Hard Surface Faqs

A. Vacuum using the wand attachment, use a dust mop or wipe with a damp cloth. For spills, just wipe them up with a cloth or sponge. In very sandy areas or at the beach, sweep or vacuum regularly. Do not use soap-based detergents or "mop and shine" products, as these may leave a dull film on your floor. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder, which can scratch your floor. Do not wax or polish your floor. When necessary, use a well squeezed damp mop with the manufacturer's floor cleaner. Laminate floors, like other types of smooth floors, can become slippery when wet. Allow time for the floor to dry after washing. Immediately wipe up wet areas from spills, foreign substances, or wet feet.

A. Wipe tiles periodically with a cloth or sponge dampened with a non-oil-based household cleaner. Vacuum tiles regularly to remove dirt and other gritty particles, then damp mop or sponge with an all-purpose, non-oil-based cleaner. Do not use ammonia, it will discolor the grout. Do not use cleansers containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance. Do not use wax cleaners, oil-based detergents, or sealants to maintain your tile. Do not use harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads or any scouring pads containing metal. Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color (unglazed tile only). Do test scouring powders on a small area first. Do use a sealer on grout joints. Do have a damaged or broken tile removed and replaced by a qualified tile contractor.

A. Once the tile has been cleaned and dried (shortly after installation), grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer. Grout, is porous, and sealing it will simplify future maintenance. We recommend you apply a sealer at least twice a year for maximum stain protection.

A. In order to protect your hard surface area (tile, wood, laminate, vinyl), you might try the following things: Place high-quality floor mats and area rugs near outside entrances to prevent dirt, sand, and other unwanted substances from being tracked directly onto the flooring (make sure you use an area rug pad between the mat and floor); try to support heavy furniture and appliances with wide-bearing glides or casters; affix felt floor protectors on moveable furniture, including chairs, tables, and sofas, that sit directly on hard surface flooring.

A. In order to protect your hardwood floor and ensure its longevity make sure you sweep, vacuum, or dust mop regularly to prevent sand or abrasive dust build-up that can scratch the floor's finish. Also, blot up spills immediately with a damp cloth. Try to periodically clean the floors using a leading brand of cleaner for pre-finished hardwood floors, but do not use ammonia or oil-based wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, or furniture cleaners.