floor cleaner rental

When we installed our travertine floors we rented one of those floor buffer things that I think can also be used for cleaning. First I'd throw some bleach on the floors to freshen and lighten any dirt or sludge that has discolored them. I would use enough to really let it soak in. If it's a big area I would leave your home while the bleach does it's magic and evaporates so that you won't be overcome by fumes. If you have a sealant on the floors you probably will need to reapply another coat of the sealant. Considering that they are terazzo floors I would use a penatrating sealer so that the floors don't absorb the grime and dirt that happens as easily the next time it floods. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used and is not as noxious as chlorine. Whatever you do NEVER mix chlorine bleach and ammonia together!

If all else fails muratic acid can clean anything! It will burn the skin and is harmful to breathe so use gloves in a well ventilated area and apply as quickly as possible and then leave your house until it dries. Diluting the acid will help make it less noxious.

Molly, thanks. Where did you get the buffer thingie? I'm thinking that is what I need and all I have access to is a hand buffer - think eons of time on my hands and knees.

Also, what to use to clean some leather furniture?

I should be but am not embarassed to admit I have let all of this go for the last year I was taking care of the hubby but it is not time to clean house.

thanks!

Pamela

Use a damp (not wet) cloth to clean leather. After it's clean and dry, use some leather cleaner, which can be hard to find on either island. I usually order it.

Hi Pamela,
Terrazzo is special. You might want to google it for cleaning instructions. Here on St. Croix, we have "Mr. Terrazzo" who does a great job refurbishing. We also have "steamaway", who is a poster on the board, occasionally. You might try to contact steamaway and ask if he knows anyone on STT that does what he does, or if he can give you some tips. Maybe he will see the post and jump in. He doesn't seem to be here often, but you could do a search. May not be much help because I think it's more the machine he uses than the technique. It's just steam. Really nice gentleman. If all else fails, throw rug are great!;)

Saddle soap for leather, but it's a long, tedious job. I buy packaged wipes at Plaza Extra, especially for cleaning leather. They are in a plastic dispenser, kind of like other cleaner wipes (like clorox and a couple others). They do a great job, if it's not too dirty. Better for maintaining rather than serious cleaning, but you could try. Good luck, and happy cleaning! My house is available, if you want to practice first. 😀

My house is available, if you want to practice first. 😀

Love it! :@)

Pamela,

Allied Rental at the Fort Mylner Center for the buffer thing. It is the big one that you use standing up and swirls around on the bottom. Sorry I don't know what you actually call it. We used it more for polishing than the actual cleaning. We had a tile subcontractor come in to help. He first used the muratic acid that I mentioned above for cleaning and then applied the penetrating sealer for polishing with the buffer. His name was Francis and he did a great job unfortunately the telephone # that I have no longer works. I would definately hire someone in if you go the muratic acid route especially if you have asthma or any breathing problems. The only place on St. Thomas where we could find a nice industrial penetrating sealer was at MSI. I would take a picture of your floors and show it to them before buying anything. The thing about terrazzo is that you have a mixed medium of concrete, stone and tile. It might need something special applied after cleaning.

My deepest condolences for your loss.

Molly