CARE & MAINTENANCE
These tips and suggestions are general information only and should not solely be relied upon. Consult the manufacturers’ care and warranty guide that pertains directly to the product you have purchased as each manufacturer and product can have unique attributes. There is no substitute for professional cleaning. If in doubt about removing a stain or cleaning a floor, consult a professional cleaning company and seek specific advice for your brand and floor type.
CARPET
What is the best type of carpet to own?
There are two main categories of carpets sold in Australia;
- Synthetic Fibres: nylon, polyester, polypropylene and triexta
Generally easier to maintain, more stain resistant, more easily cleaned with common spot treatment products and can be steam cleaned.
- Natural Fibres: wool
Grow in nature, are harvested and processed into fibres, require specialty cleaning products and professional cleaners specially trained in dealing with the particular fibre type, and a higher cost of maintenance.
Should I steam clean my carpet?
Yes. Carpet should be professionally steam cleaned every 12-18 months to revitalise your carpet. Shampooing, do-it-yourself steam cleaning or dry cleaning is not recommended.
How do I clean triexta carpets?
1. Immediately remove as much of the spill as possible, by applying pressure with white paper towels or tissues. DO NOT SCRUB OR RUB. Work from the outside of the stain or spillage towards the middle to avoid spreading.
2. Cold water is all that’s needed to remove most stains from triexta carpets. Apply clean cold water to the affected area with a sponge or spray, avoid over-wetting the carpet and blot up with a sponge. Repeat until no discolouration is evident in the carpet or removed water. Repeat the cleaning 4 or 5 times to remove any remnant stain hidden in the pile.
3. Press-dry with a clean white cloth or white paper towel to remove excess moisture. DO NOT RUB.
4. After spill or stain has been treated, place several layers of white paper towels over the area and place a flat weight on them until dry. Do not walk on the carpet until dry.
5. If stains reappear, allow the carpet to dry fully and repeat above treatment until no stain is evident.
6. If stains fail treatment, call a professional carpet cleaner immediately.
Can I use baby wipes to clean my carpet?
While not specifically recommended by the manufacturers, it is an old trick used by carpet layers to remove surface stains from carpet.
What should I do with chairs or furniture with wheels on carpet?
Use plastic, slip free chair mats under desk chairs, with castors. Take care when moving furniture with wheels by placing a protective barrier between the wheels and the carpet.
What is the best way to care for my carpet?
Frequent vacuuming prolongs the life of your carpet. Use a quality vacuum cleaner. You should consider the following if you own soft carpet, high pile carpet, wool or wool-blend carpet:
- Adjustable Height
- Efficient Airflow
- Large Wheels
How do I clean nylon, polyester and polypropylene carpets?
1. Immediately remove as much of the spill as possible, by applying pressure with white paper towels or tissues. DO NOT SCRUB OR RUB. Work from the outside of the stain or spillage towards the middle to avoid spreading.
2. Most common household food and beverage stains need to be treated solely with cold water immediately applied to the stained area.
3. Press-dry with a clean white cloth or white paper towel to remove excess moisture. DO NOT RUB.
4. If stain remains, with a clean white cloth or sponge, treat with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 1 litre of warm water. Rinse with cold water. Repeat treatment until no stain is showing on cloth or towels.
5. After spill or stain has been treated, place several layers of white paper towels over the area and place a flat weight on them until dry. Do not walk on the carpet until dry.
6. If stains reappear, allow the carpet to dry fully and repeat above treatment until no stain is evident.
7. If stains fail treatment, call a professional carpet cleaner immediately.
What can cold (synthetic) or warm (natural) water clean from my carpet?
Alcoholic beverages, blood, bleach, soft drinks, juice, pen ink (fountain), paint (latex), tea, urine (fresh), pen ink (felt), milk, tomato sauce and wine.
What if I spill oil-based paint on my carpet?
Use mineral turpentine on the affected area.
How do I avoid pressure marks in my carpet?
Use furniture cups and coasters and occasionally rearrange furniture.
How do I care for my carpet if I suffer from allergies or dust sensitivities?
Consider purchasing a vacuum cleaner fitted with a micro-filter system, to ensure fine particles are removed and stay in the collection bag or canister.
How do I clean wool carpets?
1. Immediately remove as much of the spill as possible, by applying pressure with white paper towels or tissues. DO NOT SCRUB OR RUB. Work from the outside of the stain or spillage towards the middle to avoid spreading.
2. Most common household food and beverage stains need to be treated solely with warm, not hot, water immediately applied to the stained area.
3. Press-dry with a clean white cloth or white paper towel to remove excess moisture. DO NOT RUB.
4. If stain remains, with a clean white cloth or sponge, treat with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 1 litre of warm water. Rinse with warm water. Repeat treatment until no stain is showing on cloth or towels.
5. After spill or stain has been treated, place several layers of white paper towels over the area and place a flat weight on them until dry. Do not walk on the carpet until dry.
6. If stains reappear, allow the carpet to dry fully and repeat above treatment until no stain is evident.
7. If stains fail treatment, call a professional carpet cleaner immediately.
What can the mixture of 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 1 litre of cold (synthetic) or warm (natural) water clean from my carpet?
Cream, egg, faeces, lipstick, mustard, salad dressing, urine (old), vomit, candy, cheese, chocolate, coffee, cough syrup, curry, grass stains, ice cream and soy sauce.
What if I spill nail polish on my carpet?
Use an acetone based nail polish remover on the affected area.
Should I use mats to protect my carpet?
Yes. Place mats at all exterior doorways and entrances to carpeted areas to trap dirt and moisture from shoes. Clean mats regularly.
How can I protect my carpet from fading?
Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with curtains, blinds or awnings.
HARD FLOORS
How do I clean a laminate floor?
- Routine cleaning requires only sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping
- Can be followed by wiping down with a well-rung barely damp mop or cloth, wiping parallel to the boards
- Most spills or other marks will wipe off quickly and easily with a clean, white cloth
- Larger marks and more difficult spillages may be removed with nail polish remover or methylated spirits
- Use a non-abrasive, soap-free cleaner suitable for laminate floors. DO NOT USE SOAP BASED DETERGENTS
- Another option is wet wipes
- Steam cleaners are not suitable for use
- Never flood the floor with excessive water
- Promptly soak up bulk liquid spills, including pet urine
Should I use mats to protect my hard floor?
Yes. Place mats at all exterior doorways and entrances to trap dirt, sand, grit, moisture and other substances from shoes. Clean mats regularly.
How can I avoid denting or damaging my hard floor?
Use wide-bearing, clear, hard plastic or nonstaining felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture.
How can I protect my hard floor from fading or discolouration?
Protect the hard floor from direct heat and sunlight with window tinting, curtains, blinds or awnings.
What can a non-abrasive cleaner or soap-free household cleaner and warm water clean from a laminate floor?
Juice, wine and grease.
What can methylated spirits or nail polish remover clean from a laminate floor?
Crayon, asphalt and nail polish paint. Be sure to follow with soap-free household cleaner and warm water.
How do remove gum or candle wax from a laminate floor?
Allow to harden then gently scrape free with a plastic scraper.
How do I clean a hybrid floor?
- Sweep with a soft dry broom or vacuum
- Clean using water and a pH neutral cleaner
- Scuffs and stains can easily be removed by a diluted solution of household ammonia or white spirit. Use a damp cloth, mop or sponge
- Do not use wet wipes
- Non-staining vinyl backed mats or woven rugs identified as colourfast should be used on hybrid floors
- Although the floor will not be spoiled if you drop drinks, food etc, it is best to clean up as soon as possible using a dry cloth and recommended cleaning agent
Are hard floors hygenic?
Yes. Particularly hard floors with a sealed surface, which prevents dirt, residues and bacteria from accumulating on the floor.
How do I clean a timber floor?
- Routine cleaning requires only sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping
- Sweep, vacuum or dust mop as often as necessary to remove any loose dirt or grit
- Wipe down with a well-rung barely damp mop or cloth
- Another option is wet wipes
- Steam cleaners are not suitable for use
- Use a non-abrasive, soap-free cleaner designed for engineered timber
- Never flood the floor with excessive water
- Promptly soak up bulk liquid spills, including pet urine
- Rotate mats, rugs and furniture where practical as intense natural and artificial light can discolour timber floors
What should I do with office chairs, trolleys or mobile containers, with wheels, on a hard floor?
Fit with soft treads or castors. Chair pads should be used under desk chairs with castors.
How can I protect my hard floor from gapping, cupping, crowning or peaking?
Protect the floor from extremely wet or dry conditions and/or rapid changes in humidity, by use of heating and cooling systems to maintain room temperatures and relative humidity levels.