General Floor Care

Importance of Maintaining your Flooring Investment

Routine maintenance is essential in keeping the fresh look and feel of your new investment for as long as possible. No matter what type of flooring or countertop you have chosen, there are a number of steps you can take to care for them. We have many products available to help keep your flooring and countertops clean and looking new. Ask one of our knowledgeable sales staff for more information on the many products we have available.

General Floor Care

Use Mats or Rugs by Entrances: Mats and rugs should be used by entrances to absorb soil and moisture. They should be cleaned regularly so they do not become sources of soil themselves. Caution: Some rubber backed mats or dye-in-braided and cotton rugs may cause permanent discoloration.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Protect flooring from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, or awnings to prevent fading.

Use Floor Protectors: Use floor protectors on the bottom of furniture to reduce indentations/scratches.

Rolling Casters: Be careful w/rolling casters as they can damage your floor.

Keep your floor clean: Sweep/vacuum your floor regularly to keep loose dirt from scratching, scuffing, or being absorbed into your floor.

Carpet

Vacuum Regularly: Vacuuming your carpet regularly will keep the dust and dirt from being absorbed into your carpet. Medium to high traffic areas should be vacuumed twice weekly, and the entire house at least once a week.

Use Area Rugs: If you use area rugs over your carpet, be sure to remove and clean them regularly. Clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath and carefully check that the rugs are not letting off any dye before putting them back on the carpet.

Spot and Stain Removal: Prompt attention to spots and spills is essential. Remove as much of food spills as possible by scraping gently with a spoon or dull knife. Absorb spills as quickly as possible by blotting repeatedly with white paper or white cloth towels. Always blot a spot working from the outer edge in toward the center. Do not rub or scrub. Always follow up with lukewarm water to remove detergent residue that may become sticky and cause rapid re-soiling. Remove any extra moisture with towel.

Ceramic Tile

General: Use a silicone sealer on grout joints to prevent staining. Do not use harsh cleaning agents (such as steel wool pads) which can scratch to damage the surface of your tile.

Tile Floors: Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles. Damp mop using solution of water and soapless detergent.

Wall Tile: Wipe with damp cloth or sponge using all-purpose cleaner. Use window cleaner for glossy surfaces. Wipe dry with cloth.

Shower Tile: Use an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner. Allow to stand for five minutes rinse and dry. You may also use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a commercial tile cleaner.

Counter Tops

Use hot pads to keep pans off counter. Ceramic plates and cups can scratch finish. Use small amounts of baking soda and water to get stains out or use cleaners without bleach. Keep areas caulked to prevent water damage.

Wood/Laminate

Immediately wipe up spills. Place area rugs or runners in high traffic areas. Remember that flooring around rug may fade so move your rugs around often. Spot clean your floor as needed and completely clean several times a year with wood/laminate floor cleaners. Do not use water or soap-based detergents which may leave a dull film.

Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring materials which can scratch the floor. Do not wax or polish laminate floors. Keep your pet's claws trimmed as they may scratch the floor. Maintain proper climate and humidity controls. A temperature of 70 degrees and 35-50% humidity levels are ideal.

Vinyl

Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Wash floor periodically with manufacturer recommended vinyl cleaners. Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaners or "mop and shine" products as they may leave a film on your floor. Also do not use abrasive scrubbing tools. When moving appliances or heavy furniture, lay a plywood panel on your floor and walk the item across it. This protects your floor from scuffing and tears.