Carpet One Floor & Home

Ceramic Tile - Care and Maintenance

2009-09-01T16:17:00.004-04:00

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.

Product Spotlight - Relax, it's Lees

2009-08-17T14:06:00.004-04:00

LEES® Relax, it's Lees® … a carpet like no other with a warranty to match! Lees has the perfect combination of beauty and worry-free toughness.

Lees® carpet is designed to fit the world you live in with ground-breaking stain protection and lasting construction. Available in a range of styles and colors for every taste and need, Lees® carpet features Ultra 25® with Scotchgard™ Protector – stain protection so strong it's backed by the exclusive "NO EXCLUSIONS" ULTRA 25® STAIN WARRANTY which covers stains other carpet warranties don't: pet stains, grease, mustard, coffee, cola and more.

That's beauty with peace of mind.

In addition, the patented ExtraLoc® backing has double the density of standard carpet construction for extraordinary stability and strength.

Count on Lees® carpet for unmatched beauty and performance in your home.

Vinyl - Care and Maintenance

2009-07-09T09:25:00.003-04:00

With the easy maintenance of a resilient floor, there is no cause for concern when
it comes to spots, spills, or scuffs left by shoes. By observing a few precautions,
and with proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that your vinyl floor
always looks its best.

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 at least
three days after it is installed.

For general cleaning, sweep your floor regularly (at least once a week) and be
sure to wipe up spills promptly. Occasional mopping with the manufacturer’s
recommended cleaning solution may be needed when dirt builds up and
sweeping alone is not sufficient. Please note that soap or detergent products
are not recommended for resilient floors as they will leave a dulling film on the
surface. The Flex Floor products, however, can be cleaned with a damp mop
and mild detergent or soap.

Caution: Vinyl floors can be slippery when they become wet. Use extreme
caution when walking on a wet floor. Use doormats outside each entrance
to your home to prevent dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil,
asphalt, and driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor. Use
non-staining mats on your floor. Do not put rubber-backed, latex-backed, or
coco fiber mats on your floor because they may stain or damage the surface.

Close your curtains or blinds where extreme sunlight hits the floor.
A combination of heat and sunlight causes most home furnishings,
including vinyl floors, to fade or discolor.

Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors.
Ideally, the protectors should be at least 1” in diameter, made of
non-pigmented hard plastic, and rest flat on the floor.

Non-staining felt protectors are also acceptable. Casters with a minimum
3/4” flat surface width or greater are recommended for all moveable
furniture. Make sure any floor protectors made of metal are rustproof.
Replace your narrow dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones.

Cleaning Stains and Other Problems
The overall stain resistance of vinyl is excellent and most spills will wipe off
quickly and easily with a clean white cloth. Removing certain substances may
take a little extra effort. Always use a clean, white cloth for wiping up stains,
and turn it frequently to avoid spreading the stain. Rinse with clean water and
allow area to dry. Repeat if necessary.

Make sure you check your warranty before attempting to clean.

Product Spotlight - Lees

2009-06-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

Relax, it’s Lees® … a carpet like no other with a warranty to match!

Discover the perfect combination of beauty and worry-free toughness. Lees® carpet is designed to fit the world you live in with ground-breaking stain protection and lasting construction.

Available in a range of styles and colors for every taste and need, Lees® carpet features Ultra 25® with Scotchgard™ Protector – stain protection so strong it’s backed by the exclusive “NO EXCLUSIONS” ULTRA 25® STAIN WARRANTY which covers stains other carpet warranties don’t: pet stains, grease, mustard, coffee, cola and more. That’s beauty with peace of mind.
In addition, the patented ExtraLoc® backing has double the density of standard carpet construction for extraordinary stability and strength.

Count on Lees® carpet for unmatched beauty and performance in your home.

Hardwood - Care and Maintenance

2009-06-09T14:41:00.000-04:00

Like any floor covering, real wood floors will show signs of wear over
time, depending on the size and lifestyle of your family. But by observing
a few precautions, and using the cleaning and maintenance program
recommended by the manufacturer, you can expect years of beauty from
your wood floor.

Never clean or mop your hardwood floor with water. Do not use any wax
or cleaner that must be mixed with water such as oil, soap, or paste wax
products; or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil, or
ammonia as this may damage your floor and result in a loss of warranty.

Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor. 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, gravel, grease, oil, and stains. Place protective
pads beneath furniture legs to reduce scratches and dents. Use a dolly and
protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture, or
appliances. Some objects may be too heavy to move across a hardwood
floor under any circumstances.

Certain types of casters on furniture may damage hardwood flooring.
Barrel-type wheels (a minimum 1” continuous width is recommended) or
wide, flat glides are best for protecting your hardwood floor.

A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage of wood
floors due to low humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to
cause very dry conditions. In damp conditions, proper humidity levels can
be maintained with an air conditioner or dehumidifier, or by periodically
turning on your heating system during periods of high humidity in the
summer months.

Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging
of wood and fabrics. This causes the stain and/or wood to fade and/or
change color. It is recommended that you rearrange rugs and furniture
periodically so the floor ages evenly.

Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the
floor. Spike or stiletto high-heel shoes may cause denting and related
damage to hardwood 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 keep sand, dirt, grit, grease, and oil off your hardwood floor.

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

Product Spotlight - Bigelow

2009-06-03T12:24:00.000-04:00

Big Heritage. Big Style. Big Value. The perfect combination to fit your needs.

Want a big reputation for quality? America’s carpet brand since 1825, Bigelow® has earned generations of trust for ingenuity and expertise in making top quality carpet that will enhance your home.

Want big fashion that’s in step with your tastes? Bigelow® delivers with great designs and innovative textures that give you beautiful, trend right style. Bigelow® is classic but with a twist - taking tradition to the next step.

Want a big deal? With outstanding guarantees for long wear and performance, all at a price that makes sense for your busy world, Bigelow® is value without sacrifice.

See why Bigelow® is the big name in carpet you can choose with confidence.

Laminate - Care and Maintenance

2009-05-07T15:38:00.000-04:00

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

How to Care For & Maintain Your Carpet

2009-05-05T09:29:00.000-04:00

A regular maintenance program extends the life of the original appearance
of your carpet. Today’s carpet fibers are designed to hide dirt and reflect
light and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of
apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.†

You will need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs,
and exterior entryways at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas
weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating
brush and with a strong enough airflow to penetrate to the carpet backing.

Carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool blend
styles, may be sensitive to brushing or rubbing of the pile surface
and may become fuzzy. For these products, and those styles with
a combination thick or thin or cable yarn, a suction-only vacuum is
recommended or a vacuum with an adjustable brush lifted away from
the carpet so it does not agitate the pile. A vacuum with a beater bar or
rotating brush can be tested for excessive fuzzing in an inconspicuous
location before regular use.

Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light
to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage
the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.

No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty
cleaning from time to time. We would be glad to advise you
about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet. Hot water
extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to
maintain most warranties.* Some styles, however, must be cleaned in other
ways. Be sure to check with your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer for
the recommended cleaning method for your particular carpet. A trained
professional should perform this service at least every 18-24 months to
refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet.† Have
the cleaning professionals come to your home for a visual inspection,
and obtain a written agreement before the work is started. You must
retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty
claim arise.

Disclaimers:
† Courtesy of the Carpet and Rug Institute, Copyright 2006.
* If you purchased the Everguard® Stain Protection Plan with your carpet, contact the 3M Service Center (1-800-352-6789) for spot removal
instructions prior to using the following spot removal methods.

National Green Select Day

2009-04-18T09:43:00.000-04:00

Our Manchester, NH Team at Stark Park

Today is National Green Select Day and Carpet One Floor & Home locations throughout North America have teamed together to clean up and beautify communities, and invited their communities to join in!

Getting out in our communities and actively making the world a cleaner and healthier place is an important part of being responsible citizens. National Green Select Day is an opportunity to come together with your local community and make a difference.

Stop by one of our stores and you’ll learn how to make the inside of your home as green and beautiful as we plan to make the outdoors!

To learn more about National Green Select Day visit http://www.nationalgreenselectday.com/ or http://www.ngsd.blogspot.com/.

What you need to know to make the right flooring choices for your home.

2009-03-24T15:18:00.000-04:00

Carpet
Warm and soft underfoot, carpet comes in a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns. Always an elegant solution, carpet can be formal, casual or in between, making it adaptable to every room. It is constructed of two layers – the yarn on top (called the surface face pile) and the backing that holds the fibers together. Most fibers are nylon, olefin, polyester or wool; and they vary in wear, stain and cleanability. The quality of padding installed beneath carpet also affects its wear. Available in a broad price range, carpet is a good fit for any budget.

Vinyl
Easy to maintain and ideal for moisture-prone areas, vinyl has long been a staple floor material for bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl is easy on the legs – another benefit for rooms like kitchens or laundry nooks where you may be standing for prolonged periods of time. Because vinyl is offered in a wide range of textures, patterns and colors, it runs the fashion gamut, reinforcing classic looks or adding an up-to-the-minute splash of color and fun.

Tile & Stone
For and elegant and natural look in high-traffic areas, it’s hard to beat ceramic or porcelain tile. Available glazed or unglazed, tile is a good choice for moisture-prone areas like entryways, kitchens or baths. Extremely durable and simple to maintain, tile complements other floor types such as carpet, hardwood or laminate. Another option is natural stone, which comes in several forms and varies in look, usage and durability.

Laminate
Mimicking the look of real wood, tile or stone, laminates are very easy to clean and never require sanding or refinishing. Laminates have a sandwich-like four-layer construction consisting of a wear layer on top, followed by a decorative sheet that contains the printed image, then a rigid core – usually fiberboard – and finally a bottom balancing layer that prevents warping. Because it is so versatile and durable, laminate makes a great “whole house solution.”

Wood
A classic flooring material adaptable to any look from wildly contemporary to formal, wood can work well in any room, though it’s not a first choice for baths or laundry rooms. Wood floors are available in solid one-piece boards or in the form of engineered wood. Engineered flooring consists of a hardwood veneer top-layer laminated to lower layers of softwood backing that inhibit warping. Wood can be refinished and restained, giving it enduring value in the home.

Area Rugs
In the same way that a bright or subtle scarf can accent your wardrobe, area rugs are the accessories of floor coverings. They can add a fashion touch, help pull together a room’s furnishings or decrease the noise and wear and tear from foot traffic. Area rugs are offered in every imaginable color and pattern and in a wide range of prices. They also introduce warmth and softness to rooms with such hard flooring surfaces as tile or hardwood.