Insert a bath towel into a big paper bag to protect your knees when doing housework that requires kneeling. It makes a great kneeling pad and the towel stays clean.
Cleaning a Floor Polisher
Wax build-up on the felt pads of the floor polisher can be cleaned by placing them between several layers of paper towels and pressed with a warm iron. The old wax will be quickly absorbed by the paper towels.
Never Use Water Products on Wood Floors
Whenever possible avoid using water or water-based products. Water can seep down into tight boards, causing warping and swelling. Over time this will damage the floors.
Eliminating Marred Floors
While moving furniture, put old heavy socks over the furniture legs.
Cleaning Agent
Varnished floors or woodwork of any kind can be rubbed with cold tea to clean.
Dusting with Pantyhose
Place old pantyhose over your dust mop and discard the pantyhose when you are finished and you're left with a clean mop.
Grease Spills
Apply ice cubes immediately. Clean with soap suds after grease has been scraped up.
Removing Heel Marks
An ordinary pencil eraser makes an easy solution.
Removing Tar Spots
Paste wax works well and can be used on shoes as well.
Quick Shine Between Waxings
A piece of wax paper placed under your dust mop will give a quick shine and dirt will adhere to the wax paper as well.
Nail Polish Spills
Nail polish on waxed floors or tile should be removed by letting it solidify before removing. When it becomes solid and pliable it can be peeled off. Trying to remove before it dries or cleaning with solvent when it dries will cause smears.
Crayon Marks
Silver polish can be used to remove crayon marks from vinyl tile.
Repair a Ceramic Tile Chip
Paint the chip or crack with a little appliance touch-up paint. If the chip is large fill first with woodworker's epoxy, let dry and then paint.
Hardwood Floor Repairs
Scuffs, paint spatters, etc. can be removed from hardwood floors by rubbing with extra-fine steel wool (grade 000). Rub the floor very lightly, taking care not to damage the finish.
Scratches can be repaired by applying a matching stain with an artist's brush and when dry cover with a polyurethane varnish. Touch-up markers available at your local hardware store will also work.
Dents on hardwood floors can be removed by removing the finish from the dented area and lay damp cloth on top of the dent. Place an iron on top of the cloth set on the highest setting. By heating the cloth it will release steam and raise the grain of the wood.
Hardwood Floor Squeaks
Sprinkle talcum powder on the squeaky boards and work into the cracks and rub into the gaps.
If your floor is waxed try pouring the same liquid floor wax you generally use between the boards.
Floor Sweeping
Furniture polish sprayed on the bristles of your broom will make dust and dirt collecting easier.
