FLOR Carpet Tile Cleaning & Maintenance

Pre-Installation

FLOR can be installed in virtually any indoor area that has a clean, hard, dry surface. Here are some tips on where FLOR can and cannot be installed:

1. FLOR should NOT be installed over carpeting or padding*, floors with hand painted or vintage varnish finish, unfinished waxed floors, any floors finished with a solvent based sealant, oil based finish, unsealed concrete, or outdoors.
2. FLOR may be installed over smooth, fully-cured (minimum of 90 days) concrete floors. To seal concrete surfaces, use a non-solvent based sealer (from your local hardware store or home improvement center). Let the surface dry completely before installing FLOR. If you're unsure if FLOR will work for your surface, call Customer Care at 866.952.4093.
3. *FLOR has a firm, but flexible backing. Installation of FLOR over a soft subfloor or existing carpeting or rugs will cause the tiles to separate when weight is applied to the surface.

For more assistance view our complete Installation Guide.

Moisture

FLOR carpet tiles are more resistant to the effects of moisture than traditional carpet, and under normal use will not allow moisture through the face to the surface below. Instead, moisture will simply remain on the face of the tile until it is blotted with a clean, white cloth or until it evaporates.

FLOR products are not, however, completely impervious to nature's effects. Prolonged exposure to excessive moisture may cause some discoloration to the adjacent floor surface, as well as some mildew/mold growth (typically underneath the surface). Direct exposure to sunlight over a prolonged period may also cause some color fading. Please see FLOR's installation information and Warranty for further information.

If your FLOR product becomes submerged in water and moisture becomes trapped underneath the surface, your rug will need to be disassembled to allow the tiles and surface below to dry completely before reinstalling.

FLOR products are engineered to perform in normal use and conditions, and with simple maintenance and care will give you years of enjoyment.

How to Clean FLOR Carpet Tiles

Vacuuming & Professional Cleaning

With regular vacuuming, your FLOR will maintain its appearance and provide many years of enjoyment. If your FLOR is the only soft surface in a room of hard flooring (e.g. wood, stone, or ceramic), it may collect more than its fair share of dirt. Your vacuuming frequency should be adjusted to reflect this intensity of use.

While vacuuming and spot cleaning will address most of the common problems with your FLOR, they are only steps in the overall maintenance process. Like other carpeting, over time FLOR carpet tile fibers can become embedded with soil due to matting and substances such as grease and oil. These substances can trap dry particles and result in a dull and dingy looking rug. When this occurs, normally 8-12 months after the product has been installed, a carpet cleaning professional should conduct a general cleaning.

FLOR recommends wet extraction or steam cleaning for nylon & polyester face fiber constructions. A dry extraction process is recommended for wool fibers. A wet cleaning will result in minor downtime of the floor as well as possible dampness in between carpet tiles and surrounding areas. Dry extraction will result in less downtime and leave a very minimal chance for dampness.

If you prefer to clean your FLOR rug yourself, or if you only have a few tiles to clean, FLOR offers you other options.

1. Cleaning an individual carpet tile

   FLOR carpet tiles may be rinsed in a sink. Use a mild detergent and agitate the pile of the carpet fibers with your fingers. Re-rinse the tile to make sure all soap residues are removed. Allow tiles to dry completely before re-installing your FLOR.

2. Wet Extraction | Rental Equipment

   FLOR highly recommends the use of professional cleaners. The equipment and knowledge of professionals is generally superior to rental equipment. Drying times and risks of damage are minimized when a professional is used. If rental equipment is to be used please follow instructions on equipment and use a neutral ph detergent. Follow the mixing instructions of detergent carefully. A clean water rinse should be the final step of this cleaning process. Be careful. Do not over saturate carpet when cleaning or rinsing. Drying time can be lessened with the use of a fan.

How to Clean Leather Rugs

1. General Cleaning

   The best way to remove dust and debris from a leather rug, is to shake them off outside or sweep them with a broom. Ideally, leather rugs should not be vacuumed. If you prefer to vacuum, though not recommended, only use the bristled upholstery attachment. This is the only attachment gentle enough for leather.

2. Spot Cleaning

   Harsh cleaning chemicals should never be used on leather rugs, as chemicals could risk damaging the leather. Instead, use a damp cloth to simply wipe the surface clean. For deeper cleaning, dilute a mild, natural soup with water or use a foam-based leather cleaner. Softly wipe the rug in a circular motion with a clean cloth. Test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the rug first to be sure it won't cause damage. Any reside left over can be soaked up with a clean, wrung-out cloth. Moisture still remaining on the rug should then be blotted with soft towels weighted down by heavy objects, such as books.

Spot Removal Guide

1. Soak up liquids with kitchen roll, paper tissues, toilet roll, or absorbent cloth
2. Scoop up or scrape off solids
3. Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment – if unsure, use solvent first
4. Always work from the edge of the spot inwards
5. BLOT, do NOT rub
6. Apply small quantities at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work into the spot with a small brush or sponge
7. Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles
8. When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation
9. Always thoroughly rinse afterwards if water-based spotters have been used
10. Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer

The spot removal charts contain the methods for dealing with accidental spillages and the order in which the treatments should be tried.

The EASY SPOTS chart contains those spots that come out relatively easily with the methods recommended or when the carpet is wet cleaned.

DIFFICULT SPOTS are more difficult to remove and may require repeated attempts with stronger spot removers. Some stains you may find impossible to remove completely in which case the assistance of a professional carpet cleaner may be required.

Treatments guide

1. Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues
2. Vacuum clean
3. Cold water
4. Warm water
5. WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)
6. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains
7. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains
8. Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron
9. Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)
10. Nail varnish remover or acetone
11. White spirit or turpentine substitute
12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)
13. Rub with a coin
14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners

1. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer
2. Rust remover
3. Carpet recoloring kit

Easy Spots

Difficult Spots