Carpet Maintenance Quick Tips
Why is it important to maintain your carpet? What is involved in maintaining carpet? Here are some quick tips to carpet maintenance.
Carpet that is properly maintained:
- Should last 10-15 years
- Will look great for its full lifetime
- Help improve indoor air quality
- Help adhere to your carpet warranty
- Prevents you from having to replace prematurely
Three simple steps for proper carpet care – According to the Carpet and Rug Institute:
- Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.
- with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to resoil quicker.
- Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.
Preventative Maintenance:
- Take your shoes off before entering your home
- Use walk off mats at every entrance
- Change your air filters (the less dust there is in the air, the less dust that can fall on your carpet!)
Take care of your carpet and it will take care of you (and the environment!)
How to Remove Ink Stains From Carpet
To remove ink stains from carpet, use the following methods:
Nail Polish Remover – Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl acetate, which is used in many paint, oil, and grease (POG) removers. Many POG removers leave residues that may cause rapid soiling. When using a POG remover, always rinse the area thoroughly with a dry solvent. (See Residue Precautions.)
Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.
Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.
Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.
Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.
Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.
Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846
Carpet Stain Removal – How to Remove Chocolate Stains
You may think that chocolate stains are impossible to remove, but fortunately they are not impossible to remove. Below are guidelines for removing chocolate stains. Remember, when in doubt – call a professional!
How to remove chocolate stains:
Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.
Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.
Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.
Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.
Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.
Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846
Flooring Care and Maintenance Tips
Protecting your flooring investment is as important as the flooring decision itself. Here are some general hints and tips to help maintain and protect your floors.
·Use walk off mats at every entrance. Using walk off mats will keep the dirt from the outside on the mat rather than inside on your floors where they can scratch the surface.
·Use the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. They have spent a lot of time, effort and energy coming up with the best care products for your floors. If you are not sure who manufactured your floor, leave a comment and we can give you some more general advice.
·Use floor protectors, especially on hard surface floors. These are important to prevent permanent scratching, gouging and denting.
·Do not drag furniture or other heavy items across any type of floor. It can also cause permanent damage.
·Different floors need to be cleaned with different products and with different applicators. Use the correct method for each different type floor.
Stay tuned for flooring specific maintenance and floor care advice.
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