and once you have finished, it will feel like you’re in a completely new living space. And everyone will say, “I thought that was never going to be finished,” but they’ll be so happy they suffered through all the dust.
Add a Second Kitchen – Outside
This project can be as involved as you want to make it. Ideally, an outdoor kitchen is equipped with refrigeration, a sink with running water, and some kind of equipment to cook on. Your cooktop could be a traditional range or, since you’re outside, a gas grill. If you opt for a grill, you can choose between freestanding and built-in options; just remember that a built-in model will probably feel like more of an upgrade.
Then… A Built-In Firepit
When the evenings aren’t too warm and aren’t too cold, there’s nothing quite like spending time around a firepit. The flames mesmerize, and the camaraderie feels that much more special. As with the outdoor cooking set-up, you once again have a variety of options; you may consider gas for its ease of operation and because it does not tend to flood your backyard with smoke the way wood-burning fire pits do.
Back Inside for a Bathroom Remodel
A well-remodeled bathroom will bring you more joy than all the popcorn ceiling removal and all the carpet upgrades in the world. One area of primary focus should be that of reforming your showering experience into one that rivals a luxurious hotel; it’s honestly not that difficult to do. Some in your home might really appreciate updated toilets, and if you live in a colder climate, heated toilet seats may not be out of order.
Nothing Says Pride of Ownership Quite Like Mature Landscaping
If you plan to live in your home for a long time, begin landscaping early on with an eye to the future – the distant future. Plant trees now that might take several years to come into their own, and before you know it you’ll be happy you made that decision. Mature landscaping is not unlike an overnight success; everybody will see (and probably envy) the sudden manifestation of awesomeness, but you’ll know that it took years of hard work.
Update Your Fencing
Finally, let’s look at your fencing situation. If you’re still rocking the chain link fence that came with your home, you might want to consider installing something nicer. Because fence work is hard physical labor and can be difficult to do correctly, many homeowners bring in professionals. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can save money on labor and spend those savings on the materials instead; this will result in a far more enjoyable fence. Don’t rule out privacy hedges and other forms of perimeter landscaping. While it may take some time for these plants to serve their purpose, they will grow soon enough, and you’ll be happy you got a head start.
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Increasing Your Curb Appeal on a Budget
The outside of your home is the first thing people will see when they approach your home. It doesn't matter how elaborately you’ve cleaned the inside your home, if the exterior is lacking, it can leave people with a bad first impression. A large budget is not needed to increase your curb appeal or give your home's exterior a fresh new look. There are simple things that can be done on a budget that can make a very big difference.
Spruce Up Your Front Door
You want your home to look welcoming, which is why having a nice-looking front door can make a big difference. If your door is already in good condition, you may just want to slap on a new coat of paint or go with a new color to change things up. You can also replace or restore the hardware to give it a fresh new look. If you want to make your door really stand out, go with a bold color that goes well with the rest of the house. To spruce up your front door even more, add some decor, such as a wreath or a decorative sign.
Replace or Update Light Fixtures
Replacing faulty light fixtures is not only for decorative purposes. They can also be a safety issue, helping you spot anything that may be wrong. Motion lights can help you stay safe when walking at night and they can also be a deterrent to criminals. Check with your homeowner's insurance company to make sure your coverage is up to date and see if they offer any discounts for security features like lights.
If you already have good-looking light fixtures, sprucing them up with a coat of paint can help them look even better.
Tend Your Lawn
Your lawn is likely going to be the first thing many people notice when they come over. This is why it's important to take good care of it. Mow it on a regular basis and rake any leaves that have fallen. If you have patches where the grass isn't growing properly, throw down some grass seeds and fertilizer. Weeds can easily take over your yard if you let them. When you mow the grass, you'll need to take care of the weeds too. There are some things you want to keep in mind when it comes to lawn maintenance, such as:
- Avoid cutting grass too short
- Keep the mower blades sharp
- Try to mow when you have shade
- Adjust the blade height accordingly
You can also utilize a method called “grasscycling.” This is when you leave your grass clippings on the lawn after cutting. This helps to keep things fertilized.
Plant and Maintain Flowers
Planting a garden is a great way to transform the look of your home's exterior, allowing you to get as creative as you'd like to be. Gardening is also a great hobby; it is known to be a great stress relief tool. When it comes to flowers, you can plant an assortment all over your yard in all the areas that need a splash of color and design. Hydrangeas are large plants that are spectacular when they bloom. They look good along the edges of a property. Azaleas are also plants that are often utilized for increased curb appeal because they sit nicely in flower beds and around the mailbox. They also look great along the porch.
Pressure Wash
To brighten up the outside of your home, a very budget-friendly way to increase your curb appeal is to power wash your siding to clean off the dirt and grime that has accumulated. Always follow proper power washer safety, such as avoiding accidentally spraying yourself or anyone else because doing so can cause serious injuries.
It doesn't take a lot of effort to make your yard look well-maintained and pretty to look at, and it doesn't cost a lot either.
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New Home Move-in Checklist
Packing up your entire home and relocating can be extremely overwhelming. In order to make the move a smooth transition, there are a few things to check up on at your new home prior to moving in. Avoid any extra stresses by checking off these five tasks for your new home.
- Change the Locks
Changing the locks on all your doors is an important step to feeling safe in your new home. As kind as the previous owners may have been, it’s nice knowing there isn’t anyone out there but you that has a key to your home. It’s best to schedule this task before moving all your belongings in to avoid any time period of unsecured doors during the transition.
- Deep Clean the House
Hopefully, the previous owners took care of cleaning and preparing the house when they first moved out, but there are some areas to check on just to be sure the place is in pristine condition. It’s easiest to clean the hard-to-reach places before you move in and there aren’t any objects in the way. Some areas to deep clean might include inside cupboards, the washer and dryer, fridge, oven, stove, and dishwasher. Do not forget to check the curtains. Most window decoration is washable, but sometimes it needs to be replaced. Pax Raamdecoratie is a very good supplier of all kinds of blinds.
- Inspect for Mold
The last thing you need is to settle into your new home only to discover it has a mold issue. The minimum you should do is at least inspect for leaks, odors, or visible signs of mold throughout the house. However, now is the prime time to schedule a mold inspection and cleanup to detect the air quality of your home and find any hidden mold.
- Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Speaking of air quality, make sure to check the carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarms throughout the house. It’s a relief knowing that your home is equipped with up-to-date and working monitors for you and your family’s safety. If the house doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector yet, then now is the perfect time to purchase and install one before moving in.
- Inspect the Plumbing
Make sure that the plumbing is in mint condition before moving in rather than discovering it too late. Check for leaks and any signs of water damage, and make any appointments you need to fix leaks and issues. This will not only make things run smoother, but it will also save your water bill. While you’re at it, take a look at the water heater as well. Now is a good time to flush your water heater of sediment and check if it has a water softener as well.
There is already a long list of to-dos when it comes to moving out of your house, but many things go overlooked and forgotten when it comes to the new house. Give careful consideration to the different tasks listed to make your new major change a little easier. You will feel confident and relieved moving into your new home knowing you’ve changed the locks, deep cleaned the place, inspected for mold, checked the air and alarms, and inspected the plumbing.
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Find the Reason for Window Replacement
Living in an old home means that it asks for maintenance or repair after every couple of years. Here at Total Home Windows and Doors, owners are rest assured that new windows maximize comfort and allow inhabitants to live a healthy and relaxing life. Sometimes, windows need replacement because they are not in a condition to work any longer and repairing would be just a waste of money as well as efforts. What people usually do not realize is the fact that window replacement is a significant investment and so, they have to invest some time and do research before making a decision.
Homes are usually the place where people have gathered a lot of memories and captured some lifelong moments that spread happiness whenever they are remembered. Since the living space is responsible to keep everyone together and united, why not give it some attention? Why is it always ignored? Just keep in mind that it is responsible to keep everyone in comfort and ease.
Considering its performance and function, homeowners usually encounter a lot of problems apart from damaged windows. They may have to deal with rising energy bills, decreased insulation, warping, rotting etc. The thing to keep in mind is that window replacement is usually the most appropriate option because it resolves all types of problems and leave owner with satisfaction that things would work in the way they want. Frankly speaking, nothing would work properly if windows are not in good condition. Would be wondering why? Well, it’s because of the fact that windows are the primary components in home’s overall efficiency and doors, even, depend upon how they work. It is, therefore, necessary that homeowners keep track of the symptoms in the existing windows. Let’s know some of them:
- Condensation: Condensation is usually formed between the window panes that cause damages in the seals, thus causing heat/energy loss. This problem usually leads to rising consumption expenses that can only be solved with superior insulation.
- Hard to Operate: As the components get older, it’s quite hard to open or close them. Since there is a lot of friction due to humid climate and swelled windows, Total Home suggests to go for window replacement right away.
- Draftiness: Air usually finds its way into the home and disturbs internal temperature. During winter, damp and cold air causes discomfort and influence inhabitants to keep on changing thermostat’s setting to create an ideal environment. The reason behind is that the components have broken/damaged seals that need to be replaced right away.
After finding out the reason of window replacement, the only thing is to come up with the best possible alternative and hiring a professional installer who has professional skills as well as equipment to handle any kind of project. If needed, Total Home is available 24/7 for assistance. Homeowners just have to approach them and ask for help.
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3 Considerations Before Embarking on Any Home Renovation

A home renovation takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work to complete. There are some things you should take into consideration before taking on a task like this. Here are the top three things to consider before you make the final decision on any home renovation project.
The Whys and the Hows
The first thing that you need to think about is why are you doing this renovation and what you want it to look like in the end. It is extremely important that you know what your objective is before you begin. One popular reason for home renovations is to see an increase on your rental return and to improve the capital value of a home you own. Another completely viable reason is for your own enjoyment. It may be important to you to keep up with your neighbors or to set the bar before they can. Figure out exactly why you want to do this home renovation and keep that in mind during the process.
You will also want to have a good idea of what you want your home renovation to look like in the end. This can help you decide whether you are able to do this project on your own or if you will have to hire someone else to do it for you. If you are hiring someone else, this will give you a starting point to show the contractor you decide on. A simple diagram showing where you want everything placed that includes detailed notes on exactly what you want is exactly what you need to create. Be as clear about any details as you can.
What Will It Make You Feel
When you know why you are committing to this home renovation and have a plan mapped out, you should then ask yourself how you want to feel when it is all completed. Adding a new pool will likely give you a relaxed feeling in the end. Creating a new deck will often supply you with a place to show off your handiwork. You should be proud of what you've done. If you are simply adding to the landscaping around your house, you will likely feel invigorated. Make sure that you are able to reward yourself and finish the renovation with a party that includes your family and friends.
Do You Have the Time?
The third thing that you should consider before you renovation is the time and effort that you are willing to give for the project. If you have all the time in the world, by all means start the project right away and enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you are only willing and able to give a few hours a week, those hours may be better spent finding a contractor who will do the work for you.
Make sure to consider all of the things that you will have to do prior to and during this renovation. You may need to acquire permits before you begin. Do you even know what vacuum excavations are? You will need to purchase materials, rent tools, and produce high-quality work. Scheduling all of this around your busy workday may be far from possible. You will also need to spend time and energy if you hire a contractor. You will need to keep your accounts paid, schedule the work around you and your families schedules, and check on the work to make sure it's coming along as you wish. No matter which direction you go there will be a lot of work involved.
Any home renovation begins with planning. Figure out why you want this home renovation and map it out as completely as you can. Next, decide on how this home renovation will make you feel in the end. Finally, decide whether you can put forth the time and effort required to complete the project. After you have all that down it should be about time to start.
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ask an expert: caring for hardwood floors

The Cleveland Plain Dealer‘s always-useful Ask an Expert column dealt this past week with something we all need to be concerned about but often overlook: caring for our hardwood floors.
Q: I have a beautiful 1925 Craftsman bungalow. The house is blessed with wood floors. I have noticed a black spot near the doorway to the kitchen (a heavy-traffic area) and also in the corner of the family room (a not-so-heavy-traffic area). What are my options in dealing with theses spots? And, more importantly, where do they come from so I can stop them from coming back? There are no leaks anywhere near the spots, and the floor is always dry (except when I mop). Do you have any suggestions on types of cleaners I can use to keep the floors looking shiny and new? I’ve been using Murphy’s Oil Soap. – D.W., Bedford
A: From Roger Somogyi of Lamb Floor Fashion Center (30840 Lake Shore Blvd., Willowick, 440-943-6722):
As you know, hardwood floors are natural, beautiful and timeless. Caring and consistent proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure that they remain that way.
As for the black spots, I would have to assume that it is some type of moisture-related problem, possibly pet urine or mold. With your home being a 1925 vintage, it is likely that whatever has caused the black spots has penetrated the surface, and a plank replacement is the best way to permanently solve the problem. The wood planks that show the spots can be removed, new, unfinished planks can be installed, and the new planks can be custom stained to match the color and finish of your existing floor. A reputable wood repair and refinishing company should be able to help.
Cleaning techniques vary depending on the type of finish that is on the uppermost layer of the floor, which is called the wear layer. Knowing the type of finish is important to properly clean a wood floor.
read the entire column with information on caring for a variety of finishes
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