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Carpet Floor Care Guide
Protect your Investment
Carpet is a tremendous value, but it is still one of the largest purchases you will make for your home or business. The durability and soil hiding characteristics of today's carpet can disguise the need for maintenance. Proper maintenance of carpet can enhance the beauty and extend the useful life of carpet and protect your investment. Clean carpet contributes not only to the overall aesthetics of a home or business, but it plays a significant role in the healthful state of the indoor environment in which people work, live, and spend a majority of their time. The Institute of inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the certification body for the professional carpet and upholstery cleaning and restoration industry recommends routine vacuuming, immediate spotting, entry mats to control soil in entryways, and yearly professional cleaning.
Carpet Stain Removal - Immediate spotting
Treatment of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before treatment, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. If ignored, those spots may bond with fiber dye sites, forming permanent stains.
For any stain removal, use a white cloth or paper towel for cleanup. First scrape the food spill gently with a spoon or dull knife, removing as much as possible. Always work from outer edge of the stain towards the center to avoid spreading. Blot, do not rub or scrub, as the carpet may fuzz.
When using a mild detergent, use a clear, non-bleach laundry detergent. Do not use cloudy detergents as they can leave a sticky residue. Use only 1/4 teaspoon of detergent to 32 ounces of water. Follow detergent cleaning with clear water rinsing and then blot dry as much as possible.
Whether or not you have a STAINMASTER® Carpet, their web site is one of the best to investigate stain removal or general carpet care. Also see Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) site for more tips.
Vacuum Regularly
Most dirt, and even dust, takes the form of hard particles. When left in the carpet these gritty, sharp particles abrade the pile of the carpet. Regular vacuuming not only prolongs the life of the carpet, but will enhance its appearance as well. Most soiling in carpet is of the dry, particle type which can be removed with a vacuum cleaner.
Vacuum high traffic lanes daily, medium to high traffic areas twice weekly, and the entire house at least once a week.
Use a vacuum with a rotating brush or beater bar. Change the bags often and check the beater bars for burs and gouges so as not to damage the surface of the carpet. Some thick loop pile carpets will fuzz if a rotating brush vacuum is used. In this case we recommend a suction vacuum only.
Preventative Maintenance - Controlling Soil
Most abrasive soil accumulates initially within the first few feet of major entries into homes and commercial buildings. Once inside, this soil takes its toll on carpet fibers and on the general appearance of the floor. The use of mats or runners at all home entrances and on uncarpeted areas adjacent to carpet will reduce soil and moisture in traffic areas. Clean mats and any other rugs placed over carpet regularly.
The use of furniture coasters to distribute the weight of heavy items is also recommended, especially for furniture with wheels. Take care when moving furniture with wheels by putting a protective barrier between the wheels and the carpet.
To extend the beauty of your carpeting, close drapes or blinds during hours of direct sunlight.
Exercise extreme caution with all bleaches, tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food. They are strong chemicals that can permanently discolor or dissolve carpet fibers.
Cleaning Recommendations - Vacuum and Professional Cleaning
Routine vacuuming with properly maintained, quality equipment is the single most important step a home or business owner/manager can take to extend the life and appearance of a carpet. For a list of certificed vacuums see www.carpet-rug.com
Even with regular vacuuming, soil particles and oily dirt will cling to the carpet fibers. With foot traffic these particles and oily dirt are driven deep into the carpet. We recommend professional hot water extraction every year. Periodic cleaning, using the hot water extraction method performed by a professional cleaner, will refresh carpet appearance.
The most used areas, such as entrances, doorways, traffic lanes, and in front of chairs will collect dirt faster than other areas. Clean these areas as they begin to show soil. This will stop dirt from spreading.
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We carry the manufacturer's maintenance products. Stop by to get the right floor care product for your new floor.
For specific questions please feel free to contact us.
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