Helpful hints

Helpful Hints


No matter how dynamic the fiber design, how superb the construction or how exceptional the performance test results... carpet or upholstery that is not properly maintained will not age gracefully.


CARPETING


Tracked-in soil is your biggest problem because it carries throughout the house. If you can keep tracked in soil to a minimum you can reduce dirt build-up and ultimately decrease the frequency of periodic professional cleanings.


Controlling Soil


Entry mats collect or absorb soil and moisture. They should be placed adjacent to high traffic areas and entryways. But not on top of the carpet. They should be maintained by weekly vacuuming, shaking and cleaning. (ask our industry certified personnel to show you the array of effective, quality mats that are designed to suit your specific needs.


Vacuuming


Routine Vacuuming with properly maintained, quality equipment is the single most important step you can take to extend the life and appearance of carpet.


  • Usa a top-fill vacuum with brush agitation OR a cannister with a “powerhead” that has brush agitation.
  • Soil should be collected in the vacuum;s recovery system ( to avoid re-entry into the air which can contribute to indoor air pollution).
  • Make sure your vacuum has a high efficiency HEPA filtering system OR a bag should be used in your vacuum equipment.

UPHOLSTERY


  • Read labels and tags carefully and follow manufacturer's recommendations for care and maintenance.
  • Every time your upholstery is professionally cleaned, be sure to have Fabric protectant applied to extend its beauty and useful life.
  • Make sure you hire only industry certified, trained professionals who have experience with your type of upholstery (haitian cotton, leather, linen, etc.).

Stains & Spills


Before treating a wet stain, blot the area with a white cloth or paper towel; dry stain, scoop up all the loose material, and vacuum any residual particles.


Test your cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area of the carpet before using to determine if discoloration will result from their use.


Apply cleaning agents to the stain by dampening a white, absorbent cloth or paper towel and blotting the stained area. DO NOT apply cleaning agents directly to the carpet.


Never rub, scrub or use a brush on the area being cleaned.


Work from the outside to the center of a stain to prevent spread of the stain or formation of a ring.


Always allow cleaned area to dry thoroughly.


Groom the cleaned area by hand brushing or vacuuming to restore the pile’s original appearance.


Sometimes stains persist and reappear after you think they’re gone. This is called wicking. Repeating the procedure several times usually eliminates them for good.


Absorbent towels, weighted with a heavy, colorfast object, placed over the cleaned area will help to absorb moisture and remove the remaining stain as it wicks to the surface.


Frequently Encountered Spills or Stains (Hover over the stain type)


Always test your cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area on the fabric to be cleaned before using to determine if discoloration will result from their use.


Acid Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ance Medication

Alkaline Drain Cleaner

Apple Juice

Apple Sauce

Asphalt

Barbeque Sauce

Beer

Bleaches

Blood

Butter

Candy

Caramel Syrup

Catsup

Cheese Spread

Chocolate

Chocolate Milk

Chocolate Syrup

Clay

*Coffee

Cola

Cooking Oil

Cough Syrup

Cranberry Juice

Crayon

Dirt

Felt Tip Marker

Furniture Dye

Gelatin

Grape Juice

Gravy

Grease

Hair Dye

Hand Cream

Ice Cream

Ink

Ink (water soluble)

Insecticides

Jelly

Lipstick

Margarine

Mascara

Mayonnaise

Medicines

Mouthwash

*Mustard

Nail Polish

Oil

Ointment

Orange Juice

Orange Soda

Paint (Latex)

Paint (Oil)

Pet Feces

Pet Urine

Plant Food

Rouge

Rust

Salad Dressing

Salad Oil

Shoe Polish

Soft Drinks

Soil

Soot

*Soup

Spaghetti Sauce

Steak Sauce

Syrup

Taco Sauce

Tar

*Tea

Tomato Juice

Vomit

Water Colors

Whiskey

Wine


* Effectiveness of this cleaning procedure depends on the type or consistency of the liquids that created the spill/stain.


How often should a carpet be vacuumed?


Proper vacuuming frequency should be planned according to traffic patterns. Here’s a guideline for establishing your own schedule.


Appropriate Vacuuming Frequency

Traffic

Area

Light

Traffic

Heavy

Traffic

Entry Way

Twice Weekly

Daily

Hallways

Twice Weekly

Daily

Living Area

Twice Weekly

Daily