Carpet Care Guidelines

About Your Carpet

Just after installation, your carpet could be somewhat flattened caused by the weight and pressure of being compactly rolled. Vacuuming the carpet will help the yarn expand and bulk to its normal appearance. Some new carpets tend to shed or have shiny spots, neither of which will affect the appearance or performance of the carpet over time. Vacuuming easily picks up the loose excess. A minimal amount of shedding could continue to occur. Occasionally a tuft will rise above the carpet's surface. Just snip it off even with the surface. Shading and highlighting, definitely one of the features of luxurious beauty in cut-pile carpets, are areas that seem to vary in tone from the rest of the carpet. They result from light striking tufts, which have been pressed in multi-directions enhancing the beauty of the carpet.

Regular Care of Your Carpet

Regular care is necessary to remove abrasive soils, which can adversely affect the performance of your carpet. An upright vacuum with adjustable height and brush agitator will usually be the most satisfactory choice for your weekly vacuuming. A tank type vacuum with power carpet brush can also be used. The height should be adjusted to create a slight vibration of the carpet pile. Do not adjust so low that the vacuum through the carpet. This low setting increases the wear on the carpet and on you. An edge or crevice tool should be used on the edges as dust builds up.

Cleaning Up Carpet Spills

Immediate attention to spills is necessary in order to reduce the possibility of a permanent stain. First remove excess material from the area of the spill. Any remaining liquid should be immediately blotted up. Colorfast paper towels are excellent absorbing agents for this. Do not add water. Place multiple layers of paper towels on the spill and press accordingly. DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB-BLOT. Continue changing layers of towels until the towel picks up no trace of the spill. If a trace remains, treat it as you would a spot (See Spot Cleaning).

Spot Cleaning Carpet

Most spots can be removed by first using a nonflammable cleaning fluid such as Energine or Carbona (follow instructions on label). This will remove oily stains buy not any spot. If spotter does not remove the spot, mix a simple detergent solution by adding not more than two (2) drops of a mild liquid dishwashing detergent in a cup of lukewarm water. When using either solution: 1) moisten the spot with a small amount of cleaning agent, 2) gently massage spot with your finger or the side of a butter knife and blot. If the spot does not come out, call for professional help or advice from Dick Freer.

Carpet Cleaning

Your carpet needs periodic cleaning when the traffic areas become noticeably soiled. Color and use will determine how soon this will occur. In order to avoid potential problems, it is best not to postpone cleaning.

Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning

Various methods of cleaning are offered. These can vary from aerosol foams to portable equipment. If you should attempt to use any of these methods, be as selective of them as you would in choosing your professional cleaner. Follow directions carefully in order to avoid permanent injury to your carpet. Over-brushing, excess cleaning agents, or over-wetting may cause loss of texture, seam failure, delamination, rapid resoiling, or other structural damage.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

Periodically, your carpet should be professionally cleaned. The abrasive and greasy soil that settles deeply into the pile over a period of time can only be loosened and removed by expert cleaning. Do not delay cleaning when it is needed. Modern, professional carpet cleaning will not increase your carpet's rate of soiling. If you delay, you will only complicate the cleaner's job and possibly shorten the potential life of your carpet.

Carpet Drying Time

It is best to stay off damp carpet as much as possible. This will prevent soil tracking and allow the pile to dry in its up position. We recommend that you keep crawling babies and toddlers off the freshly cleaned carpet until the carpet is dry to the touch. Drying time will vary according to weather, type of fiber and soil condition, but usually it takes from 4 to 24 hours. Furnace heating, air-conditioning, open windows or fans will speed the process. If foil protectors or blocks have been placed under the furniture, do not remove them for at least 48 hours or until completely dry to avoid stains.