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Bedrooms are meant to be private oasis. Unlike the more public areas of homes, bedrooms can really take on any desired vibe. Depending on the existing flooring and home ownership situation, you may have to live with what you have, to a certain extent. But never fear! It is still possible to create a personalized vibe from the flooring up. If your current retreat needs a little lift, here are some flooring trends for you to consider. New Flooring Options If new flooring is in order, you have several options, mainly to remove existing flooring, or cover it up. Many older homes have wood floors, sometimes hidden under wall-to-wall carpet. If you find yourself in that situation, and you are lucky enough to uncover wood floors that are in good shape, your next decision will be whether to add new carpet, area rugs or something else. Rugs or Carpeting for Your Bedroom Rugs and carpets are available in a limitless assortment of patterns, colors and piles, from low pile to plush. Carpeting is available in wall-to-wall, installed by a professional, or carpet tiles, which are square “tiles” of carpet, laid adjacent to one another, which are possible to DIY. Area rugs, an affordable way to update your space, can be found in styles to fit any decor. The best thing about them is their flexibility. You can place area rugs throughout your space directly on your existing floor, whether hard flooring or wall-to-wall carpeting, in order to personalize it. Since both area rugs and carpet can trap allergens, cleaning them is important, especially in a bedroom. Rugs should be cleaned periodically by a professional or by renting a machine. Area rugs can be removed and aired outdoors, and many machine washable options are available. Whichever you prefer, choose rugs or carpet that fits your style. If you are practical, opt for something that will be easy to maintain. For a natural feel, look for jute or other responsibly sourced product. If glam is more your thing, go luxe with a plush option, or mix things up with different carpet tiles to create your own custom look.

When it comes to the health and safety of babies, nothing is overkill! Our most vulnerable family members depend on us to provide them with an environment where they can safely grow and explore. Every situation is unique; some things to consider regarding flooring include ease of cleaning, resistance to moisture, and budget. While no floor is inherently unsafe provided it is in good condition, there are flooring choices that make more sense than others. Read on for details. Hardwood is Safe for Babies If you already have hardwood floors, there is no reason to change them for the baby. Make sure, however, that they are in good condition to avoid splinters or potential injuries. In addition, since hardwood and moisture are not friends, make sure any wet spills are cleaned up straight away. hardwood flooring is safe, but not the ideal flooring for babies. Carpet is Safe for Babies Who doesn’t love the feel of a nice plush carpet? Carpeting is the best bet for keeping babies safe from bumps and bruises. If your home has carpet, there is no reason to change it! Make sure that it is clean and in good condition to protect your family from allergies from dust and pets. If the carpet is damaged and you cannot change it out before the baby comes, consider an area rug. Affordable and easy to clean or replace, a small rug can cover damage and wear and protect the baby. As always, don’t forget to blot and treat spills before they become stains. Tile is Safe for Babies When it comes to clean-ups, tile can’t be beat. Wet or dry messes can easily be swept away or wiped up. As long as your tile and grout are not damaged, tile makes a great flooring for babies. Because it is hard and can feel cold, it doesn’t provide the best play surface. Choose an area rug or foam play mat to provide a little cushion for the baby, if you have tile. Luxury Vinyl is Best for Baby While no flooring is fool-proof, luxury vinyl plank or tile comes the closest. It is warmer than tile, easier to clean than carpet, more user friendly than hardwood, plus it’s affordable and easy to install. It provides a safe, low maintenance, virtually waterproof flooring option that won’t break the bank. If you are looking for a floor that checks all the boxes, vinyl is an excellent choice. Available in many styles including many varieties of wood, stone and designer tile, vinyl tile would easily fit into any decor. And, since it has a low profile compared to other flooring, it could be installed throughout the entire home, or just in the nursery. If you need additional help choosing a floor that is best for babies, visit the friendly designers at America's Carpet Outlet. They would be happy to help you with design and installation suggestions to fit your situation and budget.

Regardless of the weather in your neck of the woods, spring is a great time to refresh your flooring. Winter dirt, including salt, grit and grime, can carry in on boots and shoes. Along with April showers comes mud and sometimes muddy paws, but spring cleaning can help you get rid of all of the above. Read below for some tips and tricks to getting your flooring summer ready. Spring Clean Your Tile Floors Even if you have a regular cleaning routine, tile floors can get grimy and dingy and need a good, deep cleaning to remove dirt and cleaning product build-up. First, thoroughly sweep and vacuum your tile to remove loose dirt, pet hair or grit. Choose your cleaning product carefully! Options range from diluted dish soap to a bleach-based cleaner. Commercial products, made for public spaces, are a good option. Consider a formula with hydrogen peroxide to take care of stains and deep clean grout without the harshness of bleach. Be sure your product of choice doesn’t dry to a streaky haze. When it comes to grout, use a special grout brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn stains. There are many DIY grout cleaners online. Here is one to try: Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap with 3/4 cup baking soda to form a paste. Apply to grout with a brush, then use water and a clean rag to wipe and rinse away the paste. For badly stained or discolored grout, pick up an oxygenated bleach cleaner, which can be mixed with water, applied and allowed to sit for 30-60 minutes. Remove with a mop, then mop again with fresh water. Spring Clean Your Hardwoods Hardwood floors need routine love, so make sure yours get dusted weekly, vacuumed bi-weekly and damp-mopped about once a month. If you have fallen down on the hardwood flooring cleaning routine, never fear. Just begin by sweeping, then vacuuming your floors, then using a cleaner that is approved for use on hardwoods. When in doubt, test in an inconspicuous area before applying to your entire floor. Spring Clean Your Laminate and Engineered Hardwood Floors You can use the same process to spruce up both laminate and engineered flooring. Dust the floor with a microfiber mop before using a cleaning solution that is designed for the specific surface. If you are cleaning away a winter’s worth of grunge, you may need to be more thorough, but you can easily maintain your floors with a spray mop and some weekly love. Spring Clean Your Rugs and Carpets Deep cleaning carpet, which should be done every 12-18 months, requires a machine, which you can rent if you don’t own one. A penetrating solution is forced deep into carpet fibers and then sucked out by the machine, bringing dirt and stains with it. If you have a busy household with a lot of foot traffic, pets and/or kids, you might consider doing a deep clean more than once a year. By deep cleaning your flooring in the spring, you help to freshen your space by washing away the dirt from the past year and preparing for the new season ahead. If you need additional advice, or have questions about how to properly deep clean your specific flooring brand, don’t hesitate to reach out to the helpful professionals at America's Carpet Outlet. They can recommend the right products to have your floors sparking in no time.

Spring is here which means summer is just around the corner! It’s a great time of year to plant window boxes and plan veggie gardens, sleep with the windows open, and generally enjoy the outdoorsa and pleasant temperatures. What isn’t so pleasant is when your outdoor space still has gunk from last summer’s salsa disaster. If your porch, patio or deck needs some love, read below about how you can spruce it up. Prepare your Space Before you go crazy with the sprucing, consider a good power washing. Cleaning up will prepare your space to become a blank canvas. Chase away winter dirt and grime from kids and pets. Throw out anything that has outlived its usefulness or overstayed its welcome. Don’t forget to hose down your patio furniture and inspect it for damage. While everything dries, let’s go shopping! First Things First- Use a Rug to Anchor Your Design Outdoor rugs are a great place to start! The foundation of an outdoor design, they are available in a variety of sizes and almost limitless styles and patterns. Outdoor rugs are manufactured to withstand sun and weather, without fading or rotting. If they get dirty (from another salsa disaster or otherwise) they can be spot treated or hosed down entirely. Beginning with the rug sets the stage for everything else; you can easily choose items to complement it and create a cohesive look for your space. Select a large rug to set off a larger area, or create smaller “conversation” areas using smaller rugs. If you already have cushions that are in good condition, make sure your rug choice works with them. Place Your Furniture When setting up your outdoor living space, arrange the furniture in ways that will reflect how you will use it. Planning to read on the chaise? Place it near the patio umbrella with a side table for your icy drink. Love entertaining? Make sure there is a place for guests to sit down and space for their stuff, including plates of food or beverages. Once you have finalized the placement, decide on the cushions (if necessary), making sure that they agree with your choice of rugs. Choose Your Accent Pieces Keeping the area rugs and cushions in mind, choose accents that will complement your motif, but not too much. Everyone likes to spend time with someone who agrees with them, until things get boring. Don’t be boring! Use your accents to bring a little spice. Pick up a few pillows with a contrasting design but a similar color, or select an unexpected centerpiece for the coffee table. And don’t forget the flowers! Even if the weather isn’t quite hospitable, you can make a plan for plants. Choose ones that will flower for the season in colors that go with your outdoor “living room.” If you need help picking out an area rug for your outdoor space, measure first and then visit the helpful design professionals at America's Carpet Outlet. They can help you select something that will set the stage for this summer’s outdoor living! And hopefully not another salsa disaster.

When you decide that carpet is the way to go for your space, whether it’s your home, business or an investment property, your journey is just beginning. There are so many options when it comes to types of carpet. They can be broken down, generally speaking, by pile, material, grade and backing. Read below to learn more about the types of pile available for carpets. Pile Types: The first and most basic consideration for carpets is choosing from the three different types of carpet pile. Pile refers to how the carpet fibers come together and are attached to the backing. There are three basic piles of carpet: Cut Pile: Comfortable underfoot, cut pile carpets are made by cutting the carpet fibers at a uniform length and twisting them into tufts. The length (or depth) of the fibers can vary from carpet to carpet. They help create a unified look in your space. Popular cut pile carpets include a very short, even pile, known as Plush or velour carpet. Saxony has a slightly longer pile that is made of twisted fibers. Frieze has the longest fibers, and is the densest of the cut pile varieties. Also called Shag, it is made of twisted tufts. Loop: Loop carpets are made of the same material as cut pile, but the fibers are attached to the backing on both ends, creating a loop. Very durable and low maintenance, loop carpets create an understated look in your space. Popular types include Berber, a short loop carpet made from long fibers rather than individual loops, and typically used in high traffic areas or non-residential settings. High Loop or multi-level loop carpet is just as it sounds. The carpet fibers are looped at varying lengths, to create patterns or texture in the carpet. Cut and Loop: These carpets are made of a combination of cut and looped fibers to create visual interest. Patterned carpets are almost always cut and loop. Pile Height: Each type of carpet above is available in different heights of pile for different applications. Low Pile: Great for households with kids and/or pets, or high-traffic areas, low pile carpets keep the pile short and “low” to the floor. They are easy to maintain; examples include Berber and Plush. Medium Pile: A great choice for comfort and durability, medium pile is the middle of the road for carpet. High Pile: Also known as deep pile carpet, high pile is made of long fibers, creating a comfortable feel underfoot. Shag, an example of high pile carpet, doesn’t show much wear but is more difficult to keep clean than a lower pile variety. Unlimited Options for Carpet Once you decide on the type of pile that would suit your space, the sky’s the limit! Depending on your budget, you can choose from a variety of materials, colors, grades, backings, not to mention pads, to create the environment that you envision. When you are ready to pick your perfect carpet, or need more help making that decision, reach out to the flooring professionals at . We are happy to help you talk through your options for carpets and installation.

Fresh Carpet Facts Getting new carpet is a great way to totally freshen your space, in more ways than one! New carpets can drastically change the way your home looks and feels. They can brighten a space or make it instantly more cozy. In addition, carpet can literally bring with it a breath of fresh air. Gone are the old stains and odors. Pets, kids, and food are all good things, but they can leave behind unpleasant, lingering smells… that will all leave with your old carpets! Choosing new carpet isn’t complicated, but there are a few factors that you should consider. Carpet Can Change Your Decor When choosing new carpets, start with what you really enjoy. Do you prefer wild patterns and colors to make a statement or would you prefer a muted neutral vibe to keep your space more peaceful? With a wide variety of patterns and colors available, the sky is literally the limit. When you begin the carpet selection process, allow yourself the freedom to dream a little, without the limitations of practicality and budget. Carpet Should Feel Good Consider how you want the carpet to feel underfoot. Do you want to walk barefoot over plushy shag, or is Berber more your style? Will you have kids crawling or playing on the floor? Choose a carpet that will be comfortable to walk (or crawl, or play) on and then choose the appropriate pad for added comfort. Carpet Should Be Kid and Pet Friendly Along the same lines as comfort, keep in mind how much traffic your space will endure from kids and/or fur-kids. Especially if your existing carpets have taken on stale odors, consider replacing them with carpets that have stain and odor resisting features. Carpet Should Be Durable The final important consideration is the amount of wear and tear your space will see. Think about how much foot traffic you have, especially in entryways or hallways. Will you have any chair traffic, from a desk chair or dining? How much time do you have to vacuum and otherwise maintain your carpets? All of these considerations will help guide you toward a carpet choice that will benefit your life without being an excessive burden. When you are ready for help, check in with the helpful professionals at America's Carpet Outlet. They can review your carpet options and help you make an excellent choice.

Some Info on Natural Stone Stone flooring, available in marble, granite, limestone, sandstone and slate is a natural material and a beautiful choice for homes. Each type of stone has its own unique charms, qualities and strengths. Stone floors are as durable as they are beautiful! Naturally water-resistant, they are a good option for kitchens, bathrooms or hallways, but don’t count them out for other rooms too. Solid and stately, stone flooring adds value and an air of luxury to any space. They can be installed over radiant heat to keep feet toasty in the colder months. Keep in mind that the benefits come at a cost; stone floors are a pricier material. If you have them professionally installed, you need to factor in additional cost per foot. In addition, because stone is a natural material, it should be sealed every 3-5 years to protect it from stains and maintain its resistance to water. Some Info on Tile Floors Available in ceramic or porcelain, tile is stylish and durable, making it a versatile flooring choice. Made of clay then fired, glazed, and fired again, tile is waterproof and easy to clean. Both ceramic and porcelain are suitable for a variety of purposes. Other than sealing grout lines, tile floors are relatively low-maintenance. Porcelain tile is the more forgiving of the two; tiles are the same color all the way through, so chips, though unfortunate, are less noticeable. Also, due to the type of clay and higher firing temperature, porcelain is harder, denser and more durable than ceramic. Either variety is available in a myriad of sizes, shapes and colors, but ceramic tile is also available printed with decorative patterns. If properly installed, both porcelain and ceramic tile can last a lifetime. They can be self-installed with a bit of research, proper preparation, and a few specialized tools. Whether you DIY or have a professional install your new floors, tile tends to be less expensive than stone. Should you choose stone or tile flooring? The decision about whether to install stone or tile floors depends on a few items. The first consideration would be design related. Do you have the type of home or style where a stone floor would feel appropriate? An older home, with an air of sophistication or a luxe loft with an open floor plan would be complemented by a fancier floor. In a modest home, such as a starter or townhome, tile might be a more appropriate choice. The second consideration would be based on budget. Can you afford the extra expense of a stone floor? Or would a stone-like tile floor complete your space without breaking the bank? Whether you are leaning more toward the luxury of stone or the affordability of tile, both are durable, water-resistant and require only nominal care. If you need more guidance, or pricing, reach out to the helpful folks at . We will be happy to set up time to talk about your design needs, budget and more.

There are a number of great flooring options for areas of homes that are prone to high moisture or humidity, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens or entryways. There are also some floors that would not be good choices. Read on to learn what flooring to consider and avoid in your home’s dampest spots. Tile is the best flooring for Damp Areas It’s indisputable that tile offer the best resistance to any dampness or water infiltration in homes. Tile floors are nearly 100% waterproof, provided they are sealed and properly grouted, so no water can seep between tiles. Another perk to tile floors- they are durable- easy to clean and take a lot of wear and tear without looking worn- making them a great choice for high traffic areas. Sheet Vinyl is an excellent choice for Damp Areas Sheet vinyl, manufactured in large rolls to cover rooms with few to no seams, is another great choice for wet areas. Available as “floating” or glue-down, sheet vinyl provides a water-proof surface for floors. As long as your vinyl isn’t damaged, and any seams are properly sealed, it is impregnable to wetness and spills. Although not as durable as tile, sheet vinyl is easy to keep clean and requires little special care. Vinyl tile is great floor for Damp Areas Both Luxury Vinyl and regular Vinyl tiles are great choices for damp areas, as they are made entirely from synthetic materials and do not absorb water or rot. The only weak spots in a vinyl floor are the seams. Imperfect installation can leave slight gaps where water can seep between tiles to the subfloor and cause problems. Sealed Concrete is good for damp areas Concrete floors, with the ability to be colored and textured, are a newer household flooring option. Properly sealed, they will resist absorbing moisture, making them a great choice for damp areas. Too heavy for some areas of homes, consider concrete flooring in basements. Not Advisable for Damp Areas The following floors are not advisable for use in damp areas of homes: Solid Hardwood - Changes in humidity can cause hardwoods to swell and buckle, eventually ruining your floors. Carpet - Although new carpeting is made nearly 100% from synthetic fibers, it still absorbs and retains moisture and takes a long time to dry. Older carpets containing wool and other natural fibers can actually harbor mildew and mold. If carpeting is necessary in a damp area, be sure to use an appropriate subfloor designed to manage possible water infiltration. When you are ready to discuss your design needs, reach out to the friendly professionals at America's Carpet Outlet. They can go over the options for your space, damp or otherwise, and help you make the best choice.

Spring is just around the corner, bringing with it a fresh take on almost everything. If you need a refresh on your floors, here are some new flooring trends to consider this spring that are sure to freshen your space. Luxury Vinyl Not necessarily new, there is so much good to be say about LV flooring, that it’s always worth mentioning. This spring, look for new, warmer colors of LV Plank that resemble wood or LV Tile printed to look like painted ceramic tile or natural stone. Whether you choose plank or tile, vinyl is easy to install, very durable, affordable and water resistant. It’s an excellent solution for many home applications. Epoxy Resin A newer flooring medium, epoxy resin is extremely durable, resistant to scratches and totally waterproof. Two liquid parts are combined and poured onto a leveled floor. They harden to a solid state over the period of a few days. Resin can be tinted or dyed to mimic veining of natural stone or other materials. It is pricey compared to other methods of flooring and should be professionally installed but adds value to homes. Most people who choose epoxy floors use it in basements or smaller areas like bathrooms. Curved Hardwoods Another newcomer to the flooring scene, curved hardwoods are just how they sound. Rather than straight edged boards, each plank has curved sides, which are fit together by a professional installer. Though more expensive than traditional hardwood flooring, curved hardwoods provide visual interest and value to homes. Patterns Having floors installed in a less traditional pattern, such as Herringbone or Chevron patterns, is trending in 2023. Printed decorative tiles (ceramic and LVT) can be found in unexpected places, like dining rooms, laundries, and hallways, or to create statement spaces within larger areas. Use solid colored tile to create bold, retro-inspired patterns, such as checkerboard, in both large and small spaces. Large Format Flooring of all types is trending toward larger and wider this year, which creates a cohesive and spacious look in homes. Wider planks and large format tile, ranging in size from 12” squares to 6’ in length, can be used to customize floors and elongate rooms. Carpets Carpet this year range from low pile to super plush. Most of them are easy to keep clean, with existing stain-blocking technology. Look for carpets or area rugs similar in tone and style to the other flooring options- warm neutrals, bold print, or subtle patterns. In addition, carpet tiles are gaining popularity. More popular in commercial settings, carpet tiles are getting more attention due to their versatility. When tile becomes stained or worn, they can simply be replaced with new tiles. Use carpet tiles in spaces like family rooms and other areas that may take a lot of abuse from game night or foot traffic. This Spring, whether you are looking to freshen your floors in a small space or your whole home, the friendly professionals at America's Carpet Outlet are ready to help you with options! Stop in or contact us to set up a design appointment today.

It’s not news that the economy is in rough shape. Almost everything is much more expensive, including services such as installations. Many times you can DIY a project, and home improvements are no different. However, there are times to bite the bullet and have a professional come and take care of things for you. In many cases, this can actually save you money, and it will always save you time. Such is the case with flooring. Here are some benefits to hiring a professional to install your new floors. They Know How Obviously, there are many types of flooring you can have installed in your home. hardwood flooring,vinyl, tiles, and carpet to name a few. Each flooring type requires a different skill set -and a different tool set. Two great reasons to hire a professional are that they have the tools and they know how to use them. Even if you could borrow or rent some of the tools you would need at a cost, you would still need to know how to properly and efficiently use them, to avoid waste and injury. Less Stress One of the first steps in a flooring project is to clear the room, packing away breakables, decor and securing low-hanging lighting fixtures. In some cases, you should also remove the floor moulding. These tasks, in themselves, can be enough DIY! It can be stressful to corral all your stuff in a way that allows full access to the floor of an entire room. You can sometimes ask the installer for help with this task -and also pay for it- but it may be well worth it. Once the room is clear, the professional can begin right away to install the new floor, finishing the job more quickly due to his or her knowledge and experience. And you get to go about your business. Less Mess Depending on the floor you choose, the degree of mess can vary. Some floors are very messy to properly install and others are relatively clean. A professional should also take care of any mess caused by the installation, by sweeping or vacuuming to a reasonable degree of tidiness, saving you from the task of cleaning up. Save Time When you hire a professional, your involvement in the home improvement project involves room prep and light cleaning, and opening the door to let them in. Other than that, you don’t need to be involved. You get to spend your time doing something other than measuring (twice), cutting (once), trimming around obstacles such as HVAC or wall trim, and making costly mistakes. As an amateur DIY flooring installer, you are bound to make mistakes when measuring or cutting, costing you time and money. In addition, installers know all sorts of tips and tricks to more quickly and professionally finish a job. If something takes longer than originally planned, it will be the installer’s responsibility to finish and won’t require the sacrifice of weekends for the foreseeable future. There are times to DIY… and times to Not DIY. Flooring installs are one of those times you may want to consider paying a professional rather than undertaking a task that is bigger than you realize, takes longer, costs more, and causes you stress. If you are ready to take the first step, get in touch with the flooring experts at America's Carpet Outlet. They can help you make flooring choices, talk with you about professional installation services, and more.

In today’s busy households, versatility is key. It doesn’t matter if you are career-minded, stay-at-home, or work-from-home, with kids, pets, neither or both. We are all in serious need of simplicity in our lives, since time is short and things seem to become increasingly complicated. Thankfully floors don’t have to be! There are flooring options which are suited to the chaos that too frequently defines our lives today. Here are a few considerations. When deciding on a flooring solution for your space, consider how you plan to use the area. Choose a floor based on use to simplify everything from comfort to cleaning. Consider moisture, whether the area will get wet. In the case of kitchens and baths, a floor that stands up to mess is essential. Entryways are the same; save yourself the headache of a carpeted foyer and opt for hard flooring instead. tile, linoleum and luxury vinyl are all great options for areas where life will most likely get messy. If you are doing an entire floor of your home, consider a single flooring option for the whole space to create visual continuity and an easy cleaning routine. On the main floor, (entryway/hallways, living room, kitchen, dining room, powder room, etc), you may opt for either a hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood, or vinyl for the entire area. All three feel warmer underfoot and hold up well to traffic, moisture and general mess, provided you are diligent at wiping or sweeping up spills. Area rugs can be added to off-set and add warmth to a space, such as in the living room, or under a dining room table. Small, washable throw rugs are a great way to protect entryway floors from moisture and debris from outdoors; they can easily be shaken out or machine-washed and rotated seasonally or replaced when worn. In bedrooms, especially children’s rooms, playrooms and family rooms, comfort is key and carpet absolutely needs to be a contender. Choose a carpet that stands a chance in your household. Perhaps shag, although it’s trending and feels great underfoot, isn’t the best idea if you have little kids or pets that shed. A less posh carpet with a higher quality pad can be comfortable to lie or play on as well as easier to clean. Most of today’s carpets come with stain guard so messes and spills can be quickly removed before they become a permanent issue. All of the above floors are available in a wide variety of style options. Due to changing trends, what was popular last year may no longer be cutting edge. If versatility is your goal, stick with a neutral floor that can play nicely with a variety of styling, so your investment doesn’t quickly become obsolete. For more help, reach out to the design professionals at America's Carpet Outlet.

The New Year is a great time of year to reevaluate your routines and improve them. Especially if you have recently upgraded flooring in an area of your home, it’s important to make sure that you care for it properly, so it stays nice for years to come. Depending on the flooring in question, basic care has some variation. Here are some daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance suggestions for each basic type of flooring: Wood Floors While hardwood flooring and engineered floors add warmth and longevity to your home, they do require some attention to keep them looking their best. They should be swept daily with a soft broom or microfiber mop, to avoid scratches. Vacuum your floors weekly with the bare floor setting of your vacuum cleaner. Deep clean your wood floors monthly either with a store-bought wood floor cleaning product, or a DIY solution of mild soap and water. Spray small areas and wipe with a clean rag or a cotton or microfiber mop. Address scuffs and any minor damage as soon as possible to keep them from becoming bigger issues in the future. Tile/ Resilient Tile Floors Known for their durability, tile floors- ceramic, stone, luxury vinyl and linoleum- are not quite as needy as wood. You should sweep or vacuum your tile floors regularly, at least weekly, or more often if you have children or pets. Although crumbs won’t damage your tile, immediately sweep up anything abrasive, such as sand or grit to avoid scratches. Mop your tile floors at least every week or two using a recommended cleaner. If you have grout, choose a mop that won’t push dirty water into the grout lines, where it can stand and create stains. If you do find a stain on your grout, you can treat it by applying a paste made from water and baking soda with a toothbrush. If you notice hazy or cloudy ceramic tiles, it may be time to deep clean your floor with an all-purpose cleaner or a DIY solution of water and acid (lemon or vinegar) to cut the haze**. As a last step, consider drying ceramic tile after washing, rather than allowing it to air dry, to avoid water spots promote shine. If you have linoleum floors, consider waxing them with liquid wax every three to six months. Please Note: **Do not use acids on natural stone such as slate, granite or marble, as they can be damaged. Always follow professional cleaning instructions and spot test any cleaner before using. Carpet Known for its comfort and versatility, carpet remains a popular choice and is easy to maintain with regular care. Vacuum your carpets at least weekly to remove allergens and debris left by foot traffic and pets. Slightly move your furniture every few months to help avoid the inevitable carpet dents and reduce wear by altering traffic patterns. Address spills and stains as they happen by blotting, rather than rubbing the stain and using the proper cleaning solution. There are many DIY solutions available but always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Although it’s tempting, don’t overdo the steam cleaning. Instead, keep your carpets fresh by following the above suggestions and avoiding excess dirt whenever possible. Use throw rugs or mats at entryways or consider a shoe-free home. For more suggestions on a cleaning and maintenance routine for your floors, visit the friendly professionals at America's Carpet Outlet in State College, PA. Contact us or stop in today for all your flooring needs.