Carpet Cleaning
Ease of maintenance
A good vacuum cleaner, prompt attention to spills and spot cleaning is all you need to do to keep your carpet looking its best! If you would like an overall clean we recommend steam cleaning by a reputable firm.
Regular vacuuming
Once carpet is laid it should be lightly and frequently vacuumed for the first week. This will remove lint, dust and fluff from the manufacturing process.
Vacuuming should continue at least weekly after that to remove soil and dirt. Quickly removing soil will reduce abrasive forces on the pile fibre. For heavy traffic areas, slow repeated vacuum strokes over the same area of carpet may be necessary.
Vacuum cleaners and carpet
There are two major types of vacuum cleaners: barrel cleaners and upright cleaners. Upright cleaners are particularly good as they incorporate a pile agitator such as a beater bar or revolving bristle strip that lifts the pile and facilitates the removal of dirt and grit. However, be careful with the agitator as over-use can damage the pile surface.
Barrel cleaners rely on suction removal only and most perform the task quite well. Some barrel cleaners now have power head attachments to agitate the pile in the same manner as upright cleaners.
Ensure the vacuum cleaner is kept in a sound mechanical condition, and that brushes are cleaned and replaced when worn out. Empty the dust collection bag frequently as the suction efficiency of the vacuum cleaner is reduced considerably even when the bag is half full.
Most cleaners now come with micro filter systems to ensure the fine particles (e.g. allergens) are removed and stay in the collection bag. To minimize dust sensitivity, make sure cleaners have a multi filter and micro filter system.
Vinyl & Timber Maintenance
- Mop up spillages as soon as possible to prevent spots becoming stains.
- Use quality, non-rubber backed entrance mats approximately two paces wide to prevent grit and other substances from scratching the floor. Ensure the mats are cleaned on a regular basis to maintain their effectiveness.
- Do not allow silicone-based products, (e.g. polish or glass cleaner) to come into contact with the floor. These can make the floor very slippery.
- Do not slide or drag furniture or other objects across the floor. Use load bearing castors to prevent indentation from heavy items and felt pads under movable objects e.g. Dining Chairs, to help prevent scratching.
- Prevent man-made rubber or latex material from coming into contact with the floor. Permanent discoloration of the floor can occur as a result.
- Remember: High heel shoes will dent timber flooring!
- Timber floors will dent and scratch over time, a light sand and re coat may be required, our expert staff can advise when this may be necessary.
- Prevention is the best approach when looking after your flooring, most scratches will occur because furniture is dragged or pushed across the flooring. Also make sure that you’re furniture’s legs/feet have protectors on the bottom of them, this will solve any potential problems of scratching.
Tiles – Tips to keep your tiles looking great
- Use good mats at doorways to keep dirt and grit outside which may scratch tiles.
- Select the right tiles for your area. Our expert staff can advise on the right product for your areas.
- Ensure the tiler lays the tiles evenly with no edges protruding up and beds the tiles into the adhesive with no voids under the tiles. Always use a tiler who is a member of the Australian Tile Council, or highly recommended and experienced.
- Use felt pads under any furniture which may damage the surface of the tile.
- Avoid dropping heavy objects onto the tiles. Tiles are not indestructible.
- Sweep and mop your tiles regularly.
- It may be necessary to seal natural stone, marble and some porcelain tiles, our staff can advise which products should be sealed.