HARD SURFACE CARE & CLEANING

General Tips to Keep Your Flooring in Great Shape
Your hard surface flooring will give you so much satisfaction in the years to come, but only if you keep it in great shape. Here are a few tips — common-sense precauctions that will make your relationship with any hard surface flooring a long and happy one.

Routinely Clean Your Floor
Routine care and maintenance are essential to maximizing the beauty and life of your flooring. Over time, normal foot traffic and soiling will cause a change in any flooring's appearance. Vacuum (without a beater-bar), dust mop, or sweep the floor on a daily or weekly basis to minimize abrasive grit and dirt. In very sandy areas or at the beach, you may want to vacuum or sweep more frequently. When using a liquid cleaner, be sure to dry it thoroughly to avoid a film. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for care and cleaning and for recommended products.

Blot Up Spills and Spots Immediately
The best cure for a spill is a fast response. Blot and clean spills and spots immediately to prevent staining. Begin at the outer edge and work toward the center to prevent the spill from spreading.

Caution: hard surface floors can be slippery when wet. Use extreme caution when walking on a wet floor.

Vinyl - Routine Maintenance
Occasionally damp mop the floor with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner to remove dirt build-up. As a substitute, 2-3 capfuls of clear, non-sudsy ammonia in one gallon of water may be used. Using more than the recommended amount of cleaner may leave a dull film. See your flooring retailer for more information.

Laminate - Routine Maintenance
An occasional wiping with a slightly damp cloth or mop, using the manufacturer's recommended cleaner, is all you need to do. Never flood the floor with water. Do not use soap-based detergents, as they may leave a dull finish on your floor.

Laminate flooring, like other smooth floors, can become slippery when wet. Allow time for floors to dry after washing. Immediately wipe up wet areas from spills, foreign substances, or wet feet.

Ceramic Tile - Routine Maintenance
Clean wall tiles by wiping with a damp cloth or sponge. Sweep or vacuum (without a beater-bar) floor tiles, then use a damp mop.

Hardwood Floors – Use Area Rugs
Use quality area rugs inside entryways to further prevent dirt and moisture from being tacked onto your hardwood floor. To prevent slippage, only use quality vinyl rug underlay from your retailer. Don't use rubber, foam back, or plastic mats as they may discolor the floor. Avoid excessive exposure to water from tracking during periods of inclement weather.

Area rugs and furniture should be rearranged occasionally as they block sunlight, which may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug. UV sunlight and direct lighting will change the color of different wood species to varying degrees.

Hardwood Floors – General Maintenance
Damp mopping is appropriate for some finishes – see your manufacturer's care instructions for guidelines. Never clean or wet mop your hardwood floor with water; it can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor. Do not use any wax or cleaner that must be mixed with water, such as oil soap, as this may ruin your floor and result in the loss of the warranty.

Do not use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder.