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Floor Care - Carpet
Walk-off mats should be used at the exterior of all entrances to absorb the soil and moisture. They can help trap the excessive dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that would otherwise be tracked into the home. Mats should also be cleaned on a regular basis so they don't become sources of soil themselves.
Use a quality pad
You should always use a quality pad under your carpet, particularly on stairs. A good carpet pad not only gives better resilience and comfort underfoot, it can extend the life of your carpet. Because some carpets carry warranties with specific density and thickness requirements, be sure and review your warranty before purchasing your pad. Click here to learn about Shaw's Soft Foundations line of carpet cushion.
Occasionally move heavy furniture
Move heavy furniture occasionally to avoid excessive pile crushing. You should also use floor protectors designed for carpet under the legs of tables, chairs, and other furniture to help distribute the weight. Do not use chairs or appliances with rollers or casters without a chair pad designed specifically for carpet or damage can occur.
Protect carpet when moving furniture
When moving heavy wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.), prevent damage by placing a protective barrier of heavy cardboard or plywood between the wheels and the carpet.
Clean your area rugs
If you use area rugs on your carpet, be sure to clean them regularly. Clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath as well. Also, be sure to check area rugs for colorfastness before placing them on carpet because the color in some rugs may bleed through. After cleaning your carpet, allow it to dry completely before replacing rugs.
Reduce periods of direct sunlight
Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, or awnings.
Floor Care - Hardwood (Cleaning)
make sure you...
- Use a damp cloth to blot spills and spots as soon as they happen. For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, tar, or cigarette marks, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on the floor.
- Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt or grit that can scratch or dull the floor
- Occasionally wipe the floor with a damp mop or cloth.
When cleaning, make sure you DON'T...
- use oil based, wax, polish, or strong ammoniated or abrasive cleaners, or use steel wool or scouring powder.
- wash or wet-mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.
- use any type of buffing machine.
* For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
* Do not use any type of buffing machine
Other routine care instructions:
- For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Do not use any type of buffing machine
Floor Care - Hardwood (Protecting)
or protecting your hardwood flooring, make sure you...
Use protective mats
Good quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that can otherwise be tracked onto your flooring. Do not use rubber- or foam-backed plastic mats as they may discolor the flooring. To prevent slippage, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment.
Use floor protectors on furniture
Use floor protectors and wide-load bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector should be.
Maintain Relative humidity level
Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 45 and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood.
- Heating Season (Dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.
- Non Heating Season (Wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier or periodically turning on your heating system can maintain humidity during the summer months. Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.
Avoid sharp objects.
Sharp or pointed objects can nevertheless damage it.
Watch your feet
Don't walk on your flooring with stiletto-style heels, spiked golf shoes or cleats. They may cause indentations in your flooring.
Watch your pet's feet
Keep your pet's nails trimmed to keep them from scratching your flooring.
Rearrange your rugs and furniture
Periodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the flooring to age evenly. UV sunlight will soften the tone of different species of hardwood to varying degrees.
Protect the floor when moving
Use a dolly when moving heavy furniture or appliances. But first, put down a sheet of quarter-inch plywood or Masonite to protect the floor. Never try to slide or roll heavy objects across the floor.
Floor Care - Hardwood (Repairing)
For repairing your hardwood flooring...
Minor damage to your hardwood floor can be repaired using Color Fill and Color Sealant. These special products are matched to the color of your floor and, when used properly, will make the damaged area virtually invisible. In addition, the repaired area will hold up to traffic and wear.
Color Fill is used for repairing minor nicks, scratches and gouges in hardwood or laminate flooring and for filling nail and screw holes in hardwood or laminate moldings
Color Sealant is used to fill the expansion space at the perimeter of hardwood or laminate flooring or around door facings and other vertical surfaces.
Floor Care - Laminate (Cleaning)
CLEAN your laminate flooring with these general guidelines
- Remove loose dirt by using a non-beater bar vacuum or a dust mop.
- With a damp mop or cloth, clean your laminate flooring once a week with a vinegar solution (1/4 cup of white vinegar to 2 gallons of clean tap water) or a nonabrasive household cleaner, such as ammonia and water solution. Do not saturate the flooring.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, soap-based detergents, waxes, polishes, or scouring powder because they may scratch or dull the flooring surface.
- Wipe up spills immediately. Avoid allowing liquids to stand on your flooring.
- A more frequent dust mopping or vacuuming schedule may be required in high traffic or sandy areas.
- For tough spots, such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape the spot with a plastic scraper. Even a credit card will do. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Do not use any type of buffing machine.
Floor Care - Laminate (Protecting)
PROTECT your laminate flooring from scratches and wear
Any laminate flooring may scratch if not maintained properly. Follow these simple steps to keep your flooring looking like new.
Use protective mats
Good quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, moisture, grime, and sand that can damage your laminate floor.
Use floor protectors on furniture
Place glides or floor protectors under furniture legs. For items on caster wheels, use only clean, seamless plastic wheels to prevent scratches.
Frequently vacuum
Frequently vacuum using a non-beater bar vacuum cleaner or dust mop to remove dirt and grime.
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