Caring for your carpet

Photo by David Lezcano on Unsplash

Maintenance

The key to good carpet maintenance is to avoid particles of loose dirt and dust from working their way into the carpet pile where they will act abrasively on the fibres and discolour the carpet.

• Vacuum your new carpet regularly at least two or three times a week.

• A large, strong doormat will reduce dirt from outside being spread around the house.

• Avoid where possible laying light coloured carpets next to external entrances.

• Loop pile carpets should be vacuumed with a cylinder cleaner using the suction head only.

• Cut pile carpets should be vacuumed with an upright cleaner with beater bar and brush.

Man-made fibre carpets and wool twist pile carpets should be vacuumed regularly as soon as they are laid to pick up any isolated particles.

Treatments

Care must be taken if applying stain guards or other such treatments after installation. Over saturation can result in damage to the structure of the carpet.

Cleaning

Follow these general rules below for dealing with spillages. For more persistent or unusual stains contact a professional carpet cleaner.

• Spillages are more easily removed if tackled immediately so act promptly and blot off all the liquid stain with dry kitchen roll or a clean dry white cloth. Semi solid substances should be removed with a plastic spatula.

• To clean off any remaining stain use a clean damp cloth soaked in warm water to blot the stain. Use a dabbing action with the cloth and then blot out the remaining liquid with dry kitchen towel.

• Do not rub the pile surface of your carpet or oversoak the stain.

• Always work from the outside of the stain inwards to minimise the stain spread

---

How to remove stains

Cross reference the type of treatment with the specific stain in the table

1. Lukewarm water OR a carpet wet stain remover approved and recommended by the carpet manufacturer.

2. Mix 1tsp of clear dishwashing liquid, 1 tsp of white vinegar and 1 litre of warm water;

3. Clear household disinfectant (containing no bleaches or strong alkali);

4. A wool carpet dry stain remover, if available. Use only on dry stains;

5. Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Pick or scrape off solids;

6. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water;

7. Warm water;

8. Nail polish remover (lanolin-free);

9. Rubbing alcohol;

10. Place paper towel over wax and apply hot iron to paper. Wax will melt and be absorbed by paper;

11. Vacuum clean;

12. Mineral turpentine;

13. Seek assistance from a professional carpet cleaner

Note: If using lukewarm water, ensure you have blotted up as much excess moisture from stain as possible with a paper towel before gently squeezing any water onto a stain and then blotting up with paper towel.

---

Shedding

All carpets using a spun yarn will shed excess fibre when first installed.
This is to be expected and does not mean there is a defect. The short fibres given off, represent a very small fraction of the pile.

Natural Fibres

As a natural fibre, pure new wool is washed and scoured before being spun into carpet yarn. Throughout the manufacturing process the wool is inspected and natural minor imperfections removed. Even so, fitted wool carpets may, on rare occasions, contain slight traces of the sheep's outdoor environment.

Shading

Cut pile carpets after use can develop light and dark patches, known as shading. This is as a result of the pile surface laying in varying directions, and the light refraction on the surface of the pile creating a 'shaded' appearance. Shading is not detrimental to the wear of the carpet.

Fading

Most textiles will fade very gradually over time due to natural light. To reduce fading of carpets in rooms with strong exposure to the sun, (i.e. south facing rooms with patio windows), judicious use of sun blinds or curtains is recommended.

Abrasion

Pet paws, claws, rubber soled shoes and heels can be abrasive on carpets, particularly where use is constantly concentrated to small areas (i.e. in front of armchairs). Move furniture occasionally to avoid any distortion to the carpet pile.

Pilling

Pilling can sometimes occur on loop pile and wool blend carpets. The expression is used to describe the little balls of fibres which collect on the pile surface. It is similar to the type of pilling which can occur on a sweater. Carefully remove these pills with scissors - the durability of the carpet will not be affected.

Matching

Identical matching between consecutive production batches is not possible and nominal deviation from original samples and patterns must be anticipated. It is therefore recommended that an installation is planned from one width.

Indentations

The feet of furniture will create indentations on any carpet. To help reduce marking, regularly move the position of furniture and other heavy objects where possible. To help lift the pile back up, use a coin to 'gently' tease the pile upright.

Static Electricity

When the atmosphere is dry, static electricity can build up in a carpet. This may be rectified by keeping the humidity high with a humidifier or indoor plants in water trays.

Flattening

All cut pile fabrics of any fibre type will flatten to some extent in traffic lanes although regular vacuuming will help to allay this. This flattening is a normal reaction to localised traffic and is not detrimental to the wear of the carpet.

Stairs

Stair carpets receive heavy wear especially on the nosings. In some cases shifting the stair carpet can help compensate for this, ask your carpet retailer for further details.

Treatments

Care must be taken if applying stain guards or other such treatments after installation. Over saturation can result in damage to the structure of the carpet.

Stain Resistant Man-Made Carpets

Spills are shrugged off by carpets made using Polypropylene fibres. Everyday household stains such as wine and soft drinks become a thing of past as household food and drink spills are repelled for years to come.

Using a normal maintenance programme and individual manufacturers care instructions, each carpet range is given a Warranty typically of 5 to 10 years. Check the labels for full information ad register your product online.

Easy Clean Man-Made Carpets

During the production process of these advanced fibres the colour is locked into the structure of the fibre preventing everyday food and drinks spills damaging the pile surface of the carpet. This technology also means that spills can be cleaned using a solution of bleach without damaging the carpet. For more information on cleaning advice follow the cleaning and advice tips provided by the manufacturer of your carpet on their website.