Carpet Manufacturer’s Tips & Recommendations
Three steps for proper carpet care
Carpet cleaning is just like exercise! If you get into a routine and keep it up, you willsee great results and feel better for it. And understanding the right way to clean carpet will help you save time by doing it correctly the first time with products that do the job right from the start. Not only will Seal of Approval cleaning products help keep your carpet looking great, they can also help meet the warranty requirements of the carpet manufacturer. Below are three simple steps to keeping your carpet clean and looking great:
- Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.
- Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to resoil more quickly.
- Professionally deep clean your carpet every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.
Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great way to start keeping it clean. The following helpful hints can stop dirt in its tracks.
- Use mats — Outdoor and indoor mats or runners can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
- Take off your shoes — You can save wear and tear on carpet by asking everyone to take their shoes off before entering your home.
- Change your air filters — Change air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the fewer that fall onto the carpet. back to top
Recommended Spot Removal Procedures
Check out CRI’s Spot Solver (opens in new window).
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.
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 semi-solids, 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 spot removal computer 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. 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, another cleaners solution should be selected.
Apply a small amount of the selected cleaner 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 of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.
A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time.
For more detailed information on a specific spill, please search on the pull-down menu at left.
Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll-free cleaners assistance and advice (consult your warranty).
Mohawk and Shaw Recommendations:
Stain Removal
- Treatment of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before treatment, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. For best results, us Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Carpet Spot Remover and Cleaning Kit.
- First scrape food spill gently with a spoon or dull knife – or a Mohawk Carpet Cleaning Key, removing as much solid materials as possible.
- Apply Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Spot Remover or other low residue carpet spot remover that has obtained the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval to the stain.
- Abnormally large or excessive stains may require hot water extraction method. Professional cleaning is recommended.
- Important – Do not use any cleaner with a PH of 10 or higher. Always test cleaners on a small, non-visible area for any discoloration of the pile before using.
- Mohawk recommends using the Mohawk FloorCare Essentials line of Cleaning products and tools for best overall results and product safety. These products are non-toxic, leave no soapy residue, and feature proprietary technology developed for the entire family of Mohawk flooring products.
Cleaning Recommendations
- Even with regular vacuuming, soil particles and oily dirt will cling to the carpet fibers. With foot traffic these particles and oily dirt are driven deep into the carpet. We recommend professional hot water extraction every 12 to 18 months using cleaning products, equipment or systems that carry the Carpet & Rug Institute Seal of Approval. Periodic cleaning using the hot water extraction method performed by a certified care professional, will refresh carpet appearance.
- The most used areas, such as entrances, doorways, traffic lanes, and in front of chairs will collect dirt faster than other areas. Clean these areas as they begin to show soil. This will stop dirt from spreading and will extend the time between professional cleaning. back to top
Shaw Industries
Protect your carpet color In addition to frequent vacuuming, it's important to clean your carpet on a regular basis. Cleaning systems will remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can't take out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time.
Cleaners systems target the soils that result from cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.
Get on a schedule If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity.
Choosing the proper cleaners system is important. Some systems may leave residues which accelerate re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning.
Shaws choice: Hot water extraction Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning," although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of applying a cleaner agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.
Shaw warranties require that the homeowner be able to show proof of periodic cleaning by hot water extraction (commonly called "steam" cleaning) by a professional service.
Professional advantages Professional carpet cleaners are a great choice for your floor. Their cleaning equipment has more extraction power than the rental units available to individuals, and the carpet should dry more quickly. True professionals also understand the equipment, know the proper agents for the situation at hand, and recognize the differences in fibers and carpet construction.
Locate a professional carpet cleaner Effective January 1, 2009, professional service must be performed by an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified firm.** You may contact the IICRC at 1-800-835-4624 for information. This organization maintains a national directory of independent professional cleaners who are trained and certified in a variety of cleaning specialties. Call and explain that you have purchased a Shaw carpet, and be sure to ask for a cleaner near you who uses the hot water extraction system.
What about spot and stain removal? Shaw's R2X Stain and Soil Remover is the only carpet cleaning product with the endorsement consumers have trusted for more than 100 years: the Good Housekeeping Seal. Because of our patented process, it's even easier to use than most spot cleaners. Our recommended spotting product also has the Wool Safe Certificate of Accreditation and the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval. Routine spot removal- research has shown that many products sold for do-it-yourself spot removal clean poorly and their residues attract soil on the cleaned area rapidly afterward. The Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program tests and certifies products that meet stringent standards and thus clean effectively, without damage to your carpet .back to top
Carpet One
Regular Care for Lasting Beauty
A regular maintenance program extends the life and the initial appearance of your carpet. Today's carpet fibers are designed to hide and soil and reflect light, and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.
You'll need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs and exterior entryways, at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating brush, and with a strong enough airflow to penetrate the carpet backing. Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.
No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty cleaning from time to time. Professional cleaning is required to maintain your Carpet One warranty. We would be glad to advise you about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet. Hot water extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to maintain your warranty, EXCEPT for the NATURA styles that must be cleaned through dry cleaning techniques.
A trained professional should perform this service every 1 ½ to 2 years to refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet. You must retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty claim arise.
When you and your cleaning professional choose a method, fiber content is the most important concern. Most carpet today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester or olefin, and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk and sisal may require specialized care. Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty, and if you should have any questions or concerns about your new carpet, just call your Carpet One retailer. back to top