Flooring Care and Maintenance Tips

Flooring care and maintenance

Buying a new floor can be overwhelming and exciting to say the least. Who doesnt love a fresh new floor to come home to? Caring for that new flooring can be even more of a guessing game if you are unsure of how to clean them. No worries! We are here to help with some flooring care and maintenance tips from the pros!

Caring for your Hardwood Floors

Temperature and Humidity

Keep room temperature at ± 72°F (± 22°C)
Maintain relative humidity (RH) at 45% all year round
Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to control relative humidity
Avoid temperature variations more than 5°F (± 3°C) per day *Never exceed 80°F (27°C) surface temperature

Prevention and Protection

Avoid mats with rubber backing which trap dirt & moisture
Never use floor wax, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Zep, Pledge, oil-based detergent, furniture cleaners or any household cleaner on the floor, at any time.
These household products can dull the finish, make the floor slippery and/or leave greasy film and streaks marks.

Caring for your Carpet

Cleaning

  • Cleaning your carpet is easier than you think. All it takes is the right vacuum, cleaning products, and a little know-how. Here are a few tips on removing common stains the right way.
  • Always treat the affected area immediately. The longer the spill sits there, the harder it’ll be to remove the stain.
  • For a food spill, gently remove as much solid material as you can with a spoon, or adull knife. Add water and blot, using detergent sparingly if needed. Then, using the highest suction function, vacuum back and forth, adding more water to the stain as you go until completely clean.
  • If you need a spot removal solvent, use a product approved by The Carpet and Rug Institute of America. Apply several drops to a clean white cloth and blot the carpet in an inconspicuous area. If you notice a change in the carpet color, consult a professional carpet cleaner.
  • If stains remain after cleaning, moisten tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for one hour. Blot and repeat until completely clean.

Keeping your carpet beautiful

Follow these simple tips to keep your carpet’s color and texture looking fresh.

  • Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent soil from embedding itself in the pile.
  • Depending on the type of carpet you have, you’ll want to use a vacuum with a rotating brush, a beater bar, or suction only.
  • Keeping traffic and other use factors in mind, consider professional cleaning every 12 to18 months.
  • Use scissors to clip sprouts and snags. Don’t pull on them—you might damage the carpet.
  • If your carpet is burned, simply remove the tops of the dark, burnt fibers with curved fingernail scissors. If the burn is extensive, you may need to patch or replace it.
  • Remove heavy furniture dents by stroking the dented area with the edge of a coin. You can also use a hair dryer or a steam iron, but be very careful not to touch the carpet with the iron.
  • For extensive water damage, consult professional cleaners to dry your carpet from the front and back.

Tips for softer carpet

  • Adjustable Height. Use the highest setting on your vacuum where appropriate.
  • Efficient Airflow. Avoid vacuums with very concentrated or sealed suction.
  • Large Wheels . A vacuum with large wheels is easier to move across soft carpeting.

Caring for your new tile floors

Tile is known for its water resistance and easy cleaning. With the right maintenance routine, your tile floors, walls, and countertops will look great and last for years.

Basic Maintenance

Sweep or vacuum floors to remove any dust or debris before using any cleaning products. Damp-mop your tile floor at least once each week (more frequently for heavy traffic areas) to decrease wear and abrasion from grit and soil.

Glazed Tile

Clean regularly with an all-purpose, non-oil-based household cleaner that’s compatible with cleaning grout joints. Use an everyday multipurpose spray cleaner to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew on wall tiles in your bath or shower.

Un-glazed Tile

Use concentrated tile cleaners that have a neutral pH for regular cleaning. These will safely remove grease, oils, and normal spills—just check to be sure the cleaner is intended for the application, use, and traffic level. Clean glass tile with any nonabrasive cleaner recommended for either glass or tile.

Tips for preventing damage

  • Test scouring powders and sealants on a small area before cleaning the full area.
  • Use a sealer on grout joints shortly after installation and use products compatible with cleaning grout joints.
  • After cleaning, rinse the entire area with clear water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
  • Have any damaged or broken tile removed and replaced only by a qualified tile contractor.

Extra Protection

Invest in high-quality floor mats and protective pads under heavy furniture for an extra layer of protection to your tile floors. Place floor mats at entrances and exits—they collect and trap corrosive substances that can be tracked in, like dirt, sand, oil, grit, asphalt, or even driveway sealer. Placing mats in high-traffic areas—in front of vanities, kitchen sinks, and stoves—is an effective way to reduce tile wear.

What to avoid

  • Any cleaners containing acid or bleach shouldn’t be used for routine maintenance.
  • Avoid wax-based cleaners and oil-based detergents, and use sealants on grout joints only.
  • Harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads or any scouring pads containing metal shouldn’t be used on tile.
  • Un-glazed tile should not be cleaned with an agent that contains color.