
Definitely follow the instructions for proper dilution to avoid this problem. You could end up with an excess of product that will leave your floors looking streaky at best or damaged at worst. "While bleach will likely disinfect porous surfaces, it's possible that you could damage the wood or the finish, discoloring it or getting into the actual wood and damaging it," Susan Richardson, Ph.D., and a professor of chemistry at the University of South Carolina tells Apartment Therapy.īefore you dump extra cleaning solution into the bucket to make up for your lack of mopping in a while, you should know that overdoing it may make your floor look worse. However, it can be just as harsh on your floors - especially on porous surfaces like hardwood. The same goes for other flooring types.īleach is a disinfecting favorite among many homeowners because it's the no-nonsense cleaner that obliterates virtually every germ in its path. "But if your flooring isn't new, or you can't consult the manufacturer, pick a product that is specifically made for cleaning wood floors," Bennett says. Jessica Bennett of Better Homes and Gardens recommends speaking with your flooring manufacturer for tips on cleaning specific floor types.

You might be surprised at all the dust you'll scoop up on an otherwise clean-looking floor.Ī product may claim to leave your floors bright and shiny, but if it's not the right kind of solution for your flooring type, you could end up with a cloudy mess. And don't assume that just because a floor looks clean it doesn't need to be swept first. Obviously, it's going to be difficult to achieve a smooth, sleek shine on a surface that's riddled with dirt, grime or hair. Not sweeping the floor before breaking out the mop and bucket is a rookie mistake and most people know better. From innocent mistakes to egregious errors that could ruin that gorgeous hardwood, here's a list of things to avoid if you want to achieve a shiny, streak-free finish. You bought the recommended brand of cleaner and used a top-of-the-line mop - so what went wrong?Īctually, there's plenty of room for error when it comes to deep-cleaning your floors. On the flip side, nothing is more aggravating than mopping for hours only to spot several streaks and spots on the ground. Nothing is more satisfying than a freshly-cleaned floor that shines like new. In a large living room, use furniture to create comfortable islands.This story is sponsored by Giant Carpet One. Create your own focal point by hanging a large piece of art on a wall, or create a vignette of favorite objects on a console or bookshelf.įor face-to-face chats, place seating no more than 8 feet apart.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS ROOM ARRANGER HOW TO
If you’re not sure how to arrange furniture in a living room, orient seating so it takes advantage of whatever view your room has to offer, whether it’s a TV or a bank of windows.

If there isn’t room next to the nightstand, pair the chair with a small garden stool, which will serve as a small table without occupying much space. The chair and bed can share the nightstand. Consider placing a chair next to a bedside table.

Opt for tall pieces, such as this armoire, that add volume in a smaller footprint.įor an extra-cozy space, place a bench at the foot of the bed or a small-scale armchair in a corner for bedroom seating. In a small bedroom, use fewer furniture pieces of a slightly larger scale to maximize floor space.

Check out these tricks for arranging furniture to meet everyone’s needs. No matter if your rooms are big or small, having the right furniture arrangement will make them more enjoyable.
