Your floors are a vital part of your home's design and functionality. Proper maintenance ensures they remain beautiful and long-lasting while helping you get the most out of your investment. Below, you'll find practical care tips for hardwood or VCC flooring, grout, and carpet to keep every surface in pristine condition.
- Hardwood & VCC flooring care
- Grout maintenance
- Carpet care
- Common carpet issues and remedies
- Limited carpet warranty
Hardwood & VCC Flooring Care
To maintain the beauty and longevity of your floors, follow these tips:
Cleaning:- Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly using the wand attachment.
- Use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner with a swivel head mop for occasional cleaning.
- Avoid using water, steam, or harsh cleaning agents like ammonia, bleach, or oil-based soaps.
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining or damage.
- Place natural or colorfast mats outside entrances to reduce tracked-in dirt and moisture.
- Keep pet nails trimmed to minimize scratches.
- Use furniture protectors at least 1 inch in diameter made of non-staining felt or hard plastic, and replace them regularly.
- Lay a plywood panel down when moving heavy furniture or appliances to avoid scuffs and gouges.
- Protect floors from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration.
- Do not use steam cleaners, rubber, foam-backed, or plastic mats, as they can discolor your floors.
- Avoid wearing shoes with spike heels or heel taps and remove shoes at the door to prevent damage.
Grout Maintenance
Your home features Prism grout with an embedded sealer. To keep it bright and easy to clean:
Cleaning and Sealing
- Prism grout with an embedded sealer is used throughout your home for added durability.
- Re-seal grout in high-moisture areas every six months to maintain protection.
- Clean grout regularly with gentle, pH-neutral cleaners to prevent buildup.
Carpet Care
Carpets require regular upkeep to maintain their beauty and improve indoor air quality. Follow these guidelines:
Daily Maintenance
- Vacuum twice weekly in low-traffic areas and daily in high-traffic zones. Use a light vacuum for surface cleaning and a thorough vacuum to penetrate deeper layers.
- Focus on keeping the carpet nap upright to maintain its texture and appearance.
Spot Cleaning and Stain Removal
- Blot spills immediately using a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain.
- Test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it to visible sections of the carpet.
Professional Cleaning
- Schedule professional deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime. This helps extend the carpet’s lifespan and keeps warranties intact.
Common Carpet Issues and Remedies
- Crushing: Traffic or furniture may compress fibers. Rotate furniture and use floor glides to reduce wear. Vacuuming helps maintain the carpet's texture.
- Fading: Natural wear and sunlight can cause color loss. Use window coverings to limit sun exposure and vacuum regularly to remove dirt that accelerates fading.
- Rippling: High humidity can cause ripples in wall-to-wall carpeting. If ripples persist, have the carpet professionally re-stretched.
- Seams: Visible seams are normal, particularly in low-nap carpets. Over time, vacuuming and foot traffic help diminish their visibility.
- Shedding and Pilling: New carpets may shed fibers temporarily. Regular vacuuming will address this issue. Clip pilling or fuzzing as needed.
Alturas Homes Limited Warranty Guidelines
Coverage
- Stains or spots noted during your New Home Orientation will be corrected by cleaning, patching, or replacement.
- Edges of carpets along moldings or stairs should be firmly secured, and any concerns will be addressed.
- Visible seams and natural wear are not covered under warranty.
By following these flooring and carpet care tips, you’ll protect your investment and keep your home looking its best for years to come. Regular maintenance not only enhances aesthetics but also improves durability and overall indoor air quality.