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CARPET AND RUG CARe

• Vacuum your carpet regularly, taking special care when vacuuming fringe and edges of rugs.  

• Always comply with manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods to prevent warranty invalidation and damage to your carpet.

• Have a professional clean your rug often. Several cleaning methods will work, but to prevent rapid re-soiling, it is important to completely remove any cleaning agents. 

We have collected other useful information to help you take care of your carpeting as well. For some of the more difficult stains and cleaning problems we have special instructions and recommendations below. 

Spots Happen!  But Now What?

• Act Quickly! Most carpets have stain resistance such as StainMaster, Scotchguard or other treatments but no carpet is stain proof so if something does spill it needs to be cleaned properly to protect the flooring. The longer you wait to clean the spill the more likely the stain will become permanent.  

• Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or all-white paper towels. Colours on fabrics and inks on paper towels can actually add to the problem so stick to
  white only!

• Do not scrub! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion such as matting and discolouration in the affected area for your carpet or rug.  Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon or butter knife, nothing with a sharp edge as that can also damage the pile or the fiber itself.  Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

• Test any spot remover on your carpet before use.  Find an area on floor that is inconspicuous or use carpet samples if you have them, and test the selected spot remover on the area for 10 seconds then examine the area carefully for any
  colour change.

• Use a small amount of carpet or rug cleaner. Do not flood the spill with cleaner as that can cause it to spread, also when blotting the stain work from the outer edges to the center to try and keep it from spreading.

• You may need to repeat the same step to get all the stain out.  Keep using the first remover as long as you can see the stain coming out of the carpet onto your white cloth. You should not use more than one cleaner if the first choice is removing the stain just be patient and stay at it.

• After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will actually cause soiling because they leave a film or residue behind.  It is important to rinse all the cleaning solution out with cold water once the stain is gone.  Blot until fairly dry or just damp to the touch and allow
  to air dry.

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LAMINATE FlOORING
Laminate floors are easy to keep clean. All that is really required is weekly vacuuming and dusting. Most brands carry a residential warranty against staining, wearing, and fading. Ask Ervin's Flooring & Paint specialists for more information on brand warranties.
While laminate floors are meant to hold up to a lot of use, there are steps you can take to help them last even longer and keep their original look.
Solutions

• Vacuum or dust to remove loose dirt or grit

• Damp mop using warm water; do not saturate floor

• Change water as necessary to keep clean

• Do not use polishes or waxes

• Never clean with abrasives, scouring powder or
  steel wool

• Wipe up spills immediately

• Avoid allowing any liquids to stand on your floor - including your pets water bowl

Dirt, dust and other gritty materials can damage a laminate floor over time. Walking on dirty floors can cause fine scratches that lead to dullness and larger particles of sand or rocks cause visible scratches. A couple of tricks here include:

• Glides or cushion bottom protectors under chairs and table legs to prevent possible scratching

• Floor mats and foot brushes to pick up dirt at all outside doorway entrances

• Regular vacuuming and dust mopping to keep grit off the floor

If your laminate floor scratches, you may be able to buy a touch up stick from the manufacturer.  The repaired area is often hidden well plus it will hold up to traffic and wear just like the rest of your floor.
In the event damage is more severe it is possible for a trained professional to replace a plank. Done properly, the new plank should be almost indistinguishable from the rest.

Spots on your Laminate Floor

Solutions

• For oil, paint, permanent marker, tar spots and rubber heel marks, use a neutral cleaner on a clean light coloured cloth or nail polish remover if needed

• To remove blood, fruit juice, wine, beer, soda pop, and pasta sauce use warm water and/or a neutral cleaner on a clean light coloured cloth.

• To remove candle wax and chewing gum: first harden with ice, then very gently scrape. Wipe with warm water on a clean light coloured cloth.

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CERAMIC/STONE FLOORING
Tile flooring products have different care recommendations depending on the type of tile and finish. 
Solutions

• Using a low alkaline detergent and warm water will clean most spills adequately.  For stain removal or other problems it may be best to consult with one of our specialists at Ervin's Flooring & Paint.  Never use wax or sealer on tile floor without consulting the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Glazed tile should be treated like porcelain enamel.  Avoid using harsh abrasive powders which will scratch the finish. Most often a mixture of clear warm water and a non soapy detergent is sufficient for cleaning your floor, rinse with clear water to remove any film that may speed soiling.

• Dingy grout between tiles can be brightened by scrubbing with hot suds, then apply a diluted solution of chlorine bleach.  Repeat procedure, keeping tile wet 5 minutes.

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SQUEAKY FLOORS?
What Causes Squeaky Floor Boards? Squeaking wood floors are not necessarily caused by any problems with installation or workmanship.  While that can be a cause most squeaks are a result of the natural process of expansion and contraction of the wood.  Wood moves with changes in environmental conditions, it is a natural product unlike a laminate and the expansion and contraction of the wood is expected and necessary as a result.  When the wood expands in warmer more humid conditions you will get squeaks.

Preventing Squeaks - Although you may not be able to prevent squeaks entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that they will occur. By maintaining a consistent humidity level in your home you will reduce the impact of seasonal change. A simple way of accomplishing this is by installing a humidifier. Maintaining consistent humidity level year 'round will not only help your floors, but will be healthier for your family, too.

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HARDWOOD flooring - Care & Cleaning Tips
DO

• Sweep your floors regularly. Invest in a good broom that features wide tips to trap dust and dirt, not simply spread it around. Dust mops can also be helpful in keeping dirt, dust, and grit under control.

• Vacuum frequently, using a canister vacuum with special hard surface floor attachments.  (Never use an upright vacuum with beater bars. They can cause dents in your floor's finish). 

• Place area rugs or small sections of carpet inside doorways and in areas like kitchens where spills are likely to occur to minimize dirt, dust and grit. (Never use throw rugs with rubber or vinyl backing without checking to determine if they will affect your floor's finish. Some materials in the backing can react with certain
  floor finishes)

DON’T

• Water - No matter what finish is on your hardwood floor the protection and appearance can be damaged or reduced by allowing water to stand on the floor.

• More serious damage such as warping and discolouration may also occur if water is not cleaned up immediately. Wipe up any spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth, starting at the edges of the spill and working your way toward the center.  

• Never use wet clothes for clean up. 

• Never mop sealed-and-waxed floors, not even with a slightly damp mop.  Your floor manufacture will have instructions on cleaning your floor or you may always ask your Ervin’s Flooring & Paint expert.

• Dirt, Dust and Grit - Dirt, dust, and other gritty substances can damage your floor.  Soil you pick up on your shoes or from other sources can be very abrasive to the finish on your floor and can damage the appearance and reduce the protection of your floor finish.  Traffic across a wood floor can cause these abrasive substances to damage the floor if not regularly cleaned.

• Never use a dusting compound on a dust mop unless your flooring manufacturer has approved it.  The use of rugs and doormats at entryways can significantly reduce the dirt that gets on your floor.Do not allow damp throw rugs to sit on the floor. Move your area carpets or throw rugs occasionally to maintain a uniform appearance in the floor's finish.

Sunlight -The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can cause discolouration over time.  Protect your floors by using sheer drapes, curtains, or blinds to limit sunlight.
Furniture - Place glides made of felt or some other fabric under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. Clean the glides regularly to ensure that dust and grit do not become imbedded.

• Use barrel-type casters instead of ball casters to prevent dents.  If your furnishings have ball casters, replacements are available at your local retail, hardware, or home center.

• Use non-marking rubber casters instead of plastic or metal.  Lift furniture when moving it to avoid scratches in the floor's surface.

Shoes - Make sure there are no exposed nails or metal heel supports on shoes that could scratch or dent the floor.

• Check shoes with soles that have deep treads to ensure that any trapped dirt or gravel won't scratch or dent the floor.

• Be aware that high heels can dent a hardwood floor.

Dents - Hardwood floors do dent.  Especially if you have children, pets, or you are installing the floor in a location that will have frequent moving of furnishing or other objects.  The floor will dent no matter what wood it is made out of.  It is not a manufacture defect so be aware of that when you make your decision to buy.  Being careful with moving furniture or how you use the floor can reduce the risk of dents but you will likely never prevent it totally.  It is part of what gives wood character!

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VINYL FLooring - Care & Cleaning Tips
To keep the lasting shine and fresh feel of your investment for as long as possible, we recommend that you...
DO

• Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Remove dried spills with the manufacturer recommended cleaner on a white cloth.

• Wash your floor occasionally with a manufacturers recommended cleaner or an equivalent no-rinse floor cleaner.

• If the shine cannot be brought back with regular cleaning, many manufactures have options for restoring the shine. Contact our flooring specialist for recommendations for your floor.

DON'T

• Use detergents, vinegar, abrasive cleaners or "mop and shine" products - they may leave a dull film on your floor.

• Use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.

• Use a beater bar when vacuuming because it can visibly damage the floor surface.

• Use highly abrasive scrubbing tools.

Solution
Removing Stains

• Crayon - Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)

• Lipstick - Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.) If stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)

• Grape Juice/Wine - Use a manufacturers recommended cleaner, if you do not have the manufactures care guide call your Ervin’s Flooring & Paint specialist for recommendations.

• Mustard - These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors. Use a manufacturers recommended cleaner, if you do not have the manufactures care guide call our specialists for recommendations.

• Pen Ink - These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors. Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.) If stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.) Use a manufacturers recommended cleaner, if you do not have the manufactures care guide call our specialists for recommendations.

• Permanent Marker - These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors. Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.) If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with nail polish remover containing acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth. If stain still shows rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.) Use a manufacturers recommended cleaner, if you do not have the manufactures care guide call our specialists for recommendations.

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