How to maintain your carpet
Carpet pile care
Remove stains from carpets

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CARPET

The key to good carpet maintenance is to avoid particles of loose dirt and dust from working their way into the carpet pile where they will act abrasively on the fibres and discoulour the carpet.

 

  • Vacuum your carpet regularly at least two or three times a week
  • A strong doormat will reduce dirt from outside being spread around the house
  • Avoid where possible laying light coloured carpets next to external entrances

 

Cleaning

Follow these general rules below for dealing with spillages. For more persistent or unusual stains contact a professional carpet cleaner. (Such as ServiceMaster)

 

  • Spillages are more easily removed if tackled immediately so act promptly and blot off  all the liquid stain with dry kitchen roll or a clean dry white cloth. Semi solid substances should be removed with a spatula
  • To clean off any remaining stain use a clean damp cloth soaked in warm water with a little white vinegar to blot the stain. Use a dabbing action with the cloth and then blot out the remaining liquid with a dry kitchen towel
  • Do not rub the pile surface or oversoak the stain
  • Always work from the outside of the stain inwards to minimize the stain spreading

 

FURTHER GUIDANCE ON CARPET MAINTENANCE

 

Shedding

All carpets using a spun yarn will shed excess fibre when first installed. The duration of the shedding of these fibres will vary dependent upon the frequency of vacuuming and the type of machine used. This is to be expected and does not mean there is a defect with the carpet or that it has not been installed correctly. The short fibres given off, represent a very small fraction of the pile.

 

Long Tufts

Occasionally you may find a stray tuft extending above the pile surface. Provided your carpet is a cut pile, carefully cut the tuft with sharp scissors to the level of the surrounding pile.

 

Natural Fibres

As a natural fibre, pure new wool is washed and scoured before being spun into carpet yarn. Throughout the manufacturing process it is also inspected and natural minor imperfections removed. Even so, fitted wool carpets may, on rare occasions, contain slight traces of the sheep’s outdoor environment. As such the manufacturer reserves the right to carry out small on site rectifications. Your statutory rights are not affected.

Flattening

All cut pile fabrics of any fibre type will flatten to some extent in traffic lanes and areas of concentrated wear. This can make the carpet appear a different shade but is in fact caused by the pile reflecting light differently. Regular vacuuming will help to prevent flattening. This flattening and shading is normal reaction to localized traffic and is not detrimental to the performance of the carpet.

 

Pile Reversal

Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’.

This can happen to all cut pile carpets be they Axminster, Wilton, Tufted or even Oriental and hand made rugs. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation.

 

A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive. There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing/installation fault.

 

Fading

Carpets with a high wool content can and do fade over time. This type of fading is caused by exposure to ultra violet light which lightens or bleaches the wool in the same way that human hair is lightened by exposure to the sun. The degree and speed of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected.

 

Abrasion

Pet paws, claws, rubber soled shoes and heels can be abrasive on carpets, particularly where use is constantly concentrated to small areas (i.e in front of arm chairs). Move furniture occasionally to avoid any distortion to the carpet pile.

 

Indentations

The feet of furniture will create indentations on any carpet. To help reduce marking, regularly move the position of furniture and other heavy objects where possible. To help lift the pile back up, use a coin to ‘gently’ tease the pile upright.

 

Treatments

Care must be taken if applying stain guards or other such treatments after installation. Over saturation can result in damage to the structure of the carpet.

PLEASE NOTE: This advice is offered as a service to our customers. Craig Marshall Flooring cannot be held liable for any loss, damage or injury arising out of any action taken on the advice given above.

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