Flooring cleaning guide

Synthetic carpet

• Dry vacuum regularly
  As often as necessary, but at least once a week, especially in high traffic areas. This will remove free soil particles and surface litter and prevents soil becoming embedded in the carpet.
  Pay particular attention to the areas around doorways and skirtings which are often the first place for insects and moths to reside. Every few months vacuum under infrequently moved furniture.
• Promptly attend to spills and stains
  Spills should be blotted up by dabbing, do not vigorously rub as this will spread the stain and may cause fuzzing of the area.
  It is best to work from the outside of the stain towards the middle as this will avoid further spreading.
  Most importantly, rinse the cleaned area with cold water as soon as possible.
• Professionally steam clean
  It is worth getting your carpet professionally steam cleaned by a reputable operator at least once a year, or as often as required.
  This will remove entrapped soil particles and revive the appearance of your carpet

 
Wool carpet

• Dry vacuum regularly
  At least once a week and more often in high foot-traffic areas. This will remove free soil particles and surface litter and prevent soil becoming embedded in the pile, causing accelerated wear by grinding at the base of the tufts.
  Pay particular attention to the areas around doorways and skirtings which are often the first place for insects and moths to reside. Every few months vacuum under infrequently moved furniture. If your carpet is made from wool in a cut or twist style then a turbo or powerbrush featuring adjustable height setting is recommended.
   
• Promptly attend to spills and stains
  Firstly, contain the stain – firmly blotting up any excess liquid spills and scraping up any solids. In the event of a very large stain, put a towel down and stand on it firmly to remove as much liquid as you can before applying any stain treatment. And a word of advice – NEVER rub wet wool carpet as it can cause permanent damage to the pile.
   
• Professionally steam clean
  A professional steam clean should be undertaken by a reputable operator in accordance with the Manufacturers Warranties. This can remove entrapped soil particles and revive the appearance of your carpet. Do not be concerned about the wet cleaning process removing natural oil from your wool carpet – most of this was removed during manufacture as an oily carpet attracts dirt far more quickly

 
timber

• everyday cleaning
  Sweep or vacuum as often as necessary to remove any loose dirt or grit before it can scratch the floor. If a spill occurs, promptly soak up the bulk liquid. When mopping, only use a slightly damp mop; it is important to avoid using excessive amounts of water. Steam mops must not be used.

In high traffic areas, make use of a runner or area rug. To prevent scratching, use felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture and chairs that are frequently moved.

Use protective mats at all exterior entrances. Do not use rubber-based furniture or mats as the rubber may leach into the floor.

• restoration - sanding & re-coating
  Some timber floors can be sanded and re-coated with a polyurethane or water-based coating to restore the appearance of the floor. We recommend that sanding and re-coating of any timber flooring should only ever be carried out by a professional flooring contractor

rigid/hybrid
 

• Initial treatment
  Maintain a temperature controlled environment between 18°C – 28°C and do not wash your new floor for at least 24 hours after installation. Sweep with a broom or vacuum to remove any grit and dirt. This will avoid scratching your floor prior to implementing the recommended maintenance schedule.
• Weekly care
  Sweep daily or as often as required with a broom or vacuum to remove any grit or dirt. At least twice a month, mop the entire floor with a pH neutral cleaning product. The minimum amount of water/liquid should be used to prevent moisture from penetrating into joins. Check with your Choices Flooring sales consultant which cleaning product is most appropriate for your floor.
• Removing scuff marks
  Scuff marks on surface areas are usually caused by dragging heavy items such as furniture or sliding shoes across the floor. These can be just wiped away with a damp cloth. If you are having difficulties removing scuff marks, add some eucalyptus oil to a damp cloth and wipe scuff marks to remove any residue

 
laminate

• preventative care tips
  When moving heavy furniture or items back into position after the installation has been completed, use rigid protective sheets on the surface of your floor and avoid sliding or dragging furniture or appliances into place. In high traffic areas, make use of a runner or area rug. To prevent scratching, use felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture and chairs that are frequently moved.
  You may also want to consider installing window furnishings that will protect your floor from strong sunlight as laminate flooring can become discoloured when exposed to daily sunlight.
   
• regular maintenance
  Sweep or vacuum (bristles down) as often as necessary to remove any loose dirt or grit before it can scratch the surface of your floor. If a spill occurs, promptly wipe it up with damp cloth or damp mop, be sure to ring out any excess water.
  Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder on your floor and never wax or polish your floor. Steam mops must not be used.
• cleaning kit
  We recommend using a manufacturer approved cleaning kit on your laminate flooring. Check with your Choices Flooring sales consultant on which product is right for your flooring. There is a variety of cleaning products available that are practical and easy to use

  
luxury vinyl
 

• everyday cleaning
  Sweep or vacuum as often as necessary to remove any loose dirt or grit before it can scratch the floor. When mopping, only use a slightly damp mop (warm or cold water) alongside a gentle approved cleaner from your local supermarket or Choices Flooring store. Ensure you don’t wet the luxury vinyl too much when mopping. Although it’s resistant to moisture and humidity, splashing too much water on it will do it no good over time.
   
• harsher spills If a spill occurs, promptly soak up the bulk liquid. Liquids that are acidic such as soft drinks and other sugar-based substances can be harder to clean the longer they’re left. You won’t need to use anything harsher than warm water and a gentle approved cleaner to wipe up spills