Proper Care

During my time in the floorcovering business I have seen many examples of carpet that should have lasted longer and should have been a better value for its owners but due to neglect and poor cleaning methods it did not perform as it should have. If you are considering purchasing carpet I recommend that you include educating yourself about the cleaning, maintenance and warranty requirements to ensure that your new carpet provides you with the service you deserve.

First make sure you familiarize yourself with the warranty requirements. You can typically find these on the manufacturer’s website. Most manufacturers require that you have your carpet professionally cleaned every year to eighteen months. You will need to provide copies of your carpet cleaning receipts should there be a claim made.

Be sure you are using a recommended carpet cleaning method for your specific carpet. Different manufacturers and different carpet fibers will require specific carpet cleaning solutions. The most popular method of carpet cleaning is hot water extraction. This method of carpet cleaning helps to reset the twist in the carpet fiber, which helps the carpet to maintain its shape and texture. The Carpet and Rug institute has a listing of the recommended carpet cleaning methods by manufacturers at the following website:

http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance.aspx

The single most important action you can take to maintain your carpet is vacuuming it on a regular basis. It is recommended that you vacuum the room at least once per week for each person that is using that room. For example a bedroom that is used by one person should be vacuumed once per week. A room used by a family of four should be vacuumed four times per week. You cannot vacuum too much! Even if the carpet looks clean, small particles of dirt that are trapped in the fibers cause the carpet to break down. Develop a schedule for vacuuming and stick to it even when the carpet does not look dirty.

Caution should be used when cleaning spots or small stains in your carpet. Start by blotting the stain with a clean white cloth. Do not rub the cloth across the carpet as this will cause the stain to spread. Before using any cleaning solution simply try using some hot water to break up the stain. Before using a spot remover or treatment test it in an area that is not visible to ensure it will not effect the carpets color. Also we typically do not recommend using any detergents on carpet. If you do use a detergent make sure you rinse the area thoroughly or the residue will attract dirt. For more suggestions on how to remove spots in your carpet please follow this link:

http://www.carpet-rug.org/Carpet-for-the-Home/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/Spot-Solver.aspx

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