Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance

Good carpet cleaning an maintenance routines will keep your new carpet looking great for years to come. New carpet will pick up dirt, grime and dust from every day foot traffic and from airborne particles that drop onto your carpet. This can cause premature wear on your carpet as the dirt and dust particles will slowly abraid (wear) the carpet. Because of this, most carpet manufacterers will only honor their warranty as long as regular cleanings are performed. Also, regular carpet cleaning will help the carpet last longer so you won't have to replace it as soon.

Regular vacuuming is probably the best thing you can do to keep your carpet looking great. Vacuuming will remove dirt that can wear carpet. Vacuuming will also remove dirt and dust from your carpet that can be stirred up into the air therefore causing indoor air quality to be suffer. How often should you vacuum your carpet?

• Everyday in high traffic areas 
• Twice a week in medium traffic areas
  
• Weekly in low traffic areas
  

When it comes to spot cleaning of carpets, the carpet mills recommend that you follow the CRI recommended procedures. These are general procedures that will apply to most all general spills and stains. Download Carpet and Care Guide here!

Spot Removal Guide

For treating stubborn spots and stains on your carpet, CRI recommends using Seal of Approval carpet cleaning
products. When you don’t have an approved product on hand, here are some useful tips:

• Blood should be rinsed quickly with cool water. Follow with a mix of 1/4 teaspoon clear (nonbleach, nonlanolin) dishwashing liquid with one cup of cool water. Blot and dry quickly.

• Dye (medicines, cosmetics, etc.) and food stains (soda, coffee, tea, juice, ketchup, etc.). First blot with a clean white cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Then, try the liquid dishwashing solution described above. Blot, repeat and rinse with clear water on a clean, white towel or a white paper towel. Dry. Depending on the substance, professional carpet cleaning may be required.

• Fingernail polish can be removed from your carpet using a nonacetone fingernail polish remover. Apply a small amount of remover on a white cloth and work it in from the edges of the spill to the center. Blot the area using lukewarm tap water. Dry with a clean cloth.

• Ink (ballpoint pen) comes off carpet with rubbing alcohol (70 percent isopropyl) applied to a cloth or paper towel. Don’t pour rubbing alcohol directly on the spot.

• Paint (latex) responds to the detergent solution described above for blood. Blot, repeat, and dry.

• Urine or vomit, left unattended, can damage carpet in several ways. Always clean these up immediately with paper towels.

• For pet urine, try a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water.

• Rust nearly always requires professional services because of the chemicals involved.

• Wax (paraffin from candles) responds best when medium heat from an iron is applied to a clean white cloth or paper towel and blotted on. Repeat the heat application to the towel as the wax is absorbed. Sometimes dyes in wax won’t come out, and fibers will have to be cut and the area replaced with a new carpet insert. A trained professional here at Dover Floor Covering can assist here.

• Wine comes out with the very same dishwashing detergent solution described above for blood. Blot, repeat and dry. Call a professional if the stain persists.

Additional Tips

Beer, wine, coffee and tea

Blot and neutralize with a white vinegar solution, then work a small amount of a detergent solution into the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water). Continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is completely removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water and blot to remove excess moisture. Apply paper towels and weigh them down, allowing the spot to dry.

Blood, catsup, cheese, chocolate, cola, cough syrup, mixed drinks, soft drinks, soy sauce, starch, toothpaste, white glue

First, note that all solutions for removing blood must be cool in temperature. Blot and neutralize the spot with an ammonia solution, using a spray bottle to saturate the spot. Next, work a small amount of a detergent solution into the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) and continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water and blot to remove excess moisture. Apply a pad of paper towels, weigh them down and allow to dry.

Mud and dirt

Allow mud to dry completely. Shatter the dried mud with the handle of a knife, then vacuum. For dirt, apply a small amount of a detergent solution to the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) and blot with a white paper towel to work the detergent into the affected area. Continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water, and then blot to remove excess moisture.

More from the Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet & Rug Institute is the science–based source for the facts on carpet and rugs. This nonprofit trade association represents more than 95 percent of all carpet made in the United States. Learn more about the CRI by visiting the website at http://www.carpet-rug.org.