Educators and administrators may differ over what kind of floor surfaces they prefer in their facilities--carpeting or hard flooring. Advocates on each side can make a case for their choices, depending on how a building is being used, the wishes of building occupants, or the budget they have available. However, no matter what kind of flooring a facility has, most people involved in maintaining schools would agree that an effective cleaning and maintenance program is critical for education institutions that want their floors to last. Poor or inconsistent cleaning and upkeep can result in surfaces that are dirty, unsafe and unhealthful. This article discusses the five elements of an effective carpet maintenance program: (1) soil containment; (2) vacuuming; (3) a spot and spill removal system; (4) interim cleaning; and (5) restorative cleaning. It also discusses how to keep hard floors clean using a broom or dust mop.