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How Using a Floor Gap Fixer?


Purchase a floor gap fixer tool. These days, many companies sell special devices designed to make it easier to close small gaps in hardwood and laminate flooring. These most often take the form of small, heavy rectangular blocks. The blocks feature an adhesive rubber face that provides traction to maneuver the slipped plank back into place with a few taps of a mallet.


You can find floor gap fixers at most major home improvement centers or online for around $40-60. If you’re trying to keep spending to a minimum for your repair project, try making your own floor gap fixer tool by coating one side of a 4×4 with double-sided tape.


Remove the protective backing from the adhesive face of the block. Peel the plastic covering away to expose the tacky rubber pad underneath. This surface will be used to grip the laminate plank while you force it back into place manually. The adhesive pad of the floor gap fixer is reusable, as long as it’s properly cleaned between projects.


Position the block 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of one of the displaced planks. Situate the tool in the center of either plank, then press down firmly on the topside with both hands to anchor it. It should stick to the plank securely enough to prevent slipping or scooting while you work. Once you get started, you’ll the shift the plank in the direction of the gap to close it off.


Avoid removing the block once it’s in place unless it’s absolutely necessary, as this may weaken the hold of the adhesive pad. Work your way toward the center of the floor and away from the wall. When using the floor gap fixer, it’s generally best to inch the problem plank towards the center of the floor, rather than outward towards the wall.

How to Clean Quarry Tiles?

If you have an older home, restaurant, or even gas station, you may have quarry cloud tile that needs cleaning. Quarry tile can develop a beautiful finish over time, but it can be a bit difficult to clean due to the fact it’s not glazed. Because it’s often not glazed, you’ll need to mop up spills quickly so they don’t stain. For the most part, all this floor needs to be clean is a simple mopping with warm water and a strong mop. Alternatively, use a pH-neutral cleaner if you need to do deeper cleaning on your floor.

Wipe up spills quickly. Because quarry tile is usually unglazed, it can be stained if you’re not careful. When something spills, be sure to wipe it up as quickly as you can so it can’t stain the floor. You can use a bit of warm water for cleaning, but wipe it up once the area is clean.

Use paint thinner on grease stains. If you get a grease stain that won’t come up even after mopping, you can use paint thinner on it. Ventilate the room by opening the windows and doors. Dip a cloth in the paint thinner, and let it sit on the stain. Cover it with a piece of plastic so it doesn’t dry out, and leave it for an hour or so. After waiting, lift it off, and wipe it down with a new cloth dipped in the solvent. Mop or clean as usual after that.

Pick a mop that won’t be broken down by quarry tile. This type of new slate tile can be coarse, meaning older string mops won’t stand up against it. Opt for a wet microfiber mop for heavy duty use, a looped-ends knit mop, or a tube mop head. A synthetic mop works best. Sweep the floor or vacuum. Before mopping, sweep up any debris with a standard broom and dustbin. You can also vacuum the area if you prefer. You just want to start with a debris-free floor before you mop.

Clean the floor with a little warm water and a mop. This type of wood tile typically doesn’t need a strong cleaner. For everyday cleaning, try dampening a mop with a bit of warm water, and then running it over the floor. Focus on particularly dirty areas as necessary. Dry the floor with a dry mop or rag to prevent mold. Once you’ve run water of the floor, be sure to dry it off thoroughly. It’s not good for water to sit in this floor, as it can mold more easily than other types of wall tile.