HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CARPET

*Rule of thumb: Clean your carpet before it looks visibly soiled.

1. Check the Warranty!

Copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase may be available from your carpet retailer. Stain resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.

2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!

It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet often - once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc., as these items can cause a spot on the carpet.

3. Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned!

Have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once every 12 months say the major carpet manufacturers. Heavy traffic areas may need it more often. Manufacturer’s warranties require professional cleaning at least every 11-18 months to retain texture and your warranty.

4. Remove Spots Immediately!

Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. Always use a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner! Many “over the counter” spotters leave too much sticky soap residue that will make your spots return! Test your carpet for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before using it in an open area.

5. Have Carpet Protector Reapplied!

The protectant that is built into stain resistant nylon carpet is removed with regular foot traffic and harsh cleaners. To keep your carpet cleaner longer, have protector reapplied each time you have your carpet professionally cleaned.

6. Stop soil and dirt at the door!

Use both inbdoor and outdoor mats at each entrance to your home to reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked in.

7. About those area rugs

Test area rugs for colorfastness before placing them on your carpet, since some rugs tend to bleed color. Periodically vacuum under your area rugs to remove loose soil that may have filtered through the rugs onto the carpet.

8. Rearrange furniture

Premature wear and excessive soiling can take place in areas where the traffic patterns are not changed from time to time. Rearrange your furniture periodically to cause different areas of the carpet to be used in rotation.

9. When Disaster Strikes

No matter how careful we are, sometimes spills will occur. A little know-how can help keep an annoyance from turning into a tragedy.

Wet spills - whatever the liquid begin to blot it up immediately. Use a clean cloth or anything absorbent, such as a disposable diaper. Blot the liquid first, THEN go after any staining.

Dry spills - if the spill is dry, loosen residue with the dull edge of a knife or spatula. Scrape and vacuum up as much of the residue as possible. Dampen a color resistant cloth with the proper cleaning agent for the type of stain. Blot the area gently to prevent the stain from spreading. Work from the outer edge of the spot toward the center. Turn the cloth frequently, so you are using a clean area. Repeat the process until the spot is completely removed or your cloth is not picking up any more of the stain. Be sure not to overwet the carpet! Rinse the spot with water and blot up any excess moisture. Rake up the carpet pile with your fingers and allow it to dry before walking on it.

Treatment of some common stains:

• Pet urine - immediately pour a liberal amount of table salt onto the area. Let it soak up the urine and then sweep up the salt. Repeat this step until most of the urine has been removed. If there is still a stain, dampen the area with equal parts white vinegar and water. Blot dry.
• Mustard stains - soak the stained area with a dilution of 1/2 ammonia and 1/2 water. Use a hairdryer to dry the area.
• Red wine - use club soda to flush the wine from the carpet fibers. Blot dry.
• Grease and oil marks - rub talcum powder, cornmeal or cornstarch gently into the stained area. Let it sit for awhile and then brush or sponge the substance away.
• Blood stains - flush with cold water. Warm or hot water will set the stain. Blot dry.
• Gum - Freeze the gum with ice and use the dull edge of a knife to remove it.
• Latex paint - soak with dish detergent diluted with 20 parts of water. Agitate the area, blot, rinse and bot again.
• Ball point ink - apply hair spray liberally to break up the stain. Rinse the area well with water. Blot dry.
• Soft drink stain - apply a solution of one quart water with one teaspoon mild detergent and one teaspoon white vinegar. Blot dry.