\nBy Jennifer Noonan and Others\n
There\u2019s no way around it. Whether you\u2019ve got hardwood, tile, or carpet, all floors must be cleaned of dirt and debris tracked in from outside. But this traditional chore doesn’t need to be so…boring. Check out our favorite unconventional tricks that will help you get them cleaner than ever.\n
Cloth diapers are both soft and absorbent\u2014if you think about it, their primary responsibility depends on it. These qualities also make them excellent for buffing after a deep clean of your hardwood. So, when they\u2019re not wrapped around your babies\u2019 bottoms, save a few of those (clean!) cloth diaper prefolds and fabric inserts for use wiping up around the house.\n
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Like stiff wrinkles in clothes, dents in your hardwood floor can actually be ironed out with a little steam. Just apply a wet cloth or damp paper towel over the dent, and move the iron (on high heat) in a circular motion over the area for several minutes. Do not use this fix on floors that are waxed or you’ll get a white halo around the area, and always test an inconspicuous area first.\n
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Lighter scratches in your hardwood floors, on the other hand, can be covered up with a strong brew of tea. Set a black tea bag in a cup and let it steep in only a couple of tablespoons of water; the longer you wait, the darker finish it can match. Then apply the brew to your scratches using a cotton swab, with a few extra swipes if your floors are dark, and let the stain dry.\n
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Grout cleaning is a perennial challenge. If you\u2019ve tried all the usual methods and your grout still doesn\u2019t look as white as you\u2019d like, fake it with a little bit of white shoe polish (the liquid type in the bottle with a sponge top will be easiest to use). Apply and let it sit overnight, then wipe the polish off the tiles in the morning and your grout will appear refreshed.\n
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Maintenance crews in commercial buildings have used this trick for years: Say goodbye to black scuffs on your floors by rubbing them out with a tennis ball. If these sort of scuffs are a regular problem for you, cut a slit in the tennis ball and pop it onto the end of a broomstick or mop, then store your newly double-duty tool in the broom closet for future use.\n
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Don\u2019t let pet hair in your carpets drive you bonkers. When even the top vacuums won\u2019t suck up the matted or fine fur flying about, run a squeegee over your carpets instead. You\u2019ll be surprised\u2014and maybe grossed out!\u2014by how much you collect this way.\n
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When vacuuming under furniture and in other areas you can\u2019t see clearly, stretch a piece of nylon pantyhose over your hardwood attachment. Dust and dirt will still be swept up and held on this meshy covering, but Legos and loose change will not.\n
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These cleaning tricks will work wonders in your home, if you give them the chance. So, try one or try them all. The only thing you have to lose? Those dirty floors.\n
The best way to get rid of dirt stains or spills on hard surfaces is by doing some old-fashioned mopping. When it comes to\u00a0choosing the right mop\u00a0for the job, it is entirely a matter of personal preference. Generally, the sturdier the mop the better. But there are different types which can perform better depending on the toughness of the stain or spill. The string mop is always a good go-to for dirt stains and large spills, absorbing liquid immediately and covering large areas at once. For more resistant stains, simply buff away by stepping over the mop strings and scuffing at the stain until it comes off.\n
Laminate floors need to be cleaned and treated differently to other floor surfaces. You should never put liquid or floor polish on laminated surfaces since the moisture will seep under the boards and ruin the laminate. Instead, it\u2019s easy to clean your laminate floors using a dry mop and by vacuuming regularly. For stains or dirt marks, only use a damp cloth and carefully buff the grime away.\n
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Using a natural vinegar solution is a great way to get rid of odours on mats. Simply fill an empty spray bottle with white vinegar and spray over stains or smelly surfaces. This solution is also helpful to use as the final step after cleaning up pet accidents since it completely rids the area of lingering odours. Spray the solution evenly over the stain, then let the area dry. You can also use baking powder to deodorize the carpet. Fill an empty shaker jar with baking powder (you can also add essential oils for a nice smelling solution) and then simply sprinkle evenly over your mats. Leave the powder to sit as it absorbs smells and dirt, then vacuum.\n
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