Vacuuming
Surface dirt is unavoidable and sometimes unsightly, but dirt that is trampled down between the tufts has an abrasive cutting action that can eventually wear away the fibres. The best way to delay or prevent this destructive wearing action is to give your carpets a regular vacuuming.
There is a common myth that you should let a new carpet “settle in” for a week or so. In fact, entirely the reverse is true. Virtually all new carpets will shed a small amount of loose fibres and these should be removed by vacuuming as soon as possible. Otherwise the fibres will be walked back into the carpet and can cause a matted appearance.
Loop pile carpets, particularly Wool Berbers, should not be cleaned with a vacuum which has a beater attachment - this can cause excessive fluffing and matting - this type of carpet should be vacuumed with the suction head only.
Entrance mats and barrier mats will reduce the amount of dirt carried on to your carpets from outside the home, but please remember that these mats must also be cleaned regularly.
Shading
All cut pile carpets, particularly plain or tonals, are liable to shading – that is to show light and dark patches due to uneven crushing of the surface, commonly known as “pile pressure”. No care on the part of the manufacturer can avoid this tendency which is inherent in all pile fabrics. It is not detrimental to the wear of the carpet, nor is it a defect.
Sprouting
Occasionally a tuft may protrude above the carpet surface. This is not a manufacturing fault, simply trim this down to the general level of the surrounding carpet with a pair of scissors. NEVER try to pull the tuft out of the carpet.
Flattening
All carpets are subject to flattening in varying degrees. Flattening is caused by the compression of the pile by footwear and furniture. Heavy furniture may crush carpet pile so wherever possible use castor cups. Furniture should not be dragged across a carpet. Try to rearrange your furniture occasionally to avoid uneven wear. Regular vacuuming will help to alleviate flattening, bringing the pile back up to its normal position.
Fading
Today, almost all of the fibres and dyes used in making carpets exhibit excellent properties of colourfastness to sunlight. However, all carpets are subject to a degree of fading with age but this is generally unnoticeable over the years. Carpets fitted in extremely sunny rooms with large windows can be protected by drawing your curtains or blinds during periods of strong sunlight.
How to tackle stains
Do it right...Do it quickly!
Accidental spillages on carpets are an unfortunate fact of life and no carpet is totally stain-proof. Remember the golden rule that instant treatment can mean instant cure.
NEVER - NEVER - EVER RUB - but always blot....blot....blot to a damp dry state.
Liquid spills should be soaked up immediately with absorbent tissue, preferably white, or a clean, dry cloth.
Avoid excessive rubbing and always work from the outside edges of the stain into the centre to avoid spreading. Use a blunt knife or spoon to gently scrape away any solids.
BLOOD, CHOCOLATE, EGG, ICE-CREAM, GLUE, GRASS, GRAVY, FRUIT
Scrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use detergent solution, starting at the outer edge and blotting dry. Follow with ammonia solution. Blot dry. Do not rub.
MILK, SOFT DRINKS
Blot up the surplus spillage. Use detergent solution, starting at the outer edge and blotting dry. Follow with ammonia solution. Blot dry. Do not rub.
FATS, SHOE POLISH, LIPSTICK, OIL, SOLIDS, NAIL POLISH, TAR, VOMIT, WAX, GREASE, CHEWING GUM
Scrape up with a blunt knife. Use dry cleaning solvent, followed by detergent/vinegar solution. Blot dry. Do not rub.
COFFEE, TEA, ALCOHOL/WINES, PERFUME, URINE, LIQUID FOODS
Blot up the surplus spillage. Use detergent/vinegar solution. Work from the outer edge of the stain, using a little at a time and blotting up with dry cloths frequently. Do not rub.
Cleaning Solution
DETERGENT SOLUTION
A teaspoon of neutral detergent, such as ‘Stergene’, to half pint (quarter litre) of warm water.
DETERGENT/VINEGAR SOLUTION
Add one teaspoon of white vinegar to the above detergent solution.
AMMONIA SOLUTION
One tablespoon of household ammonia to one cup of warm water. WARNING: Always test a small ‘out of the way’ area of your carpet for colourfastness prior to tackling the stain.
DRY CLEANING SOLVENT
A proprietary brand of dry cleaning solvent should be used. You will also need a blunt knife and some white tissues or absorbent cloth to blot up the stain as it is released. The modern alternative is K2R, a dry spray, which is best left overnight to work on any stain before vacuuming off.
Whilst some carpets are bleach cleanable, each carpet has very individual guidelines as to the use of bleach. Please discuss with the retailer the bleach cleaning properties of the range that you have chosen.
With just a little care, your carpet will last longer and look good throughout its life.