70
Interior & Exterior Care
SECTION FOUR
LAMINATE FLOOR
Laminate flooring used in the motorhome provides
style, durability and ease of maintenance .
Laminate flooring is constructed of three main material
components . The surface, similar to many countertops,
contains aluminum oxide particles to form an extremely
hard, durable outer layer . The carrier (core layer) is
constructed from high-density fiberboard . A tongue
and groove design provides a tighter bond . The backer
(bottom layer) is also made of laminate for strength .
Cleaning and Maintenance:
For everyday cleaning, vacuum the floor to remove dirt
and debris . It is recommended to occasionally mop the
floor using a cotton string mop and a minimal amount
of water . Use a mixture of soap-free household cleaner
(either vinegar or ammonia work well) and water for a
more thorough cleaning .
TILE FLOOR (IF EQUIPPED)
Tile floors vary in porosity and surface irregularities .
Regular maintenance is important to keep the tile in the
motorhome looking new . Once the slideout has been
extended, keep the tile floor clean to prevent dirt from
scratching tiles prior to retracting the slideout .
These recommendations have been included as
recommendations only — consult a tile installation
professional in the event additional information is
needed or the process is not applicable . Cementitious
grout is porous and will absorb moisture and stain .
To reduce staining of the grout, many owners choose
to seal the grout . Quality grout sealers provide better
stain protection . If epoxy grout is used, it is virtually as
stain proof as the tile .
Removing stains from cementitious grout is similar to
removing stains from clothing . The same cleaners used
on clothes to get out a stain should also work on grout .
Keep in mind grout is based primarily of cement and
sand . Sand, like glass, is unaffected chemically by most
cleaners . Cement is not; rather it is alkaline based and
is dissolved by acids . As baking soda and vinegar react,
so do grout and vinegar .
Accordingly, it is better to clean grout with an alkaline
cleaner (
Spic N’ Span
,
Mr. Clean,
etc .) than an acid based
cleaner . There are also specially designed tile and grout
cleaners available at most tile retailers .
There are also cleaners with enzymes that attack stains
similar to enzyme pre-soaks for laundry . The same
cleaner that works on the grout generally will work well
on the tile . In fact, since the tile is usually easy to clean,
the tile can often be cleaned with water .
Grout can absorb soap as well as a stains . Do not clean
with oil or wax based cleaners such as
Murphy’s Oil
Soap
,
Pine Sol,
etc . These products will leave a waxy or
oily film in the grout .
Even good alkaline cleaners, if not properly rinsed, will
leave a sticky soap film . A sticky soap film attracts dirt .
Properly clean ceramic tile (without any sticky soap film)
will stay clean longer as tile does not tend to hold an
electrostatic charge which can attract some kinds of dirt .
The best way to clean grout is to apply the cleaner
then use a wet/dry vacuum (shop vac) to pick up the
solution . This lifts the dirt out of the joint . Apply rinse
water and vacuum the rinse water . Vacuuming helps
remove remaining soap film .
As a last resort for tough stains, tile professionals
may attempt to remove very stubborn stains with an
acid such as straight vinegar or a stronger acid . This
will dissolve the top layer of grout so the stain is no
longer attached to anything . Acid washing is not
recommended by grout manufacturers as this can
destroy the grout to the point the area will need to be
re-grouted . Also, extreme care should be used when
handling any acids .
If unable to get the grout clean through conventional
methods, try steam . Some stains that do not respond to
conventional cleaners will come clean when subjected
to pressurized steam .
NOTE:
Tile is ceramic and will chip or break . Avoid
dropping heavy or sharp objects on the tile .
NOTE:
Before using any solution to clean the tile, check
the manufacturer’s warning label to ensure safety
of the product . If there is any doubt, apply a small
amount of solution in an inconspicuous area to
determine product suitability .
Содержание Class A Gas 2020
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