Ceramic Tile - Care and Maintenance

Ceramic products, for the most part, require minimal maintenance.
Glazed and unglazed tile, under normal residential situations, can be
cleaned using clean water and a tile cleaner recommended by the
manufacturer. Always follow up with a rinse of clean water to completely
remove all the cleaning solution. Regular maintenance is recommended
to avoid build-up of dirt, residue, grease, soap, detergents, or other
external contaminants.

Improper maintenance and improper cleaning products can result in
a build-up on the surface, causing the tile to be slippery. Wax cleaners
and oil-based detergents may decrease the slip resistance and are not
recommended for use on your ceramic tile.

For basic cleaning, the following procedures are recommended:
1. Sweep or vacuum surface
2. Mix water with tile and grout cleaner per manufacturer’s instructions
and apply to surface
3. Allow solution to sit for three to five minutes
4. Agitate with sponge or mop
5. Mop up solution
6. Rinse mop and change cleaning solution at least every 500 square feet
7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
8. Dry mop floor to remove moisture or pick up residue with a wet-vac
9. Wipe the floor dry

For tile with coarse or abrasive type surfaces, maintenance will need to
be performed more frequently. Agitation will need to be more vigorous
and water changes more frequent. Proper cleaning of these types of
tile is necessary for the slip resistance value to be maintained. Grease or
water accumulation may create slippery conditions. Be careful to avoid
introduction of grease from dirty mops to your floor surface while cleaning.

Because the grout on your ceramic tile needs time to thoroughly dry after
installation, we recommend you do not scrub or wash your ceramic tile
for five days after installation. We also recommend protecting your floor
against abrasive dirt at entrances to buildings with dirt catching floor mats.

Laminate - Care and Maintenance

Laminate flooring brings the beauty of a natural wood floor and the easy
maintenance of a resilient floor together so you can have the style you
want and the carefree maintenance you need. While laminate flooring is
remarkably durable, there is of course no such thing as an indestructible
flooring material. By observing the following precautions, you can expect
years of beauty from your laminate floor.

For general cleaning, use a dust mop or wipe occasionally with a damp
cotton or cloth mop. If heavier cleaning is needed, an occasional damp
mopping with a mild cleaning product is suggested. Do not use soap or
detergent-based cleaners, wax-based products, or any type of polish as
they leave a dull, filmy residue. Do not flood your floor with water.

To help eliminate fine particles of dirt and grit that act like sandpaper and
will scratch any floor, vacuum or sweep daily. The vacuum head must be
a felt or brush type. Be certain that the wheels of the vacuum are clean
and do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER
BAR HEAD.

Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning products
recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to keep pet nails trimmed
and paws clean and free of dirt and gravel that may scratch your floor.

Place protective pads beneath furniture legs, tables, and other easily
movable furniture to reduce scratches. Replace plastic casters on chairs
with rubber wheels, and lift rather than slide heavy objects across
the floor.

Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the
floor. Spiked or stiletto high-heel shoes may cause damage to laminate
floors due to the extremely high compressive force they generate. Such
footwear can produce dynamic loads in excess of 1000 pounds per
square inch, even when worn by someone of slight or average build.

As added protection, use dirt-trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors
to help keep sand, dirt, and grit off your laminate floor.


Disclaimers:
General Terms and Conditions may apply, see warranty section for details