Carpet and Rug Care Guide: Even Today’s Advanced Fibers Need
Proper Care
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Today’s carpet fibers are designed to hide soil and reflect
light. Consequently, soil in carpet is not as visible as it is
on smooth flooring where soil remains on the surface. The
ability of today’s carpet fibers to hide soiling is a positive
feature for most consumers. However, the lack of apparent
soiling does not eliminate the need for regular cleaning.
However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the
need for regular cleaning. Soil can damage the fibers
permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.
Even with carpet’s ability to resist soiling and stains, a
regular maintenance program extends the life and appearance of
your carpet. The Carpet and Rug Institute offers the following
information as part of its “Carpet and Rug Care Guide.”
Vacuuming: Why It’s Important
Whether you’re cleaning out the spare bedroom or just tidying up
around the house, it is important that dirt and dust are
removed, not simply moved around or thrown back into the
breathing zone.
Properly vacuuming carpet is the easiest and most effective way
to keep your carpet clean. It may be surprising, but something
as simple as regular vacuuming can also have the largest impact
on cleanliness.
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recommends vacuuming areas
often that receive the most traffic. Ideally, vacuum all floor
coverings a minimum of once a week, and the high-traffic areas
more often, based on the usage. Removing loose soil while it
remains on the carpet’s surface is important so that it is not
walked into the carpet pile. Use a vacuum cleaner that
effectively removes soil and minimizes generating dust from the
filter and around the machine while keeping the carpet looking
good. To help select an effective vacuum, CRI initiated the
Vacuum Cleaner Indoor Air Quality Testing Program.
Vacuum cleaner models evaluated by an independent testing
laboratory are tested for removing soil adequately, containing
the dust in the machine and in the filter bag, and carpet
appearance retention. Those that achieve the carpet industry’s
standard are identified by the CRI as “Green Label.”
Because of the impact of vacuum cleaners on indoor air, cleaning
efficiency can vary significantly, it is important to identify
models that clean well and protect the indoor environment.
Vacuum cleaners that have met the CRI Green Label Standards are
listed on CRI’s website: www.carpet-rug.com.
Vacuum Cleaner Selection
For maximum effectiveness, use a vacuum cleaner with adjustable
and rotating brushes that can loosen ground-in soil and has a
strong enough airflow to penetrate to the backing, removing all
particles.
The vacuum cleaner should have an enclosed, high filtration bag
that limits particles re-circulating into the air. Regularly
using a CRI Green Label vacuum cleaner will maintain a cleaner
indoor environment. For the best cleaning results, no matter
what type vacuum cleaner you purchase, inspect it periodically
to be sure it is functioning properly:
• Keep brushes clean and replace them when worn;
• Keep vacuum hoses and attachments free of obstructions that
restrict airflow;
• Inspect the vacuum head for rough edges or bent metal that may
damage your carpet;
• Inspect belts frequently to make certain they are working
properly;
• Always keep a spare belt for replacement as needed; and
• Follow the vacuum cleaner manufacturer’s instructions, and
change the filter bag when it reaches the “full line.”
Deep Cleaning – When, Why and Who
Daily vacuuming is the most important cleaning activity, but
restorative cleaning must be performed to remove stubborn or
embedded soil. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that
carpet be cleaned using a restorative cleaning method every 12
months before soiling shows. Use a cleaning method recommended
by the carpet manufacturer to maintain your warranty.
Professional Cleaning Services should be considered before your
carpet and rugs begin to show soil. Letting
carpet and rugs become excessively soiled will make cleaning
more difficult and shorten the carpet’s useful life.
Spot Cleaning
Stain-resist treatments provided on most carpets are designed to
repel most acid-based dyes in many, but not all, foods and
beverages. With proper patience and prompt attention, most
common household spills can be removed.
For successful spot removal, the following suggestions should
be followed.
Act Quickly: Most carpet available today has been treated with
a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if
immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the
probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain.
Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet
is completely stain proof.
Complete removal of many common spills may require repeated use
of a single solution, or the use of a combination of solutions.
Always use the solutions in the concentrations recommended.
Continue using each solution as long as there is noticeable
improvement or transfer of the spill. Follow the simple steps
carefully, in sequence.
Spot Removal Steps
Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no
printing) paper towels.
Do not scrub the area. Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in
the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels
until the area is completely dry. For semisolids, gently scrape
up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and
vacuumed until completely removed.
If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the (CRI)
Spot Removal Guide and follow the directions carefully.
Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make
certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye in
carpet.
After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white
cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and
cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet.
If a change occurs, select another cleaning solution.
Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a
white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in
gently. Work from the edges of the spill to the center to
prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing
as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.
Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a
transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use
all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the
spill. Be patient. Complete removal of the spill may require
repeating the same step several times.
After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected
area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until
all solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will
cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed.
Apply a 1⁄2” layer of white paper towels to the affected area,
and weigh down with a flat, heavy object that will not fade.
Continue to change paper towels as needed.
Note: Areas of soiling that appear after spot cleaning are most
often caused by inadequate removal of spot removal solutions or
spills that leave a sticky residue.
Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll-free number for cleaning
assistance and advice (consult your warranty), or go to CRI’s
website www.carpet-rug.org for assistance. ❑
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