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MAINTENANCE Homeowner Photo

Sharron Hoggan

Spring Valley, CA

"Andrew Lauren Interiors kept their promises, stuck to the timeline and made sure the process was focused on us and our happiness.”

HOMEOWNER

Here you will find care and maintenance guidelines for various products. Please be aware that each type of product has very specific and unique needs. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your products will maintain their beauty.

 

Carpet

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!!! Most dirt, even dust, is in the form of hard particles. When left in the carpet, these gritty, sharpened particles abrade the pile as effectively as sand paper. How often should you vacuum? That depends on the amount of foot traffic and household soil your carpet is exposed to. Vacuum high traffic areas, such as stairs, doorways and hallways more frequently. A vacuum cleaner or vacuum attachment with a rotating brush or “beater bar” that agitates the pile is more effective than one that relies on suction only. Warning: Some loop pile carpets will fuzz if a rotating brush is used. In this case we recommend a suction vacuum only.

Use walk-off mats at entrances to reduce outside dirt from being tracked on the carpet and clean mats weekly. Mats and runners will help reduce dirt buildup in heavy traffic area. (Caution: Latex backed runners may yellow carpet.) Periodic relocation of furniture, if possible, will allow for a more even distribution of foot traffic on carpets.

Periodic professional cleaning (hot water extraction) of the overall carpet is recommended. The frequency of overall cleaning may vary depending on the level and type of traffic and the conditions to which your carpet is exposed, and may range from as little as 6 months to 24 months between professional cleaning. Keep a record and receipt of all professional carpet cleanings; these may be needed in the event of a claim. NOTE: Your carpet must be maintained and cleaned in accordance with the Manufacture or Stain resistance warranty guidelines for maximum warranty. Failure to properly maintain your carpet will void your warranty. (Example: With Anso Smart Care Stain protection warranty, a claim cannot be filed on a carpet over two years old without proof of professional cleaning.)

 

Stain Removal

Treatment of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before treatment, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. First, gently scrape or scoop with a blunt edge or spoon removing as much as possible. Always work from outer edge of the stain towards the center to avoid spreading. Blot (press straight down), do not rub or scrub, as the carpet may fuzz. For any stain removal, use a white cloth or white paper towel for cleanup. Apply all liquids to a clean white (not printed) paper towel and use to dampen carpet. Never wet carpet all the way through to the backing. When using a Mild detergent, use a clear, non-bleach laundry detergent. Do not use cloudy detergents as they can leave a sticky residue. Use only ¼ teaspoon of detergent to 32 ounces of water. Follow detergent cleaning with clear water rinsing (until all detergents residue is removed) and then blot as much as possible. A weighted ½” pad of white paper towels, left overnight, will absorb the last traces of liquid and foreign materials.

 

Wood

Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any particles that could scratch the floor. Warning: Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head can damage a wood floor and should never be used. Apply “hard wood” cleaner directly to the terry cloth flooring mop, NOT on the floor. Use a back and forth motion with the mop. When the terrycloth cover becomes soiled, simply replace it with a clean one. Cleaning the floor with a soiled cover could cause streaking.

*Never Wet mop wood floors. Water can cause damage to wood flooring.

Use protective mats at all exterior entrances.

Remove spills promptly.

Use felt protectors under chairs and heavy pieces of furniture.

Footwear should be periodically checked for wear. Spiked heels or shoes in need of repair can severely damage hardwood floors.

Maintain 40%-60% relative humidity to reduce the natural expansion and contraction of wood.

To extend the beauty of hardwood flooring, close drapes or blinds during hours of direct sunlight. Excessive sunlight (UV rays) can cause discoloration.

Keep animals nails trimmed to prevent damage to the floor.

Protect the floor when moving furniture or appliances. Never slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the floor.

*** Hardwood cleaners can be purchased at any local hardware store. Never use oil soaps, wax, liquid detergent or other household products to clean the floor***

 

Natural Stone

Dust mop interior floors frequently, using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize particles that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface.

Sweep or vacuum floors regularly to remove any abrasive particles that could damage the floor. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are old and worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap or mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or other stones. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. While mopping, change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the stone.

In bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about ½ cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

In food preparation or vanity areas the stone may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. If applying the sealer yourself, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation areas. If there is a question, check with the sealant manufacturer. We recommend using a professional stone sealing company such as Natural Stone Care for all of your sealing needs.

Spills and stains on natural stone - Blot spills with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area; it will spread the spill. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require using a poultice or calling in a professional.

Natural stone can be classified into two general categories according to its composition: Siliceous stone or calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting a cleaning product. Types of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone. Types of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx. What may work on siliceous stone MAY NOT be suitable on calcareous surfaces.

 

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

You should always sweep or vacuum your floor prior to mopping to remove any dust or debris. Use protective mats or rugs at all exterior entrances to minimize particles entering the home. Immediately clean up spills with a paper towel. Routine cleaners should never contain acids or ammonia. Acids can damage the grout and the glazed surface of the tile, and ammonia can discolor the grout. The type of cleaning product used may vary depending on the application, amount of traffic and use. The tile area should be cleaned with a cotton mop, cloth, sponge or non-metallic brush. Changing your rinse water often is an important step in keeping the grout from discoloring. Check your local hardware store for a large selection of ceramic and porcelain tile cleaners.