Proper Flooring care and maintenance is the key
to long-life
General carpet care
Regular vacuuming is the key to keeping carpet beautiful and new-looking - for heavy-traffic
areas vacuum every day if possible and once a week for the rest of the carpet.
Many types of cleaners are available when needed, including dry cleaners, spray-on foam
cleaners and wet shampoo. Whichever you choose, make sure it is made for carpets. Always test
a cleaner on a small inconspicuous area of the carpet first. Avoid anything meant for hard
surfaces such as wood or tile. When choosing a professional carpet cleaner, ask for a reference
and/or a firm estimate.
Treating spills
Act immediately! Don't let the spill set or it might never be removed. Remember these three
steps:
Apply—a damp white paper towel soaked in a cleaning solution to the spot (see list of solutions
below); never wet the carpet through to the backing.
Blot—press straight down with a white paper towel-DO NOT RUB; place a 1/2" thick pad of white
paper towels with a weight on top and leave overnight if necessary
Scrape—from the outside edge of the spot toward the center
Cleaning solutions to be used to treat spills include:
Detergent—mix 1/2 tsp. clear dishwashing detergent with one cup warm water
Pre-soak—mix 1 tsp. enzyme laundry product (such as Axion or Biz) with one cup water
Hydrogen peroxide—mix 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide (3% strength, available in drug stores) with 1
tsp. household ammonia. Use within two hours.
Ammonia—undiluted household ammonia
Dry powder cleaner
Dry cleaning solvent—non-oily, non-caustic type sold for garment spot removal (caution:
may be flammable)
Again, test on a small inconspicuous area first.
TREATING STAINS ON VARIOUS FLOORING SURFACES
Use the following charts as a general guideline for treating stains on various types of flooring.
CARPET
Rust
Lipstick
Pet Stains
Coffee
Blood
Candle
Wax
Beverage
Nail Polish
Crayon
Gum
Chocolate
Ink
Latex Paint
Shoe
Polish
Solution of white vinegar or light detergent and water
Nail polish remover, dry cleaning fluid, detergent solution, ammonia or white
vinegar solution
Detergent solution, white vinegar or ammonia solution
Warm white vinegar or detergent solution.
Cold spot setting solution followed by ammonia solution and warm water rinse
Place clean, white towel or dried wax, run an iron on low setting over towel,
repeat with clean section of towel until wax is gone.
Detergent solution, ammonia solution or white vinegar
Nail polish remover or detergent solution
Dry-cleaning fluid or detergent solution
Soften with hair dryer, then lift from carpet with plastic glove. Remove any
remaining residue with dry-cleaning fluid.
Dry-cleaning fluid, detergent, ammonia or white vinegar
Nail polish remover, dry-cleaning solution, detergent or white vinegar solution
Detergent or ammonia solution
Nail polish remover, dry-cleaning fluid or detergent solution
VINYL FLOORING
Heel Marks
Paint
Magic Marker
Candle Wax
Tar
Shoe Polish
Crayon
Grape Juice
Pen Ink
Rust
Non-abrasive household cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or a pencil eraser.
If wet, use mineral spirits. If dry, scrape with a thin, plastic spatula
Mineral spirits, nail polish remover, or rubbing alcohol
Allow to dry and then scrape with a thin, plastic spatula
Citrus-based cleaner or mineral spirits
Citrus-based cleaner or mineral spirits
Mineral spirits or commercial cleaner
Full strength bleach
Citrus-based cleaner, mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol
One part oxalic acid to 10 parts water (follow mfg's instructions)
Click here for more vinyl flooring care and maintenance tips from Harding
LAMINATE FLOORING
Chewing Gum
Candle Wax
Lipstick
Nail Polish
Tar
Grape Juice/Wine
Paint or Varnish
Pen Ink
Crayon
Chocolate
Cigarette Burns
Rubber Heel
Marks
Scrape hardened gum with blunt, plastic scraper
Scrape dried wax with a plastic spatula
Paint thinner or acetone
Acetone-based nail polish remover
Acetone or denatured alcohol
Solution of lukewarm water and ammonia
If still wet, wipe with mineral spirits or water. If dry, scrape with thin,
plastic spatula.
Acetone or paint thinner
Rub out with dry cloth. Use acetone if necessary
Warm water and non-abrasive cleaner
Acetone, nail polish remover or denatured alcohol
Rub with dry cloth. Use acetone if necessary
CERAMIC TILE
Rust
Nail Polish
Gum
Grease
Cigarette Burns
Oil-Based
Products
Ink, Blood, Juice,
Coffee
Use commercial rust remover made for fabric followed by a household
cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
Nail polish remover
Hold ice on gum to harden and remove with thin, plastic spatula
Use a commercial spot lifter
Gently scour with steel wool. Polish clean tile with paste wax.
Use mild solvent such as mineral spirits, followed by a solution of
poultice and household cleaner
3% hydrogen peroxide or a non-bleach cleaner
HARDWOOD STAINS
Dye
Ink
Rust
Urine
Blood
Grease/Oil
One part chlorine bleach and two parts water
Warm water and mild detergent
Commercial rust remover
Hot, damp cloth and mild scouring powder. Use 10-1 solution of diluted liquid
bleach
Sponge up with clear, cold water followed by an ammonia and cold water
solution
Remove as much as possible with newspaper or paper towels, then place cloth
saturated with dry cleaning fluid on stain for five minutes. Wipe area dry and
wash with detergent and water.
HARDWOOD SURFACE REPAIRS
Seasonal
Cracks
Dents
Scratches
Bubbles
Cigarette
Burns
Water Spots
Heel Marks
Pet Stains or
Ink
Mold, Mildew
Install a humidifier to use during the dry season
Cover with dampened cloth and press with electric iron
Wax area or use a thin coat of dusting spray rubbed into scratch
Lightly sand and recoat light damage. For heavy bubbling, sand, stain and
refinish
Rub with fine steel wool or scrape burned area. Wax or sand, stain and
refinish
Buff lightly with the finest grade steel wool, then wax. For stubborn stains,
use fine sandpaper, stain and recoat
Wood cleaner or wax
Wood cleaner followed by mild bleach or household vinegar
Floor cleaner. If wood fibers are stained, remove and refinish