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MAINTENANCE ADVICE FOR DOMESTIC CARPETS

The following hints on carpet maintenance will add considerably to the carpet’s life.
 
 

GENERAL CARPET CARE ADVICE

All carpets will eventually become soiled and will lose their pristine appearance long before they are worn out and need replacement. Regular maintenance will help to preserve the appearance and extend the life of the carpet. In the past carpet maintenance largely consisted of vacuuming with occasional shampooing to revive the appearance when this becomes unacceptable.
 
Programmed maintenance has proved that regular attention to basic cleaning is far more beneficial in every way. In areas of extreme and heavy soiling for example entrances and lobbies at the street door, restaurants (particularly serving hatches) and lifts, carpet requires particular attention to preserve its appearance. Mats and washable carpet runners assist in removing soil from these areas. It is necessary to clean doormats and runners regularly to enable them to accept more dirt. Failure to do this will result in them becoming saturated or excessively dirty and spreading the dirt onto the surrounding carpet.
 
The wearing surfaces is comprised of tufts of fibres in a vertical position, at right angles to the floor surface. These are compressed by normal foot traffic and point loads. This can give rise to apparent discolouration of the pile, and in some cases causes an irregular patch known as ‘pressure marking’ to appear. The latter is a feature of a fine velvet pile and does not detract from the wearing qualities, nor is it regarded as a manufacturing or product fault. Pile distortion normally appears as a lighter shade than the surrounding carpet, as light reflection is greater from the side than from the end of the fibres.
 
 

CARPET MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of the carpet and carpet tiles should be by periodic vacuuming with a machine including a revolving brush/beater bar. Frequency depends on soiling conditions and varies from two or three times a day in areas of extreme heavy wear, to once a week for areas with little wear and soiling.

 
 

SOILED AREAS

Cleaning of soiled areas when they begin to show is essential. This can be done by a wet extraction system, the most known method being ‘steam cleaning’. This system is effective where isolated stains are involved but the whole carpet would normally have to be cleaned to avoid colour variation when cleaned areas are compared to areas not treated. Care should be taken to avoid saturating the carpet and causing shrinkage. The carpet should also be allowed to dry before reuse; this drying time varies from several hours to a day or more depending on humidity, operator skill and soil conditions.
 
 

SPILLAGES

Spillages should be attended to immediately they happen as follows; Remove solids by scraping with blunt knife, and then blotting with a cloth or paper towel. Apply a cleaning solution and re-blot till dry. When using a solvent-based cleaner for spot cleaning of carpet or carpet tiles, use great care to ensure that the solvent does not penetrate the backing material as it may attack the tile backing or adhesive bond.
 
 

DRY EXTRACTION

An alternative system of cleaning the carpet by using a ‘dry extraction’ system such as EnviroDri or Host, which employ moist, absorbent compound impregnated with solvents for both water and oil based soil, which is brushed into the carpet with a machine designed for this purpose. The compound absorbs the dirt from the carpet pile and is afterwards vacuumed with a revolving brush/beater bar vacuum cleaner. The carpet remains dry and can be used during and immediately after cleaning. This system is particularly suitable for programmed maintenance of the carpet and can be carried out in areas of localised soiling without appearing noticeably different from the rest of the carpet.
 

VACUUMING

Weekly vacuuming is recommended so that soil does not become embedded in the pile causing accelerated wear by finding at the base of the tufts.
There are three types of vacuum cleaners : plain suction, beater bar, revolving bristle strip. All are efficient for regular cleaning, particularly dense pile carpet. For loop pile carpets, use a suction only vacuum.
The last stroke of the vacuum cleaner should be in the pile direction. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
 

CLEANING

If you have taken care to vacuum your carpet regularly and remove spills, you may not need to clean your carpet for a year or more, even it is a light colour. However, when the carpet does start to look soiled, you can either have it professionally cleaned or do it yourself. If you decide to clean the carpet yourself, make sure you use a good quality cleaning agent and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. No matter how careful one is, there is usually a small residue left on the pile after drying and the residue from a poor quality cleaning agent accelerates soiling.
 

WET SHAMPOO

It is important to use a neutral shampoo on wool carpets – certainly NOT one that is alkaline, NEVER use household detergents, and DO NOT use shampoos which smell of ammonia. To check proprietary carpet shampoos, leave a bit in a saucer overnight, pour off excess and allow to dry to see if it leaves a sticky residue to which house dust could cling.
 
If you use a shampooing machine, follow the instructions carefully. Remove the furniture from the room if possible and vacuum thoroughly before shampooing. Allow to dry overnight before vacuuming and putting the furniture back in place. It is important not to allow the carpet to get too wet in case the pile and backing become distorted.

ABSORBENT POWER

There is a range of cleaning powders available which are either solvent- saturated or detergent-saturated. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
After vacuuming, the powder is sprinkled liberally on the carpet, brushed into the pile and then vacuumed out.It is not necessary to remove the powder from the pile as it can help minimise further soiling. The powder method is an easy way of freshening up a carpet. It also distorts the pile less and, because the carpet is not wetted, the room is ready for re-use sooner. 

AEROSOL FOAM SHAMPOO

For light cleaning of small areas, aerosol foam shampoos can be used. It is advisable to test the shampoo first for sticky residue which may attract dust. Foam is usually sprayed sparingly on to the carpet and worked into the pile with a moistened sponge or brush.Vacuum after the carpet is dry. In all cases, check the manufacturer’s directions. 

SPRAY INJECTION – EXTRACTION

With this method, sometimes incorrectly referred to as “steam cleaning”, the carpet pile can be injected with a hot water and detergent solution under pressure so that soil is suspended in the water which is extracted almost at once by a high suction, wet vacuum system. This method is particularly useful for very dirty carpets as it removes deep-seated dirt, but it may not clean the surface as well as other methods. It is also useful for removing excess detergents from successive wet shampooings – and together the two methods can restore a very dirty, flattened carpet.
Although a machine can be rented, it is best to have this type of cleaning done by a professional cleaner because care needs to be taken not to over-wet the carpet and thus distort the pile and backing. 
If you do use a rented machine, it is important to follow directions and not exceed the concentrations of additives or the water temperature recommended by the chemical/detergent manufacturer.
 

FACTORY CLEANING

Professional factory cleaning is ideal for rugs and carpet squares because all the dirt can be effectively removed. It is not as suitable for wall-to-wall carpet as on-site cleaning because of the inconvenience and expense of removing and refitting the carpet.
 

WOOL CARE STAIN TREATMENT FOR CARPETS

TREATMENT (CLEANING AGENT)

  • Solution of one teaspoon of approve wool detergent (e.g. Softly) with one teaspoon of white vinegar and one litre of warm water
  • Dry-cleaning fluid, lighter fuel or mineral turpentine. Caution : Ensure that no flame or lighted cigarette is near, and use in well-ventilated area.
  • Mineral turpentine effectiveness is increased if mixed with an equal quantity of dry-cleaning fluid. Caution : Ensure that no flame or lighted cigarette is near, and use in well-ventilated area.
  • Methylated spirits. Caution : Ensure that no flame or lighted cigarette is near, and use in well-ventilated area.
  • Hydrogen peroxide (20 vol.). Dilute 1 part to 10 parts cold water. Caution : Do not use on dark or patterned fabric.
  • Dye stripper. Dilute 1 part to 50 parts cold water. Caution: Do not use on dark or patterned fabric.
  • Chewing gum remover (freezing agent).
  • Nail polish remover.
  • Clean warm water.
  • Cold water:
    • Weak solution of white vinegar or lemon juice with cold water.
    •  Absorbent powder (e.g. salt or talc). Sprinkle on spillage, leave overnight and vacuum the next day.
 
NOTES:
  • When attempting to remove any stains always ensure that the fabric is dry before proceeding to the next step in order of treatment.
  • The solvents normally used in dry cleaning are perchlorethylene, white spirit or fluorocarbons.
  • Whilst this advice is offered in good faith, no responsibility is accepted for claims arising from the treatments proposed. It stains fail to respond to treatments listed, call a professional fabric cleaner immediately. 
 

A STEP-BY-STEP CARPET CLEANING GUIDE

To make sure that your wool carpet keeps its good looks as long as possible, it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning schedule including the immediate removal of spillages to prevent carpet stains. Prompt action is important in order to avoid the spillage penetrating the pile fibres and becoming fixed. Therefore, a daily check of the carpet is recommended. Stain removal kits can often be obtained from carpet retailers, or you can make up your own which should contain the following items :
 
  • a carpet shampoo for removing water-based stains
  • a solvent for removing greasy stains
  • a chewing gum remover (freeze or solvent type)
  • special stain removers for ink, fruit juice, coffee, etc.
  • white tissues for mopping up spills
  • small sponges for applying shampoo, solvents, etc.
 
When spills occur, it is important that they are cleaned up immediately! Here is a guide to help make your job easier.
  • Step 1 – Scoop up solids with a knife or spoon.
  • Step 2 – Blot up liquids by applying pressure with white paper towels or tissues.
  • Step 3 – Determine the method of stain removal from the chart.
  • Step 4 – Before treating a stain, test treatments on an inconspicuous part of the carpet for possible colour change.
  • Step 5 – With blotting or dabbing motion, work inwards from the edge of the stain to prevent it from spreading.
  • Step 6 – Do not rub the carpet pile during the stain removal or rinsing stages.
  • Step 7 – When attempting to remove stains, ensure that the carpet is dry before proceeding to the next step in order of treatment.
  • Step 8 – Rinse by applying clear, tepid tap water using a clean cloth or sponge.
  • Step 9 – Once the stain has been removed, blot up moisture by applying pressure with white paper towels or tissues.
  • Step 10 – Do not walk on the carpet until dry.

 

WOOL CARE STAIN TREATMENT FOR CARPETS

 

                                                                               Order of treatment

Type of stain                                                  1st               2nd                 3rd

Beer

1

 

 

Beetroot

1

 

 

Bleach

1

 

 

Blood

10

6

 

Burn or Scorch Mark

5

 

 

Butter

2

1

 

Candlewax

3

 

 

Chewing Gum

7

 

 

Chocolate

1

2

 

Cocoa

2

10

1

Coffee (black or white)

2

10

1

Cooking Oils

2

1

 

Crayon / Colour Marker

2

1

 

Cream

2

1

 

Egg

1

 

 

Excrement

1

 

 

Fruit Juice

9

1

 

Furniture Polish

2

1

 

Grass

4

 

 

Gravy / Sauce

9

1

 

Grease

2

1

 

Ice Cream

1

 

 

Ink - ballpoint

4

1

 

Ink - fountain pen

9

1

6

Lipstick

2

1

 

Metal Polish

2

1

 

Mildew

1

5

 

Milk

9

2

1

Mustard

1

 

 

Nail Polish

8

2

 

Oil

2

1

 

Paint - emulsion

2

10

1

Paint - oil base

3

2

1

Rust

2

1

11

Salad Dressing

2

1

 

Shoe Polish

2

1

 

Soft Drinks

9

1

5

Tar

3

2

1

Tea (black or white)

2

10

1

Urine

1

 

 

Vomit

1

 

 

Wine - red

12

9

6

Wine - white

1

 

 

 

 

Please contact customer.services@tradechoice.com if you require additional information about flooring maintenance.