Vacuum Carpet Care | Australian Floorcare Guide

SEBO Loves Your Floors

Sebo X7 vacuum cleaning the carpet

Australian homes are like no other, we love to renovate and update! The flooring we choose plays a vital role in the overall look, feel and health of our homes.

Many households feature a combination of hard and soft floor surfaces, often three or more, each with its own specific cleaning and maintenance needs. Regular care is essential to preserve both the appearance and longevity of your floors. The aim is to keep your home looking clean, healthy, and beautiful for many years to come.

mixed flooring

There are several simple steps you can take to protect and extend the life of your flooring:

Follow the care and maintenance recommendations provided by your Australian flooring supplier or manufacturer – these are often supplied at time of installation or can be found online.
Refer to the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 3733 – Textile floor coverings – Cleaning maintenance of residential and commercial carpeting.
Use designated entrance mats to reduce the amount of dirt and grit brought into the home.
Vacuum regularly using the appropriate power setting and vacuum head feature to suit your flooring type/s.
Place low maintenance rugs in high-traffic areas to minimise wear and tear.
Avoid wearing outdoor shoes indoors, consider specific footwear only to be worn indoors.
Clean up spills and spots immediately to prevent staining.
Always test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first. If in doubt, seek professional advice from a qualified person.

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Carpet and Care

Types of Carpet

Carpets come in many different styles, but most fall into two main types: cut pile and loop pile. The Carpet Institute of Australia (CIAL) sub-categorises the different carpet types here.

They can be made from natural fibres like wool, sisal or goat, synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyester or nylon, or a blend of both like Triexta. Further details on specific carpet brands can be found on the Carpet Specialisation page here.

Knowing what type of carpet you have is important, as each type requires different care. Using the right cleaning and maintenance methods will help keep your carpet healthy and looking its best for longer.

Cut Pile

Cut pile carpet is made by shearing the fibres so their tips form the surface, creating a soft, upright texture – similar to a field of short, even strands. There are several styles within this type, including plush and frieze (also known as hard twist). Twist pile carpets are especially popular because they are considered durable, easy to clean, and hold their appearance well over time, making them a practical choice for many homes. Often an upright vacuum cleaner with an electric brush roller will bring up cut pile carpet most effectively. Check out SEBO X7 Boost for Plush and Frieze Pile Carpet Care.

SEBO Upright Range

X7 Boost

Felix Graffiti

Felix Premium

Loop Pile

Loop pile carpets have a surface made from uncut loops of fibre, giving them a distinctive and often very attractive arched look. However, they do require a little more care to keep them looking their best.

Because the fibres are looped, the sides of the yarn are exposed on the surface. This means wear can affect how the carpet reflects light, sometimes changing its appearance over time, and it may also be more prone to stains. Wool loop carpets, in particular, need extra attention and it’s important to follow the carpet care guides to ensure the fibre remains intact.

Commonly carpet manufacturers recommend vacuuming with the brush roller switched off, as rotating bristles can often be too harsh. Harsh brush rollers and even the red colour ‘lint picker’ on a combination head can cause the loop carpet fibres to fluff up, creating a fuzzy appearance – often labelled as pilling but can be damage.

SEBO has developed a delicate floor brush roller which is available for their upright and barrel vacuum cleaners fitted with an ET-1 powerhead. This combination is recommended for use by wool loop carpet manufactures in conjunction with suction-only cleaning.

SEBO Barrel Range

E3 Premium

E1 Turbo

E3 Komfort

Delicate Brush Roller

Delicate Brush Roller

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Routine Maintenance and Care

Carpet colours can appear different throughout your home depending on the light source. Colour plays an important role in achieving the look and feel you want in your home, but it can also influence how easy your carpet is to maintain. Light coloured carpets tend to show marks and stains more easily. On the other hand, very dark carpets can highlight dust, lint, and fibres. A practical balance between style and upkeep are often the best choice for maintaining a good appearance over time.

New carpets

With a little care and regular attention, you can significantly extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking its best by referring to the specific carpet care guides and/or the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 3733 – Textile floor coverings – Cleaning maintenance of residential and commercial carpeting.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum as soon as your carpet is installed. You may be surprised at how much loose fibre is removed, and it’s normal for new carpets to shed fibre for a period of time. This is simply excess fibre left over from the manufacturing process.

With new cut pile carpets, if you notice a few longer tufts it’s important not to pull these tufts, as this could damage the carpet. Instead, seek advice from your Australian carpet retailer or installer on the best way to deal with them.

Vacuuming

Dirt and fine grit from outside can easily become trapped in your carpet fibres. As the carpet is walked on, these particles are rubbed against the fibres, which may lead to premature wear and fibre loss over time.

To help protect your carpet, high-traffic areas such as entrances and hallways should ideally be vacuumed daily with the appropriate SEBO vacuum model with features that suit your carpet style and fibre. Other areas of the home may require less frequent attention but should still be vacuumed at least twice a week to keep them clean and well maintained.

Welcome/Entrance mats

Reducing the amount of dirt brought into your home is one of the simplest ways to maintain your carpet investment and it’s appearance over time.

Place a Welcome mat at the outside entry to your home encouraging those to wipe their shoes before stepping through the doorway. Don’t forget about the back door or garage door too! This not only keeps your floors looking cleaner, but also protects the fibres from abrasion and dulling over time.

Use entrance mats at internal doorways to help trap dirt and grit before it reaches your carpet. For best results, choose specific entrance mats that are large enough for people to take a few strides on when entering, allowing more dirt to be removed from shoes before it reaches your carpet.

Vacuum entrance mats regularly with a SEBO and if necessary clean them with a product such as SEBO Duo-P to keep them effective in capturing dirt.

Rugs
Consider placing low maintenance rugs in areas that receive heavy use, such as hallways and in front of sofas. Busy feet can put extra stress on the carpet fibres, leading to wear, flattening, and a dull appearance over time.

Footwear
Wearing outdoor shoes inside can track in dirt, damage the carpet fibres, and because of their hard soles, press grit deep into the pile. This can cause significantly more wear than using indoor slippers or soft-soled footwear.

Australian Sun
The Australian sun is exceptionally hot and harsh, with some of the highest UV levels in the world. Carpets can fade or even become damaged when exposed to direct sunlight over time. To protect them, close curtains or blinds during the brightest part of the day, or place a light-coloured rug over sun-exposed areas. It may also be wise to avoid carpets with red tones in rooms that receive a lot of sunlight, as these colours may be more prone to fading.

It’s important to note that some rubber-backed mats may contain chemicals which can sometimes react with your flooring, causing permanent marks. To avoid this, choose a non-staining vinyl-backed mat or a colourfast rug instead.

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Carpet Cleaning

Stains

If you spill or drop something on your carpet, clean it up immediately. Acting quickly can prevent the spill from setting and turning into a permanent stain.

It is recommended to first refer to the spills section of your care and maintenance guide which is provided by your Australian carpet retailer or manufacturer. They often have precise instructions on how to clean and treat specific spills.

Spot Cleaning

If one cannot be located then you may wish to attempt the preventative tips below:

1. Take action immediately on discovering the stain. The longer it is left, the harder it is to remove.
2. Blot up spills immediately using white kitchen or toilet paper. Avoid coloured materials, as they could transfer dye and worsen the stain. Continue blotting gently until no more liquid transfers onto the paper when pressure is applied.
3. Use a spoon to gently lift and remove any solids. The more material you can remove (both solids and liquids) the more effective your cleaning solution will be.
4. When treating a stain, always work from the outside edge toward the centre. This helps prevent the stain from spreading further across the carpet.
5. If the stain isn’t completely removed the first time, repeating the cleaning process over can often be successful.

It is best not to treat stains with a variety of cleaning agents as this can create an irreversible chemical reaction. Some stains may need to be treated by a Professional. Most stains can be removed by using SEBO Duo-P

Carpet Cleaning

Following the preventative steps outlined above may reduce the need for deep or frequent cleaning, helping your carpet stay looking its best for longer. Most soiling types can be removed by brushing in SEBO Duo-P cleaning powder with the DUO Applicator machine. However, if your carpet becomes heavily soiled or has stubborn stains that are difficult to remove, it’s best to contact a reputable professional cleaning service for assistance.

Avoid using the Duo-P brush or CRB Applicator on 100% wool loop carpet.

The SEBO Duo-P is dry cleaning system – no unpleasant odours, reduced waiting time for drying or shrinkage. It is WOOLSAFE and Sensitive Choice – National Asthma Foundation Australia approved making duo-P the intelligent choice for those who suffer from allergies or have wool cut pile carpets.

Duo-P is made from thousands of micro-sponges and when brushed into the cut pile carpet or upholstery, a cleaning solution in the sponges dissolves the dirt and then removed by vacuuming out.

Duo-P Carpet Cleaner

Duo-P Bulk Refill

Duo-P Clean Box

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Hard Floors

An alternative to carpet is a smooth or “hard” floor. Hard floors come in many different materials and styles, each with its own care requirements. For this reason, it’s especially important to check with your flooring manufacturer or supplier for specific cleaning and maintenance advice.

Although hard floors are generally durable and long-lasting, they are not immune to damage. Like carpets, they still require regular care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.

One of the most important aspects of caring for hard floors is ensuring they are properly sealed. A good seal creates a protective barrier that prevents liquids, and the stains they can cause, from penetrating the surface.

Entrance matting
The importance of entrance mats in protecting your floors cannot be overstated. Dirt, grit, and sand can scratch and dull the surface over time. Once the protective layer is compromised, liquids can penetrate and cause stains, creating even more maintenance challenges.

Floor protectors
Use felt pads on the legs of tables, chairs, and other furniture to prevent scratches on your hard floors. Placing rugs in high-traffic areas, such as in front of sofas, will not only protect the floor but also add extra comfort underfoot

Vacuuming
Vacuuming hard floors is essential, not just to remove dirt and grit that gets past your entrance mats, but also to clear dust generated inside the home. High-traffic areas, such as entrances and hallways, should ideally be vacuumed daily to keep the floor clean and well-maintained. There are upright vacuum cleaners which can clean both hard floor and carpet, such as the SEBO X range, but if the floor is uneven or delicate a barrel or SEBO Felix upright fitted with a parquet brush or combination head should be used. A delicate floor brush roller (5010GE) is available for SEBO uprights which may be suitable.

Polishing
For glossy hard floors, consider using a floor polisher. Regular polishing can help maintain their shine and keep the surface looking new for longer. If the floor is completely smooth a polisher such as the SEBO UHS Polisher can bring an hygienic shine to the surface, making the floor look like new. The UHS Polishing Head attaches to the Felix Premium Rosso and Felix Premium Graffiti upright vacuum cleaners, the E3 Premium, K3 Premium, D9 Professional barrel vacuum cleaners and Dart 2 Commercial vacuum cleaner, so you can vacuum and polish at the same time.

Spills
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent liquids from being absorbed into the floor and causing stains or damage.

Mopping
Wet mopping is usually best avoided, especially if the floor’s protective finish is worn or is a wood or lino product. Instead, use a specially formulated hard floor cleaner and ensure the mop is only damp, not soaking wet, to prevent damage.

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Wood Floor Care

There are many types of wood flooring, made from a variety of hardwoods (Blackbutt), softwoods (Pine), or even bamboo (a woody perennial grass). Floors are available as solid wood or engineered composite planks, and the surface can be finished with lacquer, oil, or wax.

Taking care of wood floors is mostly about protecting the finish, controlling moisture, and preventing scratches. Best not to use a vacuum with a rotary brush, instead vacuum routinely with a barrel or upright fitted with a parquet brush or combination head.

Do not wet mop or steam mop, as these methods can potentially warp boards.

Softwood floors—typically sanded and sealed floorboards—are more prone to damage than hardwoods and require extra care and attention. However, even durable hardwoods, such as Blackbutt or Tasmanian Oak, can be scratched or marked over time. No wood floor will stay completely pristine, so regular maintenance is essential to keep it looking its best.

A good source of information on all things relating to wood is the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Wood Floor finishes

Wood floors are generally finished in one of three ways: polyurethane, oil, or wax. While cleaning methods are similar for all finishes, the approach to restoring or refreshing the surface depends on the type of finish you have.

Polyurethane: This finish forms a protective plastic layer over the wood, sealing and safeguarding it. Polyurethane is by far the most common finish used today. Never apply oil or wax to a polyurethane floor, as it can damage the protective layer. For an optimum gloss surface use a polisher fitted with diamond pads.

Oil: Oil finishes penetrate the wood, providing a natural, water-resistant surface. To maintain the floor’s appearance and protection, reapply the manufacturer’s recommended oil product as needed.For an optimum gloss surface use a polisher fitted with standard (in conjunction with further oil treatment or diamond pads).

Wax: Waxing hardwood floors can quickly enhance their appearance and is relatively easy to clean and buff. You can also reapply wax over time to maintain and improve the floor’s look. However, be careful not to build up too much, as thick layers of wax can be difficult to remove. Never apply wax to floors finished with oil or polyurethane, as it can cause damage. For an optimum gloss surface use a polisher fitted with standard pads.

Important to check with your flooring manufacturer or supplier for specific cleaning and maintenance advice.

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Laminate Floor Care

Laminate flooring is made of several layers bonded together under pressure or heat. The top layer is a durable, transparent melamine resin that resists scratches and stains while protecting the decorative design layer beneath. The core is usually high-density fibreboard or particleboard, and the backing is a water-resistant material, often melamine resin or treated paper. Laminate is graded according to its wear resistance.

Caring for laminate is very similar to caring for wood floors. Avoid wet mopping, as water can seep into the joints and cause the core to swell. Always use cleaning products specifically formulated for laminate floors.

Although laminate is hard-wearing, it should still be protected with entrance mats and felt pads under furniture feet, just like wood floors. As with any flooring, the quality of the product will have a big impact on its durability

A good quality laminate can be cleaned and brought to a high level of shine using a polisher fitted with standard or diamond pads. Important to check with your flooring manufacturer or supplier for specific cleaning and maintenance advice.

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Polished Concrete, Ceramic and Stone Floor Care

Polished concrete surfaces are extremely durable; however they still need to be properly cleaned and maintained.

Care and cleaning polished concrete floors

Here are some simple ways to keep it looking its best:

Daily Vacuuming – Remove dust, dirt, and debris regularly using a vacuum designed for hard floors. This prevents buildup that can dull the surface over time. Consider using a combination head or parquet floor brush.

Mopping with Neutral Cleaners – Use clean water along with a neutral pH floor cleaner. Avoid acidic or alkaline products, as they can damage the surface and reduce its shine. For larger or high-traffic areas, an automatic floor scrubber with non-abrasive pads can be used.

Immediate Spill Cleanup – Clean spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining. Liquids that are acidic, alkaline, or caustic can cause surface etching if left unattended.

Avoid harsh cleaning products such as: ammonia, bleach, vinegar, citrus-based solutions, or any highly acidic or alkaline products, as they can damage the finish.

Unlike many high-gloss flooring options, polished concrete does not require regular stripping or waxing. With proper routine care, professional maintenance is typically only needed every five years or so. If your floor begins to look dull, it may be time for restoration polishing. Check with your flooring installer and consider the Dart 3 UHS Restoration kit.

The most commonly used tiles in homes are ceramic and porcelain. Often confused by their similarities, they are made using very different processes.

Ceramic tiles have a durable glazed surface that carries the colour and pattern. Beneath the glaze is a softer material, often in a different colour, which forms the bulk of the tile.

Porcelain tiles are denser, harder, and highly water-resistant. Their colour and hardness usually extend all the way through the tile, making chips and damage much less likely, and if they do occur, they are far less noticeable.

Care and cleaning of ceramic and porcelain tiled floors
As with all types of flooring, regular maintenance is key. Vacuum at least once a week, and more often in high-traffic areas. Dirt, dust, grease, moisture, and fluff can quickly build up and form stubborn grime if not removed promptly. If the tiles are uneven, textured, or have wide grout lines it is essential to vacuum with a combination head or parquet floor brush.

High gloss tiles can be polished with either standard or diamond pads, but avoid polishing uneven tiles as only the high points are polished.

If tiles are installed in “wet” areas of the home, they can be exposed to different spills and stains. For everyday cleaning, mop with hot water and a mild household detergent to remove most spots.

For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a soft brush or a synthetic scouring pad. Avoid using steel wool or metal brushes, as these can scratch the tile surface. After cleaning, always rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent residue, which can attract more dirt if left behind.

Grout

While the tiles themselves are often impervious, the grout between them is porous and can be prone to staining. To protect it, apply a good-quality grout seal.

If grout becomes stained or discoloured, it can usually be brightened with a gentle cleaning using a diluted bleach solution. Use the edge of a sponge or a toothbrush to target the grout lines, and take care to keep the solution away from other surfaces. Alternatively, you can use a commercial grout cleaner designed specifically for this purpose.

Terracotta

Terracotta tiles are unglazed and highly porous. Without proper sealing, they can absorb stains and lose their natural beauty. These tiles are also relatively delicate, so they should be cleaned with care.

When purchasing terracotta tiles, ask your supplier for advice on the best sealants and cleaners. For older floors, consider using a professional to restore and reseal the surface to protect the tiles and maintain their appearance.

Natural stone floors

Several types of natural stone are commonly used for flooring. Granite is the hardest wearing and most water-resistant option. Other popular stones include marble, limestone, and sandstone.

Slate is often chosen for kitchens and bathrooms because of its water-resistant properties. However, its uneven surface means it should be vacuumed using a combination or parquet floor brush.

Porous stone should be sealed with an appropriate sealer. Smooth, gloss natural stone floors such as marble and terrazzo can easily be maintained to a high standard using the SEBO polisher fitted with a diamond pad.

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Lino and Vinyl Care

Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is typically composed of 98% bio-sourced or mineral materials, made from a mix of linseed oil, cork or wood flour, limestone, and pine rosin, pressed onto a jute backing. It has natural antimicrobial properties and is available in a wide range of patterns and flecked designs, which help to disguise scratches and marks. The colour and pattern run through the material, reducing the visibility of any surface damage.

Although highly durable, linoleum can be damaged by moisture and alkaline substances. Its maintenance is similar to wood floors, but to keep it looking its best and to protect it from dirt and excess moisture, always use cleaning and polishing products specifically designed for genuine linoleum. Consult the flooring supplier or manufacturer for their recommended care instructions.

Regular polishing with an appropriate unit can renew linoleum’s natural shine and stain resistance.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl, also known as PVC, is a durable man-made flooring material. High-quality vinyl, often called LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank), can be attractive, long-lasting, and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Its flexibility also makes it suitable for floors that may experience slight movement.

Luxury vinyl features a tough surface layer that protects the design underneath. Care and maintenance are similar to polyurethane-sealed wood floors, and specific vinyl floor cleaners are available. For the best results, consult the flooring supplier or manufacturer for maintenance recommendations.

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