Floor Maintenance & Care

The majority of stain complaints are actually soil related. Many sugar-based spills such as soft drinks and coffee leave sugar residue after removal; this sticky residue attracts soild from ordinary shoe traffic.

It is important to rinse thoroughly with water after using a detergent solution to clean up a spill.

• No carpet is completely stain proof. Some carpets have stain resistant treatments to improve your ability to clean up stains, not prevent stains.
• All carpets require regular maintenance and caring for your carpet will protect your investment and prolong the life of your carpet.

A good checklist to handle spills should include the following items. Do not use any household cleaners other than those listed, since many products contain chemicals that may permanently damage your carpet.

1. A solution of mild liquid detergent that is a clear, non-bleach liquid dishwashing type product.
2. A solution of 1-part white vinegar to 1-part water
3. white cloths or paper towels
4. An ammonia solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 cup water- DO NOT USE ON WOOL OR WOOL BLEND PRODUCTS.

• Walk-off mats used at all entrances will absorb soil and moisture.
• Move heavy furniture occassionally to avoid excess pile crushing. Carpet coasters will help distribute weight and prevent crushing the pile.
• Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades or awnings.

• Wipe up spills immediately with a dampened towel.
• You should clean your floors regularly with a professional wood floor cleaning product.
• Vacumm or sweep throughout the space prior to cleaning the hardwood/laminate. We recommend BONA hardwood spray. For ideal cleaning, spray a 5′ x 5′ area at a time with the Bona spray and using a bona cloth mop, wipe off any remaining cleaner before moving to the next area to begin cleaning. Allow the area to dry completely before walking on the surface.

• Do not “wet mop” floors… standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave residue that discolors the hardwood finish
• Avoid walking on your hardwood/laminate floors with cleats, sports shoes or high heels.
• When moving heavy furniture, it is best to pick up furniture completely as sliding can scratch and damage the flooring.
• For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink.

• Always move heavy furniture and appliances with care to avoid gouging or tearing the floor.
• Wash your floors using a suitable floor cleaner such as Bona or Armstrong Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner. Never use Pledge or anything with a slick residue as it will make your floors slick and dangerous. Consult your salesperson to see what type of cleaners are right for your floors.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit that can abrade, dull or scratch your floor. Do not use a vacuum with a beater brush because it can damage your floor’s surface.
• Wipe up spills promptly with a damp cloth or mop.
• Avoid dishwashing liquids and oil-based cleaners (Pledge). These may leave a residue which can attract dirt and dull your floor’s finish. Avoid cleaners that contain abrasives or solvents which may permanently damage your floor.

• The tile may require cleaning a couple of days after installation due to a haze left as a result of the grouting process.
• Keep the traffic to a minimum during the first 24 hours to allow the thinkset and grout to harden. Then open to light foot traffic only for the next 24 hours. Resume normal foot traffic after 48 hours.

• Always move heavy furniture and appliances to avoid crushing, breaking or cracking your tile.
• Wash your floors using a tile cleaning product such as Armstrong Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner.
• Avoid dishwashing liquids and oil-based cleaners (Pledge). These may leave a residue which can attract dirt and dull your floor’s finish. Avoid cleaners that contain abrasives or solvents which may permanently damage your floor.