Three steps for proper carpet care:
Carpet cleaning is just like exercise! If you get into a routine and keep it up, you will see great results and feel better for it. And understanding the right way to clean carpet will help you save time by doing it correctly the first time with products that do the job right from the start. Not only will Seal of Approval cleaning products help keep your carpet looking great, they can also help meet the warranty requirements of the carpet manufacturer. Below are three simple steps to keeping your carpet clean and looking great:
1. Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.
2. Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to resoil more quickly.
3. Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.
Stop dirt at the door
Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great way to start keeping it clean. The following helpful hints can stop dirt in its tracks.
- Use mats - Outdoor and indoor mats or runners can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
- Take off your shoes - You can save wear and tear on carpet by asking everyone to take their shoes off before entering your home.
- Change your air filters - Change air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by the manufacturer's directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the fewer that fall onto the carpet.
Some More Helpful Steps to Removing Spots and Stains:
Because of the unpredictable nature of spots and stains (and how they may react to any spot cleaning effort), no particular results can be guaranteed. Remember that no carpet is stain proof.
A. Blot Liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth. Gently scrape up semi-solids with a rounded spoon.
B. Pretest any spot removal solution (for color transfer to the cloth or damage to the carpet) in an inconspicuous area. If a change occurs, select and test another solution.
C. Apply a small amount of the suggested solution to a white cloth, and work in gently, blot - don't rub - working from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Allow it to remain on the spill a few minutes then blot. Move to the next solution (if needed) until the spot is removed. Be patient.
D. Weighted Towel Method: Wicking can occur after a liquid spill enters the carpet backing and pad. Even professional cleaning can only remove the spill from the carpet fibers. The spill can "wick" back up into the carpet fibers and "reappear" while drying, or even weeks after spotting or professional cleaning. Lightly dampen the spot with water, cover with 2-3" of dry folded white towels, weight with books and leave overnight. This may take 3-4 times.
Key to Cleaning Solutions
1. Rubbing Alcohol as a solvent - 91% Isopropanol can be purchased at most grocery and drug stores. Never pour directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the latex backing or damage may occur. Many solvents are flammable! Use Caution.
2. Nail Polish Remover - Use the same precautions as with alcohol.
3. Detergent Solution - Use "Pro-Spot" spot cleaner undiluted or mix 1 cup water and ¼ teaspoon mild liquid detergent (no lanolin, non-bleach). Pro-spot is available for delivery in the Eugene/Springfield area.
4. Warm Water Rinse - Luke Warm (cold if specified) to remove solution residues and prevent resoiling.
5. Vinegar Solution - One cup WHITE vinegar to two cups water.
6. Ammonia Solution - Two Tablespoons household ammonia to one cup water.
7. Enzyme Product - such as Nature's Miracle or Simple Solution are available at pet supply stores. Saturating the carpet backing and pad may be required to remove odors from urine, vomit or sour milk spills. Allow the enzyme to work on such odorous spills 2-3 days before proceeding to the next spot removal method.
8. Vacuum clean - All dry spills should be vacuumed clean to lift and remove as much spilled material as possible. Use a hose attachment if you have one. Otherwise, be sure the spilled material has not contaminated your vacuum brush by testing it on a scrap carpet piece. Pouring a liquid into a dry spill may create additional problems.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide 3% - (Don't use on wool or silk) Buy a new bottle. Blot on and let dry. May need to repeat 8-10 times.
Use the number solution key from above to figure out each step for removing a certain spot.
Tips for Removing Carpet Stains:
- Several types of household items are great for removing stains and don’t require expensive products with smelly chemicals. These include shaving cream, vinegar & water, ammonia & water, borax, and baby wipes. After applying, just remember to never rub or scrub the stain, as this can spread the stain and damage your carpet. Instead, blot gently with a clean, dry towel. If necessary, re-apply the product and re-blot to further lift the stain.
- Both salt and club soda are popular remedies for red wine stains. If you opt for salt, just sprinkle, let sit for 15 minutes or so, and then scoop up the salt after it has absorbed the wine. You'll know it's done when it turns pink!
- You’ve probably heard of using baking soda to remove odors from your carpet. Likewise, you can also sprinkle cornstarch over your carpet to absorb unwanted smells and freshen your room. This is especially helpful if you have pets or kids that utilize your carpet on a regular basis. Just sprinkle, vacuum, and enjoy a fresher-smelling
- If you have any questions call us at 443-277-7265.
- or check us out at superiorsteamcleaners.com