f05 - CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Preface:
This guide on cleaning and maintenance of other flooring types is provided for general information only. Specifiers and/or persons requiring specific cleaning and maintenance information should verify the requirements with the flooring material manufacturer.
1 • FLOORING MAINTENANCE
.01 Some flooring has hard and durable flooring finishes so dirt and dust does not readily stick to them, others do not. Although pre-finished flooring still requires care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
.02 What is minimum care? The following general maintenance procedures govern all flooring as noted:
.03 Remember: It is extremely important to always use the floor manufacturer's cleaning and finish products and recommendations when known. The use of improper cleaning products or procedures may damage the finish, contribute to additional wear, and may void any warranty or guarantee.
For specific details on the care of Bamboo / Cork floors the Design Authority or Owner should consult with the Bamboo / Cork flooring manufacturer or supplier of the flooring product.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule for Bamboo / Cork Note: Always follow the manufacturers specific guidelines.
Daily - Sweep or dust mop, wipe up spills locally
Weekly - Vacuum using the bare floor setting
Monthly - Clean with recommended Bamboo / Cork flooring cleaner
Every 3 - 5 Years (or as necessary) - add a maintenance coat
Every Few Decades (or as necessary) - Sand and refinish
.04 Protective Measures: There is no such thing as an indestructible flooring material. There are a few simple measures that are important to keep flooring looking new.
.05 In addition to care and maintenance procedures indicated, the life of any flooring can be extended if extremes in temperature or humidity conditions are avoided. Flooring will perform at its best when climate-controlled conditions of 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F) and 45% to 65% relative humidity are maintained in the home or office.
This guide on cleaning and maintenance of other flooring types is provided for general information only. Specifiers and/or persons requiring specific cleaning and maintenance information should verify the requirements with the flooring material manufacturer.
1 • FLOORING MAINTENANCE
.01 Some flooring has hard and durable flooring finishes so dirt and dust does not readily stick to them, others do not. Although pre-finished flooring still requires care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
.02 What is minimum care? The following general maintenance procedures govern all flooring as noted:
- Dust mop, sweep, vacuum (preferably with a non-beater bar vacuum), or wipe floors occasionally with a damp cotton or cloth mop regularly (at least weekly) to remove dust and dirt.
- As with hardwood flooring water and flooring such as bamboo and cork don't mix. No matter what finish a floor has, or what claims the manufacturer makes for the finish, water should never intentionally be poured onto a floor or the floor wet mopped unless pre-approved by the manufacturer. While damp mopping is fine for some floor finishes in good condition, excessive amounts of water may find a way to seep between the floor unit joints causing them to swell, warp, or stain.
- Food, excess water, and other spills must be wiped up immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
- When required, clean flooring using cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, scouring powder, soap or detergent-based cleaners, wax-based products or any type of polish on floors because they may scratch, dull, or leave a dull, filmy residue on the floor. In addition, never use any type of dust attraction product on flooring as these products may leave sticky or slippery residues on the floor surface.
- If an accident occurs and a stain remains, the stain may be removed using materials and methods that are recommended by the flooring manufacturer and not the cleaning agent manufacturer.
.03 Remember: It is extremely important to always use the floor manufacturer's cleaning and finish products and recommendations when known. The use of improper cleaning products or procedures may damage the finish, contribute to additional wear, and may void any warranty or guarantee.
For specific details on the care of Bamboo / Cork floors the Design Authority or Owner should consult with the Bamboo / Cork flooring manufacturer or supplier of the flooring product.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule for Bamboo / Cork Note: Always follow the manufacturers specific guidelines.
Daily - Sweep or dust mop, wipe up spills locally
Weekly - Vacuum using the bare floor setting
Monthly - Clean with recommended Bamboo / Cork flooring cleaner
Every 3 - 5 Years (or as necessary) - add a maintenance coat
Every Few Decades (or as necessary) - Sand and refinish
.04 Protective Measures: There is no such thing as an indestructible flooring material. There are a few simple measures that are important to keep flooring looking new.
- The use of door mats or throw rugs is recommended at the exterior and interior of all entrances to help keep tacked in grit (dirt and sand) and moisture to a minimum.
- The use plastic or fabric-faced glides or pads on furniture legs (chairs, sofas, TV stands, tables and other easily movable furniture) is recommended to prevent scuffing and scratching the floor. These must also be cleaned occasionally.
- Plastic casters on chairs with rubber wheels should be replaced and heavy objects (e.g., furniture) should be lifted rather than slid across the floor.
- During cleaning and when moving heavy furniture, it should be picked up and carried to its new location in order to protect the flooring.
.05 In addition to care and maintenance procedures indicated, the life of any flooring can be extended if extremes in temperature or humidity conditions are avoided. Flooring will perform at its best when climate-controlled conditions of 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F) and 45% to 65% relative humidity are maintained in the home or office.