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TYPES OF FLOOR AND SURFACE TEXTURE

Floors are important aspect of house interiors as they are both functional and decorative.
Types of Floor
1. Hard floors
These are durable, versatile and not easily pierced which comes in different sizes and colors.
They are usually used in the living and dining rooms, terraces and sometimes in the utility area.
Hard floors include the following:
a. Bamboo floors - a form of flooring that is made from bamboo grass which is attractive alternative
for flooring because of its physical similarities to hardwoods. It is durable, elegant, versatile, and
insects and moisture resistance.
b. Ceramic Tiles - it emulates the look of natural stone products, which are an excellent alternative
for the value-oriented buyer since it is less expensive than other type of floors. These are hard,
brittle, heat resistant products which comes unglazed or with high glaze.
c. Concrete - a mixture of sand and cement with gravel, broken stone and other elements, which
could be formed into a desired form.
d. Granite - are expensive and more attractive types of floor
e. Marble - are products that are processed from blocks that are quarried everywhere in the world.
It comes in variety of sizes and colors, which primarily comprised of calcium carbonate and other
minerals.
f. Pebble washout - a mixture of cements and river stones, where color depends on the stones used
in the mixture and the cement.
g. Laminate flooring - are cheaper and they are easy to maintain. Is virtually resistant to burns,
scratches, chipping and is great for high traffic areas.
h. Terra Cotta - are hard baked clay tile reddish or red – yellow colors.
i. Wood floors - a hard floor type that manufactured from timber which is either structural or
aesthetic. A common choice due to its durability, restorability and environmental benefits.

2. Soft floors
Otherwise known as resilient floors which is one of the commonly used in household.
Soft floors are classified as follows:
a. Rubber flooring - an environmentally friendly natural product, which can be textured or profiled,
it has an anti-slip inclusions which require a more aggressive cleaning regime than smooth rubber
floors. It is a durable, lightweight and easy to clean, but often has a smooth finish, which is likely
to be slippery when wet.
b. Vinyl - one of the finest choices for its long lasting quality and affordability among other types of
floors. Similar to linoleum but it is more durable and highly resistant to moisture.
Mainly used in offices, malls and residential areas for it’s easy to maintain and with a cheaper cost.
c. Linoleum - an environmentally friendly type with natural antibacterial properties, which is durable,
lightweight and easy to clean, but usually, has a smooth finish. Usually comes rolled and ready to
install
d. Carpet - a floor or stair covering made from thick woven fabric, typically shaped to fit a particular
room.

Surface texture of floors is also considered in the choice of floors to be used. Below are the different types
of surface texture of floors.

Bush Hammered develops a textured surface where degree of roughness can be selected
Flamed - a rough surface that developed through intense heat. It is very porous and must be treated with
sealers.
Honed - this surface is very smooth, but often very porous. This texture is common in high traffic
buildings which is always be protected with penetrating sealer because of it has wide – open pores.
Polished - very smooth and not very porous. It is a glossy surface that brings out brilliant colors and
grains of the natural stone.
Sand Blasted - a surface type that is the result of a pressurized flow of sand and water that provides a
textured surface with a matte gloss.
Sawn - a process performed by using a gang saw
Tumbled - a slightly rough texture that is achieved by tumbling small pieces of marble, limestone, and
sometimes granite to achieve an archaic / worn appearance.

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PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES ON FLOOR AND SURFACE CLEANING

The type of floor and surface texture affects the aura of one’s home. It adds elegance and quality,
which needs care and maintenance for its purpose.
Floors should not only look shiny and clean, but should be maintained properly. Damages such as
crack, broken or torn should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid any form of accidents.
Cleaning and polishing are the two main activities that household workers should consider for floor
and surface maintenance.
The diagram below shows the floors cleaning processes that make floor cleaning successful.

Cleanin Strippin Sealin Finishin Maintainin

g g g g g

Step 1: Clearing
First step in floor cleaning where the area will be clear so it will be free from any distraction and do the
task effectively.
Step 2: Stripping
Second process in floor cleaning where embedded dirt; oil and old layers of floor finish and sealer are
eliminated.
Apply the stripping chemicals with the use of mop head; allow chemical to stay on the floor for five
minutes then scrub the area using the stripping pad. Rinse the area with the use of water with soap and
dry it with mop head.
Mop, stripping pad, hand gloves, polisher, mop wringer, warming device, ropes, cord, floor stripper or wax
remover are the supplies and materials needed in these process.
Step 3: Sealing
Smoothing process to rough surfaces, scratches and other types of floor damages to enhance its overall
appearance comprises this step.
It requires an application of a sealing solution, which protect the glaze of the tiles, makes the floor look
better, cling together and last longer
Step 4: Finishing
Application of coats of wax to make it appear glossy and appealing to the eyes deals with this process. A
proper step to makes floor better protected from damages and stains that will also prolongs the life of the
floors.
Mops, mop wringer, finishing solution are the materials needed in this process.
Step 5: Maintaining
Final step, which involves removal of tucked – in dirt through the use of cleaners. Repeated buffing keeps
shine until the next stripping and finishing job becomes absolutely necessary
Sweep the floor thoroughly until dusts are removed then mop the area using open eight figure motion or
over lapping motion to remove dirt on the floor then buff it thoroughly.

The following are the specific procedures in daily cleaning of floors

Damp mopping – mopping the floor with lightly wet mop to clear the floor of dirt and soil.
Dust mopping – dusting off dirt using mops with handle.
Extraction– cleaning process that is extracting deeply embedded dirt and soil in carpets especially those
in inner layers that cannot be removed by shampooing.
Finishing floors – performed on floors that are stripped of old wax and dirt and sealed for protection.
The finishing is accomplished through the application of wax or floor shine and polishing thereafter using a
floor polisher.
Floor stripping – requires application of stripping solution.
Plain polishing – retouching the shine of floors by using a polisher.
Shampooing–a process that apply to carpet which is the removal of embedded dirt and stains using
carpet shampoo either manually of by use of a machine.
Spray buffing– spraying the floor with a buff finish to retouch it and to keep the gloss
Sweeping – removing dirt and trash from floors using sweepers and dustpan.
Vacuuming – the process of elimination of dirt on carpeted floors using a vacuum cleaner.

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FLOOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Each area of the house needs proper care, maintenance and supervision to enable household tasks
done properly and effectively.
Floor surfaces require as much as other parts of the house daily cleaning. It is not enough if we do not
utilize the proper materials and equipment used in cleaning different types of floors.
The idea is to identify the type of cleaning tools, materials and other implements to use in keeping and
preserving the beauty and quality of the floors.
The process of vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and mopping is applied to maintain the good condition of
the floors.
Below are the cleaning equipment, tools, and supplies needed for floor maintenance

Cleaning Equipment

Carpet Extractor Floor polisher Carpet sweeper

Vacuum cleaner
Hydro-Vacuum or Wet and
dry vacuum

It is a designated for dry

foam shampooing of carpets.
It removes dirt that Itsticks
is used
to in scrubbing, It is andust
It is used to eliminate all-purpose vacuum
stripping
or penetrates into the carpet and polishing for dry and wet surfaces. It is
layers. pick-upparticles
Used to and
hard floor surfaces dirt and from carpet surfaces,
upholstered also used for absorbing water
also vinyl, woodparticles
parquet,from the carpet. furniture and even
hard surfaces. in flooded or wet surface.
etc.

Cleaning tools and materials

Cleaning cloth Broom Dustpan Push brush

It is used to maintain
It is used to collect the cleanliness of the
It is used for cleaning It is used for sweeping dust and any type of finish floor or some of
and dusting the floor the floor. It can be dirt with soft broom the hard floor.
plastic or stick broom.

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Mop Wringer Floor Scraper Mop head Mop with mop handle

It is used for It is used for scraping It is used to remove

wringing / squeezing hardened dirt embedded dirt on the It is used for manual
mops sides and corners. floor mopping

Hand brush Stripping Pad Scrubbing pads

It is used to remove
embedded dirt on top of
hard floor and stubborn dirt
on top of the carpet.
It is used to remove
It is used for floor scrubbing
stubborn dirt on top of hard
and polishing
floors

Cleaning chemicals

Wax Stripping Chemicals Polish

Used to polish smooth

It is used for polishing
It is used for stripping surfaces made of wood,
the floor
the floor leather or metal.

Cleaning and maintenance of the floor should be a daily routine.

Vacuuming is a cleaning process that uses an air pump (vacuum cleaner) to remove loose dirt and dust,
usually from floors, and optionally from other surfaces as well. The dirt is collected by either a dust bag or
filter for later disposal
Here are the steps in maintaining the floor:
1. Sweep the floor with clean broom, dust mop, or cleaning cloth to remove dirt and litter.
2. Mix 1 part of cleaning solution with about 4 parts water. Use higher dilution if the area will be
disinfected.
3. Apply the cleaning solution on the floor with a wet mop. Let the solution penetrate on floor for 2
minutes. Use warm water for its best cleaning results.
4. Spray buff regularly with buffing chemicals. Spray 2 – 3 squirts on the floor, then buff immediately to
restore the shine. Damp – mop the floor regularly with the help of a cleaning agent.

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TYPES OF FURNITURE
Furniture makes ones place lively and attractive. Chairs, sofas, tables, beds, curtains, pictures, telephone
and other home décor makes our home and even offices more suitable for living and working.
The kind and types of texture, form and color of furniture and fixtures depend upon the personality of the
person.
Types of Furniture
Free standing. can be moved or arranged relatively. Accumulates dust, dirt, behind, above & beneath it.
Built – in. It is removable which can be moved from one area into another. Wardrobes and kitchen
includes in these type
Fitted. Includes items like shelves and headboards. Use of alcoves and recesses ensures good use of
space.
Cantilevered - supported or only one end can be quite effective from a design perspective.
Upholstered Sofas, armchairs are in this type. Suitability of fabric needs to be considered, as does ease
of cleaning and maintenance.
Antique Usually very expensive, can be impractical, risky and difficult to replace and repairs often need to
be carried out by a specialist
Below are some of the common examples of furniture, fixtures and fittings
Furniture
- Armchair - coffee table
- easy chair - dining chair
- bed - dining table - television cabinet
- bedside table - dressing table - wardrobe
Fixtures and Fittings
- Air conditioning - pictures - bathtub
- carpets - locks - lavatory
- CCTV - signs - fire alarms
- doors - taps and faucets - towel racks
- lightening fixtures - telephone - toilet roll holder

Principles to follow when arranging furniture

Furniture should be arranged for convenience, comfort and attractiveness. The economy of space,
beauty, unity, use, variety, balance and individuality are some of the essential rules that everyone should
consider for proper arrangement.

Spacing – Avoid using too large and heavy furniture across a corner and in small room instead small
pieces like chair and table may be placed in a corner for interest and good design.

Beauty – Arrange the furniture in a more interesting style where there is a center of interest. Television,
radio and eye – catching display could be put into center to attract family members and even visitors.

Unity – Furniture of the same kind should be grouped together and furniture used for certain activity
should be grouped together. In bedroom, the clothes, closets and the dresser should be near each other.
Group furniture of similar heights together.

Variety – Different kinds of furniture may be grouped together according to its function. If they will be
used together. A small piece of furniture may be placed across a corner. Large pieces should be parallel to
the wall.

Balance or restfulness- Two sides of a center of interest in an arrangement should be equal and
interesting. Three small pieces can balance one large piece.

Individuality- Furniture arrangements reflect the personality of the one living in the home and style it
according to our taste.

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FURNITURE CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Furniture’s and fixtures are important part of the interior decoration of the home. Knowledge of care and
maintenance of the furnishings will help dealing its value, form and texture. One needs to learn the
techniques and procedures in handling furniture and fixtures so we can maintain and store it’s quality and
beauty. One should purchase materials and supplies such as vacuum cleaner, brushes, buckets, rags, and
cleaning solutions that will help daily cleaning activity.
Below are some guides for successful care and maintenance for furniture and fixtures:
1. Use cleaning solution for a better and shiner results to furniture’s.
2. Wipe and dust all corners, inner and outer parts of the furniture using a clean cloth such us old
diapers, terry towels, cotton knitwear or flannel.
3. Apply glass cleaner in cleaning glass furniture for shinier results.
4. Use a clean cloth to wipe different types of fixtures but may use a cleaning solution to selected
fixtures for a better results.
For upholstered furniture:
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt from the upholstered furniture. Vacuum it regularly.
Use a detergent mixture in cleaning but test in inconspicuous spot to avoid discoloration. Scrub the
upholstery with the detergent mixture carefully.
For Wood furniture:
Use cleaning cloth to remove dust and loose dirt.
Use a wood cleaning solution to remove stains from the surface of the furniture.
In general, the care and maintenance of the furnishings involve shampooing every six months or as
needed and vacuuming daily or once a week.
TYPES OF STAIN
Stains are colored patch or dirty marks that is difficult to remove. It is a normal problem that every
household always encountered. Accumulated dirt and neglect in care and maintenance are some major
factors that contribute to this major household problem.
Restoring the beauty and elegance takes time and patience, but the results can be enjoyed for
years even for generations. Today there are lots of cleaning aids to restore the shine, texture, and form of
the furnishings at home.
Below are three main types of stains with its degree and sources.
Types Degree Background Sources
These are the easiest stain to remove by just Food stains such as egg,
1. Protein stains
Easy completely rinsing in cold water with cool biological milk, yogurt, and cheese
soak. sauce
These are direct liquid spills that respond well to hot Alcohol, perfume, inks,
2. Tannin (wet) Moderat
water, but will set permanently if you use any kind of melted ice, lollies, fruit
stains e
soap. juices, tea and coffee.
These are stains that are result from product with Adhesive, automotive oil,
3. Greasy (dry) Moderat
fats and oil that can be removed with hot water and baby oil, candle wax,
stains e
detergent. carpet glue
4.Other stains
Combination of two or more of types of stain. It can
be group to Type A and
a. Combination Ballpoint ink, barbecue
Difficult Type B. Type A stains have protein, grease/ wax and
stains sauce, calamine lotion,
dye elements; while
Type B have grease, wax and dye elements.
These are stains found naturally in cherries and
b. Dye stains Difficult blueberries, and is added to other foodstuffs like
mustard and blue ice-lollies.
These are stains that do not fall any specific grouping
c. Special stains
such as scorch and chewing gum.
These are stains resulting from natural atmospheric
d. Organic stains conditions such as alkaline stains, mildew and
tarnish.
e. Industrial These are stains resulting from building or Do It
stains Yourself work.
f. Chemical
These are stains result from chemical spills.
stains
These are stains that easily dry rapidly, so do not
g. Lacquer stains Difficult
allow it to dry out to treat it easily.
h. Unknown These are stains whose source cannot easily

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stains identified but can be recognized using sense of smell.

PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES OF STAIN REMOVALON FURNITURE

Stain removal is one of the difficult part of cleaning task. Rust, ink, bloods, butter, and oil are some
of the common causes of this problem. Knowing the type of stains will effectively dissolve and thus
remove the spots.
In removing the stain, apply fewer chemicals rather than more. Repeating the process will be more
effective rather than using a large amount to do the job faster

Stain Removal Chemical

Product Content
Alcohol (rubbing) sopropyl alcohol
Ammonia Ammonium hydroxide
Carpet shampoo, carpet stain remover Isopropyl alcohol
Color remover Sodium hydrosulphite
Nail varnish remover Acetone
Petroleum – based solvent and dry-cleaning Trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloethylene (PERC)
fluid (K), petroleum distillates
Rust remover Oxalic acid, hydrofluoric acid
Turpentine Terpene
Stain Removal Natural Product
Alcohol - A very effective multi purpose, tough satin remover
Ammonia - Solid as a liquid in bottles but is actually a gas, dilute in water for convenience.
Cigarette ash - Excellent ultra- light abrasive for removing alcohol stains from wooden furniture.
Milk - Effective soak for ballpoint ink, red juice and newsprint stains.
Rottenstone - Very fine abrasive powder that is used to polish lacquered or varnished surfaces
after coarse rubbing with pumice stone.
Turpentine - Used as a thinner of oil paints, varnishes, and enamels turpentine (turps), which is
good on difficult oil – based stains like asphalt and tar.
White vinegar - Natural, mild bleach that dissolves dirt and grease and acts as a water softener.
General Rules on Removing Stains
Physical and chemical methods are the two types of removing the stains.
 Physical method is a process through absorption of water-based stains or through removal in
friction.
 Chemical method is the use and application of chemical solutions.
Physical Method (Absorption water based stains)
 Wash hands and put on gloves
 Use cloth or paper towel to absorb the liquid.
 Always start from the outer edge of the stain and work towards the middle; this prevents the spreading
of the stain.
 Dispose of the cloth or paper towel when the task is completed.
 After use, all tools and materials should be checked, cleaned, and dried and returned to the storage
area.
 Remove gloves and wash hands
Physical Method (Friction removal water staining)
 Wash hands and put on gloves
 This involves scraping, brushing, rubbing, or scrubbing to remove dried-on stains.

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 It is important to rub gently to avoid damage to the surface.

 Always start from the outer edge of the stain and work towards the middle.
 After use, all tools and materials should be checked, cleaned, and dried and returned to the storage
area.
 Remove gloves and wash hands.
 Note: never rub the stain into the carpet / fabric
 Should the friction method does not work use the chemical method.
Chemical Method
 Wash hands and put on gloves
 Prepare the cleaning solution in a well- ventilated area.
 Poor a small amount of the chosen cleaning solution onto the stain.
 Allow the cleaning solution to have a contact time with the stain.
 Using a scraper and cloth, start from the outer edge of the stain and work towards the middle until the
stain is removed.
 Dispose of the cloth when the task is completed.
 After use, all tools and materials should be checked, cleaned, dried and returned to the storage area.
 Remove gloves and wash hands.
Do’s Don’ts
 Treat the stain promptly  Don’t give up after one application
 Test for colorfastness and damage before  Don’t forget to rinse.
applying any solutions to the furniture  Don’t rub at liquid stain spots, as you will
 Read carefully proper care, maintenance and simply spread the stain further and might
manual of instructions of the products damage fibres.
 Start and choose the simplest method of  Don’t use a colored cloth on stains. Use a
removing the stains. clean white cloth or kitchen towels.
 Store chemicals out of the reach of children and  Don’t use solvents on inflammable stains
away from food products. like petrol and diesel.
 Do the work from outside of the stain inwards to  Don’t mix products, especially bleach and
prevent stains from spreading. ammonia.

Some tips to remove stains on furniture and fixtures

Any food containing milk that spills on furniture surface should be wiped immediately. The effect of lactic
acid on wood furniture’s will create stains. To remove the stains, dip your finger in liquid or paste wax or
coconut oil. – or even moistened cigar ash and rub the solution over the damaged area. Then re-wax.

Items such as perfumes, medicines, beverages, or other alcohol-based products leave rings or spots that
can cause damage. Treat them with the same method use for milk or cream stains.

Watermarks or rings spots on furniture surface can be treated with a non-linty cloth moistened with
coconut oil. Use a clean cloth to wipe the affected area immediately, at times, be remedied by placing a
clean, thick blotter over the ring and pressing it with an iron (not too hot) until the ring disappears.

Candle drippings and marks left on furniture can be removed by hardening the dripped candle wax by
holding an ice cube in it a few seconds. Crumble off as much wax as possible with your fingers then gently
scrape with a dull, plastic spatula. Rub briskly with cloth saturated with liquid wax, then wipe dry with a
clean cloth.

Oil stains caused by butter, salad dressing, cream and the like can be remove by placing a white blotter
soaked in lighter fluid over the spot and let it dry. Repeat the process several times if the stains bleach it
with an application of hydrogen peroxide (not the antiseptic kind but the commercial solution) to which a
drop or two of ammonia has been added.

If acid marks appear due to spilled fruit juices or spots from alcohol, it is advisable to sand the area gently
with fine sandpaper. Then rub with the shine putty (tin oxide) using a damp, soft cloth.

After the stains have been removed, protect the furniture; especially marble by applying furniture wax,
which makes furniture shiny.

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