Taking care of carpet

Cleaning carpet is easier than you think. All is takes is the right vacuum, cleaning products, and a little know-how. Here are a few tips on removing common stains the right way:

• Always treat the affected area immediately. The longer the spill sits there, the harder it'll be to remove the stain.
• For a food spill, gently remove as much solid material as you can with a spoon, or a dull knife. Add water and blot, using detergent sparingly if needed. Then, using the highest suction function, vacuum back and forth, adding more water to the stain as you go until completely clean.
• If you need a spot removal solvent, use a product approved by The Carpet and Rug Institute of America. Apply several drops to a clean white cloth and blot the carpet in an inconspicuous area. If you notice a change in the carpet color, consult a professional carpet cleaner.
• If stains remain after cleaning, moisten tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for one hour. Blot and repeat until completely clean.

Keeping carpet beautiful

Follow these simple tips to keep your carpet's color and texture looking fresh:

• Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent soil from embedding itself in the pile.
• Depending on the type of carpet you have, you'll want to use a vacuum with a rotating brush, a beater bar, or suction only.
• Keeping traffic and other use factors in mind, consider professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months.
• Use scissors to clip sprouts and snags. Don't pull on them—you might damage the carpet.
• If your carpet is burned, simply remove the tops of the dark, burnt fibers with curved fingernail scissors. If the burn is extensive, you may need to patch or replace it.
• Remove heavy furniture dents by stroking the dented area with the edge of a coin. You can also use a hair dryer or a steam iron, but be very careful not to touch the carpet with the iron.
• For extensive water damage, consult professional cleaners to dry your carpet from the front and back.

Tips for soft carpet

Adjustable height — Use the highest setting where appropriate.
Efficient airflow — Avoid vacuums with very concentrated or sealed suction.
Large wheels — A vacuum with large wheels is easier to move across soft carpeting.

For specific care requirements, refer to your warranty information.


Preventative maintenance

Easy, proactive steps will keep your carpet looking good over time.

• Don't track dirt inside
• Placing walk-off mats outside all entrances will help absorb soil and moisture and trap excessive dirt, sand, grit, oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked into the home. Clean mats on a regular basis (or sooner, when they need it) so they don't become sources of soil themselves.
• Use a quality carpet pad. A good carpet pad not only gives better resilience and comfort underfoot, it can extend the life of your carpet, especially on stairs. Because some carpets carry warranties with specific density and thickness requirements, be sure and review your warranty before purchasing your pad. Explore varieties of carpet pad.
• Occasionally move heavy furniture. Moving your furniture on occasion won't just renew the feel of your room, it will also help avoid excessive pile crushing. Also consider using carpet protectors under the legs of tables, chairs, and other furniture to help distribute the weight. Damage can occur if you use chairs or appliances with rollers or casters without a chair pad designed specifically for carpet.
• Protect carpet when moving furniture. When moving heavy wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.), prevent damage by placing a protective barrier of heavy cardboard or plywood between the wheels and the carpet.
• Clean your area rugs. If you use area rugs on your carpet, be sure to clean them regularly, and make sure you clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath as well. Also, be sure to check area rugs for colorfastness before placing them on carpet because the color in some rugs may bleed through. After cleaning your carpet, allow it to dry completely before replacing rugs.
• Reduce periods of direct sunlight. Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, or awnings.