Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[jgmc]

We are buying a house and apparently who ever cleaned the floors (laminate wood flooring) used something that has a strong (stinky) odor. What can I use to go over it to eliminate that odor? I think I rather smell bleach than this funky, suppose to smell fresh odor.

Thanks

[mrscleannw]

Hello jgmc and Welcome to Mrs. Clean's Forum!
I am happy to tell you that there is a simple solution to your problem, vinegar!

Just mix 1 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. When using a mop, make sure it is just damp, not dripping wet. This will not only clean your laminate wood flooring, but it is a natural deodorizer as well.

The vinegar smell quickly dissipates, it is a natural degreaser and it does not need to be rinsed from the floor. Vinegar is great because it is inexpensive, easy and safe to clean with. We use a vinegar and water solution to clean most types of wood flooring.

Whatever you do, don't use bleach! Let us know how this works for you!
Mrs. Clean

[jgmc]

Thank you Ms. Clean I will try it for sure.

I have another question regarding Cleaning.

The kitchen has these white cabinets that were probably installed in 2004. With that said it has not been cleaned nor has it been painted so it is the original panel. How do I clean the dirt, smut, grease or what ever it could be to avoid compromising the original finish?

http://www.imagebam.com/image/5d5f8e77968831/

There is no smell ;)

Floor Tile and counter will be professionally buffed and conditioned.

[mrscleannw]

Hello again jgmc and Welcome back to Mrs. Clean's Forum!
It looks like your cabinets have a “gloss” finish. The best thing to get s your cabinet clean and remove dirt, smut, grease or whatever is to use a mild detergent/degreaser and wipe with a soft cotton cloth. Make sure you test in an inconspicuous place.
If you still have spots, try the Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean (or the generic brand). It is quite helpful for stain removal on walls, trim and cabinets. We use these on a daily basis and have had great results. Again, make sure to test in an inconspicuous spot and don’t use too much pressure.
Never use a green “scubbie” or anything that has any kind of abrasive surface.
Good luck, and let us know how it works out for you. By the way, you have a beautiful kitchen!
Mrs. Clean

[jgmc]

Thank you. Hoping to get it done within 2 weeks. Tiles will be professional done just wanted to make sure I dont' ruin the cabinets finish. Need to find out what paint to use to touch up the dings and all. You've been a big help. Can't wait to try the Vinegar and water. Thanks

[tammy123]

Hey Mrs.clean, I like the stuffs you suggested here and I do think that if detergents dont work than there are many brands like Sif which I have used for my kitchen cabinets and glassware to remove stains and if you have stainless steel cabinets then, it is good to use for that.

Thanks

[mathew]

Its really very useful and easily available. Its will also eliminate the use the of toxic cleaning products. I will definitely try this. :D