Today's carpets are constructed using various natural and man-made
fibres. These fibres give the pile its texture and they also reflect light, which determines the way we see the colours of
the carpet.
When carpets become dirty, the fibres can become dull and the colours in the pile lose their brightness. It is now
common practice to protect the carpet from staining using a stain-guard agent, but dirt in the fibres can lead to permanent
damage, with your carpet losing its lustre and original colour.
That's why its important to maintain and care for
your carpets. A regular programme of care and maintenance will extend the life of your carpet and help to maintain its original
appearance.
Vacuum Cleaning: When you use a vacuum cleaner on your carpet, pay special attention to the areas that
receive the most traffic, such as doorways, hallways and stairs.
It is good practice to vacuum the entire
carpet at least three times a week. If you spill anything on your carpet you should clean it up immediately, as it is much
more difficult to remove dirt that is left to penetrate the pile. For maximum effectiveness, use a vacuum cleaner that has a rotating brush.
Ensure that the vacuum cleaner is set for the correct height of your carpet. Push the cleaner forward, in the direction
of the pile. When you pull the cleaner back towards you, the rotating brush will lift the pile. Regardless of which type
of vacuum cleaner you use, you should ensure that the flow of air is not impeded.
You should regularly check any
pipes for blockages and that the brush turns freely and is not worn. Make sure to clean and replace filters as recommended
by the manufacturer.
ALWAYS check the cable for damage before using the cleaner.
Other
methods of cleaning: The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that carpets be cleaned using a deep extraction
method at least every 12 to 18 months.
You should use a cleaning method as suggested by the manufacturer to maintain
their warranty. There are several accepted methods for deep cleaning carpets constructed from synthetic fibres. Whichever method
you choose, always make sure you follow the guidelines regarding dilution and application.
Also, make sure to
use agents that are designed specifically for cleaning stain resistant carpets.
The most common cleaning methods
are:
Hot water extraction
- or steam cleaning. With this method, the carpet is
pre-treated with a compound to loosen dirt. A hot pressurised cleaning solution is then forced into the pile.
Absorbent
pad or bonnet: With this method, a machine
similar to a floor buffer is used.
Dry extraction: using a polymer compound. Special compounds are applied to the carpet which attract dirt and are then vacuumed
away.
Dry foam: With this method, a dry foam cleaning detergent is applied to the carpet. This is then
worked into the pile by a specially designed machine, before being wet vacuumed.
Rotary Shampoo: This method is similar to the absorbent pad method, but is carried out with a machine
equipped with brushes. Natural fibres may require special care and following are guidelines for cleaning some of the most common of
these fibres.
- Wool: You may use any of
the common cleaning methods for wool. However, excessive heat should be avoided. Wool can also be damaged easily by alkaline
or bleach, so only natural detergents should be used. A wool carpet should be dried quickly after using a wet cleaning method.
- Silk
is very delicate and should only be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. DIY cleaning on silk is not recommended as it is
very sensitive to high temperatures and is easily damaged when wet.
- Cotton/Rayon: Although these types of fibres are very strong and can be cleaned using most methods,
care should be taken to ensure discoloration does not occur, as can be the case with certain alkaline solutions. Over-wetting
must also be avoided, as this can lead to shrinkage.
- Natural plant fibres: Many plant fibres are used in carpet construction including jute, cotton, sisal, hemp,
ramie, pineapple and coconut (coir). Most cleaning methods can be safely used on these fibres, but generally, we would recommend
deep cleaning be carried out by a professional.
Whichever method of cleaning you choose, you should try to
ensure that your carpet is fully dry within twelve hours, to avoid shrinkage or distortion. You should also allow the carpet
to dry completely before walking on it. If in doubt - contact a qualified professional!
