Care and Maintenance
BAMBOO FLOORING CARE & MAINTENANCE
Bamboo is an excellent natural floor covering material that’s suitable in both homes and commercial spaces. It’s eco-friendly and more affordable than prefinished and unfinished hardwood. With proper care and maintenance, bamboo floors can last for up to 25 years. So, how do you clean bamboo flooring and make it last as long as possible? Get general upkeep information and cleaning tips here.
MAINTAINING BAMBOO FLOORS
Dirt, debris, dust, sand, and other small abrasive particles can cause scratches and damage bamboo. To prevent scratching, you can place doormats inside and outside of each entrance. Area rugs can help prevent wear-and-tear –– just be sure to shake them out and clean them regularly. To avoid denting this semi-soft flooring material, we also recommend getting felt pads for the legs of your furniture and advise against dragging heavy items across the floor when you rearrange a room.
Both exceptionally humid and dry climates can cause damage to bamboo floors. In high humidity, the material is prone to expanding, and in arid environments, it may shrink. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help prevent this type of damage. Excessive sunlight can also discolor bamboo over time, but you can limit how much the color fades with the right window treatments. If you have pets, it’s a good idea to keep their nails trimmed short, bathe them often, and dry them off or wipe their feet when they come inside. High-heeled shoes can dent bamboo, and dark-soled footwear can create scuff marks. In general, shoes will track dirt, rainwater, and mud into your space. Some homeowners request that their family and guests remove their shoes when they enter.
HOW TO CLEAN BAMBOO FLOORING
Bamboo flooring should be swept, vacuumed, or dust-mopped often. This will prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can lead to scratching. The floor covering material is porous, which makes it susceptible to deep liquid stains, so spills should be blotted up immediately with a clean cloth. While bamboo is more resistant to moisture than hardwood, water should never be used for cleaning because it may cause the material to warp or expand. You can use a slightly damp mop to remove surface stains and dirt, but make sure the floors are completely dry within a few minutes.
THE BEST BAMBOO FLOORING CLEANING PRODUCTS
It’s crucial you use a cleaning product intended for the specific flooring material you have. Most hardwood floor cleaners work for bamboo as long as they are wax-free and non-alkaline –– but when in doubt, go with what the manufacturer recommends. Some great non-wax solutions for polishing your floors include Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Bona Free & Simple Hardwood Floor Cleaner. For best results, don’t spray the product directly onto the bamboo. Instead, spray it onto a mop head and gently polish your floors in a circular motion. With all floor cleaners, it’s best to follow the directions on the bottle, especially with products that call for mixing the solution with water. Visit the Carpet Town showrooms to get expert recommendations on cleaning products and supplies.
In addition to high-quality floor covering materials, we offer countertops, cabinets, window treatments, and full-service project support. Get a free estimate today from our Portland pros!
CARPET CARE & MAINTENANCE
WOOL CARPET
To keep your wool carpet looking beautiful you should vacuum regularly and thoroughly. An upright or canister vacuum with a rotating beater bar/brush is the best type for cut pile carpet. A suction-only vacuum should be used for shag and loop pile carpets to prevent excessive fuzzing and fraying.
Spills should be removed immediately. The best method to remove spills is to blot up liquids with a white, absorbent cloth. Solids should be scooped up with the end of a knife or spoon. Always keep a wool carpet spot removal kit such as Woolclean® for a quick response to spills and accidents. Follow the directions on the bottle. Recommended cleaners are available in our showroom.
NYLON CARPET
The best way to care for your nylon carpet is to vacuum regularly. For cut pile carpet, a vacuum cleaner with a rotating beater bar/brush which agitates the carpet pile and loosens dirt is recommended. For shag and looped carpet a suction-only vacuum is recommended to prevent, fraying, excessive fuzzing and damaging of the loops. The most common methods of cleaning nylon carpet are dry powder and steam cleaning.
Please note that many do-it-yourself products in aerosol cans can cause rapid re-soiling due to excessive residues. For spot removal on nylon carpets we recommend a non-residue cleaner such as Nylac®. Follow the directions on the bottle.
SHAG
Shag carpets have loose, long and less dense fibers. Because of these long, loose fibers they can hide a lot of dust and dirt. When selecting a vacuum cleaner it is important that it has a powerful HEPA filter. It’s also imperative to have a vacuum with large wheels to maneuver around the long fibers of the rug. Swivel heads don’t necessarily work well. For this reason a tough and sturdy vacuum is also recommended.
BERBER
Berber Carpets are best known for their loop pile construction. Because of these loops dirt and debris sit on top of the carpet instead of sinking into the carpet. This leads to frequent cleanings. It is very important to pick a vacuum cleaner that will have significant suction power. Berber carpets are also susceptible to loops getting pulled and snapped. Finding a vacuum that allows you to control the spinning brush will aid in avoiding snagging and unraveling your Berber carpet.
FRIEZE
A frieze carpet is a tightly twisted carpet with Fiber lengths between a plush and a shag carpet. The Tightly twisted fibers add to its durability. To avoid shredding your frieze carpet the proper vacuum cleaner would have a rotating brush that can be turned on and off.
PLUSH
Plush carpeting is identified by its smooth, dense cut pile fibers. These carpets require a vacuum cleaner with a lot of maneuverability. The perfect vacuum would be lightweight with large wheels. It is also crucial to have a vacuum with adjustable brush height settings. The settings should be set so the vacuum can easily glide the top of the carpet.
SOFT
Soft carpets require gentler cleaning action to avoid unnecessary wear to the carpet. Many vacuums have overly aggressive action, this could damage the carpet. There are 5 characteristics of a vacuum cleaner that would be appropriate to use with a soft carpet. These attributes include an adjustable height brush roll, light weight, large wheel size; adjustable motor speed and optional brush roll control.
CARPET FIBERS & MATERIALS EXPLAINED
From synthetic to seagrass, carpet fibers run the spectrum. Proper carpet maintenance means not only knowing your carpet type, but its material as well. Learn more about how to keep your carpet looking its best and lasting longer.
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Synthetic carpets consist of Nylons, Polyesters and Olefins. Synthetic fibers are extremely durable so you can use a vacuum with aggressive cleaning power without worrying. Beyond that depending on the type of carpeting would determine the best vacuum for your home.
NATURAL FIBERS
The most popular Natural Fiber is Wool carpeting. Wool carpeting is very durable and long lasting but it must be vacuumed with care. If a revolving brush is to be used on wool the bristles must be flexible and forgiving. This will ensure the fibers will not fuzz the yarns and prematurely wear the carpet.
OTHER CARPET MATERIALS
Other materials used in carpeting are sisal, seagrass, jute, mountain grass, bamboo, coir, cotton, viscose, tinsel, silk and leather. These types of fibers usually require specialty brushes that are very soft to not damage the fiber. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a specialty brush made specifically for your type of fiber.
LOOKING FOR TIPS ON WHAT CARPET TO CHOOSE?
You’ll want to check out our latest blog about carpet warranties. How do carpet warranties work and what do they cover? These are common questions our Portland customers ask us.
Have questions about the differences between wool and synthetic carpet? If so, you’re not alone!
Wool carpet has been used for centuries, but synthetic carpet materials have gained popularity in recent decades. Are you considering new carpet for your home remodel? To determine the right carpet for your unique needs and budget, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of both synthetic and wool carpeting.
LAMINATE FLOORING CARE & MAINTENANCE
The laminate flooring from Carpet Town is versatile, eco-friendly, and easy to install. The flooring material comes in an impressive assortment of styles that mimic the look of wood. Laminate is a great choice for almost any residential space. It’s durable, easy to clean, and scratch resistant.
After installing your new flooring, you may be wondering about the best way to take care of it so it lasts. Luckily, the natural durability of laminate floors from Carpet Town makes maintenance and cleaning a breeze.
HOW TO MAINTAIN LAMINATE FLOORS
Well-maintained laminate in residential spaces can last for up to 30 years. To prevent scratching and protect your floor’s finish, place area rugs or floor mats both inside and outside of entrances. This will prevent dirt, grit, rocks, mud, grease, and other outdoor particles from being tracked inside. Use anti-slip rug pads to keep your mats and rugs in place. In addition, vacuum your floors regularly to remove loose dirt and debris.
MOISTURE CONTROL FOR LAMINATE FLOORING
The most important thing to remember about maintaining laminate floors is that the material can become warped or damaged due to excessive moisture. Water damage may also void the warranty for laminate flooring. Try to avoid water coming into contact with your laminate floors and make sure spills are blotted or mopped up promptly. It’s also a good idea to maintain indoor humidity levels at 35 to 65 percent. During the winter, you can avoid shrinkage by using a humidifier, especially in rooms with a stove or electric heating unit. In the summer months, an air conditioner and dehumidifier will help your laminate floors maintain their shape.
HOW TO CLEAN LAMINATE FLOORS
Avoid steam cleaners, sponges, or string mops that collect lots of water. Instead, clean with a microfiber mop and blot spills as soon as possible with a damp cloth. For paint, oil, tar, makeup, crayons, or other spots that are more difficult to clean, use acetone (or nail polish remover) with a clean, white cloth. After gently scrubbing the spot, use a damp cloth to remove any residue and wipe the area clean. To remove sticky substances such as gum or wax, apply ice to the material to harden it, and then scrape it off with a plastic scraping tool or credit card. Wipe the area clean using a damp cloth.
For regular cleaning, use a broom, duster, or vacuum cleaner. If possible, vacuum your laminate floors with a hard floor attachment. To mop your floors, use a cleaning solution made specifically for laminate flooring. We recommend Bona Stone, Tile, and Laminate Cleaner or a cleaning solution from the manufacturer. Using a spray bottle, apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber mop and gently wash your laminate floors. Do not use soap, detergent, or any other liquid floor cleaner.
It’s also crucial to avoid abrasive cleaners that contain chlorine, bleach, or ammonia. Additionally, don’t use scouring pads or steel wool as they will scratch the material. Keep in mind that laminate flooring should not be waxed, buffed, or polished like traditional hardwood floors. Cleaning frequency will depend on where you live, the time of year, and how much foot traffic your floors get.
Your laminate flooring store in Sydney
Keeping your laminate floors looking great doesn’t take a whole lot of effort. If you prevent scratches, and clean your floors regularly, laminate will look good and hold up for many years to come. In addition to being the go-to laminate flooring store in Sydney, Carpet Town is your resource for all types of flooring materials as well as cabinets, countertops, and window treatments. We stock a variety of floor cleaning supplies and are happy to make recommendations. Contact us to learn more.
PREFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING CARE & MAINTENANCE
Hardwoods are a timeless floor covering choice that will look beautiful and hold up for decades. The material is more expensive than most other types of flooring, so it’s crucial that you protect your investment through proper care and maintenance. Prefinished hardwood floors are sanded and finished in the factory with a uniform, odorless coating. The planks are easy to install, durable, and relatively low-maintenance. Check out the prefinished hardwood cleaning and maintenance tips from the experts at Carpet Town.
MAINTAINING PREFINISHED HARDWOODS
One of the best ways to maintain prefinished hardwoods is to use rugs and mats, especially in high-traffic areas. Placing doormats both inside and outside each entrance will help you and your visitors avoid tracking dirt, debris, water, and mud onto your floors. Outdoor particles can scratch prefinished hardwood flooring, and rainwater and mud can cause moisture damage.
It’s also a good idea to attach felt pads under the legs of your furniture. This will prevent scratching when things shift or get moved around. Some people opt to rearrange their furniture every few years to even out wear-and-tear and color fading. If you have pets, you can prevent them from scratching and tracking dirt onto your floors by keeping their nails trimmed short, bathing them often, and wiping off their paws when they come inside.
HOW TO CLEAN HARDWOOD FLOORS
Prefinished hardwood floors are generally easy to clean. The most important thing is regular sweeping, vacuuming, or dust-mopping. Follow these steps to ensure your floors stay protected and looking their best.
- For best results, sweep or dry-mop daily (or as often as you can), paying attention to corners, nooks, and crannies. Microfiber mops work best for prefinished hardwood, but if you sweep, just be sure to use a broom with soft bristles to avoid scratching.
- Vacuum your floors with a vacuum cleaner that does not have a beater bar. A beater bar can scratch the surface of your floors. Vacuuming helps remove dirt and dust that has built up in the corners of the room.
- Water should never be used to clean your hardwood floors, and wet-mopping should be avoided. Also, to prevent staining and moisture damage, spills should be tended to immediately. Blot spills with a clean cloth until the floor is completely dry. For large spills and substantial dirt buildup, you’ll want to use a hardwood-specific cleaning solution.
- It’s best to clean your floor once per week with a cleaner specifically made for your flooring. Many flooring manufacturers make cleaning solutions for their products. You can consult the manufacturer’s website for more information, or simply get in touch with our team. We carry myriad cleaning supplies for all flooring types.
THE BEST CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR PREFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS
While you shouldn’t mop with water, we do recommend polishing your floors with a wax-free solution from a leading brand, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto your floors. Instead, apply it to a mop head and gently polish the planks. When in doubt, always follow the directions on the bottle. Bleach, ammonia, and oil-based cleaners should not be used with prefinished hardwood floors. When it comes to soft microfiber mops, we are partial to the Bona Premium Spray Mop because it is easy to use, sturdy, and efficient.
CARPET TOWN IS YOUR FLOORING RESOURCE IN SYDNEY
The knowledgeable staff at Carpet Town can help you select the best cleaning solutions for your flooring. We have manufacturer-recommended floor cleaners and polishing products available in our showrooms.
UNFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING CARE & MAINTENANCE
The quest for a natural wood floor that is scratch resistant has given false hopes to people thinking that it exists. Although hardwood finishes are extremely durable, there is no natural material that is “scratch-proof”. Some finishes happen to be more durable than others, but never scratch resistant. A good quality finish will last 5-15 years, with no maintenance other than routine cleaning. The amount and type of traffic on a floor will determine how long and how well the finish will hold up.
Using a cleaner that leaves no residue will keep the floor looking good and give the option of doing maintenance coats when the floor starts showing signs of wear. This is where solid wood floors shine in the fact they can be sanded to bare wood when the floor becomes aesthetically un-pleasing. Floors that are coated with a finish applied at a factory, such as engineered hardwood, floating and solids are coated with several layers of aluminum oxide, which provides an extremely durable finish that is maintained the same way as site-finished materials.
VINYL FLOORING CARE & MAINTENANCE
Keeping your vinyl floors clean will make them look great and last for many years to come. Thoroughly clean your vinyl floors once a week using a vacuum, broom, or dry mop to remove dirt, dust, or any buildup of hair.
HOW TO CLEAN VINYL FLOORING
Avoid using a beater brush vacuum attachment as it may damage the finish of your floors. Instead, opt for an attachment specified for hard floors. Next, use a vinyl-specific cleaning solution with a damp mop. Clean your floors, rinsing frequently with hot water.
Alternatively, an apple cider vinegar and water mixture can be used to effectively clean your floors. Use a cup of apple cider vinegar per one gallon of water. Because of the shiny polyurethane coating, polishing is not necessary for vinyl.
To prevent stains, spills should be wiped up from vinyl flooring as soon as possible using a damp cloth. Oil and grime can be removed with a resilient floor cleaner such as Mannington® Rinse-Free Cleaner for Vinyl Floors or Armstrong Once ‘N Done® Floor Cleaner. A baking soda and water combination can also be used to remove deeper food stains including wine, juice, and tomato sauce. Create a thick paste with baking soda and water and rub it into the stain with a cloth until the color lifts.
RINSE YOUR FLOORS CLEAN.
To remove denser substances such as ink, lipstick, crayons, or paint, scrub rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover onto the material using a soft cleaning brush. Avoid abrasive cleaning brushes, steel wool, and scouring pads as they can scratch vinyl flooring. Bleach, ammonia, chlorine, and other harsh cleaning solutions should also not be used.
HOW TO MAINTAIN VINYL FLOORING
In addition to cleaning, vinyl floors must be regularly maintained and protected from damage. Avoid moving heavy appliances, furniture, or wheeled objects across your vinyl flooring. Dirt, rocks, asphalt, and other outdoor particles can scratch and discolor vinyl. Prevent dirt and debris from tracking on your floors by placing doormats or area rugs both inside and outside entrances. This will also help to minimize scratches. In addition, you can minimize dents and scuffs by putting felt pads or vinyl coasters underneath all furniture.
Well-maintained vinyl flooring can last for up to 20 years. Vinyl flooring is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas as long as it is well-maintained and cleaned frequently. Over time, dirt and other particles can wear down its finish. For best results, sweep your floors every one to two days. This will eliminate buildup of dust and debris, making your weekly cleaning regime much more manageable.
Recommended floor cleaners and polishes are available in our showroom. For more detailed information about cleaning and maintaining the flooring or carpet material in your home or business, contact us at Carpet Town or the manufacturer of your floor covering product.