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Does your upholstered furniture look dingy and tired? Is your couch in desperate need of a clean? What about your car? Upholstery, like carpet, needs regular attention, says Shawn Bisaillon, owner of Professional Carpet Systems of North Denver. As an industry consultant for cleaning and restoration, he's sharing insider tips for keeping upholstery looking great.

1. If you're going to hire a professional: Bisaillon recommends having upholstery cleaned by a certified cleaning technician every 12 to 24 months more frequently in households with small children or pets.

To assure that youre getting a qualified cleaner, look for certification by International Cleaning and Restoration Association or International Institute of Cleaning and Restoration. Before booking an in-home cleaning, request the name of the technician and his/her ICRA or IICR registration number.

2. Vacuum: Use upholstery and crevice attachments (they make a huge difference!) to pick up crumbs and dust on a weekly basis.

3. Clean spills immediately: Blot them up ASAP. If the spill leaves a spot, follow instructions on the fabric care label. If its safe to use water, blot the area alternately with a damp towel and a dry towel to remove it.

4. Treat the stain: As always, follow cleaning instructions on the fabric care label. For stains on silk and antique fabrics, consult a professional, otherwise if the stain is from an organic source, like mustard, coffee or other foods, Bisaillon suggests lightly misting it with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Pro tip: Always test in an inconspicuous place first to make sure the fabric is color-safe.

How to handle summer bummers, from stains to sunburn to odors Play Video - 4:15

How to handle summer bummers, from stains to sunburn to odors Play Video - 4:15

For other stains, Bisaillon uses a CRI-approved spot remover like Benefect Impact Cleaner for Carpet and Fabric. Test it first in a hidden spot, then follow manufacturers directions. After working on the stain, leave a towel on top of the treated area as well as on the underside of the fabric to absorb residual liquid.

What to do:

1. Start by thoroughly vacuuming, using the upholstery and crevice attachments.

2. If using cleaning products to break up soil, remember to lightly mist them onto the fabric. (Overspraying can cause the cleaner to seep into cushions.) Then, with a gentle touch, groom the fabric with a soft sponge or brush.

3. Rinse the fabric by lightly spraying with warm water and suctioning away moisture with a wet/dry vac. Blot with an absorbent towel. Allow furniture to dry completely before using. To hasten the drying process, use fans or place the cushions outside to dry.

Those vacuum attachments make a huge difference!

What to use:

For touch-ups, look for professional-grade home products like Stain X Pro Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo or any other approved upholstery product listed on the Carpet and Rug Institute website. Never use bleaches or de-greasers.

For pet messes, use a wet/dry vac to vacuum up as much of the urine as possible. Apply a bio-enzymatic urine digester, such as Urine Off or Nilodor, according to package directions.

A word to the wise: Be proactive!

You can spare yourself a lot of work and expense by applying a fabric protector to new or newly cleaned upholstery, especially if the upholstery is made of delicate, soft fibers like silk. For such fabrics, professionally applied Fiber ProTector repels stains, adds UV protection, reduces static electricity and inhibits growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.

For family-friendly fabrics, professionally applied, high-performance 3M Scotchgard does the job. Regular 3M Scotchgard, while not as powerful, is a good DIY option.

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How often you should clean upholstery and the right way to do it! - Today.com

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PHOENIX It is simply the end of a chapter for a Peoria library. The wait for the next one will be short.

Peoria Main Library will be closing from Sept. 4-8 for interior renovations.

Routine enhancements with new furniture, carpet cleaning and reconfiguring of key areasare all planned, with a re-opening date set for Saturday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m.

We havent updated the Peoria Main Library for a number of years and it is one of the busiest libraries in the community, said Nathaniel Washburn, Peoria library & cultural services manager, in a press release. This renovation project allows us to make improvements to the library to enhance the experience for our patrons. We cant wait to share the new and improved library with the public.

Although the library will be closed, the book drop will remainopen. Services will still be available from Sunrise Mountain Library, along with the website.

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Next chapter: Peoria library to close for renovations - KTAR.com

When we do a move-in or move-out cleaning, we are very detailed in what we do, especially in high important areas, such as the interior of kitchen cabinets, inside bathroom drawers, and inside and outside of kitchen appliances.

Norcross, GA (PRWEB) August 15, 2017

Traditionally, the month of August has been the most popular time of year to move to a new apartment or house. To help Atlanta area residents get ready for their big moves, EMJ Cleaning Services, an Atlanta-based maid company, is offering a 20 percent discount on move-in/move-out cleanings and any extra cleaning services. This special is good through August 31.

Moving to a new home can be very exciting, but it can also be a very stressful time because there is so much that needs to be done, notes Eric Cano, owner of EMJ Cleaning. In addition to things like packing, calling utility companies to end or start services, and perhaps enrolling your kids in a new school system, you have to make sure the home youre moving out of is clean so you can sell it or so you can get your security deposit back, and you also want to make sure your new home is ready for move-in day. With this special, were trying to ease some of the transition of moving, by taking care of the house cleaning for you.

EMJs move-in and move-out house cleaning services include a thorough cleaning of all rooms, hallways and entryways. Hard-surface floors will be swept and/or mopped; carpets will be vacuumed; patio doors and interior windows will be cleaned; bathroom fixtures, sinks and tubs will be scrubbed and sanitized; and door frames, baseboards, window sills, window blinds, ceiling fans and built-in shelving will be dusted or washed.

Extra services offered by EMJ include services such as cleaning inside the refrigerator, scrubbing out ovens, cleaning the inside of cabinets, cleaning the interior of the garage, picking up the carpets, sweeping the porch or patio, and cleaning the basement.

When we do a move-in or move-out cleaning, we are very detailed in what we do, especially in high importance areas, such as the interior of kitchen cabinets, inside bathroom drawers, and inside and outside of kitchen appliances, says Cano. All of our services are backed by a 24-hour warranty in case of any dissatisfaction.

To take advantage of EMJs move-in/move-out cleaning specials, please call (678) 966-9469 to schedule a cleaning appointment. Alternatively, appointments and cleaning estimates can be requested online at http://www.emjcleaning.com/free-estimates, or by sending an email to services(at)emjcleaning(dot)com. In order to qualify for the August discount, customers should mention this promotion when they call or email EMJ to make the cleaning appointment.

About EMJ Cleaning Services:EMJ Cleaning is a licensed, bonded and insured professional home cleaning service in Atlanta, Georgia. The company has been in business for over 10 years, and provides cleaning services to residential and commercial buildings six days a week throughout metro Atlanta. EMJ Cleaning provides specific services such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, heavy duty cleaning, weekly deep cleaning and move-out cleaning; these are offered in both EMJs office cleaning service and home cleaning service. For more information, visit http://www.emjcleaning.com.

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Atlanta Housekeeping Company EMJ Cleaning Services Announces Move-In/Move-Out Specials - PR Web (press release)

Francisco Rodriguez wore a white prison uniform with the letters "ICE" U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement emblazoned in black across his back. He had a weary smile on his face as we sat down in a family meeting room at the Suffolk County House of Corrections on a recent afternoon. There were games and puzzles stocked on shelves and Sesame Street posters lining the walls. Rodriguez's family, though, hasn't been able to visit him since he was arrested on July 13.

"I miss everything. Honestly, I miss everything," he said.

Rodriguez's wife gave birth to their first son last week, but he has yet to meet the newborn. Rodriguez requested to visit his son and wife in the hospital but his request was denied by ICE, which cited his ongoing court case and potential safety concerns.

Rodriguez says the whole ordeal has been hard on his family, especially his 10-year-old daughter Mellanie.

"She was, she was having nightmares about me that she, she sees me dead," Rodriguez says. "And she was crying a couple days."

Rodriguez, who has no criminal record and works as a janitor at MIT, arrived in the U.S. in 2006 after fleeing gang violence in El Salvador. He was denied asylum in 2011, but had been routinely granted permission to stay in the country under what's called prosecutorial discretion. Then last month he was taken into federal custody during a check-in with ICE.

Shawn Neudauer, a spokesman for ICE, said in a statement that Rodriguez was arrested after he failed to make timely arrangements for his departure back to El Salvador.

The day after he was detained, Rodriguez'sdaughter Mellanie spoke to the media, fighting back tears.

"The president said he was only taking criminals out of this country and my dad doesn't have any criminal record," she said with a whimper. "I hope and I'm going to pray for my dad to be together with all my family again."

Rodriguez has become a public figure in the debate over immigration. His case exemplifies ICE's expanded enforcement priorities, and he's gained the support of the state's congressional delegation, with Massachusetts U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey both calling for his release.

In order to really understand Rodriguez's situation, we need to go back to 2005, before he left El Salvador.

"I study, I do my college in El Salvador. I have my own business selling cars and have a car wash too. And I was, I was doing wonderful but I have an issue with the gang members. They try extortion and they kill one of my employees too," he recalls in imperfect English.

Rodriguez filed a police report in 2005 documenting a fight between one of his employees and a gang member. Rodriguez broke up the fight andthe alleged gang member threatened to kill him.

The gangs showed up later at his car wash demanding money, according to the police report. Shaking down local business owners is a routine way for gangs to make money in El Salvador. The car wash was on a busy commercial street which was good for business but, Rodriguez says, it was also in between two different gang territories: split betweenMara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, and 18th Street.

Rodriguez paid for private security for a while but says he never really felt safe. So in 2006 he illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border.

"It was like a life decision, to stay or not stay, because you have to find a way to live," he says.

Rodriguez eventually applied for asylum, but he was denied. Since 2011 he's checked in regularly with ICE agents and has been routinely granted permission to stay in the country under prosecutorial discretion. During that time, he's created a life in Chelsea where he started his own carpet cleaning business.

"I'm focused on, on work and support my family and follow all the rules from the government," he says. "Just try to deal with everything that I had to be responsible. Tried to live, I would say, the American dream. I don't know, now it's the nightmare dream or something like that."

ICE agents have been given broader authority under President Trump's beefed-up enforcement policies,arresting more immigrants with no criminal backgrounds whose only offense may be entering the country without authorization.

Rodriguez pauses for a moment when asked what might happen if he's deported to El Salvador, where he fears retaliation from the gangs. He says he's easily identifiable because of a purplish skin discoloration that he callsa birthmark. He drops his head, full of thick white hair, into his hands and begins to cry.

"I don't know if I can keep helping my children. I don't know howbut I have to be a ghost over there. My problem is, like you see, is I have this birth mark. I'd be so obvious," he says. "That's very easy to get recognized. Over there is a small country."

Rodriguez'slegal team is exploring the appeals process and in the meantime heremains at the Suffolk County House of Corrections. He says he knows these things take time and he's trying to be patient.

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'I Miss Everything': Chelsea Man Awaits Deportation Ruling From Behind Bars - WBUR

Im adding a 94-year-old company with a 31-year history of dividend growth to the Safe Income Tier of our model portfolio; the company is a leader in the rapidly growing field of sustainability, notes Chloe Jensen Lutts, income specialist and editor of Cabot Dividend Investor.

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Ecolab (ECL) was founded in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1923. The companys original product was a hotel carpet cleaner called Absorbit.

Now, 90 years later, Ecolab operates in 170 countries and still provides cleaning products and training to the hospitality industry. But the company has expanded broadly largely through acquisitions and now also serves companies in the food, healthcare, industrial and energy industries.

Most products are related to cleaning or water, and generally help customers be both more efficient and more environmentally friendly.

For example, Ecolabs 3D TRASAR technology monitors the water conditions in industrial cooling systemslike those used in power plantsso they operate more efficiently and use less water.

In the food processing industry, Ecolabs antimicrobial wash for fruits and vegetables reduces spoilage and food waste, while also preventing food-borne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella.

But because Ecolabs technologies are indispensable to those who use them and the company is the undisputed leader in the space, the vast majority of its revenues are recurring and cash flow is rock solid.

Over the past five years, free cash flow per share has increased every year by an average of 18% per year.

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Ecolab: Clean Gains & Sustainability - Moneyshow.com (registration)

Vaughan, ON - Finding a reputable and experienced carpet and duct cleaning company can be extremely difficult for a home or business owner. More often than not, an untrained eye cannot assess or examine the quality of service after the service provider leaves. To solve this dilemma for home and business owners, Vaughan Carpet and Duct Cleaning has launched a new website that caters to the York region of Ontario. This will help educate and teach their customers some of the common carpet and duct misconceptions out there.

Vaughan Carpet and Duct Cleaning owes its rapid growth and success to their excellent and high-quality service that leaves fully-satisfied customers. Whether you are a homeowner, condo owner, apartment renter, or a small business owner, our goal is to provide 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are skilled, easy to work with, and we treat the art of duct and carpet cleaning with respect, says company representative.

Aside from duct and carpet cleaning, they also provide an upholstery cleaning service. They understand that every piece of upholstery is different. Hence, they adjust their cleaning techniques depending on the kind of piece they encounter. They couple their 15 years of experience with sufficient technical knowledge and the latest carpet cleaning techniques. More importantly, they keep a consistent price rate for their clients without any hidden or additional charges once the final bill is presented. As true professionals, they will find a way to minimize the expense of their clients never pressuring them into buying something they will not need. They have put that commitment in writing on their 'About Us' section which can be accessed here: http://www.carpetcleanersvaughan.com/about-us.html.

Vaughan Carpet and Duct Cleaning is well known for the affordability of their services. They are fully committed to offering the best quality of carpet, duct, and upholstery cleaning for the residents in Vaughan, Ontario, and the surrounding York regional area. They have been in the carpet and duct cleaning service industry for over 15 years which has allowed them and their technicians to do thousands of residential cleaning projects. To learn more about their company and their services, visit their website at http://www.carpetcleanersvaughan.com/. Customers and prospects can give them a call at (905) 231-3082 or send an email to vaughanductandcarpet@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.

Media ContactCompany Name: Vaughan Carpet and Duct CleaningContact Person: Terence JacksonEmail: vaughanductandcarpet@gmail.comPhone: (905) 231-3082City: VaughanState: Ontario Country: CanadaWebsite: http://www.carpetcleanersvaughan.com/

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Vaughan Carpet and Duct Cleaning Launches their Website and is Serving the York Region in Ontario - Digital Journal

Jon-Don Knows Carpet Cleaning

We have the products, equipment, and expertise that carpet cleaning professionals can rely on to properly clean and maintain all types of carpet, from residential to commercial, delicate Oriental rugs to specialty aviation carpet, and everything in between.

There are many ways to keep carpet looking its best. From time-saving interim maintenance procedures to deep, restorative cleanings, you can trust Jon-Don to have the supplies and equipment you need for all methods of carpet care, including:

Every year, there are new advances in carpet cleaning chemistry that make it easier and more efficient to get the job done, and Jon-Don works closely with todays top manufacturers to ensure we always have the most state-of-the-art equipment and chemicals in stock and ready to ship.

Professional cleaners can also turn to our extensive technical tip library, which is loaded with step-by-step guides for basic and advanced carpet cleaning methods as well as solutions to the most common and most difficult spotting challenges.

Looking for hands-on training? Attend an IICRC-certification course in one of our state-of-the-art seminar rooms. Brush up on the basics of carpet cleaning or learn a specialized skill, such as carpet repair or upholstery cleaning.

In addition to products, equipment, and technical expertise, professional carpet cleaners can also turn to Jon-Don for business-building advice and tools. From marketing and sales information to tips on providing value-added service that will separate your business from the competition, Jon-Don goes the extra mile to help your business be successful.

For products, service, training, and support, Jon-Don is your one-stop shop!

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Carpet Cleaning Supplies, Equipment & Chemicals | Jon-Don

1. Reputation: Dan Dan the Carpet Man enjoys one of the best reputations around. The areas most seasoned floor covering experts, interior designers and Realtors refer our services exclusively. We have 1000s of satisfied residential and commercial customers in the greater Orlando area.

2. Fair pricing: We charge a fair price based on the scope of work and the jobsite conditions at the level of cleaning thats appropriate for our property and your budget. Our over-the-phone estimate is verified on-site and before we start the job you receive a firm price quote based on our published price list. No bait-and-switch or high-pressure sales tactics. Only honest, up-front, and fair pricing.

3. Commercial: Grade Products. Discounted and consumer-grade cleaning products tend to leave sticky residue behind and sometimes discolor your floors or fabrics. We refuse to use such products. Insisting instead on top quality products with proper pH levels means cleaner fabrics and floors and a healthier indoor environment.

4. Satisfaction Guarantee: Our Re-clean Guarantee is included in our Hero (Advanced 10-step service-level 2) and super hero (Ultimate 15-step service-level 3) residential packages as well as our 10 step commercial cleaning. If any spots resurface on your carpet within 3-weeks of our service we will return to your property and re-clean the affected area(s) at no additional charge. Coverage does not apply to Berber (Olefin) carpets and is not included in our Good Samaritan Service (Basic 5-step service-level 1)

5. Annual Programs: We offer cost-saving annual cleaning programs to customers who care about the appearance of their property. Pay for 3 full cleanings within 12 months and get the 4th full cleaning FREE (of equal value). Annual maintenance programs with monthly payment plans are available too!

6. Experience and Education: Our company is experiences in all types of fibers and soiling conditions, no matter how unusual they may be. If we cant clean it no one can! Whatever your cleaning challenge is, we can handle it! And, we invest in education. Our Lead technicians are certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification), the worlds most recognized by body of certification for carpet, upholstery, and tile cleaners.

7. Systems: Equipment is very important! We insist on using the highest quality, most advanced, commercial-grade truck-mounted equipment and specialized cleaning attachments. The systems we use will achieve maximum soil and spot removal without over-wetting your floorcoverings or fabrics and without leaving a sticky residue behind.

8. Referral Rewards: For every new customer you refer to us, we will send you a Referral Reward Voucher for $50 when your referred customer pays their invoice. Use the voucher toward any of our cleaning services.

9. Better Customer Service: Our mission is to provide the most outstanding service experience possible. We are committed to showing up on time, carefully deploying abd retracting our equipment, and communication with you throughout the service experience. Our staff will arrive in a properly equipped vehicle, dressed in uniform, and ready to serve you in a courteous manner. No matter what we are cleaning for you, youll see our fully-trained, professional technicians using safe and effective IICRC approved processes and state-of-the-art commercial grade equipment.

10. Credentials: Were proud of our professional accomplishments over 19-years of service and are happy to provide new clients with our industry certifications, proof of insurance, professional references, client testimonials, and social media ratings. We look forward to adding your positive rating!

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Dan Dan The Carpet Man - Orlando Carpet Cleaning | Water Damage

Independence's public library will eventually go through a thorough sanitation process, but first the small staff is working to clear the contaminated area of books and shelves.

All the books have been relocated to the safe laminated wood floors in the front of the facility. Staffers are working to dismantle and move the shelves on the carpeted floor that was contaminated by sewage water toward the back of the building.

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Cleaning Ahead - Hammond Daily Star online

Heavy traffic, dirty shoes, food spills and pet accidents are just a few of the abuses our floors suffer on a regular basis.

It's no wonder, then, that regardless of what they're covered with, most of us will likely need to refinish, recoat or replace at least one, if not all of them sometime during the life of our home.

Depending on the style and expanse, flooring costs can climb into the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

With that in mind, it's not a bad idea to treat the ground beneath our feet with a little more respect if we want to protect our investment and keep our floors looking their best.

Got Wood?

For many people, hardwood tops the list of desirable flooring. It's classic, durable, and looks beautiful; at least until the finish begins to look worn.

According to Rob Girard, owner of Mr. Hardwood, a hardwood floor installation, sanding, and refinishing company based in Rocky Hill, many polyurethane manufacturers recommend that, on average, hardwood floors get a recoating every five to eight years based on the amount of traffic in the house, along with other factors like how many pets and people are living there.

To optimize that time, Girard said to vacuum often and avoid wearing shoes in the house as they track in dirt and other corrosive particles that can ruin the finish.

"If you do need to wear shoes, have a pair that are specifically for inside; don't even go out to the mailbox and get the mail with them because you'll bring that sand and salt in and it grinds away at the finish."

Putting felt pads on the bottom of chair legs, couches and other furniture pieces is important in helping prevent excessive wear and abrasions, but Girard said pads alone aren't enough.

"You have to vacuum them off periodically because they, too, collect sand and dirt," which causes scratches and wear marks when the furniture is moved.

Other things to watch out for are steam mops, which are fine as long as they are in constant motion, but can damage the floor if left unattended for even a short time.

"They really apply a lot of heat and that will delaminate the finish from the wood itself," he said.

Girard also cautioned against using wax cleaners, which can do more harm than good.

"They look beautiful at first, but when you walk on it dirt gets stuck in the wax and then it begins to look dull. So, in the traffic areas you have a dull streak, so you put more wax on it, and ultimately you get a buildup that's extremely difficult to get off."

The best way to clean your floor, he said, is to use plain vinegar and water or a small amount of non-wax cleaner like Murphy's Oil Soap diluted in water.

Magic Carpet

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with our carpets. We love how they feel and look, but after just a few years underfoot, they can look stained and shabby.

To maximize their life expectancy, which is typically 10 to 15 years, don't skimp on the initial investment.

"If you put in a really good product to begin with, you can get a longer life out of that carpet," said Leslie Boyko, sales manager at Custom Floors, a flooring retailer based in Rocky Hill.

"Quality remains long after the price is forgotten."

Boyko said that a nylon fiber carpet is often a good choice due to its durability, and that when installing carpet, it's important to take into account where it's going and how much daily wear it'll be subjected to.

"You have to think about the area that you're carpeting; like a bedroom or set of stairs. There's different carpets for each application. So in a high traffic area like stairs, hallway, family room, you want to find a carpet that's very tight and dense."

A shorter nap wears better in common areas, she said, and thicker piles tend to last longer in less used spaces like the bedroom.

To help your carpet last longer, Boyko said to care for it like you would a car.

"You have to maintain it; vacuum it regularly, you have to have walk-off mats at your door, and you really shouldn't be wearing shoes on the carpet."

While many carpets come with some type of lifetime warranty, Boyko said that it's only valid if you adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.

"A lot of people don't know that to maintain the warranty on your carpet, you have to have it professionally cleaned every 18 to 24 months. If you don't do it, that warranty is void."

And renting a rug cleaner at the grocery store won't cut it. Instead the cleaning needs to be done by reputable company and you need to save the receipts. If there's ever a claim, the carpet manufacturer will require them as proof.

For spot cleaning, Boyko said to check product labels to ensure that they are certified for use by the Carpet and Rug Institute before using them. Approved products will display a blue/green seal, which means they've been tested to remove stains without adversely affecting the appearance of your rugs.

Laminates And Vinyl, Oh My!

Synthetic flooring has come a long way since the days of grandma's avocado color kitchen. In fact, some laminates and luxury vinyl tiles look so much like the real deal that it's hard to know which is which.

"The visuals are incredible," said Steve Brody, vice president and co-owner of Atlas Floors in Wethersfield. "You really can't tell."

Unlike hardwood and tile, however, their shelf life can be shorter, lasting anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on the quality and grade of the product.

The upside is that they are often more affordable, durable, and maybe the best part, most of them require very little maintenance.

"Manufacturers know that today's consumer is different; they don't want to spend time doing maintenance," said Brody. "So the products are so easy to take care of and they have texture and embossing that not only helps with scratches and everyday stuff that goes on, it helps mask that wear and tear."

When sanitizing them, he said to avoid using multipurpose cleaners that can leave a film behind.

"If you take a product that is very soapy based and sponge mop it on the floor, then let it dry, it's very tacky and when something's tacky, it's a magnet for dirt."

And since most people don't rinse their floors after an application, a buildup occurs, making the floors appear dull and dirty.

For the best results, he suggested using the manufacturer's recommended cleanser or a small amount of non-soapy ammonia diluted with water.

"If you clean them and maintain them, they're going to last longer and look better for years to come."

Jeff Przech sings "Four Letter Words" and talks about his music after a performance that was part of a summer series of free lunchtime concerts on Constitution Plaza at 12:30 p.m. The concerts are Wednesdays at 12:30 through Aug. 30. Find a schedule of performers here.

Jeff Przech sings "Four Letter Words" and talks about his music after a performance that was part of a summer series of free lunchtime concerts on Constitution Plaza at 12:30 p.m. The concerts are Wednesdays at 12:30 through Aug. 30. Find a schedule of performers here.

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Tips For Keeping Floors, Carpet Looking Their Best - Hartford Courant