Care and maintenance is the key to keeping all your floors looking new. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but many of us don’t know the proper maintenance procedures and that could lead to not only dirty floors but damages as well. Here are a few maintenance tips for your floors to keep them safe and looking like new for a long time.

Carpet

All carpet manufacturers warrant their product providing the carpet is well maintained. Carpet should be professionally steam cleaned at least every 18 to 24 months. You should keep receipts for all cleaning. Should an issue arise, the manufacturers will ask for your proof of cleaning. If the issue is from their product and not lack of proper maintenance, they will almost always honor their warranty. Another important key to keeping your carpets looking like new is investing in a good vacuum cleaner. You should choose a vacuum cleaner with an adjustable beater bar, as the beater bar should just contact the pile of carpet enough to vibrate the carpet lightly. Vacuums without an adjustable beater bar are not recommended. Also, be aware that some vacuums have an overly aggressive action, which may damage the surface of your carpet. Keeping your carpet swept is the best care you can give it. Carpets receive a terrific beating in ordinary every day use from pounding traffic, dirt, grit, dust, and oily cooking vapors. Frequent vacuuming is the key to keeping your carpet looking new.

Hard Surface Floors (Vinyl, Hardwood, Laminate, Ceramic)

Many hard surface floors require similar maintenance. You should always sweep often to keep grit and dirt from harming the finish. Clean often with the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner. Wipe up all spills promptly and place mats at outside entrances to help prevent dirt from being tracked onto your floor. Make sure table and chair legs have floor protectors, and always be careful when moving heavy appliances or any heavy furniture. Avoid narrow heeled or stiletto heeled shoes. These types of shoes can damage even the hardest floor, and damage from narrow heals is considered abuse and is not covered under any warranty. When sweeping any hard surface floor with a vacuum that has a beater bar, make sure the beater bar is raised to the very highest level. If your vacuum doesn’t have an adjustable beater bar, do not use it.

More Information For Specific Hard-Surface Floors

Laminate – Only clean your laminate floors with laminate cleaner. Do not apply floor polishes, detergents, soaps or waxes to your laminate floor. Never use scouring pads or steel wool to clean your floor. Keeping your laminate floor clean by using the proper laminate cleaner is the best care you can give it.

Hardwood – Never clean with soap and water. Clean only with recommended hardwood cleaner. Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth. Real wood floors will show signs of wear over time, depending on the size and lifestyle of your family. By observing a few precautions, and using the cleaning and maintenance program recommended by the manufacturer, you can expect years of beauty from your wood floor.

Ceramic Tile – Clean often with recommended ceramic cleaner. Avoid using bleach or oily cleaners. Grout is porous and is subject to staining if not sealed. There are many grout sealers on the market that are easy to apply. If you have an existing area in your home where the grout has discolored or just needs a new look, you can stain it. A new grout color can change the look of your existing tile dramatically.

Vinyls – Clean often with recommended vinyl cleaner. Keeping your vinyl floor clean is the best care you can give it.

If you find yourself in need of any floor cleaning services such as professional carpet cleaning, grout cleaning, strip and waxing, etc., consider giving the professionals at ASJ a call. To receive your free estimate simply click one of our “Get A Quote” buttons or give us a call at 717-632-2241.