Cleaning Questions Answered
Dear Apartments.com:
I have beautiful wood floors in my apartment but want to make sure they stay that way. What is the best way to care for my floors?
Woody in Westmont, IL
Dear Woody,
Hardwood floors not only need to be protected but they also need to be maintained. Use throw rugs inside and outside doorways to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked into your apartment. Use rugs in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent water damage. Use plastic or fabric gliders under furniture to prevent scratching. High heels can damage wood floors. When cleaning your floors, use only products made for wood, as other cleaning solutions can damage or stain the wood. Wax can build up on wood floors and is not recommended. If your floors are dull, use a buffer. Wet-mopping is also not recommended as standing water can cause damage. Wipe up spills with a damp cloth instead. Use a humidifier in the winter months to minimize wood shrinkage and movement. Enjoy your floors!
Dear Apartments.com:
How do I clean my stainless steel appliances?
Shiny in Sedona, AZ
Dear Shiny,
Stainless steel is quite beautiful when it is clean but can look awful if it gets dirty. Vinegar is great for cleaning and polishing stainless steel. Just dab some on a cloth and use it to clean, polish and remove heat stains. Use olive oil or club soda to remove streaks. Sinks can be cleaned with a mixture of liquid detergent and water or baking soda and water. These mixtures won’t scratch your sink when used with a damp cloth or sponge. To make your sink sparkle, apply vinegar, ammonia or baking soda, then rinse and polish dry with a damp towel.
Dear Apartments.com:
How can I clean the ceramic tile in my kitchen and bathroom and keep it from growing mold?
Growing in Greensborough, NC
Dear Growing,
The difficult part about cleaning ceramic tile is not the tile itself but the grout that holds it to the floor. Use one part cleaning solution to three parts hot water and rub it in the grout with a mop or sponge. Ground-in dirt might require the use of a toothbrush. Unglazed tiles tend to collect more dirt than glazed tiles. Daily cleaning with plain water and drying with a cloth or sponge will prevent dirt-build-up from forming. Never use harsh or abrasive chemicals as these can ruin the delicate look of the tile. Chlorine bleach should be used only as a drastic last step for very dirty tiles. If you do resort to bleach, be sure to dilute it with water and make sure to ventilate the room as you clean.
Dear Apartments.com:
I appreciate the couch my roommate brought for our apartment but it’s really disgusting. Is there a way to clean it and remove the smell?
Stinky in St. Charles, IL
Dear Stinky,
To create a frothy soap mixture, mix equal amounts of liquid detergent and water with a hand mixer until frothy. Use a hand brush and sponge or rag to scrub the couch thoroughly. To treat spots, use cool water or shampoo (this will work better for greasy stains). To remove smells, sprinkle the couch with baking soda and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming. Beating the soda with your hand or a large spoon will remove trapped particles (do this outside if possible). You can also open all the windows in the room and allow the fresh air to pull out the odor. Maintain your couch by vacuuming it weekly and using a soft brush to remove loose soil. You probably spend a good deal of time sitting on your couch so spend some time keeping it clean as well!
| 
Email this Article
Print this Article
