Carpet Care & Cleaning Guide
This care and cleaning guide is provided by the World Floor Covering Association.
Suck It Up
Dirt, dust, and other small particles are sharp and abrasive, and when they collect in your carpet, they can rip and tear the fibers over time. Regular vacuuming keeps these particles from wearing away at the carpet, and it also improves its appearance.
Bag It
If you choose a vacuum that uses bags, make sure you change the bag frequently to allow maximum cleaning efficiency-and to aviod all that dust blowing bag onto your carpets! Newer bagless models may save time and make the effort even easier!
**Recommended External Vacuum Service Provider: Quality Sew & Vac
Watch Your Weight
Heavy furniture, potted plants and other home décor can crush carpet pile and leave compressions that you may not notice until you redecorate or move. Use felt pads or protective caps and re-arrange the furniture periodically.
Stay Out of the Sun
In the same way the sun damages our skin, its ultraviolet rays can also damage the color of your carpet over time. To avoid sun lightening to your carpets, shut the curtain or blinds when the sun is most intense or use UV glass or film in your windows.
Snip the Snags
Looped carpets tend to snag over time – especially at the seams. It’s best not to vacuum over lose yarn or pull at the snags. Instead, treat every loose thread like you would on an expensive suit. Grab a scissors and carefully snip the snag flush with the plush.
Watch the Spills
When these events occur begin the clean-up process by using a dry cloth to blot up as much debris or liquid as possible. The longer you wait, the more the fibers will absorb the stain. Warm water should then be used to rinse the stained area. Press the cloth into the carpet to soak up the moisture until the stain is gone. Don’t scrub and don’t use hot water. You’ll damage the fibers. Finally, rinse the area with warm water and absorb the wetness with a dry cloth. After your carpet is dry, vacuum it to restore its texture and appearance. There are some carpet cleaners that do actually work. Ask your retailer about cleaning products that have earned the Carpet & Rug Institute’s (CRI) Seal of Approval.
**Now included in ALL carpet purchases, you receive a 2-year Spot & Spill Service Warranty when signing up for Protect My Warranty (which is a program that is 100% FREE for Floor It customers).
Read Up!
Like a fine piece of clothing, carpet is a textile. Though it doesn’t come with a little white tag on the back of the neckline, it does come with maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer. Different fibers, styles and finishes require specific care. In the same way you wouldn’t throw a silk blouse in the washing machine, you don’t want to make a similar mistake with your carpet. Read up and follow the suggested guidelines. You’ll be glad you did.
Call the Pros
Time and traffic take their toll. It’s just a fact of life. Carpet manufacturer warranties have very specific instructions on the type of professional cleaning necessary to keep that warranty in force [IICRC Certified]. Refer to that material. Then, when necessary, call on a reputable carpet cleaning service to restore your rugs to their original luster. The knowledge, commercial equipment and experience of a professional can go a long way towards removing stubborn stains and keeping your home beautiful.
**Recommended External Carpet Cleaning Service Provider: Christenson Cleaning & Restoration. Find out more about them here.