Resource Center
CARPET
Always check your manufacturer’s warranty and care instructions.
- Since most dirt and dust breaks down to hard particles, it’s important to vacuum regularly to remove from carpeting. If left in the carpet the sharp, gritty type particles can abrade the pile of the carpet. Regular vacuuming can prolong the life of the carpet and also enhance its appearance. Carpet soil is mostly the dry type and can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner.
- Vacuum high traffic areas daily, medium to high traffic areas two to three times weekly, and all carpeting in the house should thoroughly vacuumed at least once a week.
- Vacuum carpets with a rotating brush or beater bar. Be sure to change bags often and to also check the beater bars for any burrs or gouges so you do not damage the surface of the carpet. For thick loop pile carpets we recommend a suction vacuum only.
- Mats or runners should be placed inside all home entryways as well as on any uncarpeted areas adjacent to carpet to reduce soil and moisture in traffic areas. Mats and rugs placed over carpet should be cleaned regularly.
- Use of furniture coasters to distribute the weight of heavy items is recommended, especially for furniture with wheels. When moving furniture with wheels put a protective barrier between the wheels and the carpet.
- Close blinds or curtains/drapes during hours of direct sunlight to extend the beauty of your carpeting.
- Use extreme caution with all bleaches, tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food products. These are all strong chemicals that can permanently discolor or dissolve carpet fibers.
- Even with regular vacuuming, soil particles and oily dirt will cling to the carpet fibers. With foot traffic these particles and oily dirt are driven deeper into the carpet. We recommend professional hot water extraction every 18 to 24 months. Periodic cleaning, using the hot water extraction method performed by a professional cleaner, will refresh carpet appearance.
- The most used areas, such as entrances, doorways, heavy traffic areas, and in front of chairs collect dirt faster than other areas. Clean these areas as regularly or as soon as they begin to show soil. This stops dirt from spreading, and will extend the time between professional cleanings.
- Treat the affected area immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before treatment, the more difficult a stain will be to remove.
- First, gently scrape food spills with a dull spoon or knife to remove as much of the spill as possible.
- Always work from the outside edge of the stain to the center to avoid spreading further. Blot, do not rub or scrub, as the carpet may fuzz.
- When using a mild detergent, be sure to use a clear, non-bleach laundry detergent. Do not use cloudy detergents as they can leave a sticky residue. Use only a teaspoon of detergent to 32 ounces water. Follow up detergent cleaning rinsing with clear water. Blot area to dry as much as possible.
- For any stain removal, be sure to use a white cloth or paper towel for cleanup.
HARDWOOD/LAMINATE
Always check your manufacturer’s warranty and care instructions.
- Sweep, damp mop (not wet) or vacuum floors regularly. Use soft bristle or suction vacuum only. DO NOT USE BEATER BARS on hard surface flooring.
- Cleaning is recommended several times a week or as dirt and dust particles accumulate. Floors should thoroughly mopped or vacuumed at least once a week.
- Use soft bristle or suction vacuum only so as not to damage floors.
- Mats or runners should be placed inside all home entryways to reduce transfer of dirt or moisture from outside to inside in traffic areas. Clean mats or runners regularly.
- Use furniture coasters on all heavy furniture to avoid scratching of floors.
- Close blinds or curtains/drapes during hours of direct sunlight to extend the beauty of your flooring.
- Use only manufacturer recommended cleaning products for your flooring.
- Use extreme caution with all bleaches, tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food products. These are all strong chemicals that can permanently discolor flooring.
- Treat the affected area immediately upon discovery. Wipe up any spills immediately.
- Blot, do not scrape.
- Use only manufacturer’s approved cleaning products.
- For any stain removal, be sure to use a white cloth or paper towel for cleanup.
VINYL
Always check your manufacturer’s warranty and care instructions.
- Keep floors clean. Sweep or vacuum it every evening to keep dirt from getting ground in.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- To clean dirt that the broom or vacuum can’t get, use a mop dampened with warm—not hot—water.
- Place mats or runners at entranceways to keep out tracked in dirt and chemicals from asphalt. Asphalt can stick to your shoes and then track to the floor, causing it to discolor.
- Use mild cleaning methods (check manufacturer’s suggestions for cleaning your vinyl floor) Use a warm damp mop or sponge and always rinse with cool water. Do not drench floor with wet mop. Two mops are recommended: one for washing and one just for rinsing.
- If your floor is “No wax” do not wax. No wax vinyl has a clear polyurethane coating that makes it shine. Wax won’t adhere and will leave a mess you will have to strip off.
- No “mop and wax” products either.
- If you have an older floor that requires waxing, wax only when it loses its sheen but carefully follow directions on the cleaning label.
- Use floor protectors under heavy furniture (i.e.; tables & refrigerators) to prevent dents.
- Do not use rolling casters. Use felt tips instead to avoid harming vinyl.
- To move furniture, put appliance and heavy items on a plywood path. Do not drag or push them across your vinyl floor. This will scratch and scuff your vinyl flooring.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- If all else fails, use soap, but be sure the soap is designed for your flooring (recommended by manufacturer.)