12 Grout Cleaning Tips and Solutions

Tile, whether on the floor or as a backsplash, can add beauty to your home. However, keeping that grout clean can sometimes be tricky. With the right cleaner and a little scrubbing though, you can get it looking fresh and new. While bathroom grout is typically affected by mold and mildew, kitchen grout could be subject to a combination of food stains, general household traffic and grime, and mildew. No matter what the cause of your dirty grout, start with a simple solution and only move up to the harsher chemicals if you're having trouble getting it clean. Floors for Less brings you a few grout cleaning tips along with some ideas of solutions to use!

Grout Cleaning Tips

1. Start by just using warm water, this will remove any loose surface debris. Allow it to dry before proceeding with cleaners. 
2. Never use bleach on colored grout, as it can become discolored. 
3. Use a stiff brush for scrubbing the grout. While old toothbrushes are too soft, metal bristles can wear away the grout, so find a happy medium. 
4. When using any chemicals to clean, make sure the room is well ventilated. 
5. Use gloves and protective eye wear when working with any chemical-based cleaners. 
6. Test your grout cleaning method in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it will not erode or damage the grout. 
7. Never mix cleaners together because chemical reactions can cause noxious fumes or burns if the mixture touches the skin. 

Grout Cleaning Solutions

1. Simple Household Solutions - Use vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water, or make a paste of baking soda and a bit of water to clean the grout with. 
2. Generic Household Cleaners - Mr. Clean, Lysol, or powder-based cleaners can also work on tile grout.
3. Steam Cleaning - If you own or have access to a steam cleaner, try using it on your grout. The pressure of the steam cleaner can loosen debris and stains that cleaners can't dissolve.
4. Commercial Cleaners - Try to find a cleaner that is pH balanced so that the chemicals in the product won't erode the grout with continued use. To get the best result from a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
5. Bleach - For heavy duty stains, use even stronger products such as oxygen bleach powder, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine bleach. These products should be well diluted before use. Be sure to read labels carefully and follow directions to the letter.

By following these tips above, you'll have your Madison tile floors and backsplashes looking as good as new in no time! However, if you're looking for some new flooring, stop by the showroom of our Wisconsin flooring company. We have many different tile, laminate, wood and carpet options to fit your individual needs!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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6 Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpet comes in many different shapes and sizes. From flat commercial carpet to soft, fluffy carpet you'd want in your bedroom, each style can be categorized by the types of fiber used to create it. To get the best performance and most enjoyment out of your Wisconsin carpet, it's essential to select a carpet fiber that fits your needs. Let's take a look at 6 types of carpet fibers and the benefits of each:

1. Wool

The most expensive of all carpet fibers is wool. This traditional favorite offers a deep, rich look and feel. While it is very durable, eco-friendly and soft, its usually double or triple the cost of other carpet. Wool fibers are naturally superior to synthetic fibers, as well as longer lasting, inherently flame retardant and resistant to dirt and crushing. Wool helps moderate temperature and humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture as needed. It is also soil and stain resistant, requiring less cleaning than synthetic fibers. Wool carpet can definitely add value to any room; it's the ultimate statement of style, success and comfort!

2. Nylon 

Nylon is considered to be the most durable for foot traffic and is used in approximately 65% of carpet sold in the US. In overall performance, nylon is the most versatile of all fibers, providing flexibility in creating a variety of carpet styles. Many nylon carpets are exceptionally soft and can be found in a variety of colors. While nylon is not stain resistant, most carpets made with nylon feature a stain-resistant treatment for protection against household spills. It is a great choice for the heavy traffic of an active family or a commercial building.

3. Polyester

Compared to nylon, polyester carpet fibers offer a nice "bang for your buck." It is naturally stain and fade resistant, and offers exceptional softness and color clarity. While polyester is not as durable as nylon, it still performs very well and resists wear. It offers a wide selection of textures and colors. Polyester is a good choice for lower to medium traffic areas such as bedrooms. If you're looking for a great value, consider polyester carpet fibers for your home.

4. Solution Dyed Polyester

Solution dyed polyester is a carpet that is actually made a color, rather than creating it white and dying it. Color selections of this type of carpet are limited because of the way it is constructed. If you can find a piece that you like, it is one of the best values available. It is almost stain proof, bleach resistant, UV resistant, color fast, green and made with very little oil, allowing for less dirt build up. It is a great choice for any room in your home.

5. Triexta 

Triexta is a glorified polyester carpet, one of the newest fibers in the carpet industry. There are several reasons why triexta stands out from your typically polyester. First off, it is more durable and resilient than conventional polyester. When it comes to looks, triexta would be more comparable to nylon than polyester. Triexta lacks a high luster and offers a more matte finish. It is incredibly stain resistant and is also significantly softer than both polyester and nylon. Generally speaking, triexta is very competitively priced.

6. Olefin 

Olefin, also known as polypropylene, is a more basic carpet fiber made from plastic. Unlike other carpet fibers, it will not absorb water, making is quite easy to clean. While it is very stain resistant, it's not as soft as other fibers and will crush quickly. However, color will not fade, even when exposed to intense sunlight, bleaches, atmospheric contaminants or other harsh chemicals or elements. Originally, this type of carpet was ideal for outdoor use and basements due to its resistance to moisture, mildew, water damage and staining. When constructed properly, Olefin provides an excellent value and good performance.

At Floors for Less, we can take care of all your flooring needs. Stop by the showroom of our Madison flooring company today to take a look at our different flooring options. From carpet to hardwoods, we can help you transform your space into the room you've always dreamed of!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Simple Ways to Clean Your Tile and Grout

Tile flooring, especially the grout part, can be extremely hard to keep clean. Even after sweeping, crumbs and dirt can be left behind. A simple wipe of a tiled surface can sometimes miss spots because the grout lines are often slightly deeper than the surface. Floors for Less wants to share these tile cleaning tips from Better Home and Gardens with you to help keep your tile floors looking great!

Tile Cleaning Basics

Too keep your Madison tile floors looking beautiful, regular cleaning is required. Start by sweeping or vacuuming your glazed tile floors regularly to keep them from getting dull. While tile may be resistant to dirt, sand and grit can dull the surface. Once you swept away any small particles, clean the tile with mild detergent and clean water. Be sure to use a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop. Sponge mops push dirty water into grout lines and makes them harder to clean. Also make sure to change the water frequently because dirty water will make the floor look cloudy.


If a basic cleaning doesn't do the trick, here are couple more tips for making your tile floors in Madison, Wisconsin look great!

1. Removing Residue - If your tiles look hazy, they may have some type of residue on them. You can easily remove the film with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. If needed, you could try a mild acid, such as fresh lemon juice, on ceramic tile. However, never use anything acidic on marble tile. Be sure to rinse the tile thoroughly with clean water and then buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

2. Great Looking Grout - The real secret to having a great looking tile floor is keeping the grout clean as well. A simple sweep and mop of the tile doesn't take care of the grout. Grout is porous and absorbs grease and other stains. Below are some grout cleaning tips for you to try!

Cleaning the Grout

Grout lines are magnets when it comes to attracting dirt and grime. Dingy grout can detract from the beauty of your tile. Often times, you can clean your grout with common household products. This video shows a couple of these methods.

If your grout is stained to where these products don't get the job done, try one of the other methods listed below:
1. New Tile and Grout - If you have just purchased new tile and grout, now is the time to start cleaning it. Some preventative maintenance can help you avoid the methods described above. Keep your new grout looking its best by using a grout sealer 10-14 days after the grout cures.

2. Lightly Stained Grout - If your grout is not just dirty but is actually stained, use a strong bleach solution. Use 3/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Scrub this solution with a small brush or toothbrush. Don't scrub too hard because it is possible to damage the grout. Wear safety goggles to prevent the bleach from spattering in your eyes and keep the area well ventilated. If you don't want to use bleach, try a foaming grout cleaner. If you go this route, you may need to soak the area for several minutes for it to be effective.

3. Deeply Stained Grout - Many professional carpet cleaning services can also clean tile and grout. If the home remedies or store bought grout products don't get rid of the stains, consider this option. If that still doesn't work, it is probably time to replace the grout. You can purchase a special tool for removing grout. Once you've removed the grout, clean the space between the tiles with a strong bleach solution. Now you are ready to apply new grout and re-seal it. Be careful to not spill bleach on porcelain because the solution might cause pitting, or yellow or pink stains.

Floors for Less is here to help you with all your flooring needs! Whether you're looking for cleaning tips, flooring trends or are interested in purchasing brand new flooring, our Madison, Wisconsin flooring company is here to serve you. Stop by our showroom and talk to one of our flooring professionals today!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Test Your Knowledge of St. Patrick's Day

The Irish holiday filled with traditions is here! Grab your green clothing and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. In celebration of this fun holiday, Floors for Less brings you some St. Patrick's Day Trivia! Test your knowledge with these questions below:

1. Leprechauns often have a "shillelagh" with them. What is a shillelagh? 

A. a Big Stick
B. a Four Leaf Clover
C. a Pot of Gold
D. a Backpack

2. Which of the following animal legends is told about St. Patrick? 

A. He chased away rats by playing his flute.
B. He could talk to the birds.
C. He drove the snakes out of Ireland.
D. He attracted animals with his teachings.

3. Legend has it that if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you will what? 

A. Have 7 Years Bad Luck
B. Gain the "Gift of Gab"
C. Turn Green
D. Get all the Gold

4. The name "Patrick" is derived from the Latin word meaning what? 

A. "Father of His People"
B. "Hunter of Snakes"
C. "Brilliant Light"
D. "Teacher"

5. The expression "Erin Go Braugh" means what? 

A. Kiss me, I'm Irish
B. Everybody's Irish
C. Go Ireland
D. Ireland Forever

6. What was the first color associated with St. Patrick's Day? 

A. Green
B. Blue
C. Red
D. Gold

7. Irish is the __________ most reported ancestry in the US. 

A. First
B. Third
C. Fifth
D. Second

8. What day in the life of St. Patrick does March 17th supposedly mark? 

A. His Birthday
B. His Death
C. The Day He Became a Slave
D. The Day He Bought his Freedom

9. For what purpose was St. Patrick's Day originally created? 

A. to outrank St. Valentine's Day for popularity.
B. as an excuse to drink heavily.
C. as a day of prayer for spiritual missions.
D. as a day to wear green.

10. What is the Hibernian Society? 

A. Irish people who stay home on St. Patrick's Day.
B. a charitable group that helps Irish Immigrants.
C. a group of Irish mobsters.
D. the group of people that started St. Patrick's Day.

11. Why do you get pinched on St. Patrick's Day if you aren't wearing green? 

A. You've been naughty.
B. It's a fun way to meet new people.
C. Leprechauns can see you.
D. You're disobedient.

12. What American St. Patrick's Day tradition began as an accident? 

A. Dyeing Rivers Green
B. Having a Parade
C. Wearing Green
D. Finding a Pot of Gold


Happy St. Patrick's Day from your Madison flooring company! For all your flooring needs, visit Floors for Less. From hardwoods to tile to carpet, we have the best flooring in Madison, Wisconsin! Stop by and check out our showroom today!

**ANSWERS**

1. A - a Big Stick 

2. C - He drove the snakes out of Ireland. 

3. D - Gain the "Gift of Gab" 

4. A - "Father of His People" 

5. D - Ireland Forever

6. B - Blue 

7. D - Second

8. B - His Death

9. C - as a day of prayer for spiritual missions. 

10. B - a charitable group that helps Irish Immigrants

11. C - Leprechauns can see you. 

12. A - Dyeing Rivers Green 

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Choosing the Right Floor for Your Lifestyle

When it comes to flooring options in Madison, Wisconsin, your choices are endless. Flooring plays a major role in not only the look, but also the feel and functionality of your home. From hardwood to tile to carpet, you should explore all types of flooring surfaces to best fit your lifestyle and budget. Here are a few things from HGTV to consider when choosing your Madison flooring:

1. Know Your Style. 

Your flooring choice is about balancing your needs with your style. What colors and patterns do you like? Since the floor is usually the largest surface in the room, it lays the foundation for the entire look of the space, from color to style, texture to pattern. Think about which textures appeal to you, the rich grain of a nice hardwood or the fluffiness of a soft carpet. You should also take into account the current decor, unless you plan on redecorating with the addition of the new flooring.

2. Consider Your Lifestyle. 

Think about the use of the room your adding new flooring to. If you're an avid cooking that stands on the kitchen floor all day, tile can get very uncomfortable when standing on it for long periods of time. If your remodeling the bathroom however, tile stands up well to water. Your floor will need to be able to stand up to the wear and tear from your family, while also accommodating your activities.

3. Crunch the Numbers. 

Along with your lifestyle comes a budget. In order for your lifestyle to stay the same while undergoing this large investment, you need to consider a budget and sticks to it. Keep in mind that in addition to the cost of the floor materials, you will need to include the cost of underlayment, delivery and installation. You should also consider the cost of removal and disposal of your previous flooring.

A new floor can be a big investment, so you'll want something you like and that will last for years. At Floors for Less, we have all types of flooring to fit your needs, from engineered hardwoods to tile and carpet. Stop by our Wisconsin flooring showroom or give us a call at 608-442-1200 today to start your search!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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5 Tips for Picking a Wood Floor Color

Hardwood flooring in Madison, Wisconsin, can not only increase your home's market value, but also add some beauty and charm to a room. You can't go wrong with hardwood flooring, unless you choose the wrong color. With so many choices, how do you know which color hardwood will work in your home? The color you choose needs to complement your walls, furnishings, architecture and color scheme. If you just choose the color you like best in the store, you're probably going to be disappointed once you see it installed. Here are 5 tips for choosing the right hardwood flooring color from HomeGuides.SFGate.com.

1. Visit the showroom at Floors for Less. 

When you go, take along a throw pillow, paint chip or cabinet wood sample from the room that you will be installing the wood floors. A flooring showroom can be overwhelming if you don't have anything to compare the wood samples with. Taking along some items from your home will help you determine which wood colors would coordinate best with what is currently in that room. 

2. Narrow your choices down. 

Once you've looked through all the choices, narrow it down to several of your top choices. Its not necessary to match your wood cabinets with your floor color. Instead, choose colors that will compliment your cabinets. If your cabinetry is a light oak color with a dark grain, you might select a dark floor color to enhance the cabinets. Keep in mind that warm reds, browns and golden wood tones tend to make a room cozy, while cool white and gray wood floors can make a room feel more spacious. 

3. Take samples home with you. 

Choose 3 different Wisconsin flooring samples to take home with you. Taking more than 3 samples can confuse your final selection, rather than helping to narrow it down. If you are having trouble narrowing it down, consider the price as well. Oak and maple are typically less expensive than walnut, Brazilian cherry and hickory. Oak, however, can often be stained in a variety of colors, such as reddish hues and golden or chocolaty browns. 

4. Consider the lighting. 

Be sure to take a look at your samples in daylight and under nighttime artificial light. Slide the samples next to the baseboards in your room and step back to see how they look against your walls and woodwork. You should also position samples next to adjoining floors and beside furniture pieces. Leaving the room for a few minutes and coming back to view the samples will give you a fresh persepective, getting your inital reaction upon entering the room. This is a good measure of how you'll feel about the entire floor being covered in a particular wood color. 

5. Eliminate your least favorite. 

While this can be the trickiest step, try to eliminate your least favorite of the 3 samples. Then continue examining and compairng the other 2 pieces until you reach your final decision. Make sure you compare the choices with everything that will be in the completed room. While you may like one better by itself, what really matters is how that flooring is going to bring the entire room together.

Our Madison flooring professionals are here to help answer all your hardwood flooring questions! At Floors for Less, we only sell products that we can buy directly from local distributors to save you money. We specialize in "hard-to-find at reasonable prices" 4-inch wide wood. Stop by and check out our flooring showroom today!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Go Green with Floors for Less!

Floors for Less offers many "GREEN" products. The definition of what is green, or environmentally friendly, can vary. For our Madison flooring company, green means new products created from recycled materials. Why not be a good steward of natural resources, especially when the products are fashionable and priced fairly?

Bamboo

It's easy to buy Bamboo and then pat yourself on the back thinking you just saved the earth. Nothing is that easy though. If you really care about the environment and want a durable floor, you will need to dig for more information. One easy rule is, if the information is not readily available, the Bamboo is probably not manufactured to standards that make it a truly "green" product. Unlike North American hardwood that is cut and milled, Bamboo is processed. It is crushed and then glued together. There are many pitfalls within that process.

Silent Night

Floors for Less is very proud of this product. This is foundation padding for laminate flooring and engineered float floors, and it is a great noise barrier for hardwood flooring installations. Silent Night is made from 95% recycled rubber. It is the best acoustical pad and is naturally anti-microbial. It has an IIC rating of 60 decibels, one of the highest ratings in the market today. It comes in 100 SF rolls that are 48 inches wide.

LVT Tile

Direct glue down or click lock tile or plank look LVT is rated for commercial use. It's great in basements, laundry rooms, commercial areas and water problem areas. This product is made from 100% recycled LVT.

Cork

What a great product for Wisconsin flooring! Cork is a great fatigue mat due to the natural characteristics of cork. For a workplace, like a kitchen, it's soft under foot, forgiving if you drop something (unlike ceramic tile) and is naturally warmer in our cold Wisconsin winters. Properly harvested, cork recycles itself in 12 years, a great renewable material. Our cork is from Portugal, and cork from Spain and Portugal is noted for it's higher density and longer life. All of our corks have a water based Urethane wear-layer, so they are safe and easy to maintain.

All of our green products are competitively priced. Stop by our flooring store in Madison, Wisconsin today! Our emphasis is on service, knowledge and the ability to help you get started. Whether you're going to install the flooring yourself or have an installer do it for you, our flooring professionals are here to help!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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The Four Basic Elements of a Quality Laminate Floor

Many people assume all laminates are equal, but they're far from it actually. As the customer, you are in control when it comes to color and design, but what about the quality of the Madison flooring? Quality can range from acceptable to completely unacceptable. Knowing more about laminates will assure your long-term satisfaction with your choices. Here are the four basic elements of a quality laminate floor.

1. Density 

A laminate floor fails not because the surface wears out, but because the mechanical locking systems in some flooring permit micro movement. This slight opening of the seams allows fine grit and dirt to get in-between the seams. When that happens, the boards never close quite as tightly again and a build-up of fine dirt and grime begins. Eventually you start seeing a gap around each board that is outlined with this fine dirt. If any moisture gets in, that fine grit and dirt turns dark, and the gap is emphasized.

To prevent this gap, get a laminate floor made with a high-density core that is thick enough to allow the click system to have enough locking integrity. With a patented, recognized click system, the laminate floor stays together with no micro movement. Your floor will stay looking new throughout the life of the floor. When you are out looking at laminates, click the samples together, and if it wiggles...run!

2. Texture

Remember when refrigerators were made with smooth enamel finishes? Everyone was constantly nagging about handprints or footprints, depending on how they closed the door. Then textured enamel was invented and the problem was solved. Melamine, the hard-wearing finish on laminate floor, is similar to that textured enamel. Texture on the surface hides those marks.

3. Thickness

The reason laminates have such a wide range of prices is that bargain laminate is typically made of low or medium density core, is thinner and has no texture. Even some higher-end laminates are made with medium density cores. Ask about the core density when choosing your flooring in Madison Wisconsin. Texture can easily be seen and felt, and we suggest a minimum of 8 mm (about 3/8 inch) for thickness. You will be able to see and feel these basics.

4. Treated Bevels

A forth element to a quality laminate is how the beveled edges are handled during manufacturing. The most sophisticated plank laminates are often beveled for aesthetics and most importantly these floors always look flat to the eye. Beveled plank laminates truly look more like the real thing. Melamine, the material that creates that wonderful rugged surface on all laminates, cannot bend to the bevel.

This inability is not a problem because you cannot walk on the bevels, but in order for the floor to be maintenance-free , those bevels need to be treated with LVT (vinyl). On lesser quality laminates, those bevels are merely painted and they will not be maintenance free. Run your fingers down the bevel; if it is smooth, it is treated with LVT and it's a good quality floor. If it is raspy and rough, it is painted and the dirt and grime will stick. Dropped food and liquid is inevitable in a kitchen, so a quality beveled laminate will release the inevitable dirt.  

At Floors for Less, all our laminates, even our basic one, has all elements of quality flooring. If you want to ensure a good choice, come see us and we'll take the time for you to see and feel the difference. Our Madison flooring company emphasizes service, knowledge and the ability to help you find the perfect flooring for your home!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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