CARPET AND ORIENTAL RUG CARE AND MAINTENANCE

An Oriental rug is a purchase for a lifetime and, when properly maintained, for generations.  The information contained in this site offers simple, basic advice for the protection and care of your investment.

 

The Wonders of Wool

Oriental rugs are generally made of wool and are easily and economically maintained.  Rugs of wool are extremely durable and consistently out-perform other materials.  Unlike other fibers, wool is much more resilient, cleans better and stays clean longer.

Professional Cleaning

Your trusted professional Oriental rug cleaners will insure a skilled cleaning that brings out the richness of color and softness of the wool.  Depending on the amount of traffic, a professional washing is recommended every three to six years for the cleaning of your Oriental Rug.

Rotation

To insure even wear, your rug should be rotated once a year.  Depending on the traffic, the rotation may vary from six months to two years.

Vacuuming

Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers.  Be sure not to vacuum the fringe.

Padding

A quality pad used under your rug helps protect it from dirt, wear and slippage.  We will be happy to provide you with the correct padding.

Restoration

In case of damage, just about any problem has a solution with a professional restoration.  Old and antique rugs sometimes need to be re-woven where worn and restored to life.  Newer rugs are rarely in need of repair.  An experienced professional must always be consulted in these matters.

Cleaning Up Spills

When spills occur, dilute with plenty of water.  Next, blot from the edge of the spill towards the center.  Avoid rubbing the area.  For solid spills, take a spoon and carefully scoop up the material.  It is always best to attack the spill immediately.  The following information and chart will help you eliminate most stains.  For further advice, contact us.  We will be glad to help!

Stain Removal General Procedure

Always rub or brush lightly from the outer edge toward the center of stain to prevent spreading or causing "the ring" when using solvents, especially on twist rugs and pile carpets.  On old, dry, or stubborn stains, saturate, blot, and brush.  Repeat this operation as often as necessary to remove the stain completely.

Stain Removal Package

You must move quickly, so please keep a small container with the following items close by:

How To Clean Stains

  1. Work quickly.
  2. Blot up excess spills with paper towels.  Do not rub.
  3. Apply antidote(s), as shown on list, with a clean, dry cloth, working from edge to center.
  4. Do not soak.
  5. Pat with paper towels.  Dry with fan or hair blower.
  6. Restore pile with clothes brush.

Removing Wax


Put a blotter or brown paper bag over the spot.  Put a hot iron over the blotter.  Wait a few minutes until the wax is absorbed into the blotter.  Repeat if necessary.  Move the iron constantly and do not let it stay in one place.

Removing Ink

Saturate the spot with hairspray.  Allow it to dry.  Brush lightly with a solution of water and vinegar.

Removing Glue

Saturate the spot with a cloth soaked in vinegar or alcohol.

Removing Chewing Gum

Press ice cubes against the spot.  Wait until it becomes brittle and breaks off.  Use spot remover to vanish last traces of spot.

Stain Removal Index & Procedures

Acid 4
Alcoholic Beverage 1
Ammonia or Alkaline 1
Beer 5
Berries 5
Bleach 1
Blood 4
Butter 2
Candy (sugar) 1
Carbon Black 2
Catsup 2
Charcoal 1
Chocolate, Cocoa 1
Coffee 4
Cooking Oil 2
Cosmetic 2
Crayon 2
Creme de menthe 3
Dye-blue, black 3
Dye-red 5
Egg 2
Excrement 2
Fish Slime 2
Fruit Juice 5
Furniture Polish 5
Gravy 1
Hair Oil 2
Hair Spray 2
Hand Lotion 2
Ice Cream 2
Lacquer 2
Lard 4
Lipstick 1
Machine Oil 2
Mayonnaise 2
Mercurochrome 5
Merthiolate 5
Metal Polish 1
Milk 1
Mixed Drinks 5
Mud 1
Mustard 5
Paint 2
Perfume 1
Rust 1
Salad Dressing 2
Sauce 1
Shortening 2
Soft Drinks 5
Soy Sauce 2
Starch 2
Tar 2
Tea 5
Tooth Paste 1
Urine 5
Varnish 2
Vaseline 2
Vomit 2
Washable Ink 1
Wine 5


Procedure 1
  1. Detergent
  2. Blot
  3. Vinegar
  4. Blot
  5. Detergent
  6. Blot
  7. Water
  8. Blot
Procedure 2
  1. Cleaning Fluid
  2. Blot
  3. Detergent
  4. Blot
  5. Water
  6. Blot
  7. Ammonia
  8. Blot
  9. Detergent
  10. Blot
  11. Water
  12. Blot
Procedure 3
  1. Detergent
  2. Blot
  3. Vinegar
  4. Blot
  5. Ammonia
  6. Blot
  7. Detergent
  8. Blot
  9. Water
  10. Blot
Procedure 4
  1. Detergent
  2. Blot
  3. Ammonia
  4. Blot
  5. Detergent
  6. Blot
  7. Water
  8. Blot
Procedure 5
  1. Detergent
  2. Blot
  3. Ammonia
  4. Blot
  5. Vinegar
  6. Blot
  7. Detergent
  8. Blot
  9. Water
  10. Blot

CERAMIC FLOOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Routine Care for Your Tile

Glazed tile walls in your home will easily keep their lovely look with simple routine care. Just wipe regularly with a damp cloth or sponge, using non-abrasive household cleaner. A window cleaner (such as Windex or Glass-Plus) is ideal for cleaning glossy tile surfaces.

For glazed tile floors, vacuum regularly to remove dirt and gritty particles.  Follow with a mop or sponge dampened with an approved household cleaner.

Tiled surfaces in your bathroom (tub, shower, vanity tops, etc.) may require more thorough routine cleaning because of a build-up of soap scum, body oils or hard-water stains.  Use the usual "clean, damp cloth or sponge" with an all-purpose cleaner, but allow it to stand for about five minutes before rinsing and drying.  (You may also use a solution of equal parts of water and white vinegar).

Here's a hint on how to keep shower walls mildew-free: clean regularly with tile cleaner or fungicide such as Lysol or ammonia.  Dry with a towel after each use and leave curtain or door open between showers.

Do's and Don'ts of Ceramic Tile Care

Tile Grout

Grout may present a special cleaning problem because it is susceptible to many staining agents. Apply a silicone sealer to grout joints several times a year for maximum protection.

In addition to keeping the grout clean, be sure to keep grout joints in good repair. Scrape out loose, cracked or powdery joints and refill with good grout.

One common grouting trouble spot is the joint between the tub and the wall in your bathroom.  As the house or tub settles, the grout may crack and crumble.  It's relatively simple to remedy.  Remove the old grout with a sharp pointed tool, watching out that you don't scratch the tile or tub.  Then dry the joint thoroughly and fill with a flexible caulking compound, such as silicone rubber caulking.

VINYL FLOOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Proper care and maintenance will help ensure your floor always looks its best.  Simply follow our maintenance and prevention steps outlined below.

Immediately After Installation:


For 3 hours after seam application, protect the sealed seams on your flooring. This will ensure proper seam bond. If your seams are disturbed before they're dry, permanent damage may result.

Maintain room temperature at 65 degrees F for 48 hours after installation is completed.  This assures proper curing, setting and bonding of products. 
Use a damp sponge, cloth, or mop to wipe off the manufacturer's logo and 800 number printed on the face of the floor.  Be careful not to wipe across any seams.

The adhesive under your floor needs time to thoroughly dry after installation.  Therefore, we recommend that you do not scrub or wash your floor for five days.

Proactive Protection for Your Floor


When moving appliances or heavy furniture, lay a plywood panel on your floor and "walk" the item across it. This protects your floor from scuffing and tears.

Use your floor protectors on furniture to reduce indentation.  As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector needed.

Be careful with rolling casters.  They can damage the floor.  Therefore, we do not recommend them. If you choose to use them, the double-wheel type are the best option.

Place a walk-off mat at the outside entrance to reduce the amount of dirt brought into your home.  We strongly recommend mats without a latex or rubber backing since these backings cause permanent discoloration.

Caring For Your Floor


Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove loose dirt which can scratch your floor. NOTE: We do not recommend vacuums that have a beater bar since it can visibly damage your flooring surface.

Wipe up spills as soon as possible.  Remove dried spills with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, on a clean white cloth. Never use highly abrasive scrubbing tools on any floor. See stain chart for instructions on removing specific stains.

Wash your floor regularly with Armstrong Once 'n Done Floor Cleaner, or equal.

For heavy duty cleaning, use Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner or equal.

DO NOT use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or "mop and shine" products.  These products may leave a dull film on your floor. 

Over time, if the shine on your floor begins to dull, Armstrong Shinekeeper Long-Lasting Floor Polish, or equal, can be used to renew your floor's shine.  Do NOT use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.

Stain Removal


To remove the stain, follow these instructions in order, until no trace of stain remains.

CRAYON

Rub the stain with lighter fluid*, mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.

Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

LIPSTICK


Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

If stain is still visible, rub the stain with lighter fluid*, mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.
Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

GRAPE JUICE/WINE


Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

If stain is still visible, rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

MERCUROCHROME/MERTHIOLATE


Rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

MUSTARD


Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

PEN INK


Rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

If stain is still visible, rub the stain with lighter fluid*, mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.

Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

PERMANENT MARKER


Rub the stain with lighter fluid*, mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.

If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow use instructions on the label) on a clean white cloth.

If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

ASPHALT DRIVEWAY SEALER/SHOE POLISH


Rub the stain with lighter fluid*, mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.

If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

HAIR DYE


Rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

If stain is still visible, rub the stain with lighter fluid*, mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.

If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow use instructions on the label) on a clean white cloth.

Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

PAINT/VARNISH


If paint stain is wet, wipe up the stain with water on a clean white cloth.

If paint stain is dry, carefully scrape residue with a thin spatula.

If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

If stain still shows, rub the stain with lighter fluid*, mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.

If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow use instructions on the label) on a clean white cloth.

Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

NAIL POLISH


Very carefully wipe stain with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow use instructions on the label) on a clean white cloth.

RUST


Apply Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, to the stain and let it stand for five minutes. Scrub vigorously with a stiff-bristle brush or nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, wipe, rinse, and let dry.

If traces remain, rub with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of oxalic acid and water (1 part acid to 10 parts water).

NOTE: Please follow instructions and cautions on label, as oxalic acid is poisonous.

CIGARETTE BURNS


The procedure depends on the exact construction of your floor. Consult Roth Carpet.

BLACK HEEL MARKS


Scrub the area with Armstrong Floor Stripper and Cleaner, or equal, and a nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.

If stain still shows, rub the area with a nonabrasive cleaner.

If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth.

[*MAY BE COMBUSTIBLE/FLAMMABLE; PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS ON LABEL]


LAMINATE FLOOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Procedures


Laminate floor is the closest thing there is to a "maintenance free" floor. The melamine impregnated surface with aluminum oxide makes it resistant to dirt and dust. 

Ordinary vacuuming or sweeping is usually sufficient to keep the floor clean.  If needed, an occassional cleaning with a light damp mop or cloth dampened with a solution of Pergo Spray Cleaner, or equal, is recommended.  Never flood the floor with water.

Do not use soap based detergents, as these may leave a dull finish on your floor.

Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder, as these may scratch your floor.

IMPORTANT: Never wax, polish, sand or lacquer a laminate floor.*  Use Pergo After Installation Cleaner to remove leftover glue.

Tough Stains


Juice, wine, grease, chocolate
Dampen a rag with Pergo Spray Cleaner or warm water and mild detergent and spot clean.
Cigarette burns, asphalt, shoe polish paint, crayon, ink, dried foods, nail polish
Dampen a rag with alcohol or nail polish remover and spot clean.
Candle wax, chewing gum 
Allow to harden and gently scrape with a plastic scraper.


Helpful Procedures


Use door mats outside each entrance to prevent dirt, sand, grit and other substances such as oil, asphalt, and driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor.  Only use non-staining mats on your Laminate Floor.  Do not put cocofiber mats on your floor since they may stain or damage the surface.

For increased indentation resistance, use wide bearing, non-staining floor protectors, such as clear hard plastic or non-staining felt protectors, for heavy furnishings.

HARDWOOD FLOOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Remember we should wear the finish of a wood floor, not the wood.
  1. Use protective walk-off mats at the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from walking onto the floor. Grit and sand are floorings' worst enemy.
  2. Install proper floor protectors on furniture used on hardwood floors.  Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing.  Clean the protectors on a regular basis to remove any grit that may have become imbedded on protectors.
  3. Vacuum regularly.  When the household carpets are vacuumed, do the hardwood floor also.  A brush attachment works well on hardwood floors. Do not use beater bar head on vacuum cleaner attachments. Sweep on a daily basis or as needed, but do not use household dust treatments as this may cause your floor to become slick or dull the finish.
  4. Never wet mop a hardwood floor. Excessive water causes wood to expand, possibly damaging the flooring. Finishes are to protect the stain and face of the wood; they are not waterproofing products. Use only Harris-Tarkett's Crystal Clear wood floor maintenance products. 
  5. Keep high heel shoes in good repair. Heels that have lost or worn through their protective cap will expose the fastening nail. This will exert over 8,000 lbs per square inch of pressure on the floor. This will damage any floor of any kind.
  6. Wipe up liquid spills promptly with dry cloth or paper towels. Remove sticky residue (like grape jelly) with a damp --not dripping cloth. If the spot appears dull, wax and buff the spot.
  7. Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink.  The rug will catch the sink splash, be comfortable under foot, and is attractive.  Love your floor. Asthetically pleasing wood floors provide continuity between kitchen and family room.


© 2008 - Roth Carpet and Floors - Pittsburgh, PA