Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Ceramic Tile - Care and Maintenance



Ceramic products, for the most part, require minimal maintenance.
Glazed and unglazed tile, under normal residential situations, can be
cleaned using clean water and a tile cleaner recommended by the
manufacturer. Always follow up with a rinse of clean water to completely
remove all the cleaning solution. Regular maintenance is recommended
to avoid build-up of dirt, residue, grease, soap, detergents, or other
external contaminants.

Improper maintenance and improper cleaning products can result in
a build-up on the surface, causing the tile to be slippery. Wax cleaners
and oil-based detergents may decrease the slip resistance and are not
recommended for use on your ceramic tile.

For basic cleaning, the following procedures are recommended:
1. Sweep or vacuum surface
2. Mix water with tile and grout cleaner per manufacturer’s instructions
and apply to surface
3. Allow solution to sit for three to five minutes
4. Agitate with sponge or mop
5. Mop up solution
6. Rinse mop and change cleaning solution at least every 500 square feet
7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
8. Dry mop floor to remove moisture or pick up residue with a wet-vac
9. Wipe the floor dry

For tile with coarse or abrasive type surfaces, maintenance will need to
be performed more frequently. Agitation will need to be more vigorous
and water changes more frequent. Proper cleaning of these types of
tile is necessary for the slip resistance value to be maintained. Grease or
water accumulation may create slippery conditions. Be careful to avoid
introduction of grease from dirty mops to your floor surface while cleaning.

Because the grout on your ceramic tile needs time to thoroughly dry after
installation, we recommend you do not scrub or wash your ceramic tile
for five days after installation. We also recommend protecting your floor
against abrasive dirt at entrances to buildings with dirt catching floor mats.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Product Spotlight - Relax, it's Lees



LEES® Relax, it's Lees® … a carpet like no other with a warranty to match! Lees has the perfect combination of beauty and worry-free toughness.

Lees® carpet is designed to fit the world you live in with ground-breaking stain protection and lasting construction. Available in a range of styles and colors for every taste and need, Lees® carpet features Ultra 25® with Scotchgard™ Protector – stain protection so strong it's backed by the exclusive "NO EXCLUSIONS" ULTRA 25® STAIN WARRANTY which covers stains other carpet warranties don't: pet stains, grease, mustard, coffee, cola and more.

That's beauty with peace of mind.

In addition, the patented ExtraLoc® backing has double the density of standard carpet construction for extraordinary stability and strength.


Count on Lees® carpet for unmatched beauty and performance in your home.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Vinyl - Care and Maintenance



With the easy maintenance of a resilient floor, there is no cause for concern when
it comes to spots, spills, or scuffs left by shoes. By observing a few precautions,
and with proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that your vinyl floor
always looks its best.

The adhesive under your floor needs time to thoroughly dry after installation.
Therefore, we recommend that you do not scrub or wash your floor for at least
three days after it is installed.

For general cleaning, sweep your floor regularly (at least once a week) and be
sure to wipe up spills promptly. Occasional mopping with the manufacturer’s
recommended cleaning solution may be needed when dirt builds up and
sweeping alone is not sufficient. Please note that soap or detergent products
are not recommended for resilient floors as they will leave a dulling film on the
surface. The Flex Floor products, however, can be cleaned with a damp mop
and mild detergent or soap.

Caution: Vinyl floors can be slippery when they become wet. Use extreme
caution when walking on a wet floor. Use doormats 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 rubber-backed, latex-backed, or
coco fiber mats on your floor because they may stain or damage the surface.

Close your curtains or blinds where extreme sunlight hits the floor.
A combination of heat and sunlight causes most home furnishings,
including vinyl floors, to fade or discolor.

Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors.
Ideally, the protectors should be at least 1” 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 greater are recommended for all moveable
furniture. Make sure any floor protectors made of metal are rustproof.
Replace your narrow dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones.

Cleaning Stains and Other Problems
The overall stain resistance of vinyl is excellent and most spills will wipe off
quickly and easily with a clean white cloth. Removing certain substances may
take a little extra effort. Always use a clean, white cloth for wiping up stains,
and turn it frequently to avoid spreading the stain. Rinse with clean water and
allow area to dry. Repeat if necessary.


Make sure you check your warranty before attempting to clean.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Product Spotlight - Lees


Relax, it’s Lees® … a carpet like no other with a warranty to match!

Discover the perfect combination of beauty and worry-free toughness. Lees® carpet is designed to fit the world you live in with ground-breaking stain protection and lasting construction.

Available in a range of styles and colors for every taste and need, Lees® carpet features Ultra 25® with Scotchgard™ Protector – stain protection so strong it’s backed by the exclusive “NO EXCLUSIONS” ULTRA 25® STAIN WARRANTY which covers stains other carpet warranties don’t: pet stains, grease, mustard, coffee, cola and more. That’s beauty with peace of mind.
In addition, the patented ExtraLoc® backing has double the density of standard carpet construction for extraordinary stability and strength.

Count on Lees® carpet for unmatched beauty and performance in your home.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Hardwood - Care and Maintenance


Like any floor covering, real wood floors will show signs of wear over
time, depending on the size and lifestyle of your family. But by observing
a few precautions, and using the cleaning and maintenance program
recommended by the manufacturer, you can expect years of beauty from
your wood floor.

Never clean or mop your hardwood floor with water. Do not use any wax
or cleaner that must be mixed with water such as oil, soap, or paste wax
products; or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil, or
ammonia as this may damage your floor and result in a loss of warranty.

Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor. To help
eliminate fine particles of dirt and grit that act like sandpaper and will
scratch any floor, vacuum or sweep daily. The vacuum head must be a
felt or brush type. Be certain that the wheels of the vacuum are clean and
do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BAR
HEAD.

Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning products
recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to keep pet nails trimmed and
paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains. Place protective
pads beneath furniture legs to reduce scratches and dents. Use a dolly and
protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture, or
appliances. Some objects may be too heavy to move across a hardwood
floor under any circumstances.

Certain types of casters on furniture may damage hardwood flooring.
Barrel-type wheels (a minimum 1” continuous width is recommended) or
wide, flat glides are best for protecting your hardwood floor.

A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage of wood
floors due to low humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to
cause very dry conditions. In damp conditions, proper humidity levels can
be maintained with an air conditioner or dehumidifier, or by periodically
turning on your heating system during periods of high humidity in the
summer months.

Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging
of wood and fabrics. This causes the stain and/or wood to fade and/or
change color. It is recommended that you rearrange rugs and furniture
periodically so the floor ages evenly.

Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the
floor. Spike or stiletto high-heel shoes may cause denting and related
damage to hardwood floors due to the extremely high compressive force
they generate. Such footwear can produce dynamic loads in excess of
1000 pounds per square inch, even when worn by someone of slight or
average build.

As added protection, use dirt-trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors
to keep sand, dirt, grit, grease, and oil off your hardwood floor.


Disclaimers:
General Terms and Conditions may apply, see warranty section for details

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Product Spotlight - Bigelow


Big Heritage. Big Style. Big Value. The perfect combination to fit your needs.

Want a big reputation for quality? America’s carpet brand since 1825, Bigelow® has earned generations of trust for ingenuity and expertise in making top quality carpet that will enhance your home.

Want big fashion that’s in step with your tastes? Bigelow® delivers with great designs and innovative textures that give you beautiful, trend right style. Bigelow® is classic but with a twist - taking tradition to the next step.

Want a big deal? With outstanding guarantees for long wear and performance, all at a price that makes sense for your busy world, Bigelow® is value without sacrifice.

See why Bigelow® is the big name in carpet you can choose with confidence.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Laminate - Care and Maintenance



Laminate flooring brings the beauty of a natural wood floor and the easy
maintenance of a resilient floor together so you can have the style you
want and the carefree maintenance you need. While laminate flooring is
remarkably durable, there is of course no such thing as an indestructible
flooring material. By observing the following precautions, you can expect
years of beauty from your laminate floor.

For general cleaning, use a dust mop or wipe occasionally with a damp
cotton or cloth mop. If heavier cleaning is needed, an occasional damp
mopping with a mild cleaning product is suggested. Do not use soap or
detergent-based cleaners, wax-based products, or any type of polish as
they leave a dull, filmy residue. Do not flood your floor with water.

To help eliminate fine particles of dirt and grit that act like sandpaper and
will scratch any floor, vacuum or sweep daily. The vacuum head must be
a felt or brush type. Be certain that the wheels of the vacuum are clean
and do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER
BAR HEAD.

Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning products
recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to keep pet nails trimmed
and paws clean and free of dirt and gravel that may scratch your floor.

Place protective pads beneath furniture legs, tables, and other easily
movable furniture to reduce scratches. Replace plastic casters on chairs
with rubber wheels, and lift rather than slide heavy objects across
the floor.

Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the
floor. Spiked or stiletto high-heel shoes may cause damage to laminate
floors due to the extremely high compressive force they generate. Such
footwear can produce dynamic loads in excess of 1000 pounds per
square inch, even when worn by someone of slight or average build.

As added protection, use dirt-trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors
to help keep sand, dirt, and grit off your laminate floor.


Disclaimers:
General Terms and Conditions may apply, see warranty section for details