When it comes to flooring products, it's important to know everything you can about their care and maintenance.

This will ensure that you get the most out of your floors for many years to come. The first section of this article covers Carpets and Area Rugs, and further down the page you'll find care tips for Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl, and Tile.


Carpets and Area Rugs

Learn how you can keep your Carpet or Rug looking fresh with these easy maintenance tips.

Invest in a Welcome Mat
Place mats outside all entrances, and clean them regularly. A well-maintained entrance mat can reduce the amount of dirt and grime tracked into your home. Avoid bringing dirt inside by taking off your shoes whenever possible.

Keep Your Area Rug and Carpet Clean
Clean your Area Rug regularly — and if it is sitting on a carpeted surface — remove it occasionally to fluff the carpet's fibres. When you wash your carpet, allow it to dry completely before replacing the Area Rug. The ink in some rugs may bleed, so test them for colourfastness before placing them on a carpeted surface.

Deep-clean your carpet every 18-24 months to get rid of ingrained dirt. It is recommended that you seek out the aid of a carpet care professional to avoid warranty issues.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
The more often you vacuum your carpet or rug, the better. Regular vacuuming will prevent dirt found on your carpet's surface from being ground into the depths of the fibres, where it can cause damage. This is especially true of high-traffic areas. For these areas, five to seven passes of the vacuum may be required. For all others, two to three passes should be sufficient. Remember to alternate the direction of your vacuuming occasionally to prevent matting and ensure your carpet or rug retains its pile shape. For best results, use a vacuum with a beater bar attachment.

Use a Quality Carpet Pad
The right type of carpet underpadding can provide added comfort and increase your carpet's longevity, especially if it covers a set of stairs. Some carpet warranties carry specific density requirements, so be sure to review before investing in a carpet underpad.

Rearrange Your Furniture Occasionally
Move heavy furniture once in a while to prevent pile crushing, or those depressions that you find under the legs of a heavy table or chair. Consider using carpet protectors under your furniture to better distribute its weight.

Protect Your Carpet When Moving Furniture
When moving heavy, wheeled furniture, consider laying a protective track of cardboard or plywood between the carpet and the wheels of the furniture. This will minimize damage to the carpet's fibres. You should choose chairs or appliances that have rollers or casters specifically designed for carpeted floors.

Avoid Exposing Your Carpet to Direct Sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight may cause your carpet to fade. Reduce this exposure through the use of blinds, shutters, drapes, or awnings.



Wood, Laminate, Vinyl, and Tile

Whatever your choice in hard surface flooring, these simple instructions will help you preserve its beauty for years to come.

Clean Smart
Cleaning your hardwood, laminate, vinyl or tile floor is an easy process: simply sweep, dust, or mop the floor using a specialized cleaner. For shoe scuffs, use a synthetic scouring pad. Just remember to avoid using wax, polish, and abrasive or ammoniated cleaners, as they can damage your floor. Steel wool and buffing machines can also irreparably etch a floor's surface. Don't wet-wash your flooring, as water can warp wood, cause delamination, and joint line separation. This can void the floor's warranty.

Act Quickly
Try to blot up spills with a moist cloth as soon as possible. Don't allow liquid to pool on your floor. For problem spills such as oil, paint, lipstick, or tar, dab acetone or nail polish remover on a clean, white cloth, and apply directly to the affected area. Wipe down the remaining residue with a second damp cloth.
 
Practice Preventative Maintenance
To prevent scratching or dulling from dirt, sweep your floor regularly. When vacuuming, use the hard floor attachment instead of the beater bar. Clean your floors periodically with a product designed specifically for use on hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile. If you own a pet, keep its nails trimmed. Maintain a normal humidity level indoors (35-65%) to help minimize the expansion, contraction, and warping of wood products.

Use Entry
Mats
Consider placing mats at all the entrances to your home. These mats will help to collect the dirt and grime that would otherwise be tracked inside. An area mat with a properly fitted rubber underpad will protect your flooring, as well as enhance its beauty.

Floor Protectors
Use floor protectors on furniture — the heavier the piece, the wider the protectors should be. Avoid dragging furniture across your floor at all costs. Keep spare vinyl or tiles on hand to replace worn-out areas. Treat cork flooring with a special water-based polyurethane sealant in areas that are prone to moisture.


NOTE:
We want to ensure that the quality of our flooring lasts in your home. If you are ever unsure of maintenance procedures, please feel free to ask us to find out the exact cleaning techniques from the manufacturer. Alternatively, look up the supplier's website to find product specific instructions.

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