Caring for your flooring

A little regular care helps your flooring stay comfortable, attractive and ready for everyday life. We’ll advise you on looking after your chosen floor, from routine cleaning to dealing with the occasional spill.

We send care information to our customers after their purchase, helping you look after your new flooring from the start. If you need another copy or have a question, please contact the showroom.

The guidance below is a starting point. Always follow the instructions for your particular flooring, as different fibres, finishes and installation methods need different care.

Jump to: Everyday care · Carpets · Natural flooring · Hard floors · Steam cleaners · Care guides

Everyday habits that help

Use suitable entrance mats to catch dirt and grit, and clean the mats regularly. Removing muddy or gritty footwear also helps protect your flooring.

On hard floors, use appropriate furniture pads or protective cups and lift furniture rather than dragging it. Check that mats and their backings are compatible with your floor—some can cause discolouration on vinyl.

Vacuuming your carpet

Regular vacuuming removes loose dirt before it works deeper into the pile. Pay particular attention to entrances, stairs and the routes you use most often.

New carpets may release loose fibres during the first few weeks. Vacuum regularly from the start, using the setting recommended for your carpet, to remove them.

The right vacuum setting depends on the carpet:

Loop pile: suction-only cleaning is commonly recommended. Rotating brushes or beater bars can catch or disturb the loops.
Cut pile: many manufacturers recommend a suitable rotating brush to lift dirt from the pile.
Soft, deep pile: adjustable height and suction can help the vacuum move freely without pulling excessively at the carpet.

Check the carpet manufacturer’s guidance before choosing a vacuum or attachment.

Loose tufts and snags

Never pull a loose tuft or snag, as this can damage the surrounding carpet. If you notice a raised tuft or a pulled loop, contact us for advice before attempting a repair.

Dealing with carpet spills

Act promptly, using a gentle approach:

Carefully lift away any solid material.
Blot liquid with a clean white cloth or plain white kitchen towel.
Work from the outside of the spill towards the centre.
Follow the carpet manufacturer’s instructions for any further treatment.

Avoid scrubbing or soaking the carpet. Before applying a permitted cleaning product, test it in an inconspicuous area and follow its instructions. If the mark remains, seek advice before trying stronger treatments.

Wool and wool-rich carpets

Choose cleaning products suitable for wool, such as WoolSafe-approved products, and follow your carpet’s care instructions. General household detergents and washing-up liquid are not suitable substitutes. Never use bleach on wool or wool-rich carpets.

For a thorough clean or a difficult stain, consider a professional cleaner experienced in wool carpets.

Easy-clean and bleach-cleanable carpets

Some polypropylene carpets allow diluted bleach cleaning, but this must be specifically permitted by the manufacturer of your exact carpet.

There is no single dilution suitable for every range. Check the specified product, concentration and method before starting, and avoid over-wetting. If you’re unsure which carpet you have, contact us first.

Sisal, seagrass, jute and other natural flooring

Plant-fibre flooring needs particular care. Vacuum gently using the recommended suction-only setting.

Materials such as sisal, seagrass and jute can mark when exposed to water. Avoid wet shampooing and steam cleaning, and use only a dry-cleaning method or care product approved for your particular floor covering.

Treat spills promptly and ask for advice before using a household stain remover. These precautions also matter for delicate blends containing plant fibres.

Looking after a newly fitted hard floor

Before walking on your new floor, replacing furniture or cleaning it for the first time, follow the installer’s advice and the flooring and adhesive manufacturers’ instructions. Waiting times vary with the product and installation method.

Remove loose dust and debris gently with a suitable soft brush or dust mop. If you notice adhesive residue or a stubborn mark after fitting, ask for advice before scraping it or using a cleaning chemical.

LVT and sheet vinyl

Remove loose dust and grit with a soft broom or a vacuum attachment suitable for the surface. Clean using the manufacturer’s recommended product and dilution, with a clean mop, and remove excess liquid.

For Karndean, use Karndean Clean or a pH-neutral cleaner approved for vinyl flooring. Avoid abrasive pads and unapproved household cleaners, which may damage the finish or leave a slippery residue.

Wipe up spills promptly. Even a water-resistant floor needs care around standing water, edges and joints.

Laminate flooring

Remove grit regularly with a suitable soft brush, dry mop or vacuum attachment. When damp cleaning is needed, use a well-wrung mop and a cleaner approved for your laminate.

Avoid leaving puddles or moisture around the edges. Water resistance varies between ranges, so follow the guidance for your exact product.

Wood flooring

Keep wood floors free of grit and wipe up spills promptly. Use a suitable wood-floor cleaner with the recommended spray or lightly damp cleaning method, avoiding excessive water.

Oiled and lacquered floors have different maintenance needs. An oiled floor may need periodic maintenance oil, depending on its use and condition. Check the finish before choosing any cleaning or maintenance treatment.

Can I use a steam cleaner?

Only if the flooring manufacturer expressly permits it for your exact product, and then only using the specified method.

Karndean advises against steam cleaning, as does V4 for its wood floors. Some laminate ranges permit it under particular conditions, so a general “suitable for hard floors” label on the appliance is not enough.

Useful care guides

These guides offer further advice. Always check the instructions for your own flooring range:

Here to help

If you’re unsure about a cleaning product, a mark or a change in your flooring’s appearance, contact the showroom. Tell us which flooring you have and what has happened; a photograph can also help.

Thank you for choosing our family business. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to help you look after your flooring long after you’ve chosen it.

Caring for your carpet