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Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: | How should I care for my carpet? |
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| A: | Carpet represents a substantial investment in the scheme of interior furnishings. With proper and regular care, you can add years of life to your carpet and help retain its original beauty. The best advice for retaining that like-new appearance is not to allow the carpet to become too badly soiled. Once that happens, stronger cleaning agents and harsher mechanical action are required to recapture an acceptable appearance level.
The key to keeping your carpet looking great centers around four basic steps:
- Controlling soil.
- Vacuum thoroughly and frequently.
- Prompt, correct removal of spots and spills.
- Periodic overall cleaning.
CONTROLLING SOIL
Most abrasive particulate soil accumulates initially within the first few feet of the entries to homes and commercial buildings. Once inside, this soil takes its toll on your carpet and contributes airborne particles that affect overall indoor air quality. Properly selected entry mats, designed to collect or absorb soil and moisture, will keep this soil accumulation outside. These entry mats must be maintained by periodic vacuuming, shaking and cleaning.
VACUUMING
Your vacuum cleaner is probably your best weapon in keeping your carpet free from soil. Vacuum regularly to keep soil from becoming embedded in the carpet's pile, where it is more difficult to remove and where it can even cause fiber damage, and dull the carpet's beauty. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar and good suction for dry soil removal, and equipped with an effective high filtration bag.
Thoroughly vacuum the light traffic areas at least weekly, and even daily in the heavily used areas. Vacuum slowly, with a number of passes, to allow the beating and extraction action to remove embedded particulate soil. Consider the use of walk-off mats at entry areas to reduce the amount of soil entering the interior spaces.
SPOT REMOVAL
Accidents will occur, but prompt first-aid is vital to preventing permanent damage. A wet/dry vacuum will help greatly in removing spots and stains. Use cleaning solutions sparingly and blot
don't rub. A weighted pad of color-fast towels or tissue, placed over the wet area, will absorb additional moisture and the staining substance.
Be mindful not to leave residual detergent in the carpet, as it will attract soil causing the spot to "reappear". Unfortunately, not all spots and stains can be completely and safely removed.
Click Here for our Spotting Guide
OVERALL CLEANING
How often your carpet will need an overall cleaning depends on foot traffic, soiling conditions, type and color of the carpet.
Installed residential carpet, exposed to routine use, should be programmed for cleaning at least annually. Carpet that is subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high traffic areas, or carpet installed in homes occupied by persons with allergy or respiratory problems requires greater cleaning frequency. Carpet receiving limited traffic needs less frequent cleaning.
Consumers should not wait until their carpet appears soiled before cleaning. Significant soil accumulation at the base of the carpet fibers occurs long before it is visible at the fiber tips. Experts agree that clean carpet contributes not only to the overall aesthetics of your interior surroundings, but it plays a vital role in the healthful state of the overall environment in which people work, live and spend the majority of their time. Regular vacuuming and immediate attention to spots and spills will keep your carpet cleaner longer.
Should you choose to do-it-yourself, select the cleaning method and equipment carefully. Follow the instructions and avoid high pH cleaning solutions and excessive abrasive action. If cleaning a stain resistant yarn system, first do a general cleaning and then, if necessary, spot clean with approved cleaning agents. Do not apply any cationic (anti-static/anti-microbial) chemical treatments to stain resistant yarn systems.
A professional carpet cleaner will select the best method of cleaning to keep your carpet newer looking longer, and in less frequent need of overall cleaning. Always insist that he/she be experienced, well equipped and properly trained. Having the best in equipment is not enough
it's the cleaning technician behind the equipment that really makes the difference.
So remember
regular vacuuming and prompt spot removal will postpone the need for more expensive, overall cleaning to restore your carpet's color and texture.
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