AREA RUGS
Maintenance:
Always use a good rug pad. Padding protects the rug from heavy use thereby extending the life of your carpet.
Vacuum, close curtains in hours of direct sunlight, and use furniture coasters.
Rotate your rugs every six months when possible.
SPOT REMOVAL GUIDE
Apply the recommended removal agent to a clean towel or cloth, not directly to the spot. Use small quantities at a time. Always work inward from the edges to prevent spreading. Do not rub because this may cause the spot to spread or distort the pile. Try not to over wet the carpet pile. Afterwards, blot as dry as possible with a clean towel.
You will need the following items for spot cleaning. The numbers are keyed to the stain, and all should be used in the recommended sequence. Some stains may require professional cleaning based on the age of the stain.
Types of treatment:
- Cold water.
- Detergent solution. Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm (not hot) water.
- Ammonia solution. Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup of water.
- Solvent. A dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores).
- Ice. Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Shatter residue, pick or scrape off and vacuum.
- Vinegar solution. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.
- Warm water (not hot).
- Clear nail polish remover (preferably acetone).
- Alcohol or methylated spirits mineral turpentine.
- Rust remover.
- Absorbent powder (e.g. salt, talc or commercial absorbent powders).
- Absorbent cleaner (Capture).
HARDWOOD
Stones, dirt and sand tracked in from outside can cause scratches in your hardwood floor. Be sure to place welcome mats at all outside entrances. Vacuum regularly. Use furniture coasters when you move furniture as not to scratch your hardwood floor. Do not damp mop or use oil soaps; the best thing to use is the manufacturers recommended cleaning products.
LAMINATE
Laminate floors will give years of performance if you follow some regular maintenance procedures. Even though these floors are extremely durable they can be scratched so protect your floor from grit and sharp objects.
- Use felt pads, or wide based casters underneath all chair and furniture legs.
- When moving heavy objects across the floor always use extra care and place walk off mats by all exterior doorways.
- Vacuum your floor regularly using soft brush attachments and wipe with a damp cloth or mop when needed.
- Do not polish or wax these floors.
- Never try to refinish or sand a laminate floor.
- Do not use steel wool or any harsh abrasive cleaners on the floor.
- For additional care procedures always refer to the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions and recommendations.
TILE
Wash tiles regularly with a mild, diluted detergent. (Avoid ammonia-based cleaners as they may cause some discoloration.) Thoroughly rinse with warm water. Sweep or vacuum your tile on a regular basis. Non-epoxy grout joints should be treated with a silicone grout sealer twice a year to help preserve the grout color and to prevent discoloration from spilled liquids.
BAMBOO
- Vacuum or sweep floor regularly. Remove spills promptly.
- Use area rugs with non-abrasive or felt backing on high traffic areas. Move your area rugs occasionally to maintain a uniform appearance in the floor's finish which may be affected by abrasion, sunlight or other factors.
- Install "wood guards" on "feet" of furniture.
- When moving heavy furniture or appliances, always pick up the item rather than sliding it across the floor.
- Keep pet's claws trimmed to avoid excess scratches or gouges.
- Use sheer drapes, curtains or blinds to limit direct sunlight on your floor. Sunlight will cause the Natural color to darken slightly. The Caramelized color will lighten due to the UV rays. Stained colors will also be affected by the sunlight.
- Maintain humidity levels between 40% and 60% year-round.
CORK
Sweep daily. Clean regularly with water and a mop. You may periodically use wood floor cleaners diluted with water. Do not use oils or waxes.