Aftercare & Maintenance

General guide to Carpet Care

1. Daily Maintenance

Dry Dirt Removal

Carpets should be vacuumed daily using a commercial suction cleaner with a revolving agitator, the agitator being a bristle strip type.

Other key factors to vacuuming include the following:

• Vacuum motor input of a minimum of 1000 watts
• Preferred separate motors for both vacuum suction and pile agitator
• Large capacity top filling dust collection
• Hand held suction tool attachment

The effectiveness of the cleaning is dependent upon the regular replacement of bristle strips/brushes and the emptying of the dust collection area.

Spot Cleaning (Stain Removal)

To ease the process of stain removal, prompt action is required.

The following rules should be observed when removing stains from a carpet :

• Apply the shampoo or chemicals in small quantities, avoid over wetting the carpet.
• Work from the edge of the stain inwards to prevent spreading the stain
• Do not rub the pile, blot with tissues or an absorbent cloth.
• After treating the affected area, rinse with clean water and cover with a wad of tissues weighed down with a suitably heavy object until dry.
• Avoid walking on the area until dry
• Dry absorbent powders are available which will assist on situations where cleaning personnel are unavailable.

2. Periodic Maintenance – Wet Cleaning

Wet cleaning ought to be carried out in accordance with an agreed schedule, with the areas of most heavy traffic or those areas subjected to the highest level of soiling requiring more frequent cleaning. Wet cleaning is used to remove oily, greasy and other tacky substances and accumulated soiling which discolours and otherwise affects the pile of the carpet. The most appropriate method of wet cleaning is to use spray extraction cleaning. This is also referred to as hot water extractions, hot water rinse and steam cleaning or rotary/cylindrical brush shampooing. The frequency of wet cleaning is dependant upon the effectiveness of the daily maintenance. It is important with all carpet structures not to over wet when cleaning. Cleaned areas must be allowed to fully dry before being reopened for use.

SHAMPOO AND SPRAY EXTRACTION CHEMICALS: because some cleaning techniques leave residues of shampoo or spray extraction chemicals in the carpet, it is essential that they confirm to certain minimum requirements.

• They should leave a dry, powdery, preferably crystalline residue
• They should have a neutral pH
• Good cleaning powder
• No added bleaches, dyes etc.

Suitable products are those which are “Woolsafe Approved” and carry the required product certification.

3. Treating Stains – Spot Removal

Treat stains immediately.

Mop up fresh stains while they are still wet with a clean cloth or piece of kitchen paper. Concentrated or dried substances should be carefully loosened with a spoon or the blunt edge of a knife and then

brushed or vacuumed off. Moisten water-soluble stains with a small amount of water and remove loose dirt by vacuuming or dabbing. Many stains cannot be removed by using a solvent alone. For this purpose there are various stain removers available tothe public which contain organic solvents. Only a damp white cloth should be used for the solvent. If the nature of the stain is not known, the usual treatments as stated in 2 & 3 above should be tried first. If this isunsuccessful, the stain should be treated with carpet shampoo and then dabbed. Work from the outside of the stain andwork inwards. It is advisable to allow the treated area to dry first and then apply stain removers. The carpet shampootreatment can be repeated if necessary.Never rub the pile with excessive force as this will damage the surface.For cut pile carpets it is recommended that after the moistened area has dried, the surface should be brushed up in thedirection of the pile.

The treated area must be allowed to dry thoroughly before it is walked on. This will prevent rapid re-soiling.

Tips For Specific problems

Fluffing

When a carpet is new, loose fluff may appear on the surface. This is merely loose bits of short fibre left in the pile by the manufacturing process. They represent only a minute proportion of the fibre in the pile and will gradually disappear with use or vacuuming.

Sprouting

A single tuft rising up from the pile surface is called a sprout, which should be trimmed with scissors. Do not pull the tuft or it may unravel and cause a hole in the carpet.

Burns

This problem is minimised with carpets made of wool, because wool is more flame retardant then other carpet fibres. If a cigarette has scorched the pile of a wool or wool rich carpet rub the damaged ends of the pile, with for example the edge of a coin, gently to remove the burnt tips of the pile. If the carpet is light-coloured, any remaining discolouration can be removed by rubbing with sandpaper, or failing that with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Indentations

A compression mark made by furniture is minimised with wool or wool rich carpets as they are highly resilient. Gentle moistening of the indentation with water aids recovery of damaged areas.

Castor Chairs

It is strongly recommended that a protecting mat or similar is used under the castor chairs.

Planning and long term care of Carpet Installations

Careful planning before carpets are chosen and fitted enhances their appearance and extends their lives. Seek advice about what types of carpet and fitting systems are suitable for the locations and whether any floor preparation work is needed. Health and safety aspects of the installation need to be considered at this stage. Use competent carpet installers. Fitting work should be carried out using the methods described in the current edition of BS 5325, Code of Practice for the Installation of Textile Floor Coverings

Prevention

Installation of entrance or barrier mats

These are intended to minimise the time and effort required for routine and periodic maintenance. Entrance mats are of two kinds, HEAVY and LIGHT duty.

HEAVY duty mats are usually placed outside to remove lumps of soil, snow and the like. Commonly they are made of metal strips and/or rubber blocks.

LIGHT duty mats are placed inside entrances to remove as much as possible of the remaining soil from shoes. These are usually made of cotton, viscose or coir, which readily collect soil. They can easily become saturated with soil and can even add to the soil brought into buildings. To prevent this they should be maintained regularly hosing, brushing, vacuuming, shaking or replacement as required. For best results they should be at least two strides long so that both shoes are cleaned.

General guide to Vinyl Floor Care

The new vinyl floors are extremely durable and long lasting, but like any floor covering they still need regular maintain to stay looking like new. Follow these general guideline for vinyl flooring. For more detailed information always refer to the manufacturer's written floor care procedures.

Care After Installation

• For the first 24 hours after your new floor is installed protect all the seamed areas and don't walk on the seam sealer.
• Keep the room at 68* F or greater for at least a 2 days after installation to allow the adhesives to setup properly.
• Do not roll heavy objects directly on to a newly installed vinyl floor for at least 5 days. This can cause the vinyl and adhesive to become compressed, once the adhesive sets up any compressed marks will become permanent. Always lay plywood or underlayment to disperse the weight of a heavy objects being moved across your vinyl floor.
• Allow 5 days before thoroughly washing your floor. This will give time for the adhesive to cure.
• Before placing chairs or furniture on your new vinyl floor check the condition of all casters or rollers before setting them on your floor. Replace any worn casters or rollers.
• For the first 24 hours after your new floor is installed protect all the seamed areas and don't walk on the seam sealer.
• Keep the room at 68* F or greater for at least a 2 days after installation to allow the adhesives to setup properly.
• Do not roll heavy objects directly on to a newly installed vinyl floor for at least 5 days. This can cause the vinyl and adhesive to become compressed, once the adhesive sets up any compressed marks will become permanent. Always lay plywood or underlayment to disperse the weight of a heavy objects being moved across your vinyl floor.
• Allow 5 days before thoroughly washing your floor. This will give time for the adhesive to cure.
• Before placing chairs or furniture on your new vinyl floor check the condition of all casters or rollers before setting them on your floor. Replace any worn casters or rollers.

General Vinyl Floor Care

• Vacuum regularly to remove grit and sand. Wash your floor occasionally with the manufacturer's recommended floor cleaner, such as Armstrong's Once 'n Done No Rinse Cleaner, or Mannington's Award Cleaner.
• Wipe up spills immediately. If needed clean with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner. You can also clean with luke warm water and clear ammonia.
• If you floor becomes dull looking you may need to add the manufacturer's recommended floor polish to restore the orginal gloss level. First, try cleaning with luke warm water and clear ammonia to see if there is a film on your floor causing the dullness.
• Never use abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes, or solvents on your vinyl floor.
• Place non-staining, walk-off mats at every outside entry to your room. This will help keep sand and grit from being tracked on to your floor.
• Vacuum regularly to remove grit and sand. Wash your floor occasionally with the manufacturer's recommended floor cleaner, such as Armstrong's Once 'n Done No Rinse Cleaner, or Mannington's Award Cleaner.
• Wipe up spills immediately. If needed clean with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner. You can also clean with luke warm water and clear ammonia.
• If you floor becomes dull looking you may need to add the manufacturer's recommended floor polish to restore the original gloss level. First, try cleaning with luke warm water and clear ammonia to see if there is a film on your floor causing the dullness.
• Never use abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes, or solvents on your vinyl floor.
• Place non-staining, walk-off mats at every outside entry to your room. This will help keep sand and grit from being tracked on to your floor.

Vinyl Floor Care Tips

• If your floor gets a cut or gouge in it, cover the area immediately and call your professional floor covering store. A professional installer can repair the area, but if the cut is filled with dirt it may be difficult to repair correctly.
• If you purchase an inexpensive PVC vinyl floor you should consider placing 2-3 coats of the recommended floor polish on the floor immediately. Any vinyl floor with a PVC wear layer will show scuffs, scratches, and other marks very easily, by adding the coats of floor polish you will make the floor easier to maintain.
• If you have a seam open, cover it immediately, do not wash that area, and call a floor covering professional to come and repair the seam.
• When moving heavy objects across your floor place plywood, or underlayment sheets down first and move the object over the plywood sheets.
• If your floor gets a cut or gouge in it, cover the area immediately and call your professional floor covering store. A professional installer can repair the area, but if the cut is filled with dirt it may be difficult to repair correctly.
• If you purchase an inexpensive PVC vinyl floor you should consider placing 2-3 coats of the recommended floor polish on the floor immediately. Any vinyl floor with a PVC wear layer will show scuffs, scratches, and other marks very easily, by adding the coats of floor polish you will make the floor easier to maintain.
• If you have a seam open, cover it immediately, do not wash that area, and call a floor covering professional to come and repair the seam.
• When moving heavy objects across your floor place plywood, or underlayment sheets down first and move the object over the plywood sheets.

Laminate floors can give you many years of performance if you follow some regular maintenance procedures. While laminate floors are extremely durable they can be scratched so protect your floor from grit and any sharp objects.

Laminate Floor Cleaning tips

• Use felt pads, or wide based casters underneath all chair and furniture legs.
• When moving heavy objects across the floor always use extra care and place walk off mats by all exterior doorways.
• Vacuum your floor regularly using soft brush attachments and wipe with a damp cloth or mop when needed.
• Do not polish or wax these floors.
• Never try to refinish or sand a laminate floor.
• Do not use steel wool or any harsh abrasive cleaners on the floor.
• For additional care procedures always refer to the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions and recommendations.

Not all laminate floors are the same and you should obtain a copy of the manufacturer's floor care instructions when buying your floor. Be sure to take a moment and read the instructions so you understand how to properly care for your new laminate floor.

Hardwood Flooring Care

General wood floor care tips.

• Don't Damp Mop - Water and hardwood floors don't mix! Use only the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products on your hardwood floor.
• Vacuum Regularly - Small stones, mud and gritty dirt tracked in from outside can scratch the finish of your wood floor's finish. 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.
• Use the Proper Chair Glides - 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 it's feet. For extremely heavy objects such as a piano, use wide, non-staining rubber cups. Purchasing floor protectors is cheap insurance for protecting your hardwood floor investment.
• Don't Use Oil Soaps - 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. The best suggestion is to only use the manufacturers recommended cleaning products on your hardwood flooring.
• Never Wax a Urethane Floor - If your hardwood floor has a polyurethane finish never use a paste wax on the floor's surface. A paste wax may form a sticky film on your floor and allow tracked in dirt to stick to your wood finish. Polyurethane finishes will not adhere to any wax and adding a fresh coat of polyurethane to your floor will be very difficult.
• Wipe Spills Immediately - when accidents happen and some liquid gets spilled on your hardwood floor, you should use a slightly damp white cloth, or paper towel to immediately clean up and dry the effected area. For more difficult spots, follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures.
• Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and recommendations.