1. Vacuum regularly. 2. Remove spills immediately. 3. Professionally clean as required, usually not more than once every one or two years.
Vacuuming The most important maintenance step is proper vacuuming. Regular and thorough vacuuming at least once a week and more often in heavy traffic areas will remove soil and dirt particles before they become embedded into the pile of the carpet. Remember, you cannot over-vacuum, and vacuuming should begin the day the carpet is installed.
Spot and spill removal One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is removal of spots and spills. Acting quickly when anything is dropped or spilled, and always having the necessary cleaning material at hand are of the utmost importance. The recommended method is to blot up liquids with white paper towel, or absorbent cloth. Scoop up solids with the edge of a spoon and then treat the spot according to the cleaning instructions guide. Apply approved cleaning agent to clean towel or cloth, not directly to the spot. Use small quantities at a time. Always work inwards from the edge to prevent spreading. Do not rub, as this may cause the spot to spread or distort the pile. Do not over-wet the carpet pile. Afterwards, blot as dry as possible with clean towel and then cover with towels and let dry.
Spot Cleaning Tips
Immediately blot up as much of liquid stains as possible using a soft, white, absorbent material like a towel or napkin. The longer the stain remains in the carpet, the more difficult it may be to remove it.
Scrape away solid or semi-solid stains using a blunt spatula or spoon. Never use a knife as it’s sharp edges could harm the pile fibers.
Never scrub or brush a stain; scrubbing can harm the fibers and have the adverse reaction of making the stain set in to the carpet or rug.
Vacuum away dry loose solids before spot cleaning.
Pretest the spot removal agent on an inconspicuous area of the carpet. Follow the instructions carefully. Apply a few drops to each color in the carpet. Press a clean, white towel or napkin lightly over it for approximately 30 seconds. Check both the towel and the carpet for color transfer, color change or any other damage. Try another spot removal if you notice any change.
To clean the spot, apply a small amount of spot removal agent to the white, absorbent material and gently apply to the stain, working from the edges towards the center of the spot to prevent it from spreading. Continue as long as the stain is getting transferred onto the towel. Apply more solution to a fresh area on the towel and repeat the process as long as the stain is being removed.
After the spill has been removed completely, rinse out the affected area with water and blot dry to remove the cleaning solution completely as any residue may attract soil and cause damage to the carpet. To effectively blot up the water, you may use clean, dry towels weighed down by flat, heavy objects like a book; keep changing the towels as they become saturated.Do not overwet the area. Overwetting of carpets while cleaning may cause damage to the carpet.
