Taking Care of Your Carpet

Cleaning and Maintenance

Although Carpets are designed to last for years, the right care and maintenance will extend their life even further. A carpet wears out mostly because of foot traffic and dirt particles that get trampled deep into the pile while some occasional spills could ruin its appearance.

Follow three simple steps and your carpet will feel great, look wonderful and last for years:

  1. vacuum frequently your carpet because dust and dirt particles will have an abrasive effect on the fibres making them look dull;
  2. clean up spills promptly because a dry stain can't often be removed and will effect your carpet appearance;
  3. remember to have your carpet professionally steam cleaned every 1-2 years.

When a spillage occurs

Not all spillages will require a professional cleaning. Following you'll find some tips for basic everyday maintenance.

  • Clear spillages immediately by blotting off all the liquid stain with paper kitchen towel or a clean dry white cloth (coloured cloths may allow staining back from the cloth to the carpet).
  • Semi-solid substances should be removed with a plastic spatula.
  • A clean damp cloth soaked in warm slightly soapy water can be used to blot any remaining stain.
    Use a dabbing action with the cloth and then blot out any remaining moisture with dry kitchen towel. Repeat if necessary.
  • DO NOT rub the surface of the pile or over-soak the stain.
  • To prevent the stain spreading, always work from the outside towards the centre of the stain.

 

Common Problems

Abrasion

Pet paws, claws, rubber soled shoes and heels can be abrasive to carpets, particularly if use is concentrated in small areas, for example in front of armchairs. Move furniture occasionally to avoid distortion to the carpet pile.

Fading

Most textiles will fade very gradually over time due to natural light. To reduce fading of carpets in rooms with strong exposure to the sun it is suggested to place blindsor curtains on the windows.

Flattening

As with any cut pile fabrics, areas of heavy useage will be prone to flatenning of pile. Regular vacuuming will help reduce the likelyhood of this occurring. This flattening is a normal reaction to heavy useage and is not detrimental to the wear of the carpet.

Indentation

The feet of furniture will create indentations in any carpet. To help reduce marking, where possible, regularly reposition your furniture and other heavy objects. You can use a coin to gently tease the pile back towards it's previous position.

Shedding

All carpets using a spun yarn will shed excess fibre when first installed. This is quite normal and is not a defect. The short fibres given off represent a very small fraction of the pile.

Static Electricity

In a dry atmosphere static electricity may build up in a carpet. Use of a humidifier or indoor plants in water trays will help keep the humidity high and reduce static build up.

Vacuum Cleaning

Once they have been laid, man-made fibre carpets and wool twist pile carpets should be vacuumed regularly. Two or three times a week is ideal under normal usage.

Some differences in vacuuming mat be observed for different types of carpets:

  • Velvet Pile Carpet requires a little time for the fibres to "bed down". Brush by hand or with a carpet sweeper in the direction of the pile for two to three weeks after laying. You can however use the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner to pick up any loose pieces.
  • Loop Pile Carpet requires the usage of the suction head of a cylinder cleaner. Do not use the beater bar or the brushes will catch the fibres and lift them. This will make your carpet look felted.
  • Cut Pile Carpet prefers an upright cleaner with a beater bar and brush.