Well-cared-for homes show it, beautifully, right down to their carpeting.

It isn’t just the biggest investment of your life, your home is also one of your greatest sources of pride. That’s why you do everything possible to maintain its beauty, charm and character. So read on and learn the many ways you can maintain your carpet investment –today and tomorrow.

TRY TO STOP DIRT RIGHT AT THE DOOR.

Place walk-off mats wherever there are entrances to your home from high-soil areas like backyards, garages and so on. A few dollars invested in these mats can prevent a lot of dirt and grime from being tracked across your beautiful new carpet.

ONE TOOL IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

A good vacuum cleaner can be your carpet’s best friend. Buy a quality vacuum and use it regularly. There have been significant improvements to vacuum cleaners in the past few years, making them easier to use, and better at doing their job. They’ve gotten lighter in weight, stronger in suction and loaded with convenience features. There are even unattended robotic vacuums that can do the work while you’re sleeping! Thorough vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from the fibers. Over time these particles dull your carpet’s appearance; frequent vacuuming maintains the beauty of your floor covering and extends its life.

ZERO IN ON POPULATED AREAS.

High traffic areas may need more vacuuming more often. Use a machine with a good beater bar and maximum suction. And get attached to using the cleaner’s attachments. They make it easier to clean the tight spots – along walls and up and down the stairs.

HAVE A VACUUM WITH BAGS?

Be sure to change them frequently for maximum cleaning efficiency. Some newer model vacuums have been designed without bags, making the chore of vacuuming even simpler, and more time saving.

CUSHION YOUR CARPET FROM WEAR.

Remember that carpet cushion plays an important role in preserving the look and feel of your carpet. Investing in a good carpet cushion prevents your carpet from matting and crushing underfoot. A good carpet cushion also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor, making vacuuming easier, and more efficient.

DON’T LET SNAGS THROW YOU FOR A LOOP.

Looped carpets can snag, especially at a seam or a carpet transition. Don’t vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag. Treat it as you would a loose thread on an expensive blouse. Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet and without catching any surrounding loops.

REMEMBER THE EFFECTS OF WEIGHT AND SUNLIGHT.

Another important and often overlooked way of keeping your carpet in top condition is in the placement of heavy furniture. Heavy furniture can compress, or crush the carpet pile, and leave noticeable indentations that won’t be discovered until you redecorate or move. So rearrange your furniture periodically. Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and ability to withstand wear. If possible, be sure to use window treatments that offer some protection against sunlight.

WITH SPILLS, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

Treat them as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more the stain will soak into the fibers. Immediately blot up as much of the liquid or debris as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the area with a rag, this damages the fibers and may create a permanent scar. Use warm, not hot, water to rinse the stained area completely. Hot water can set the stain and make it difficult if not impossible to remove. Press clean cloths deeply into the carpet to take up moisture until the stain no longer appears on the cloth. If a stain remover is needed, blot up excess moisture before applying, work gently and do not over apply the stain remover. Next, thoroughly rinse the area with warm water, then absorb the excess dampness with a clean cloth. After your carpet has dried, vacuum to restore its texture and appearance.

Did you know that, in many cases, professional cleaning is required every 18-24 months (and recommended more often) to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. Much like for quality clothing, professional carpet cleaning is a must and can extend the look and life of any carpet for years.

ALWAYS READ THE MANUFACTURER’S MATERIALS.

Keep in mind that carpet should be treated like a textile product. Be sure to read the care and maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer because different fibers, styles and finishes can each have their own unique care guidelines.

Consistent upkeep and periodic professional cleaning will keep your carpet beautiful, inviting and durable for years to come.

Depend on us to deliver complete, dedicated customer service during your shopping experience and outstanding, professional cleaning advice later.

THAT’S A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF CARPET UPKEEP.

We hope that the information we’ve provided here leads you to a clearer understanding of how to maintain carpeting and underlines the fact that well cared for carpeting can help make your home.

To most people, their home is life’s greatest possession and a large source of pride and joy.

Which is why they devote so much time and energy to its upkeep. Beautiful, charming, inviting homes are the wonderful result.

Floor coverings are a major part of a home.

So read on and learn the many ways you can maintain your hardwood investment – your home investment and source of pride — today and tomorrow.

FIGHT DIRT RIGHT WHERE IT ENTERS.

Place walk off mats or area rugs at each entryway to collect dirt and grit that might be tracked in.

These tiny particles act like sandpaper and will scratch your floor.

Be sure to avoid using rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs as they can damage your floor.

Instead use mats or rugs made especially for hardwood floors and remember to shake them out regularly.

In addition to entryways, remember to place mats in any areas where water may be splashed, such as near a kitchen sink.

THESE TOOLS CAN BE FLOOR SAVERS.

Buy a good quality broom and sweep your new floor regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust and other particles.

A vacuum cleaner, without a beater bar, can be helpful in between planks and other hard to reach areas. Once dirt and grease are gone, buffing can help restore the luster of your hardwood floor.

OUR CLEANING SUGGESTIONS.

Cleaning techniques vary depending on the installation and finish of your hardwood floor.

For “Finish in Place” hardwood floors, we recommend using an 8”x14” terrycloth mop with a rotating head that makes cleaning corners, under cabinets and along base boards an easy task.

Spray a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by us to safely remove tough stains and spills without dulling the finish of your floor.

Manufacturers of “Pre-finished” hardwood floors recommend their own specific products designed for their floors routine maintenance. Be sure to check with us as well about these cleaners.

KEEP IN MIND THESE DOS AND DON’TS.

All floors with a urethane finish should never be waxed and require cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue.

A hardwood floor cleaner is useful in removing occasional scuffs or heel marks. Merely spray some cleaner on a cloth and lightly rub the stained area. Sticky spots can be cleaned with a damp towel or sponge.

Do not use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor, as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor. These products will also affect the ability to recoat your floor later.

Since wood naturally expands when it is wet, never wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor. Large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter.

Being a natural product, hardwood will expand and contract due to moisture level changes. Minimize water exposure to hardwood floors and clean up spills as soon as they happen.

For deeper cleaning, please note the following: If your floor is showing excessive wear beyond normal cleaning you may want to consider screening and recoating.

Screening is the process used to abrade the polyurethane finish that is currently on the floor. Then, fresh coats of urethane are applied. Screening and recoating will rejuvenate and prolong the life of your hardwood floor.

If the damage to the floor is severe and has gone through the stain of the boards down to the bare wood, you may be able to sand and refinish. This is mostly an option for solid wood flooring.

This should only be done if a screening and recoating does not solve the problem. This is an extensive process where the floor is sanded down to the bare wood, re-stained and then refinished. If the damage is only in a small area you may want to see if replacement boards are available to alleviate having to refinish an entire area.

Be sure to hire an experienced professional when having any work done on your hardwood floor. We suggest you contact us for advice.

PROTECT YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR AGAINST TOMORROW, SUNSHINE AND ACTIVITY.

All hardwood floors will fade, darken or change shades over time. Exposure to sunlight will greatly increase this process.

Window treatments are recommended, as well as rotating area rugs and furniture regularly to allow floors to age evenly from UV exposure.

Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage. Take care when moving heavy objects across your floor to avoid scuffing.

Stiletto heels can cause dents and scratches that are not covered by your warranty. Love your pet but regularly trim their nails or claws to avoid scratches on the hardwood floor. The point here is to be cautious of sharp objects that may scratch or damage the floor.

Consistent upkeep and periodic professional maintenance will keep your hardwood flooring beautiful, inviting and durable for years to come.

Depend on us to deliver complete, dedicated customer service during your shopping experience and outstanding, professional installation later.

We hope that the information we’ve provided here leads you to a clearer understanding of how to maintain hardwood flooring.

When it comes to your home’s maintenance, don’t overlook your flooring.

CERAMIC TILE CAN BE SWEPT BUT NOT BEATEN.

IT’S A DIRTY WORLD OUT THERE.

MAKE IT A POINT TO KNOW THESE CLEANING TIPS.

DO KEEP IN MIND THESE DOS AND DON’TS.

PROTECT YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR AGAINST TOMORROW, SUNSHINE AND ACTIVITY.

LAST, A WORD ON CAULKING AND SEALING.

Depend on us to deliver complete, dedicated customer service during your tile shopping experience and outstanding, professional advice following installation.

We hope that the information we’ve provided here leads you to a clearer understanding of how to maintain tile flooring.

Floors should never be flooded with water or be allowed to have standing water.

This can loosen the adhesive.

Care should be taken with heavy furniture and appliances.

Furniture protectors should be used that are at least 2” in diameter. The hard and small buttons sometimes found on the bottom of chairs and other pieces of furniture should be removed. High heeled shoes also apply here.

Protect the floors from dirt and grit that can be tracked in by using walk off mats at every entrance.

Do not use rubber backed mats. Certain rubber compounds can permanently stain vinyl.

Never use vinegar, acetone or lacquer thinner to clean these floors.

With epoxy garage floor coating, we know the ease of cleaning and maintaining your floor is one of the primary reasons to have it.

We’ve put together some basic cleaning tips to ensure your garage floors keep their beauty and shine.

HAVE A GREAT MOP.

When choosing a mop for epoxy floors, it’s good to look for ones that can pick up dirt and liquid very well. Whether you’re looking to do a little dusting or more heavy duty cleaning, a microfiber or sponge mop is key for the best results.

choose the right cleaning solutions.

One of the most effective cleaning solutions is a half a cup of ammonia to a gallon of hot water. You can apply this solution using one of the mop choices above. Make sure you’re rinsing the mop routinely to remove any debris that has collected along the way. Looking for more shine? You can use a mixture of 1 part Windex to 3 parts water. This will help with removing any film left on the surface.

Need something for a more serious cleaning? Simple Green is a great product for grease and grime, but shouldn’t really be needed unless you have a real mess on your hands. You can use a mixture of 1 part Simple Green to 8 parts water. You may need a deck brush for heavier scrubbing, but also make sure to have a bucket of clean water and mop handy to rinse and reduce the film left on your floor. Let your floor air dry.

don’t use these cleaning solutions.

It’s important to never use citrus or vinegar cleaners, as these contain acids that will slowly deteriorate the gloss finish of epoxy floor coatings. Additionally, don’t use soapy cleaners, as these leave streaks and film residues on the finish.

Tips for cleaning blinds and shutters

HOW TO CLEAN FAUX WOOD BLINDS:

Dry dust with clean duster and follow with vacuum.
Wet duster or microfiber cloth with soap and warm water and wipe both sides of each slat.
A mixture of vinegar and water or dusting spray can also be used.
Dry each slat with a clean cloth.

HOW TO CLEAN WOOD BLINDS:

Treat wood blinds like stained furniture.
Dry dust with clean duster and follow with vacuum brush attachment.
Follow with soft cloth coated with furniture polish.
Never use water, solvents, or abrasive solutions which may cause warping and scratching.

HOW TO CLEAN WOOD PLANTATION SHUTTERS:

Dry dust with clean duster and follow with vacuum brush attachment.
Wipe surfaces with microfiber cloth and spray furniture polish.
Use toothbrush and polish to remove dust from hard to reach spaces.
Do not use soap or water on wood shutters to avoid warping.

HOW TO CLEAN FAUX PLANTATION SHUTTERS:

Dry dust with clean duster and follow with vacuum brush attachment.
Wipe surfaces with microfiber cloth with soap and warm water.
Use toothbrush and warm soapy water to remove dust from hard to reach spaces.
Dry each louver with a clean dry cloth.