Getting the Most From Your Carpet
Your new carpet is a substantial investment and like your other furnishings, requires proper care to keep it
looking attractive over the years to come. You can protect your investment, prolong the life of your carpet and enhance the quality of your indoor environment by establishing a regular maintenance schedule.
Carpet usually does not wear out in terms of fibre wearing away, rather its appearance simply deteriorates over time to a point at which it is no longer acceptable. Experience has shown that proper maintenance can help reduce the rate at which the appearance of a carpet changes.
Your new carpet is a substantial investment and like your other furnishings, requires proper care to keep it
looking attractive over the years to come. You can protect your investment, prolong the life of your carpet and enhance the quality of your indoor environment by establishing a regular maintenance schedule.
Carpet usually does not wear out in terms of fibre wearing away, rather its appearance simply deteriorates over time to a point at which it is no longer acceptable. Experience has shown that proper maintenance can help reduce the rate at which the appearance of a carpet changes.
The Carpet Care Program
A comprehensive carpet care program consists of four elements:
• Preventative measures
• Regular vacuuming
• Removal of spots and spills
• Overall steam cleaning on a regular basis
A comprehensive carpet care program consists of four elements:
• Preventative measures
• Regular vacuuming
• Removal of spots and spills
• Overall steam cleaning on a regular basis
Preventative Measures
Walk off mats should be used at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture. Mats should be cleaned on a regular basis so they don’t become sources of soil themselves, especially during inclement weather. Try to keep your entranceways free of excessive dirt and substances which can be tracked into the home. Protective mats are very useful in front of chairs, as the continual grinding of shoes and sneakers can accelerate wear in these areas. This wear is usually most prevalent in front of chairs used for TV viewing, computer use and under tables.
Move heavy furniture occasionally to avoid excessive pilecrushing. Put coasters intended for use with carpet under the legs of tables, chairs and other furniture, to help distribute the weight and prevent crushing of the pile. Do not use chairs or appliances with rollers or castors on carpet without a chair pad designed for carpet. Continued use without a chair pad can cause 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.
Use scatter rugs or carpet protectors in high traffic areas and in front of chairs to protect carpet from localised and uneven wearing. Rugs should be removed and cleaned regularly at which time you should clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath. Be certain to check rugs for colourfastness before replacement, as the dyes in some rugs may bleed through to the carpet. After cleaning your carpet, remember to allow complete drying before replacing rugs.
All carpets can fade to some degree if exposed to sunlight over a period of time. Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of sunlight with blinds, shades or awnings.
Regular Vacuuming
The most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming. Vacuum thoroughly and frequently, particularly
in high-traffic areas. Bear in mind that walking on soiled carpet permits the soil particles to work their way below
the surface of the pile, where they are far more difficult to remove and can damage the fibres. Frequent vacuuming removes these particles from the surface before this happens. A good vacuum cleaner is vital to prolonging the beauty and life of your carpet. An inferior vacuum can remove surface dirt but will not effectively remove the hidden dirt and particles embedded in the pile. Many Manufacturers including Australia's Feltex Carpets recommends the use of either upright vacuums or quality barrel vacuums fitted with a power driven, rotating brush or combination beater/brush bar that agitates the carpet pile and mechanically loosens
soil for removal by the vacuum. To prevent excess fuzzing turn the brush off or change the head when vacuuming loop pile, cut loop pile or berber carpets.
Vacuums should preferably be fitted with micro filter systems which ensure fine particles (such as dust mite allergens) are removed and stay in the collection bag (particularly important if you are dust sensitive). Change or empty dust collection bags frequently and replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure your
vacuum operates efficiently and effectively.
A light vacuum is recommended at least twice a week and a thorough vacuum weekly. A light vacuum is classed as three passes over an area. A thorough vacuum is five to seven passes over the area.
Steam Cleaning
Carpet should be professionally steam cleaned regularly, approximately every twelve to eighteen months, depending upon the usage and colour. Even though both light and dark colours attract the same dirt and grit, lighter colours tend to show soiling earlier.
Steam cleaning should only be performed by a reputable professional steam cleaner in accordance with Australian/ New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3733. Ask us for a reccomendation. Most Manufacturers do not
recommend shampooing, do-it-yourself steam cleaning or dry cleaning.
Spot and Spill Removal
Prompt and immediate attention to any spillages or stains is paramount to avoid the penetration of the stain into the carpet fibres and pile and avoid potential discolouration and unsightly markings. Liquids (particularly hot liquids) must be attended to immediately. If allowed to cool or dry, the stain will be almost impossible to remove. However, care must be taken as haphazard attempts at spot removal can cause permanent setting of stain, pile distortion and loss of colour.
Walk off mats should be used at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture. Mats should be cleaned on a regular basis so they don’t become sources of soil themselves, especially during inclement weather. Try to keep your entranceways free of excessive dirt and substances which can be tracked into the home. Protective mats are very useful in front of chairs, as the continual grinding of shoes and sneakers can accelerate wear in these areas. This wear is usually most prevalent in front of chairs used for TV viewing, computer use and under tables.
Move heavy furniture occasionally to avoid excessive pilecrushing. Put coasters intended for use with carpet under the legs of tables, chairs and other furniture, to help distribute the weight and prevent crushing of the pile. Do not use chairs or appliances with rollers or castors on carpet without a chair pad designed for carpet. Continued use without a chair pad can cause 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.
Use scatter rugs or carpet protectors in high traffic areas and in front of chairs to protect carpet from localised and uneven wearing. Rugs should be removed and cleaned regularly at which time you should clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath. Be certain to check rugs for colourfastness before replacement, as the dyes in some rugs may bleed through to the carpet. After cleaning your carpet, remember to allow complete drying before replacing rugs.
All carpets can fade to some degree if exposed to sunlight over a period of time. Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of sunlight with blinds, shades or awnings.
Regular Vacuuming
The most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming. Vacuum thoroughly and frequently, particularly
in high-traffic areas. Bear in mind that walking on soiled carpet permits the soil particles to work their way below
the surface of the pile, where they are far more difficult to remove and can damage the fibres. Frequent vacuuming removes these particles from the surface before this happens. A good vacuum cleaner is vital to prolonging the beauty and life of your carpet. An inferior vacuum can remove surface dirt but will not effectively remove the hidden dirt and particles embedded in the pile. Many Manufacturers including Australia's Feltex Carpets recommends the use of either upright vacuums or quality barrel vacuums fitted with a power driven, rotating brush or combination beater/brush bar that agitates the carpet pile and mechanically loosens
soil for removal by the vacuum. To prevent excess fuzzing turn the brush off or change the head when vacuuming loop pile, cut loop pile or berber carpets.
Vacuums should preferably be fitted with micro filter systems which ensure fine particles (such as dust mite allergens) are removed and stay in the collection bag (particularly important if you are dust sensitive). Change or empty dust collection bags frequently and replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure your
vacuum operates efficiently and effectively.
A light vacuum is recommended at least twice a week and a thorough vacuum weekly. A light vacuum is classed as three passes over an area. A thorough vacuum is five to seven passes over the area.
Steam Cleaning
Carpet should be professionally steam cleaned regularly, approximately every twelve to eighteen months, depending upon the usage and colour. Even though both light and dark colours attract the same dirt and grit, lighter colours tend to show soiling earlier.
Steam cleaning should only be performed by a reputable professional steam cleaner in accordance with Australian/ New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3733. Ask us for a reccomendation. Most Manufacturers do not
recommend shampooing, do-it-yourself steam cleaning or dry cleaning.
Spot and Spill Removal
Prompt and immediate attention to any spillages or stains is paramount to avoid the penetration of the stain into the carpet fibres and pile and avoid potential discolouration and unsightly markings. Liquids (particularly hot liquids) must be attended to immediately. If allowed to cool or dry, the stain will be almost impossible to remove. However, care must be taken as haphazard attempts at spot removal can cause permanent setting of stain, pile distortion and loss of colour.
1. Do Not Scrub
Always blot, never rub or scrub abrasively as a fuzzy area may result. Immediately
scoop up or blot as much of the spill as possible, then continue to blot any residue
with a clean white cloth or paper towel, always working from the outer edge toward
the centre using a blotting or dabbing motion to avoid the spill spreading.
Remember, do not scrub.
Always blot, never rub or scrub abrasively as a fuzzy area may result. Immediately
scoop up or blot as much of the spill as possible, then continue to blot any residue
with a clean white cloth or paper towel, always working from the outer edge toward
the centre using a blotting or dabbing motion to avoid the spill spreading.
Remember, do not scrub.
2. Cold Water
Determine the appropriate method of stain removal as set out below. For most common household stains you only need apply cold water to the stained area with a sponge
to flush out as much of the stain as possible and then blot up. Do not scrub. For other treatments, pre-test the treatment on a small inconspicuous area of carpet to ensure
against damage and possible colour change.
Determine the appropriate method of stain removal as set out below. For most common household stains you only need apply cold water to the stained area with a sponge
to flush out as much of the stain as possible and then blot up. Do not scrub. For other treatments, pre-test the treatment on a small inconspicuous area of carpet to ensure
against damage and possible colour change.
3. Press Dry Between Treatments
Ensure carpet is press dried with a clean white cloth or white paper towel
between any step in the treatment process to remove excess moisture.
Do not rub, as rubbing can alter the texture of the carpet.
Ensure carpet is press dried with a clean white cloth or white paper towel
between any step in the treatment process to remove excess moisture.
Do not rub, as rubbing can alter the texture of the carpet.
4. Apply Water
Once treated, apply water with a cloth until the carpet no longer feels
sticky or soapy, then blot up thoroughly with a sponge or paper towel.
Once treated, apply water with a cloth until the carpet no longer feels
sticky or soapy, then blot up thoroughly with a sponge or paper towel.
5. Dry
Place a few layers of paper towel or white cloth over the cleaned area
to absorb remaining moisture and weigh them down with an object that
will not transfer colour. A hairdryer may be used to speed up the drying
process but do NOT overheat the area. Do not walk on the carpet until dry.
Place a few layers of paper towel or white cloth over the cleaned area
to absorb remaining moisture and weigh them down with an object that
will not transfer colour. A hairdryer may be used to speed up the drying
process but do NOT overheat the area. Do not walk on the carpet until dry.
6. Call a Professional
If the stain fails to respond adequately to treatment, call a professional carpet cleaner immediately
If the stain fails to respond adequately to treatment, call a professional carpet cleaner immediately
