Care and Use
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A floorcloth is a painting crafted for use on the floor as a rug. It is made of simple materials; canvas, paints and sealants, yet a well-constructed floorcloth will provide years of pleasure and hold up to substantial use.A
floorcloth is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild soap and a damp sponge.
Choosing a Home for Your Floorcloth
A floorcloth is a rug well suited for any room with a floor such as wood, linoleum, concrete and some types of tile. It
should not be used over carpet since the layer of carpet underneath would crush under the weight of walking and
cause the painted surface to bend repeatedly.
Installing Your Floorcloth
There are a few things you should do before installing your
floorcloth. First, clean the floor very well by vacuuming and then damp mopping to catch any small dirt
particles that may be left behind. Even a small particle can telegraph through the painted surface causing a bump
to be seen. (If this ever happens, simply flip back the corner of the rug to locate the source of the bump and
remove the particle with your finger.) Check the back of the floorcloth to make sure there are no extra bumps on
the rubber backing. Next, check the feet of any furniture that will be used on top of the floorcloth and make sure
that there is a protective glide cap attached to the bottom. It will make it easier to shift furniture around when
the floorcloth is in place. Lay the canvas in the intended spot and unroll slowly (especially if the canvas has
been cold). A floorcloth can stiffen up in cold weather but once warmed it becomes flexible again.
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How to Clean Your Floorcloth
After your floorcloth has been in use you should clean it regularly to remove unwanted dirt. First, vacuum the
area very well. Take the time to flip the corners back and vacuum underneath the edge. Dirt has a way of
creeping into hidden spaces. Next, take a damp mop and soft soapy water (or white vinegar and water) and
mop over the surface as though you were mopping linoleum. If you notice a tough spot of dirt that your mop
cannot remove put a small dab of liquid abrasive cleanser on a damp sponge and gently wipe over the area (a soft
bristled old-fashioned scrub brush also works well). Rinse the area well with clean water and wipe dry. Avoid
cleansers that may damage the paint (too gritty or strong chemicals) or those that leave a sticky residue on the
surface (such as oil soaps). When the floorcloth is clean and dry, apply a thin coat of good quality
clear paste wax. (This wax appears white in the can and does not affect the colors of the painting.) Buff
the surface with a clean soft rag. Sometimes even a floorcloth can become damaged. The edge may appear worn
after heavy use. In that case simply take a sponge and touch up with the appropriate color of acrylic or latex
paint. (If you have been waxing your rug regularly be sure to give it a good scrubbing before
attempting to
apply any paint or use a wax remover product safe for paint.) Do not fold or bend your floorcloth. Do not put your floorcloth in the washing machine!
Do not leave your floorcloth outside in the weather or sitting in water.
Moving and Storing Your Floorcloth
Moving a large, floorcloth safely from one room to the next or to another house requires only a few minutes of
extra effort. Be sure to roll the canvas (with the painted side facing out) onto a 6” diameter rigid core tube and
secure with a clean piece of elastic cord. Plastic pipes available at the home supply store work very well.
When you are ready to use it again allow the rug to become warm and then unroll slowly (do not force it to
flatten). As the rug continues to warm it will flatten completely. Store a floorcloth not in use either rolled as
above or flat if possible.
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"Directions for cleaning Hayward's Figured Cloths. Take a Sponge or Cloth, and wash them well with soft Water; then rub them quite dry with a clean Cloth ~ When very dirty, use a soft Scrubbing Brush and a lather of Soap; always wash the Soapy Water clean off, and rub them dry, as before directed."
From the scrapbook, Manufactures & Arts of the 18 centuary [sic], compiled by Robert Barnes, 1857, and preserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London
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