The Flooring Network Flooring Care instructions
Carpeting
– Vacuum regularly the areas receiving the most traffic, such as hallways, stairs, entryways, and other areas where there is constant foot traffic. Use walk off mats at entrances to prevent soil particles from being tracked through the entire house.
– Vacuum entire carpet at least twice a week
– Outfit your furniture with furniture rests to avoid damage from heavy and sometimes sharp furniture
– Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight on your carpet. All carpet will slowly lose some of its color due to direct sunlight for any extended length of time
– To remove soil from your carpet, vacuum forward several feet with the pile direction of the carpet and then reverse directed. Embedded soil is best removed when vacuuming in a slow and deliberate motion.
– Never use soap, laundry detergent, dish washing detergent or any other household cleaning agents. When choosing any cleaning agents, select those intended for stain resistant carpet and follow the direction for dilution and application. Ask your flooring experts at Harding’s for their recommendations. It is advisable that you have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year.
– Daily vacuuming is a must to prolong the life of your carpet. However it is recommended that you carpet be cleaned every 12-18 months to remove stubborn and embedded soil. Consult with the carpet manufacturer’s care and maintenance guide for proper cleaning methods.
– Avoid dragging heavy furniture across your carpet
– Professional cleaning services are recommended. Please contact Harding’ at 585-591-2353 for their recommendations on a carpet cleaning specialist.
Stain
Alcoholic Beverage
Asphalt
Beer
Betadine
Berries
Blood (Wet)
Blood (Dry)
Butter
Chewing Gum
Chocolate
Coffee
Cola Drinks
Cosmetics
Crayon
De-Icer (Calcium Chloride)
Excrement
Food Dyes
Furniture Polish
Glue (white)
Gravy
Grease (Auto)
Grease (Food)
Ice Cream
Ink (Ballpoint)
Ink (Permanent)
Ink (Washable)
Jelly
Lipstick
Milk
Mud
Mustard
Nail Polish
Paint (Latex, wet)
Paint (Latex, dry)
Paint (Oil)
Rust
Shoe Polish
Tea
Urine
Vomit
Wax
Wine
Remove Procedure
A
B, PRO
A
PRO
A
A
A-2
B
C
A-2
A-1 (D if necessary)
A
A (D If necessary)
B
Vacuum, A
A
A
A, B, PRO
A
A
B,PRO
B
A
B,PRO
B (D If necessary)
A, PRO
A
B
A
A
A (D If necessary)
Polish remover
A
B
B, PRO
PRO
B
A (D if Necessary)
A-1, PRO
A-1
C
A-2
WARNING: Certain products found in most homes can cause irreparable damage to your carpet. Bleaches, tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers are very strong chemicals that can discolor or dissolve carpet fibers. Acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, a very powerful bleach, are capable of permanently damaging your carpet and most other fabrics as well.
A.: Water soluble Stains – Absorb as much as possible with WHITE towels. Blot the stained area with white towels dampened with cool water until there is no more transfer of the stain into the towels.
If any of the stain remains, use the detergent solution. Spray lightly onto the spot and blot repeatedly with white towels. Working from the outer edge toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading.
Rinse thoroughly by spraying with clean water and then blot or extract. Do not use too much detergent because the residue will contribute to rapid re-soiling.
A-1.: As in A, but before using detergent, apply the white vinegar solution to a white towel and blot or spray onto the spot
A-2.: As in A, but before using detergent, apply a household ammonia solution to a white towel and blot or spray onto spot. Do not use on wool or wool-blend carpet. Rinse as in A.
B.: Oil Based Stains – Blot as much as possible with white paper towels. Apply the special oil and grease spot remover to a paper towel and repeat blotting. (Protective gloves should be worn, as the solvent will quickly remove oils from the skin and could result in irritation.) Do not pour or spray directly on the carpet pile, as damage to the backing or adhesive underneath could result; use the towels to transport the solvent to the carpet. Repeat as often as necessary. Follow with procedures in A.
C.: FREEZE stains such as chewing gum and candle wax with ice or a commercially available product in an aerosol can. Shatter with a blunt object and vacuum before chips soften. Follow up with solvent as in B.
D.: Bleach – WARNING – Only carpets which are solution dyed are resistant to bleaching, but do not exceed the recommended concentration. DO NOT USE THIS PROCEDURE UNLESS YOU ARE ABOLUTELY CERTAIN THE CARPET IS SOLUTION DYED – CARPETS DED BY OTHER SSTEMS WILL BE DAMAGED. Products with Olefin and Nylon blends cannot be exposed to bleach without removing the color from the nylon fibers unless the nylon component is solution dyed.
PRO: – Professional Cleaner
Vinyl Flooring
If you are unsure whether your vinyl is felt-back or a fiber floor, please contact Harding’s and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Felt-back Vinyl Flooring
You can protect your Felt-back Vinyl Floor by following these easy guidelines.
– Use a doormat outside each entrance to your home to prevent dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, and driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor. Use non-staining mats on your floor. Do not put latex-backed or coco-fiber mats on your floor because they will stain or damage the surface.
– To minimize potential staining from asphalt tracking, we suggest you use a latex-based driveway sealer
– Close your curtains or blinds where extreme sunlight hits the floor. A combination of heat and sunlight causes most home furnishings, including resilient floors, to fade or discolor.
– Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors. Ideally, the protectors should be at least one inch in diameter, made of non-pigmented, hard plastic, and rest flat on the floor. Non-staining felt protectors are also acceptable. Casters with a minimum 3/4″ flat surface width or floor protectors are recommended for all moveable furniture. Make sure any metal protectors are rust-proof. Replace your narrow dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones.
– If you need to move heavy furniture and/or appliances, such as your refrigerator, across the floor, always use strips of wood or hardboard runways to protect the floor. Always use runways even if you have an appliance dolly, or even if the heavy objects are equipped with wheels or rollers.
Here are some simple things you can do to keep your Felt-back Vinyl looking like new:
Initial Maintenance (within 24 hours of installation)
– Keep traffic light during the first 24 hours so adhesive can dry properly
– To minimize potential staining from asphalt tracking, we suggest you use a latex-based driveway sealer
– If the floor has been seamed, avoid stepping on the seam sealer for 24 hours so it can dry undisturbed
– Avoid scrubbing or washing floor for at least three days after installation. Spot clean floor avoiding all seams
– When moving heavy furniture or appliances across the floor, always use wood or hardboard runways to protect the floor
Routine Maintenance (daily/weekly as needed)
– Sweep your floor regularly (at least once a week) to remove loose dirt.
– Prevent stains by wiping spills promptly.
– Occasional mopping with products available from Harding’s is recommended when dirt builds up and sweeping alone is not sufficient. Use a solution of 2 to 3 capfuls of Cleaner (or clear, non-sudsy ammonia) in one gallon of warm water. Using more than the recommended amount of cleaning solution may leave a dulling film. Do not use soap or detergent products as they will leave a dulling film. Rinsing is not required when but if time permits, rinsing will provide the best care and highest shine.
– All high-gloss floors will lose shine over time. To restore gloss, apply Floor Polish also available at Harding’s. Do not use wax. Do not buff. Be sure to thoroughly clean, rinse, and allow the floor to dry completely prior to applying polish.
– After several applications of polish, an occasional stripping and reapplication of polish may be necessary. This may also be necessary for excessive dirt and grime build-up. We recommend the Heavy duty cleaner and Stripper available at Harding’s. After thorough cleaning, rinsing, and drying, apply a floor polish to restore the shine. High traffic areas may require more than one application of polish. Allow polish to dry “tack-free” between coats.
– Caution: Vinyl floors can be slippery when wet. Use extreme caution when walking on a wet floor.
(Recommendations on Vinyl Floor cleaning are courtesy of Mannington.com)
Fiber Floor Maintenance
You can protect your Fiber Floor by following these easy guidelines.
– Use a doormat outside each entrance to your home to prevent dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, and driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor. Use non-staining mats on your floor.
– To minimize potential staining from asphalt tracking, we suggest you use a latex-based driveway sealer.
– Close your curtains or blinds where extreme sunlight hits the floor. A combination of heat and sunlight causes most home furnishings, including resilient floors, to fade or discolor.
– Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors. Ideally, the protectors should be at least one inch in diameter, made of non-pigmented, hard plastic, and rest flat on the floor. Non-staining felt protectors are also acceptable. Casters with a minimum 3/4″ flat surface width or floor protectors are recommended for all moveable furniture. Make sure any metal protectors are rust-proof. Replace your narrow dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones.
– If you need to move heavy furniture and/or appliances, such as your refrigerator, across the floor, always use strips of wood or hardboard runways to protect the floor. Always use runways even if you have an appliance dolly, or even if the heavy objects are equipped with wheels or rollers.
Here are some simple things you can do to keep your Fiber Floor from Harding’s looking like new:
Initial Maintenance (within 24 hours of installation)
– Keep traffic light during the first 24 hours so adhesive can dry properly (if adhesive was used)
– If the floor has been seamed, avoid stepping on the seam sealer for 24 hours so it can dry undisturbed
– Avoid scrubbing or washing floor for at least three days after installation. Spot clean floor avoiding all seams
– When moving heavy furniture or appliances across the floor, always use wood or hardboard runways to protect the floor
Routine Maintenance (daily/weekly as needed)
– Sweep your floor regularly (at least once a week) to remove loose dirt.
– Prevent stains by wiping spills promptly.
– Occasional mopping with Cleaner available from Harding’s is recommended when dirt builds up and sweeping alone is not sufficient. Use a solution of 2 to 3 capfuls of Cleaner (or clear, non-sudsy ammonia) in one gallon of warm water. Using more than the recommended amount of cleaning solution may leave a dulling film. Do not use soap or detergent products as they will leave a dulling film. Rinsing is not required when cleaning, but if time permits, rinsing will provide the best care and highest shine.
– After several applications of polish, an occasional stripping and reapplication of polish may be necessary. This may also be necessary for excessive dirt and grime build-up. We recommend the use of Cleaner and Stripper available at Harding’s. After thorough cleaning, rinsing, and drying, apply a floor polish to restore the shine. High traffic areas may require more than one application of polish. Allow polish to dry “tack-free” between coats.
– Caution: Vinyl floors can be slippery when wet. Use extreme caution when walking on a wet floor.
Stain/Problem: Foods/Beverages
Procedure: If a gummy substance, scrape with off with a dull knife. Scour using Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a nylon pad or stiff bristle brush. Saturate a clean white cloth with bleach solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour.
Stain/Problem: Tar, Oil, Asphalt, Grease, Paint (oil-based), Wax
Procedure: Scrape excess off with dull knife. Scour using Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a nylon pad or stiff bristle brush. Wipe with a clean white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha, or isopropyl alcohol.
Stain/Problem: Scuffs, Marks, Scratches
Procedure: Scour using Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a nylon pad or stiff bristle brush. Wipe with a clean white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha, or isopropyl alcohol.
Stain/Problem: Minor Cuts, Burns, Gouges
Procedure: Limit traffic over damaged area, cover with masking tape, contact your retailer or Mannington for advice.
Stain/Problem: Lipstick, Antiseptics
Procedure: Scrape excess off with dull knife. Scour using Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a nylon pad or stiff bristle brush. Wipe with a clean white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, paint’s naphtha, or isopropyl alcohol. Saturate a clean white cloth with bleach solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour.
Stain/Problem: Rust
Procedure: Scour using Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a nylon pad or stiff bristle brush. Saturate a clean white cloth with bleach solution, cover stain and allow to stand for no more than 1 hour.
Stain/Problem: Crayon, Ink, Permanent Marker, Hair Dye
Procedure: Scour using Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper and a nylon pad or stiff bristle brush. Wipe with a clean white cloth dampened with lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha, or isopropyl alcohol. Caution: Mineral spirits, lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha, and isopropyl alcohol are flammable liquids. Please follow precautions listed on the container.
(Recommendations on Vinyl Floor cleaning are courtesy of Mannington.com)
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
You can protect your Luxury Vinyl by following these easy guidelines.
– Sweep your floor regularly (at least once per week).
– Prevent stains by wiping up spills promptly.
– Occasional mopping with Rinse-Free Cleaner (available at Harding’s) is recommended when dirt builds up and sweeping alone is not sufficient. Use a solution of 2 to 3 capfuls of Cleaner (or clear, non-sudsy ammonia) in one gallon of warm water. Use of more than the recommended amount of cleaning solution may leave a dulling film. Do not use soap or detergent products as they will leave a dulling film. Rinsing is not required when using Rinse-Free Cleaner, but if time permits, rinsing will provide the best care.
– After several applications of polish for a high-shine floor, an occasional stripping and reapplication of polish may be necessary. We recommend the use of Mannington Award Series Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper. After thorough cleaning, rinsing and drying, apply Mannington Award Series HighGloss Polish to restore the shine. Do not use wax. Do not buff. High-traffic areas may require more than one application of polish. Allow polish to dry “tack-free” between coats.
(Recommendations on Vinyl Floor cleaning are courtesy of Mannington.com)
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are one of the most durable floor covering surfaces on the market. Laminate flooring is fade resistant, stain, dent, and scratch resistant. However, damage may occur if water is left standing on your laminate floor. Be sure to wipe up spills and standing water immediately.
DO
– It is acceptable to sweep, vacuum, or apply a dust mop to your laminate floors. If additional cleaning is needed, use the appropriate cleaner. Harding’s recommends the Bona cleaning system, available here at our store.
– Apply felt or rubber furniture pads to prevent your floor from scratching.
– Rubber wheels should be used to prevent scratching of your laminate flooring
– Wipe up any spills immediately
– Use a humidifier during the heating seasons and a dehumidifier during the summer months
DON’T
– DO NOT use soaps or cleaners as they will leave a film and dull the finish
– DO NOT use wax, furniture polish, or other polishing agents on your floor
– DO NOT use any steam mopping application or any mop applications which emits wet jet cleaning against
Ceramic Tile
– Sweep or dust mop your ceramic tile flooring on a regular basis. Sand and grit will scratch and dull your finish. You may also use a vacuum cleaner, without a beater bar to clean you ceramic flooring.
– Keep outside entrances free of sand and debris
– Use walk off mats (avoid rubber mats) at entery ways to prevent soil and grit from being tracked on your ceramic tile flooring
– Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining your tile and grout
– Damp map your ceramic tile with water with a n appropriate cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Use hot water to facilitate the cleaning.
– Have your tile and grout professionally cleaned on a regular basis to avoid permanent discoloration
– Avoid abrasive cleaners and abrasive cleaning tools such as steel scrubbing pads
– Use carpet or felt bad protectors on furniture to prevent scratching
– Avoid dragging heavy furniture across your ceramic tile floor
Hardwood Flooring
– Buy a Bona Hardwood floor cleaning kit that is a must to protect your investment
– The ideal relative humidity in your home for hardwood flooring is between 30-50%
– Sweep your floor or use a dust mpp daily to remove any dirt sand or grit that may accumulate on your floor. If not swept properly this may result in scratches and denting
– Clean your hardwood flooring with a lightly dampened cloth using a recommended cleaning product according to the manufacturers recommendations
– Keep the outside entrances free of sand and debris
– NEVER damp mop a wood floor. Use minimum water because water causes deterioration of the wood itself as well as the finish. Do not use wax or other all purpose household cleaners on your hardwood flooring
– Reflect direct sunlight away from your hardwood to prevent fading
– Tend to stains and spills immediately. Clean light stains with a lightly dampened cloth
– Never let a water spill dry on the floor. Wipe Immediately
– Have your floor re-coated periodically as the finish will show wear
– Use protectors under all furniture. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across hardwood flooring
– Avoid walking with stiletto or spike heels on your hardwood flooring
– Avoid setting potted plants on your hardwood floors since this could cause excessive moisture
– Never slide furniture or appliances across your hardwood flooring. Use protective mats or lift.