Merlin confronts Domesticity

[soulMerlin]

I can't believe it, but it's been nearly a year since Christiana died. During that time, I've been slowly turning from being a vagrant, to a half-recognizable human (?) being.

So now I've got to get going and do up the house. This thread is a project to train the untrainable - the archetype grumpy old man:mad: !

First question:

With little time available, how does one (your Majesty!) clean and preserve a wooden, originally laquered but not patchy, with bits of bare wood....Floor:confused:

At the moment....I just wash it in washing up fluid and rinse it...then leave it to dry naturally...looks dull tho'.

could I add Lavender water to the washing fluid/water mix??:rolleyes:

Or should I do something else instead:o ?

merlin

[PeteCC]

Dear Henry,

First of all, I take issue with you describing yourself as a grumpy old man, we met at the Brighton LRC, and I found you to be charming, witty, and 'gay', and you and I are old enough to appreciate the (non-sexual) connotations of that word.

I don't know what others use to buff their floors, but I have always used a product from Betterware, called simply, 'Laminate Floor Cleaner', it's an 'add to water' liquid, and gives a semi-shine to the wood. (I can't take the high polish stuff, feels like I'm on ice-skates.)

I appreciate that the anniversary of Princess's demise is approaching, and I'm glad that you can now say that you have found a way to deal with that, (I may be needing some help in that department soon), so please, stick around. I too have dread in my heart.

I know, from your postings, that you have found your spirituality, and I can only hope that when the time comes for me to reach out for strength that I find it too.

Onwards and upwards! I seem to have heard that a few times in my life.

From a bit of a luvvie, to another,

Best regards,

Peter

[Dee]

Hi Henry,

Good to know things are looking positve for you once again. :)

I am no expert on mainaining worn wood floors - the wood ones I have since moving into my current building have always been finished and sealed - a sweep and a damp mop seem to keep them in shape.

But I did find the following info which may be helpful to you:

Mopping Technique


Remember: Water is wood's worst enemy (even on sealed floors!), so use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one.


Dip the mop into the bucket of prepared cleaning solution, wring it out completely, mop in the direction of the wood grain and repeat. When the water gets dirty, empty the bucket, mix a new batch of cleaning solution and continue mopping.


When finished, go back over the entire surface with clean water to rinse.


Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees if necessary. When a floor needs serious attention, I clean it with a cloth. (It's better than a sponge because you can "feel" the dirt as you wipe!)

from Hardwood Floors 101 (http://home.ivillage.com/cleanandorganize/cleaning/0,,s7km-p,00.html)

[Bat]

Do just what Dee says, then go to Home Depot and get a set of "Rejuvenate" Floor"Clean and Revive" and wash it with that...it's a neutral cleaner that will neutralize whatever cleaner you used first...and use only that from then on.
After doing that, apply the "Floor Finish Restorer and Protecter", which will put a deep lustre and nice glow to the wood. I have it, and plan to use it on my living room floor once we get the drums moved to the basement music room...after I paint and tile that floor. I hope I live that long!

[soulMerlin]

I (might)....<they never confirm it for me> have a weeks holiday this week...anyway..I'm not going in to work and If "they" (Bill: my insane friend and boss) scream......well I guess I will go (bloody theatre!:mad: ) So..I'll get down to it and have a go.

(thanks for your suggestions and advice..I'll tell you how I get on with it all):)

I've just been out in the garden (looooovvvllleyyy weather here in England:) )
and I'm trying to work out how to A: take a large amount of grass cuttings, weeds, earth, and all the other sh.t out of the garden and through the house (without turning it - the house - into a compost heap (no other way to get to the two teeny weeny waste bins outside the front of my abode):( ) and then B: try to empty a gallon into a thimble!

(our English waste-disposal system (and merlin) has a lot to learn!)

love to all

henry

[david uk]

Henry

good to hear things are looking up- funnily enough I have spent this weekend turning my small abode upside down cleaning every nook and cranny. It feels good aand I feel I am turning a corner in my life.

I'll give you a call very soon Henry.

hugs

david x

[soulMerlin]

...I might be ringing you:) It feels good to clear the clutter and arrange...

love

henry

[ponytail]

My favorite quote on housecleaning comes from the late Quentin Crisp:

"If one never cleans one's house at all, one finds that, after the first four years, it doesn't get any worse. It's really just a question of not losing your nerve...."

Unfortunately, I tested this theory and found it to be -- while very witty -- not accurate...:eek:

[Judy]

We use a hardwood floor cleaner from Williams-Sonoma...unquestionably the best we have ever used. Looks like it's expensive, but it's not when you consider how much longer it lasts that the other products.
Judy

[Eva]

how does one (your Majesty!) clean and preserve a wooden, originally laquered but not patchy, with bits of bare wood....Floor:confused:

Geesh Henry... Can't you ask something I might actually have an answer to for you...?? Like the meaning of life? Or the exact calculation of pi? Or why the pyramids were built? You know... something simple! :eek:

Sorry, I can't help you here. I am not that good with householdthings. Luckily the others can help you.

Scrub away and take care, Henry!

Eva