FLOOR CARE

We want your repeat business, but we also want the product we install for you to last. Follow our floor care instructions to help you keep your floors looking their best.

Carpet & Rugs
Hard dirt and dust particles can damage the pile of your carpet. Regular vacuuming will remove these particles, enhance your carpet's appearance and prolong its useful life.

  • Vacuum high traffic areas daily, medium to high traffic areas twice weekly and the entire house at least once a week.
  • With the exception of thick loop pile carpets that can fuzz, use a vacuum with a rotating brush or beater bar to loosen soil.
  • Steam clean every 18–24 months to extract dirt deep in the carpet.
  • Avoid strong chemicals such as bleach, tile cleaner, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food that can permanently discolor or dissolve carpet fibers.
  • Use mats or runners in high traffic areas and clean these coverings regularly.
  • Use furniture coasters to distribute the weight of heavy items.
  • When moving furniture, place a protective barrier between furniture and carpeting.
  • To prevent fading, close drapes or blinds during hours of direct sunlight.
  • Treat stains immediately to prevent them from becoming permanent:
    • Scrape the spill gently with a spoon or dull knife to remove as much as possible.
    • Use a mild, clear, non-bleach laundry detergent to clean (1/4 teaspoon detergent to 32 oz. of water).
    • Use a white cloth or paper towel to clean stain.
    • Work from the outer edge of the stain towards the center to avoid spreading.
    • To prevent fuzzing, blot, don't scrub.
    • Follow with a clear water rinse and then blot dry.

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Wood
While their beauty is unparalleled, there are steps you should take to enhance the appearance and longevity of your wood floors.

  • Vacuum (felt vacuum head), sweep or dust mop at least once a week.
  • Wipe up spills and tracked-in dirt immediately.
  • Periodically perform a thorough cleaning with a good hardwood floor cleaner.
  • Never clean or wet mop with water; may damage floors.
  • Never use ammonia or wax-based products, detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soap, abrasive cleaners or acidic materials (such as vinegar) as they can pit or etch the floor.
  • Use interior and exterior doormats, as well as area rugs in high traffic areas to prevent tracking dirt.
  • Keep animal nails trimmed and avoid walking on wood floors with spike-heels to avoid scratches.
  • Do not roll or slide heavy objects across floor; instead, carefully "walk" the item.
  • Use furniture leg protector pads.
  • Protect floor from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

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Laminate
Laminate is extremely low maintenance, but still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best.

  • Vacuum regularly.
  • Wipe spills with a damp cloth or sponge.
  • Mop occasionally with manufacturer's recommended cleaner.
  • Do not use soap-based detergents or "mop and shine" products, as these may leave a dull film on the floor.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder as these can scratch.
  • Do not use wax or polish.

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Vinyl
Although extremely low maintenance, regularly cleaning your vinyl floor will keep it looking beautiful longer.

  • Sweep vinyl floors at least once a week.
  • Mop occasionally with manufacturer's recommended cleaner; avoid soaps, cleaning powders and detergents as they will leave a film.
  • Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains.
  • Place doormats at home entrances to prevent dirt tracking; avoid latex-backed, rubber-backed or coco-fiber mats.
  • Use plywood or sheets of underlayment to protect floor when moving heavy objects.
  • Protect floor from sunlight that can fade or discolor.
  • To restore high-gloss, use manufacturer's recommended polish.

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Ceramic Tile & Stone
Ceramic tile requires less care than most other flooring, but there are steps you can take to maintain its beauty.

  • Vacuum or sweep regularly.
  • Wipe up spills immediately to avoid grout stains.
  • Wash floor regularly with a mild, diluted detergent solution such as Mr. Clean or Spic and Span; rinse thoroughly.
  • Avoid ammonia-based cleaners as they may discolor grout.
  • Never wax.

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Cork & Bamboo
Beautiful and natural, with routine maintenance, cork and bamboo flooring will last for years.

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly.
  • Clean spills right away.
  • Use only cleaners specified for use on pre-finished hardwood.
  • Cleaning with water is not recommended.

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