PROPER CARPET CARE

 


At Quality Flooring, we don’t just lay carpet and leave.
We partner with our customers and provide them with the proper information and tools they need to care for their investment.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS YOU CAN FOLLOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR CARPET:

 

 

NATURAL FIBER (Sisal, Coir, Seagrass)

  • VISIBLE and LOOSE DIRT–  Should be regularly picked up with a broom or vacuum cleaner. Easily cleaned, because dirt will not cling to the hard, non-static fibers. Regular cleaning is necessary because loose particles of dirt reduce the life span of the floor covering with their scouring effect.
  • WATER  Can dissolve dirt particles and bring them to the surface. This may cause watermarks to form. Therefore spilled water or water from plant containers must be dabbed immediately with an absorbent white cloth and then dried with a hair blow dryer or floor fan. An absorbent powder like Host or Capture can also be used.
  • SPILLS  Which are still moist, are the easiest to remove. Remove the spills promptly by scrapping up solids and blotting liquids. Follow by dabbing with a damp cloth of water (add white vinegar to the cloth to cut grease). Dry with a cloth or hair blow dryer.
  • SPOT REMOVAL & OVERALL CLEANING  It is important during cleaning that the amount of moisture be controlled. The recommended method of spot removal and overall cleaning are with dry cleaning products. For spot removal- we recommend the K2R, Host or Capture products, following the directions on the containers (available in hardware or grocery stores). For overall cleaning- we recommend the “Host System” or “Capture System” listed in yellow pages under “carpet cleaning”.  Use the following natural fiber directions:  Use a cleaning machine with standard brushes and do not use prep or other liquid. Apply a smaller amount of dry cleaning powder “sponges” than you would for regular carpets and do more brushing with the machine. Make sure the cleaning sponges are evenly spread across the floorcovering, then let sink in until dry. These period can vary…between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on how dirty the floor is, how thickly the sponges has been applied and the humidity of the room. During the drying period, the cleaning substances contained in the sponges will cling to the dirt. When completely dry, vacuum with an upright, using an all brush agitator in both directions. Repeat a second time without using any additional sponges. Brushing in the direction of the rows will help loosen the sponges trapped in the surface.

 

WOOL

  • VACUUMING– Weekly vacuuming is recommended so that soil does not become embedded in the pile causing accelerated wear. There are 3 types of vacuums; plain suction, beater bar, and revolving bristle. All are efficient for regular cleaning, especially on dense pile carpet. For loop pile carpets, use a plain suction, or beater bar vacuum, without brushes. Do not use the revolving brush as it may cause more pilling or fuzzing.
  • OVERALL CLEANING– If you have taken care to vacuum your carpet regularly and remove spills quickly, you may not need to do an overall cleaning for a year or more, even if it is light in color. When the carpet starts to look soiled you can have it professionally dry cleaned or you can clean it yourself. There are a few dry cleaning powders and kits available in the market (for example: Host or Capture systems) They can be found listed in yellow pages under “carpet cleaning”. After vacuuming, a pre-mist may or may not be used, depending on which kit you purchase. If a pre-mist is included in your kit, follow the directions for use. Usually the pre-mist is sprayed on between the vacuuming and the powder application. The pre-mist can help with the raising of the soil to the surface. Once the pre-mist step is completed, typically the powder is sprinkled on liberally and brushed into the pile. After the allotted amount of time specified by your cleaning kit, you vacuum once more to get all the powder and soil out of your carpet.
  • SPOT CLEANING– When spills occur, it is VERY IMPORTANT that they are cleaned up immediately!  Follow these 4 Steps...
    • STEP 1:  Scoop up solids with a knife or spoon.
    • STEP 2:  Blot up liquids by applying pressure with white paper towels or a white cloth towel, do not rub!
    • STEP 3:  Sprinkle on absorbent powder (Host, Capture, Dri-Matic, etc)
    • STEP 4:  Leave overnight and vacuum next day. If there is excess absorbent powder still present, continue to let it dry and try to vacuum again.