Floor Covering Maintenance Guidelines
Provided are general guidelines for floor covering maintenance. Please refer to the manufacturer for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Maintenance Instructions
Carpet
- Walk-Off Mats: Place at high-soil entrances, i.e. from backyards, garages etc.
- Sweeping: Thoroughly vacuum to remove loose dirt and dust from the fibers. Use a vacuum with a good beater bar and maximum suction. If your vacuum uses bags, be sure to change them frequently. Don't vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag. Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet.
- Cleaning: Blot up as much liquid or debris as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Do not rub or scrub the area. Use warm (not hot) water to rinse the stain. Press clean cloths deeply into the carpet to take up moisture until the stain no longer appears on the cloth. Thoroughly rinse the area with warm water then absorb the excess dampness with a clean cloth. Once dry, vacuum to restore texture and appearance.
- Furniture Protection: Heavy furniture can compress or crush carpet pile and leave indentations. Rearrange your furniture periodically.
- Environment: Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and ability to withstand wear. If possible, be sure to use window treatments that offer some protection against sunlight.
Ceramic
- Walk-Off Mats: Place non-staining walk-off mats or rugs at every outside entry to help keep sand and grit from being tracked in.
- Sweeping: Sweep regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust, or other particles. Don't use a vacuum with a beater bar as it may scratch your floor.
- Cleaning: Damp mop regularly. To spot clean use a sponge or clean cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove leftover residue. Wipe dry with a clean towel. Avoid using steel wool, scouring powders or other abrasives that can scratch the finish. Don't use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, these can discolor your grout if used too often. Do not clean glazed tile with oil-based cleaners.
- Furniture Protection: Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.
Hard Surface
- Walk-Off Mats: Place walk-off mats or rugs at entryways to collect dirt and grit or in any areas where water may be splashed. Avoid using rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs as they can damage your floor.
- Sweeping: Sweep, dust mop or vacuum regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust, or other particles. A vacuum (without a beater bar) can be helpful in between planks.
- Cleaning: Occasional damp mopping is suggested. After damp mopping a clean dry cloth should be used to wipe your floor thoroughly. Never use vinegar, acetone or lacquer thinner to clean your floors. Avoid using steel wool, scouring powders or other abrasives that can scratch the finish. Do not use soap-based detergents or 'mop and shine' products. Spills should be removed immediately. Do not wax or polish your floor.
- Furniture Protection: Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.
- Environment: The optimal humidity range for your hard surface floors is between 35-55 percent. Occasional fluctuations outside that range won't hurt your floors long-term, but if you notice it's particularly humid or dry for more than a day or so, you might want to take steps to control the humidity inside your home.
Hardwood
- Walk-Off Mats: Place walk-off mats or rugs at entryways to collect dirt and grit or in any areas where water may be splashed. Avoid using rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs as they can damage your floor.
- Sweeping: Sweep, dust mop or vacuum regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust or other particles. A vacuum without a beater bar can be helpful in between planks.
- Cleaning: Spray cleaner on a cloth and lightly rub the stained area. Sticky spots can be cleaned with a damp towel or sponge. Floors with a urethane finish should never be waxed and require cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue. Do not use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps. Never wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor.
- Furniture Protection: Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.
- Environment: The optimal humidity range for your wood floors is between 35-55 percent. Occasional fluctuations outside that range won't hurt your floors long-term, but if you notice it's particularly humid or dry for more than a day or so, you might want to take steps to control the humidity inside your home.
Sheet Vinyl
- Walk-Off Mats: Place non-staining walk-off mats or rugs at every outside entry to help keep sand and grit from being tracked in. Avoid using rubber-backed mats or rugs, they can damage or discolor the floor.
- Sweeping: Sweep regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust, or other particles. Don't use a vacuum with a beater bar as it may scratch your floor.
- Cleaning: Mop with clean, warm water. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools. Never use abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes or solvents.
- Furniture Protection: Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage.