A Guide to Carpet Care – Download the GUIDE TO CARPET CARE PRINT VERSION here
Preserving your carpet’s good looks can be achieved with proper maintenance and cleaning. If you want better looking carpet for longer then it is vital to properly care for your carpet.

It’s a pleasure for us as part of our service to you, to provide you with some tips on how to care for your carpet. From routine cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, to tips on how to treat individual stains, we hope that this guide assists you in lengthening the life of your carpet and keeps it looking great.

Vacuuming
Dust and lint will need to be regularly removed in the days following your carpet’s installation. This should be done very lightly. Vacuuming at least weekly will remove much of your carpet’s soil. Initial vacuuming against the natural direction of the carpet pile will assist in lifting and removing the soil from the yarn. Vacuuming in the natural direction of the pile when finishing will
restore its finish.

Powder Cleaners
Powder cleaners are designed to lightly clean your carpet in the periods between professional cleaning.

Spot Cleaning
Many spills can be removed before penetrating the carpet if action is taken quickly. Remove solids or semi-solids with a knife or spoon and then tackle liquids with absorbent materials. Begin absorbing at the outer edge of the spill and work towards the centre, dabbing and blotting. When most of the spill has been removed, place clean paper towel and a flat weight over the spill and leave for a little while. Do not rub stains.

Foaming Shampoos
Foaming shampoos in aerosol cans can be effective for small areas. After spraying lightly and gently working the foam into the carpet with a damp cloth or brush, leave it to dry and then vacuum gently.

Shampoo Cleaning
You may do this type of cleaning by simply hiring the necessary materials from a hardware store, supermarket or department store. It is advisable, however, to employ professionals to expertly shampoo your carpet. The benefits to shampooing your carpet are that it lifts the pile, giving your carpet a fresh look, whilst deodorising at the same time.

When spills occur, it is important that they are cleaned up immediately. Here is a step by step guide to help make your job easier.

1. Scoop up solids with a knife or a spoon. Blot up liquids with white paper towels or tissues. Determine method of stain removal from the chart.

2. Blot up liquids with white paper towels or tissues.

3. Determine method of stain removal from the chart.

4. Before treating stain, test treatment on an inconspicuous part of the carpet for possible colour change.

5. With a blotting or dabbing motion, work inward from the edge of the stain to prevent it spreading.

6. Do not rub pile during the stain removal/rinsing stages.

7. When removing stains, ensure carpet is dry before proceeding to the next step in order of the treatment.

8. Rinse with clear, tepid water and a clean cloth or sponge.

9. Once the stain has been removed, blot up moisture by applying pressure with white paper towels or tissues.

10. Do not walk on the carpet until dry.

Wool cleansing agents/treatments
1. Solution of 1 teaspoon of approved wool detergent (eg.Softly) with one teaspoon of white vinegar and one litre of warm water.

2. Dry-cleaning fluid, lighter fuel of mineral turpentine. Caution: Ensure that no flame or lighted cigarette is near, and use in well ventilated area.

3. Mineral turpentine’s effectiveness is increased if mixed with an equal quantity of dry-cleaning fluid.
Caution: Ensure that no flame or lighted cigarette is near and use in a well ventilated area.

4. Methylated spirits. Caution: Ensure no flame or lighted cigarette is near, use in a well ventilated area.

5. Hydrogen peroxide (20 vol). Dilute 10 to 1 with cold water. Caution: Do not use on dark or patterned carpet.

6. Dye Stripper. Dilute 50 to 1 with cold water. Caution: Do not use on dark or patterned carpet.

7. Chewing gum remover (freezing agent).

8. Nail polish remover.

9. Clean, warm (not hot) water.

10. Cold water.

11. Weak solution of white vinegar or lemon juice with cold water.

12. Absorbent powder (eg. salt or talc). Sprinkle on spillage, leave overnight and vacuum the next day.

Nylon cleansing agents/treatments
1. Water

2. Detergent Solution

3. Detergent Solution & Ammonia (not cloudy) equal parts ofeach.

4. Dry cleaning solvent

5. Paint/oil/grease remover

6. Undiluted white vinegar.

Carpet Cleaning kits are available from your local Carpet Court. Contact your local store for details.