Choosing, Cleaning Floors

Linoleum

• For soiled linoleum, the first step should be applying a wax stripper (if you've been maintaining the floor with wax) or degreaser (if it's just dirty) to return the floor to its original surface.

• A degreaser and brass-tipped brush or abrasive sponge are excellent cleaners for tile (figure B). Be aware of the ridges--it won't hurt to give tile a good scrubbing, but dirt can hide in those nooks-and-crannies. Again, the key step is keeping the rinse water clean. You don't want to return dirt to the surface by spreading around dirty water.

• This can be the culprit to a soiled floor when the tile is relatively clean. Grout is best cleaned with a brass-tipped brush, not a toothbrush (figure C).

• A degreaser or other cleaning product can do a great job when scrubbing grout, and because grout is concrete, a good scrubbing will usually return it to its original appearance.

• If the grout doesn't come back the way you'd prefer, inquire at your local hardware store about grout-coloring products. These come in different colors, and act somewhat like a dye when applied.