Carpet Care
* Vacuum at least once a week!
When dirt and dust are left in a carpet, they become gritty, sharp particles that grind down the pile of the carpet.
Using a vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush will loosen the dirt making it easier for the vacuum to remove soil. Vacuums with top-loading bags are preferred over bottom-loading bags.
* Change the disposable bag or empty the vacuum often.
Carpet with thick loop pile construction (Berber) may be sensitive to brushing, rubbing, or scraping of the pile surface which may cause fuzzing and pile distortion. It is recommended that vacuums with suction action only be used on these styles.
Carpet sweepers and electric brooms are useful for picking up crumbs and surface soil, but it is important to know that they will not deep clean.
* Use preventative maintenance
It is important to use runners at each entry to the home. This will greatly reduce the accumulation of dirt on your flooring.
Clean Spots and Spills Immediately! For best results, give prompt attention to spots and spills.
* Use a spoon or dull knife to remove solid materials.
* Blot up liquid spills with a white towel.
* Never rub, scrub, or use a brush. This may cause damage to carpet fibers.
* Use a cleaning agent and procedure appropriate for the type of stain being removed.
* Apply all cleaning agents to the cloth rather than directly to the stained area to avoid saturating the carpet when spot cleaning.
* Clean the fibers, not the backing.
* Do not rush. Deep stains might require repeat cleanings because they can "wick" back up after initial cleaning.
* Work from the outside to the center of large stains. This prevents spreading.
Your carpet should be professionally cleaned at least every 12 to 18 months depending on traffic in your home.
Hardwood Care
Take good care of your hardwood floors and they will last a lifetime.
* Water and hardwood floors do not mix! Use only the manufacturers recommended cleaning products on your hardwood floor.
* Small stones, mud and gritty dirt tracked in from outside can scratch the finish of your wood floor. To help combat this, use long bristle welcome mats placed at all outside entrances for people to wipe their feet on before entering onto the floors. Also, vacuum using a soft bristle brush attachment.
* Narrow wheels, sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs can scratch and dent hardwood floors. Any furniture that rests directly on top of a hardwood floor should have felt protectors, or furniture coasters under all legs.
* There are many over the counter oil-based soaps and wax based cleaning products that may damage or dull the finish of your wood floor. Only use the manufacturers recommended cleaning products on your hardwood flooring.
* If your hardwood floor has a polyurethane finish never use a paste wax on the floors surface. A paste wax may form a sticky film on your floor and allow tracked in dirt to stick to your wood finish. Wax will not adhere to a polyurethane finish and may make re-application of polyurethane difficult.
* When accidents occur and liquid is spilled on your hardwood floor, use a slightly damp white cloth, or paper towel to immediately clean up and dry the affected area. For more difficult spots, follow the manufacturers recommended cleaning procedures.
