How to Clean Lacquered or Shellacked Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors that are surfaced with lacquer, shellac, or varnish finishes require a separate cleaning agenda than that of polyurethane floors. Although fairly similar, shellac or lacquered hardwood needs a more detailed approach to cleaning and care. You see, these finishes are not water or moisture resistant, so hardwood floors are not protected from spills or wear and tear. It is recommended to seal lacquer or shellac-surfaced hardwood floors with a protective liquid or paste floor wax.

Continue reading to learn safe methods for cleaning shellacked, varnished, or lacquered hardwood flooring, and who to call for affordable hardwood floor installation and replacement in Indianapolis.

Hardwood Floor Installation 317-454-3612

Hardwood Floor Installation 317-454-3612

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips

There are two primary methods that are both safe and effective for cleaning lacquered or shellacked hardwood floors. Both methods use techniques that are unique to cleaning specialty flooring, so acute attention and concentration is required. Only solvent-based cleaners and polishes should be used when cleaning or treating shellacked, varnished, or lacquered wood floors. All other OTC cleaners are generally water-based and may fade, weaken, or buckle hardwood. Since solvent-based chemicals are flammable, it is important to only use them in well-ventilated spaces.

Here are two key methods to cleaning finished hardwood flooring:

Method One

Gently Vacuum Hardwood Floors
Apply a One-Step Floor Cleaner or Polish (Solvent-Based) to a Small Section of Floor
Use a Wax Applicator Pad to Rub Product into the Wood Floor
Always Rub in the Same Direction of the Natural Wood Grain
Use a Clean Cloth to Wipe Away Leftover Residue
Use a Microfiber Towel to Buff Floors in a Circular Motion!
Buff Until Floors Shine!

Method Two (Recommended)

Gently Vacuum Hardwood Floors
Use a Dry Wax Applicator to Apply Liquid Floor Cleaner (Solvent-Based) to a Small Section of the Floor
Apply By Rubbing in Along the Natural Direction of the Wood Grain
Continue by Applying Remaining Cleaner to All Sections of the Hardwood Floor
Allow the Previous Sections of Flooring to Sit and Soak in the Product
Come Back to the First Section Cleaned and Wipe Away Leftover Residue
Do this for All Remaining Sections in the Order they were Cleaned
Buff Surface of Flooring with a Hardwood Floor Polisher
Buff Away Streaks with a Microfiber Towel until the Floorboards Shine!

Hardwood floors last a very long time with good care, but at some point, they will have to be replaced. Hardwood floor replacement is a wise investment that can increase your property value and drastically enhance your interior appeal. When this time comes, be sure you choose a licensed general contractor who specializes in hardwood flooring. They will have the tools, training, and resources necessary to provide professional advice, comprehensive service, and outstanding results.

Hardwood Floor Installation and Replacement

Wood Floor Installation 317-454-3612

Wood Floor Installation 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis hardwood floor installation you can trust. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides affordable hardwood floor replacement and installation services for both commercial and residential properties throughout Central Indiana. In fact, we will beat any competitor’s price, GUARANTEED! Call 317-455-3612 to learn more about our Indianapolis tile flooring services, or to schedule an assessment today.

Fundamental Tips for Cleaning Painted and Papered Walls

Whether painted or papered, walls can need a good wipe down every so often. This is especially true for properties with children and pets, or both! As property owners, we have mastered the art of carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and even oven cleaning; but what about walls? The right technique and proper solutions can clean walls with ease, but it is important to know these tips before getting your hands wet. This is because some wallpapers and paints react adversely to certain solutions and cleaning agents. Learning the proper methods and products for wall cleaning is the first step to getting the job done!

Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612

Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612

How to Clean Painted Walls

Cleaning painted walls is a large job, so preparation is key to making it as easy as possible. This means moving furniture away from walls and laying down cloth sheets, not tarp, to avoid slippery walking surfaces. It also means covering wall nails with a bit of dry sponge or rubber to protect your hands while cleaning, as well as, to remember where hanging frames belong. Once prep is complete, here’s what you need to get started:

Lamb’s Wool Duster
White Rags or Cloths
Natural Sponge (No colors)
Two Buckets (One for water, one for solution)
Rubber Gloves (Turn up sleeves to stop drips)
Step Ladder
Water
Liquid Dish Detergent

In the first bucket, combine 1 gallon of clean water with ¼ cup mild dish detergent liquid.

Fill the second bucket with clean clear water. This is for rinsing only. Change as needed throughout cleaning.

Using a duster, wipe down the entire surface area of each wall to remove loose dust, cobwebs, and other debris. Do not forget the baseboards and moldings.

Before applying moisture to the walls, keep in mind that dirty dripping water can dry and leave behind muddy stains. For this reason, always wash walls from BOTTOM to TOP, and then from SIDE to SIDE. Use your sponge to swipe up additional drips as you clean. Never take breaks in the middle of one wall, this can leave behind uneven cleaning marks. Finish an entire wall, then take a breather before beginning the next one.

Dip the sponge in the cleaning solution and gently apply it in a small area, then rinse the sponge in clean water and rinse the wall clean. Continue using this technique as you work your way through the entire wall.

Use the clean white cloths to pat the walls dry, removing any excess moisture left behind.

Wallpapered Walls

You can purchase store-bought wallpaper cleaners that are safe and effective for washable wallpaper. You can also just use some warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. If you have non-coated wallpaper, you do not want to apply moisture to it for cleaning. Instead, use a dry sponge, found at any local hardware store, to lift dirt and grime safely. And to remove fingerprints, use an art eraser to gently rub away the marks. The most important tip for cleaning wallpapered walls is to check the manufacturer guidelines first before you start.

Drywall Repair and Interior Painting Services Near You

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional drywall repair and interior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer full-service interior and exterior painting solutions and drywall services for both residential and commercial properties. On top of already competitive prices, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to learn how to get your estimate started, today.