General Care & Maintenance Guide

Carpet & Area Rugs

  • Vacuum your carpet with a CRI Approved Vacuum on a regular basis to avoid the build-up of dirt and residue.
  • Clean up messes promptly and spot clean if necessary.
  • Mark your calendar to have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 months to maintain your product warranty. Bomberger’s would be pleased to perform this cleaning for you; contact your salesperson to initiate this service!

Spot Cleaning

  • Clean up solid or semi-solid residue (such as dirt or food) before treating the area.
  • Absorb the spill. Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or plain white paper towel. (Use of a printed or colored material may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet.) Start at the outside of the spot and work towards the center to prevent the stain from spreading.
  • Treat the spot or stain with a CRI Seal of Approval Carpet cleaning product. Although these products have been laboratory tested, you should still pre-test any cleaner on a hidden area. Follow the product’s directions carefully. Blot; don’t scrub. Never use a brush. Repeat this process if necessary.

Cabinets

  • Wipe up spills, splatters and water spots as they occur – keep the cabinets dry.
  • Clean as needed with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use a mild detergent and warm water.
  • Use a fresh cloth when wiping down cabinets. Even when thoroughly rinsed, cleaning cloths may still have remnants of bleach, detergents, grease or other materials which can be harmful to the finish of your cabinetry. Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge.
  • Dry surfaces immediately with a soft cloth.
  • Never use bleach, ammonia or any cleaning agents that may contain abrasives such as steel wool, powdered cleaners or scouring pads.
  • Avoid draping damp cloths or dishtowels over cabinet doors- excessive moisture can cause permanent damage.
  • Cabinets do not require waxing or the application of wood oils to maintain the wood. If you desire a glossy or shiny appearance, you may apply furniture polish or lemon oil that is recommended for furniture use but use caution as these products can cause a buildup over time.

Countertops

  • Bomberger’s recommends using a cutting board or chopping block when preparing food along with hot pads when cooking or baking regardless of countertop material.
  • Granite countertops should be sealed annually to prevent bacteria from breeding below the surface. Mark your calendar as a reminder to seal your new granite countertop. Bomberger’s can perform this service for you; contact your salesperson to initiate the process!
  • Use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning product for routine cleaning. A solution of mild dish detergent or hand soap mixed with water followed by a thorough clean water rinse is safe for all countertops.
  • Do not flood laminate countertops with water! Water can penetrate laminate seams and cause the countertop to swell.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads to clean the surface. A vegetable brush works well to attack stubborn areas.

Hard Surface Flooring (Vinyl, Laminate, Hardwood & Tile)

  • Vacuum, sweep or dust mop your floor once a week, or more if needed. The vacuum head must be brush or felt, but a wand attachment is preferable. Do not use vacuums with beater bars or hard heads. A swivel-head mop with a microfiber cover is highly recommended to eliminate finer particles of grit and dirt that can act as sandpaper on solid surface floors.
  • Area rugs are recommended at high traffic areas, such as at exterior doors and in front of kitchen sinks. Do not use rugs with solid rubber or vinyl backings as these may harm the floor over time.
  • If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to minimize scratches.
  • Use protective pads on the legs of furniture to prevent damage to the flooring. Certain types of furniture have caster wheels. Barrel-type wheels or wide, flat guides are best for protecting your floor. If your furniture does not have the right type of casters, we recommend you change them.
  • Do not roll or slide heavy objects directly on the floor. When moving appliances or heavy furniture, consider laying a solid protective covering on your floor and gently “walk” the item across it. Carpet or cardboard is not adequate to prevent surface compression scratches. At the very least, use furniture moving pads underneath the legs of your furniture.
  • Use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning product for routine cleaning.
  • Avoid using a steam mop as extreme heat may damage your newly installed floor.
  • Consider using a squeegee in your shower area to avoid water spots on your tiled shower walls.
  • Bomberger’s recommends routine sealing of tile grout, contact your salesperson to initiate this service!