Carpet And Spot Cleaning Techniques

Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning will extend the life of a carpet and maintain its appearance. Vacuum clean regularly and thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can damage the fibres.

Deal with spillages as soon as possible, preferably the moment they occur.

Periodic Cleaning

When the carpet or rug reaches a stage where it could do with a really good clean, you can either do the job yourself, or you can call in a specialist carpet cleaning company.

If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug yourself make sure to use only WOOL-SAFE approved products. Look for this mark on the bottle or package.

Detergents

Never use any detergents such as dishwashing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use. Although they may clean the carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or the backing of the carpet.

Housekeeping Tips For Carpets And Rugs

* Entrance Or Walk-off Mats
The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as they will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil. They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves.

* Protective Treatments
Many carpets come with a protective fibre treatment to reduce problems with staining and soling. These treatments, while effective in many ways, are not bullet-proof and will eventually wear off. Quick response to spills and regular cleaning is still required.

Carpets that have no protector applied by the manufacturer can be treated after installation on the floor by a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. To find your nearest WOOLSAFE certified operator please visit www.woolsafe.org.

Beware of products cleaning to be safe on all fibres, including wool. It might be true, but if it does not have the WOOLSAFE mark, it is not endorsed by most carpet manufacturers.

General Rules Of Spot Removal

• Soak up liquids with white kitchen roll, tissues, toilet roll or clean cloth.
• Scoop up or scrape off solids.
• Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment - if unsure, use solvent first.
• Always work from the edge of the spot inwards.
• BLOT - do not rub.
• Use small quantities of spot remover at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot. Work into the spot with a small soft brush or sponge.
• Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles.
• When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation.
• Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters with clean water.
• Dry the spot, if possible with a hair dryer.

Treatments For Spot Removal

1. Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues
2. Vacuum clean
3. Cold water
4. WOOLSAFE approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted).
5. WOOLSAFE approved spot remover for water based stains.
6. WOOLSAFE approved spot removed for greasy and oily stains.
7. Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron.
8. Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)
9. Nail varnish remover or acetone.
10. White spirit or turpentine substitute.
11. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol).
12. Rub with a coin.
13. Rub gently with coarse sand paper.
14. WOOLSAFE approved disinfectant or deodorizer.
15. Rust remover.
16. Carpet re-colouring kit.