Carpet Care
Regular Maintenance
The key to good carpet maintenance is to avoid particles of loose dirt and dust from working their way into the carpet pile where they will act abrasively on the fibres and discolour the carpet.
- Vacuum your new carpet regularly at least two or three times a week.
- A large, strong doormat will reduce dirt from outside being spread around the house.
- Avoid where possible laying light coloured carpets next to external entrances.
- Loop pile carpets should be vacuumed with a cylinder cleaner using the suction head only.
- Cut pile carpets should be vacuumed with an upright cleaner with beater bar and brush.
- Light coloured carpets or heavily soiled carpets should be cleaned by a competent, professional carpet cleaner. (Click on the "A-Mark" link opposite.)
Man-made fibre carpets and wool twist pile carpets should be vacuumed regularly as soon as they are laid to pick up any isolated particles.
Spot Cleaning
Follow these general rules below for dealing with spillages. For more persistent or unusual stains contact a professional carpet cleaner. (Click on the "A-Mark" link opposite.)
- Spillages are more easily removed if tackled immediately so act promptly and blot off all the liquid stain with dry kitchen roll or a clean dry white cloth. Semi solid substances should be removed with a plastic spatula.
- To clean off any remaining stain use a clean damp cloth soaked in warm water to blot the stain. Use a dabbing action with the cloth and then blot out the remaining liquid with dry kitchen towel.
- Do not rub the pile surface of your carpet or oversoak the stain.
- Always work from the outside of the stain inwards to minimise the stain spreading.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is virtually maintenance-free. Routine cleaning requires you only to vacuum, use a dust mop, or a slightly damp (not wet) mop and dry with a clean, cotton cloth. The only product that you will need to use to clean your floor on a regular basis is either water (distilled if your area has particularly hard water) or a proprietory laminate floor cleaner.
NEVER use a wax, polish, oil, or varnish coating on the floor. Do not use detergents, oil soaps, or one-step clean and shine type products, or any product that squirts liquid directly on the floor. Never steam-clean your laminate.
For dry maintenance, use a dust mop or vacuum cleaner. Avoid vacuum attachments with ‘beater bars’, which could damage your floor.
FOR BEVEL EDGED PRODUCTS, WE RECOMMEND DRY MAINTENANCE ONLY.
For damp maintenance: Apply your proprietory laminate cleaning product or water lightly to a dry, soft cloth (never directly to the floor) and wipe over the floor. Only use a well wrung out cloth and dry immediately after until no moisture is visible.
WET MAINTENANCE IS NOT RECOMMENDED! Never wet mop or use wet or steam-cleaners on your floor.
Remove stubborn stains carefully with a little acetone (fingernail polish remover) on a soft cloth. Never use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or scouring powder, as they will scratch your floor.
Remove any excess water immediately.