Floor Care Tips from the Flooring Experts at Service Floorcovering, Inc.

Service Floorcovering, Inc. has been in business for over 46 years. With our years of experience, we have accumulated knowledge and become experts in not only our products and services, but also in the continuing maintenance and care for our products. Our goal is to not only make sure our customers are getting the best products and services, but also to offer tips on how to maintain and clean the product to make it last as long as possible. 

How to Care for your Carpet

The lasting beauty of your carpet will be directly related to the care you provide. No carpet is maintenance free. There are simple rules to follow to keep your carpet in peak condition.
  • Stop dirt at entryways and vacuum frequently. Use wipe off mats at entrances to reduce outside dirt from being tracked onto carpet. The best way to reduce soil accumulation and prolong the life of your carpet is to vacuum! Most dirt, even dust, breaks down the pile of your carpet. How frequently should you vacuum? This depends on the amount of traffic and soiling your carpet is exposed to. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar to agitate the pile more effectively.
  • Remove spills. Anything spilled on a carpet should be cleaned promptly, with the appropriate procedure.
  • Clean most-used areas. The most used areas of the carpet -- entrances, doorways, traffic lanes, around a favorite chair -- are going to collect dirt much faster than the remainder of the carpet. Cleaning these areas when they just begin to look soiled stops the dirt from spreading to the rest of the house and can extend the time between professional cleanings.

A Description of Carpet Fibers:

Nylon

Nylon is the most common of all carpet fibers, and its high durability makes it a popular choice for areas of the home that receive high foot traffic. Resistant to most dirt, mildew and moisture, this fiber is also known for its ease of maintenance and non-allergenic properties.

PET Polyester

This is an excellent fiber choice for the budget conscious. Polyester shares many of nylon’s non-allergenic, moisture and wear resistant properties but lacks the same degree of durability.

Polypropylene

This fiber was first used in carpets designed for use outdoors and in spaces with high levels of moisture and humidity. Color-fastness, resilience, and resistance to water damage, mildew, and piling are important benefits of this fiber. Polypropylene fiber is also recognized for a luxurious appearance and outstanding softness.

Other Floor Care Tips

  • Sweep, dust, mop or vacuum your floor daily to remove loose dirt and grit before it can scratch the surface of your floor.
  • Thoroughly clean the kitchen twice as often as other areas.
  • While most food spills will not harm the surface, it is advisable to promptly wipe up with a dry cloth or paper towel. The spill should then be cleaned with a recommended cleaner.
  • Never clean your hardwood with water. Never use products such as soaps, detergents or oil soaps to clean your floor.
  • Only use products recommended by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is not known, a general hardwood floor cleaner (e.g. Bonakemi) can be used.
  • Place area rugs or mats at doorways and in front of the kitchen sink to help catch dirt, grit and water. Never use rubber or plastic backed rugs, as it may damage the floor. Solid cotton is highly recommend.
  • Never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors.
  • Spike heels, cleats or work shoes can damage wood floors. Even a woman of average build with spike heels on can exert 2000 psi when she takes a step.
  • Humidity control is highly recommended. To reduce excessive shrinkage in the humidifier is recommended in the winter, while air conditioning or a dehumidifier is recommended for the summer.
  • To move furniture properly across a wood floor, it should be picked up.
  • Narrow guides and certain types of casters can damage hardwood floors. It is recommended to change to the wide type to help prevent damage.
  • Fabric protectors are a must for all furniture legs. This will help prevent scratching and dents.
  • Most finishes should not be waxed. Please ask a professional or manufacturer.
  • Keep pet nails trimmed regularly. Try to keep animal play on your wood floors to a minimum.
  • Try to keep potted plants off of your floor. This will prevent condensation build up which can damage your floor.
  • Children's plastic push toys can scuff the surface of wood. It is recommended to keep this to a minimum.

Protect Your Beautiful New Floor with Proper Maintenance. A Description of Carpet Fibers:

  • Place a natural or colorfast mat at outside entrances to collect tracked-in dirt and absorb excess moisture.
  • For added indentation resistance, use Armstrong felt floor protectors on chairs and other furniture. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be. You may purchase Armstrong floor care products from us - we have them in stock!

Recommended Routine Care

  • Vacuum, use a dust mop or wipe with a damp cloth.
  • For spills, just wipe up with a cloth or sponge.
  • Do not use soap-based detergents or "mop and shine" products, as these may leave a dull film on your floor.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder, which can scratch your floor. And, in very sandy areas or at the beach, sweep or vacuum regularly.
  • Do not wax or polish your floor.
  • Laminate flooring, like other types of smooth floors, can become slippery when wet. Allow time for floor to dry after washing. Immediately wipe up wet areas from spills, foreign substances, or wet feet.

Spring Cleaning

  • Use a well-squeezed damp mop with Bruce Dura-Luster No-Wax Floor Cleaner. A light damp mop is all you need!

Tough Spots

  • Remove tough spots like shoe polish, tar and asphalt driveway sealer with nail polish remover containing acetone (follow use instructions on label). Then wipe with a damp cloth.  If you have questions or need more information, call us today at 586-294-0020!