Maintenance Products and Equipment
How to Care for your Carpets and Floors - General Advice
As soon as your new floor is fitted you will want to preserve its value, prolonging its longevity and its natural beauty.
Listed below is general advice, applicable to all floor coverings, that can add years to your floors life.
Keep it Clean
Regardless of the kind of floor you have, regular cleaning is the key to keeping it in good condition.
This usually means cleaning on a weekly basis and prompt attention to any stains and spills.
Dirt can dull your colours and small grit or debris particles can abrade surfaces and fibres as you walk across your floor.
Beware of over cleaning, every operation carries a slight risk of removing stain protection or damaging fibre bulk, colour or surface finish and always avoid using harsh abrasives such as steel wool, sandpaper or scouring pads.
Keep it Protected
Consider some form of dirt trapping, either a doormat or porch area.
Make sure that there are cups or felt pads underneath the legs of all pieces of furniture.
Avoid small or narrow castors that can overload and indent your flooring.
If you need to move something heavy across your floor ensure you have enough people to help and place a protective layer or sheet beneath the item if you are dragging it.
Identify areas of high traffic, usually pathways between doorways or where you change direction, say at the bottom of stairways and consider safe specific measures for these areas.
Check your footwear for protruding sharp metal or trapped glass, consider carpet slippers and avoid stilettoes.
Keep your pets nails short and stop your teenagers from putting their hot hair dryers or straighteners down onto your floor.
Ask the Experts
Do not forget to ask the Sales person or floor fitter what is the best way to keep your flooring pristine.
Check out the manufacturers web site and brochures for specific tips on maintenance of their products.
Read the Instructions
Always read the instructions on any cleaning material, never exceed the recommended concentrations and test first on an unseen area.
Where appropriate finish off with clean water to remove excess detergent that once dried will give a sticky surface to collect dirt.
Get correct Equipment
It is false economy after spending hundreds if not thousands on your dream floor to rely on a cheap vacuum cleaner.
A few extra pounds spent wisely here can bring a huge return on your investment.
Remember to discuss or seek advice from your flooring supplier on the recommended settings for your vacuum cleaner.
Likewise a professional mop or duster can assist you greatly in your regular cleaning regime.