Misconception on how to clean carpet
A comprehensive carpet care program consists of these four elements:
- Preventative measures
- Regular vacuuming
- Steam cleaning
- Removal of spots and spills
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
- The faster you act, the better the results.
- Identify the stain and refer to the stain chart before you begin.
- Never scrub the stain.
- Place walk-off mats at all entrances.
- Use carpet protectors under heavy furniture and furniture with castors.
Use protective chair pads under chairs or appliances with rollers or castor wheels to prevent wear and damage to the carpet. When moving heavy wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc), prevent damage by placing a protective barrier of heavy cardboard or similar between the wheels and the carpet.
- Be sure to regularly remove and clean any rugs used over your carpet. Clean and restore the pile of the carpet in the underlying area. After cleaning your carpet, remember to allow complete drying before replacing rugs.
- Protect your carpet and furnishings from prolonged periods of sunlight with window tinting, blinds, shades and/or awnings to minimize fading and maintain durability. Move furniture periodically to expose all areas evenly.
REGULAR VACUUMING
- Thorough and frequent vacuuming removes dirt particles that dull the carpet appearances and cause fibre damage.
- Make sure your vacuum cleaner is in good working order; remember to change dust bags and clean filters regularly.
- Heavy traffic areas like stairs and corridors should be vacuumed daily.
- Vacuum cleaners should have ‘high suction’ and no beater brush.
ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL CLEAN AND STEAMING
- When a carpet appears dirty even after vacuuming, it’s time for a professional clean.
- Consult a professional cleaner for the best method of cleaning.
- Steam cleaning should only be performed by a reputable professional steam cleaner. Your carpet retailer can recommend one.
- Shampooing, do-it-yourself steam cleaning or dry cleaning of carpets is not recommended.
STAIN REMOVAL TRICKS OF THE TRADE
- Always blot from the outside in to minimize the stain area.
- Never use any of the solutions in concentrations stronger than recommended and always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use acetone and dry-cleaning fluid in ventilated conditions only.
- Pet ‘accidents’ and certain other stains may reappear, as a result of ‘wicking’. If, after repeating the stain removal procedure, the stain continues to reappear, contact a professional carpet cleaner for assistance. Note: Please remove urine stains as soon as possible. This warranty does not cover stains that have not been dealt with immediately, and have permeated the backing of the product.
- If a stain cannot be identified or is not listed in this guide, first use Procedure 1. If the stain shows no sign of being removed, try Procedure 2.
- Some harsh stains may require the procedure to be repeated several times.
Cleaning Procedures
- BLEACH AND WATER Mix a fresh solution of 50% clear household bleach and 50% warm water in a spray bottle. Blot or scrape up the stain as much as possible. Spray the solution directly on the carpet.
DO NOT OVER WET. Blot the carpet surface, working from the outside of the stain to the centre. Repeat until the stain disappears. Spray with clean water and blot until all bleach is removed. Absorb remaining moisture with folded white paper towels weighted down with a heavy object that will not stain. When completely dry, vacuum to restore pile texture.
- PURE ACETONE (AVAILABLE AT PHARMACIES) Blot or scrape up the stain as much as possible. Apply a small amount of pure acetone to a white cloth and work in gently.
DO NOT OVER WET. Blot carpet surface, working from the outside of the stain to the centre. Repeat until the stain disappears. Absorb remaining moisture with folded white paper towels weighted down with a heavy object that will not stain. When completely dry, vacuum to restore pile texture