Carpet Vacuuming
In order to extend the life and beauty of your carpet it is necessary to vacuum regularly. In high traffic areas this could be as much as once a day. Vacuuming not only keeps the carpet clean, but helps to keep the nap in an upright position.
Spills
Spills should be dabbed up and spot cleaned immediately. Be sure to color test your spot cleaner in a non visible place, i.e. a closet, first. Carpets should be cleaned professionally regularly, i.e. annually.
Resilient Flooring
No Wax
The resilient flooring in your home is the no wax type. This means the floor is coated with a clear finish to protect its luster and increase its wear protection. All resilient floors do require some type of application of a floor finish, see your manufacturer’s recommendations for use and care. Take care not to scrub and buff your floor regularly because this is hard on its finish.
Moving Furniture
Caution should be taken when moving furniture on your floor. Small and sharp legs can cause rips and tears in the surface. Coasters or floor protectors should be installed for protection.
Imperfections or Nail Heads under the Surface
Occasionally, nail heads will work themselves up due to movement in the floor. These nails are specially designed not to move, but occasionally it still becomes a problem. To reset the nail, lay a flat board over the protruding nail, and hit it with a hammer to reset the nail.
Seam Lifting
Due to shrinkage and fluctuating moisture conditions a seam may separate, lift or curl. Special caulking can be used to reseal these affected areas. Care should always be taken to keep water off the floor.
Yellowing
Rubber backed floor mats and area rugs interfere with the floors ability to dissipate moisture. This can cause yellowing; therefore we do not recommend these type products be placed on your resilient floor.
Wood Floors
Hardwood floors will react noticeably to fluctuating humidity conditions. The use of a humidifier will help to minimize these fluctuations.
Maintenance
The key to maintaining the beautiful finish of a new hardwood floor is preventative maintenance. Food spills should be cleaned with a dry cloth. Provide mats on the exterior entrance to the floored area. This will help to eliminate dust and dirt which can scratch the finish. The floor should be swept on a daily basis to remove debris. Areas of high traffic most likely will still display some signs of losing their finish.
Ceramic Floors
This is one of the most care free type floors installed in your home. Simply vacuum as needed. Occassionally, the floor may need mopping. Do not use a cleansing agent. Use simply, a warm water to mop and dry excess. If something more powerful is needed mix into the water a small amount of dishwasher crystals.
Grout touch ups
To repair shrinkage cracks in grout lines, simply hand mix the dry grout with water to get a workable consistency. Then apply liberally to the affected area, and wipe up excess with a wet sponge. As the grout dries you may have to buff the surrounding tiles with a clean dry cloth to remove the chalky film residue. When finally dry repaired grout may not match the existing grout exactly. Areas adjacent to tubs, toilets, etc can be repaired with a suitable silicone base caulking.
Grout Discoloration
Grout that has yellowed, or become soiled can be cleaned with a fiber brush and the cleanser mentioned above. Grout whiteners and cleaners are commercially available.
Grout Sealing
Commercially manufactured grout sealers are available to protect your grout from staining. They have not been applied to your floor. We have found that repairs to floors that have had their grout sealed are less likely to match the remaining grout in color. Use of this product is strictly a homeowner decision.
Marble
Marble is a natural, soft porous and fragile product. Wipe spills up immediately, and clean with only water. Chips, color variations and cracks often occur. Plan to have this type of floor refinished professionally every two to three years.
