How to Clean and

Maintain
Walls, Floors,
Benches, and Work
Surfaces
(Assignment #01)

Ma'am Analyn Francisco

Submitted to:

Mr. Jacob Tolentino

Submitted by:
 Walls
Preventive Maintenance
Maintain a freshly painted look on your walls by keeping them free of dust and spots. Plus,
preventive maintenance means less time spent scrubbing later.

Vacuum walls with a soft brush attachment. Then wipe them down with a cloth-covered
broom or mop (spray with a dusting agent for best results) or use an electrostatic dusting wipe.
Wipe away fingerprints and other marks soon after they appear. Avoid using an excessive amount
of water.

Walls Painted with Latex Paint

Wash walls painted with latex paint using warm water and a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. Dip a
clean sponge in the water, then wring it dry. Gently rub the wall. Pay special attention to areas that
get touched often -- such as around doorknobs and light switches. Rinse with a second sponge
and clear water. Take care not to wet areas around outlets, light switches, telephone jacks, and
other electrical connections. When scrubbing those spots becomes necessary, turn off electricity at
the circuit breaker box.

For stubborn spots, such as fingerprints, newspaper smudges, or scuffs, make a paste of
baking soda and water and rub the area with a nonabrasive pad. If cleaner (or white vinegar and
water) doesn't remove the grime or stain on painted woodwork, wipe the woodwork with a rag
dampened with rubbing alcohol.

Walls Painted with Oil-Based Paint

Wash walls painted with oil-based paint in the same manner, substituting detergent solution
(see below) for the cleaner or white vinegar mixture. Wring the sponge or cloth until only slightly
damp. Texture-painted walls, such as those with a troweled finish, can be dust catchers and might
require deeper cleaning. Add 1 ounce of borax to each pint of water to clean the wall.

Recipe for All-Purpose Detergent Solution

Stir 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent into a quart of warm water.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar.
Let solution sit on stain for 10 minutes before blotting.
 Floors
All our floors are designed to be enjoyed. Technical innovation and surface treatments make them very easy to
look after, but a little care and attention will keep them looking good and lasting longer.

The Finishing Touches

Once youve finished installing the floor it just needs a final clean before you start to move in the furniture. For
vinyl that means a wipe with a damp cloth, warm water and a natural detergent. For laminate and wood just brush off
any remaining dirt or dust and rub all over with a dry cloth to remove the last little bits. Then youre ready to move in.

A Clean Sweep
For most of us theres always a temptation to leave cleaning the floor until it really has to be done. But the
longer everyday dirt and stains are left, the more ingrained they become. So quick regular cleaning is less work and
more effective than a once-a-month blitz and it will keep your floors looking good and lasting longer.

Vinyl Floors
Keep the floor in top condition by sweeping with a soft brush or vacuuming and regular cleaning with water and
a neutral detergent.

Laminated Floors
Vacuum or wipe with a dry mop. Ideally, you should wipe the floor all over every couple of weeks with a damp
(not wet) mop sprayed with a laminate cleaning solution. Finish with a quick wipe with a dry mop or cloth.

Wooden Floors
A wipe with a buffing cloth or sweeping with a broom is all you need to keep the floor looking good. From time
to time clean with a damp (never wet) cloth and one of our wide range of wood cleaning products. Our Bioclean is an
excellent environmentally friendly option.

Spot on
Unlike some types of covering, such as carpet, the surface treatment on our floors prevents spots and stains.
They wont be spoiled if you drop drinks, food, paint etc., but even so it is always best to clean up as soon as possible.
Use a dry cloth and the recommended cleaning agent. Always read the manufacturers instructions before using
cleaning solutions and never spray them directly onto the floor.

Wood scratches, gaps and cracks

After extended periods of wear, even the tough lacquers on our wood floors may start to show scratches. A
Lacquer Refresher will rapidly bring a glow back to your floor. A badly scratched floor can be made as good as new with
light sanding and a new coat of lacquer.

If cracks or gaps appear they can be filled with any putty, or wax bars for larger gaps. These easy to apply
products are available in a variety of colors to match the floor.

The Right Products

Of course, sometimes the floor will need a more thorough clean. You should only use the cleaning products specifically
designed for vinyl, laminate and wood and always follow the instructions on the container. Most important, never drown
the floor - use a damp cloth, mop or sponge, never a wet one. ( It depends.....)
 Benches/Benchtops
Clean and Maintain your Wooden Benchtops
Wooden benchtops are a popular choice in the kitchen and bathroom. Its not a look for
everyone, nor is it one that will suit every home.

They can look amazing when just installed, but after time their look can deteriorate due to
watermarks and consistent use. Its important to know how to clean and maintain your wooden
benchtops to uphold their appearance and so you dont have to replace them prematurely.

Here are some tips on how to care for your Wooden Benchtops.
1. Clean up spills straightaway. Any splashes of water around the basin on the vanity need to be
mopped up with a towel. The same for kitchen benchtops. No matter what the finish is on a wooden
benchtop, water still seeps through and if left for a prolonged time, it will damage and has the potential
to warp the bench top.

2. Reseal the vanity or benchtop yearly. If you have a natural matt finish, an oil will be needed to recoat
the benchtop. If the vanity is high varnish or polyurethane check with your installer on how often the
benchtop will need to be sanded and re-varnished. It may only be required every couple of years or
when it starts to look like it needs to be freshened up. Resealing the benchtops will make them resistant
to moisture and stains. It also makes them easier to clean.

2. Use warm soapy water to clean the tops. Dont use vinegar or acid based cleaners as they will eat
through the glue that holds the benchtop together.

3. When deciding to use a wooden benchtop for your vanity, be careful with your choice of vanity basin.
An inset or semi-recessed basin will be easier to clean around as opposed to an above counter basin
where the space between the back edge of the basin and splashback is difficult to reach. If you do
choose above counter basins, make sure there is enough space behind the basin to reach any water
spills.

4. Choose finished timber as opposed to unfinished. The finished timber is more protected to water
damage, but unfinished has a tendency to absorb any water that is splashed on them. Unfinished
timbers are a trend for kitchen benches and vanities for 2015 as a more natural rustic look. While they
may be on trend, they arent a durable product in the bathroom or kitchen.

5. Mix your benchtops. Use a wooden benchtop for an island bench and a hard wearing, water resistant
material near the sink. This means you get the best of both worlds in terms of design and maintenance.

If you know that you wont be able to keep up with the maintenance thats needed, its best you
avoid choosing it. But if you can maintain your wooden benchtop and look after it well, it will add
character and warmth to your space for a long time.
 Work Surfaces
Laminated Work Surfaces
The high-pressure decorative laminate surface of your worktop is water resistant, but the
adhesive or core material may not be. Joints, cut-outs, all edges and the underside of the worktop
(particularly in the region of the inset sinks and washing machines) should be adequately sealed with a
suitable mastic solution. Worktops should be wiped and dried regularly in order that moisture should not
be allowed to remain on the surface where it may seep into any joints, edges or cut-outs.

Heat
Although a laminate work surface is heat resistant up to boiling point, we recommend the
following: Always place a stand, board or some other form of protection between the worktop and hot
pans to avoid marking the top or detaching the laminate. Do not place electric irons directly onto the
surface. Always use a suitable protection against direct contact with heat. Burning cigarettes should
never be left on the work surface.

Scratching
Laminated worktops are extremely durable when subjected to the normal wear and tear
associated with everyday life. Sharp cutlery and kitchen utensils can cause scratches, particularly by
cutting or chopping directly onto the worktop. It is recommended that a protective mat or board is used.

Stains
The high-pressure decorative laminate surface of your worktop resists most household
chemicals including alcohol and some cosmetics (but not nail polish remover).

However, some chemicals and strong dyes such as concentrated fruit juice or beetroot juice can
cause damage or discoloration; these should be removed immediately and the surface thoroughly
rinsed and dried.

Cleaning
 The appearance of your worktop is easily maintained by regular cleaning with warm water and a
mild detergent. More stubborn stains may be removed by the use of a non-abrasive cleaner. NEVER
use abrasive cleaners such as scouring powders, oven cleaners, bleaches or wire wool pads. Spillages
should be wiped off immediately including under the front edge.

Corner Joints
All corner joints are bonded with worktop joint sealant and bolted together from beneath. This
proven method offers a long-term guarantee from water seepage and subsequent warping.

Please follow the following procedures: Should any flooding occur over joints, wipe
immediately. Do not boil electric kettles, coffee machines or place irons over the joints the long term
effects of heat over the edges and joints can cause the laminate to soften, thus lifting the edge.

Sealing to walls
All gaps between wall and worktop must be sealed after tiling with a suitable silicone; tiling grout
is not sufficient for the long term. Tiling or upstands are advised above all worktop surfaces and should
be carried out after installation of worktops.

Granite Work Surfaces

The term Granite is applied to almost all igneous rocks and whilst not strictly geologically correct,
any very hard crystalline rock with a Quartz base would by tradition be called Granite. Granite comes in
a wide range of colors and grain patterns and can be worked to achieve a variety of shapes and
finishes. Because Granite is a natural material, each slab is different. Granite is hard wearing, scratch
and heat resistant however, consideration should be given to the porous nature of some Granites in
certain situations.

Routine care
Regularly clean all Granite surfaces with a damp cloth. A light neutral (PH7) detergent may be
added. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a leather or similar cloth. Dry-off surfaces to avoid
dull patches appearing. Avoid the use of cleaning solutions that contain bleach, abrasive cleaners or
scouring pads. Use a cutting board when cutting food. Standard hot saucepans can be placed on your
Granite worktops without fear of damage however, the use of pan bar features will aid prevention of
warm grease/oil on the base of your pans staining your worktops.
Things to avoid
Care should be taken with oil-based products as these may stain if allowed to soak into the
worktop. Worktops should not be brought into contact with strong acids or chemicals including paint
stripper, oven cleaner, nail varnish remover or similar solutions.

Technistone/Quartz Work Surfaces

Technistone/Quartz is durable and resilient and is 99.9% solid and nearly impossible to stain.
Residue on the surface appearing as stains is only topical and easily removed with a Scotch-Brite
scrubber and any common household cleaner. It is heat resistant and under normal cooking
instructions not affected. Extreme heat can affect the surface and requires the use of trivets for hot pots,
pans etc and all electric countertop cooking devices.

Routine care
Clean the surface after each use with mild soap and water then wipe with a dry cloth. Stubborn
substances such as hard water spots, food coloring or dried food particles may accumulate on the
surface and appear as stains, these are surface blemishes which can be removed gently with a
white Scotch-Brite pad. Rinse the surface after use and wipe dry.

For tough blemishes such as permanent marker, use a white Scotch-Brite pad and acetone to
remove the blemish and then rinse the area with soap and water.

Things to avoid
Prolonged exposure to excessive heat from pots, pans, skillets etc. Use a cutting board when
cutting food. Products such as drain cleaners, oven cleaners, paint removers or strippers which contain
methylene chloride or other chemicals with a high alkaline/PH level should be removed immediately
with warm water and detergent cleaner.

Solid Wood Work Surfaces

The solid timber worktop that you have selected is a natural, prestige quality product made to
the highest standards of environmentally sound renewable sources. The appeal of timber lies in its
inherent warm textures and natural variety of grain pattern and color. For ongoing care, oiling of the
timber brings out and enhances its appearance, as well as protecting the wood surfaces from wear and
tear. The following guide explains how to use and look after your new timber worktop and explains how
best to maintain the worktops for a lifetime of service. Please read the instructions thoroughly and
follow the advice; the effort put in now will be more than repaid in the long term.

Construction and appearance

Timber worktops are made from strips or staves of solid wood. These strips are cut, selected,
graded and kiln dried to have a moisture content level suitable for domestic interior use, before they are
glued and finger jointed into one panel. Full stave worktops are made from staves that go the length of
the worktop, these are edge glued together to form the worktops total length and width, otherwise
known as EGP. There will be some pattern, color and grain differences all over timber surfaces. This is
a normal and valued characteristic of the appearance of wooden products. Please note that fresh new
timber surfaces will weather over time as they are exposed to light. Items left for a period of time in one
place will mask the timber, which will then show as a lighter area. If this is a problem, items should be
regularly moved from place to place to stop the shading from occurring, until the surfaces are evenly
weathered.

Timber moisture content and cross-grain movement. Timber is a natural material that responds
throughout its life to changes in humidity and moisture in its environment. It absorbs or gives up its own
moisture until it is in equilibrium with its surroundings. When timber moisture content increases, the
wood expands; when it dries the timber shrinks. This change, called movement, occurs across the
grain only. A worktop will become a little wider and narrower respectively. It is a normal characteristic of
all timber. In use it is important to avoid sudden large changes in environmental humidity and moisture
since these put great stress on the mass of the timber in the top; the wood needs time to adjust to
change. For example: When the room heating is switched on seasonally, it should be turned up to a
temperature gradually over a period of days. This will allow the timber to acclimatise properly. Timber
should be wiped down with a sparing amount of water (not liberal sploshes of soapy water) and water
should never be left to stand on wooden surfaces.

Routine care
Here are a few guidelines that need to be observed if the timber worktops and their surfaces are
to give a lifetime of good service. Always mop up spills of water and other liquids straight away. Do not
allow liquids to stand on wooden work surfaces for any period of time (the finishing oil is water resistant,
not water proof). Always use pan stands and trivets to protect the timber from hot, rough, wet, dirty pots
and pans, direct contact from iron, steel or copper vessels can also stain the timber surfaces. Always
use cutting boards to chop and slice food. Do not cut directly onto the work surface. Clean the tops with
a sparing amount of warm water, a drop of washing up liquid and a well wrung out cloth. We do not
recommend using multi-purpose cleaning products which contain chemicals as this may damage the
worktops. Please also avoid the use of scouring pads. If a scouring pad is used, the worktop may need
to be re-oiled afterwards. It is important that timber surfaces are re-oiled at regular intervals to remain in
the same condition as when installed. The time span between oiling is dependent on the degree of use
and wear they receive.