Store Hours
Mon - Thurs: 9:30AM - 8:00PM
Friday: 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Saturday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Closed Sunday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| 1449 1st Ave NW New Brighton, MN 55112 651-636-2617 |
| Design Center Residential & Commercial Designer Discounts Available
| Carpet Care and Maintenance |
|
The following care information is provided by The Carpet & Rug Institute.
For specific carpet fiber or carpet manufacturer recommendations, go to our links page which will bring you directly into their web site.
Also note: in place of blotting, CAP likes the use of a wet/dry vacuum to suck stains & cleaning solutions from carpet fibers. Remember to always rinse thoroughly.
|
| Regular Care |
Today’s carpet fibers are designed to hide soil and reflect light, and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. The effect of soil in carpet is not as visible as it is on hard surface flooring where soil remains on the surface and is easily seen. The ability of today's carpet fibers to hide soiling is a positive feature for most consumers. However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.
Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers causing light to reflect differently and giving carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.
A regular maintenance program extends the life and the initial appearance of your carpet. Specific care information may be available from your carpet dealer or from a toll free number provided by the carpet manufacturer or fiber producer.
|
| Basic Vacuuming |
A good practice is to vacuum often the areas that receive the most traffic, such as hallways, stairs, exterior entry ways, and paths in the home where there is constant wear. Vacuum the entire carpeted area a minimum of twice per week.
Removing loose soil while it remains on the surface is important so that it is not worked into the carpet pile by foot traffic. Removing embedded soil is more difficult and time consuming than removing surface soil.
To remove surface soil, push the vacuum forward several feet with the pile direction of the carpet in a slow, deliberate motion and then reverse direction. Embedded soil is best removed by moving the vacuum cleaner in a slow, deliberate motion. Repeat strokes as necessary based on the traffic pattern and soiled level of the carpet.
Vacuum Cleaner Selection-For maximum effectiveness, use a vacuum cleaner that has adjustable and rotating brushes that are able to loosen ground-in soil, and a strong enough airflow to penetrate to the backing, extracting all particles. The vacuum cleaner should have an enclosed, high filtration bag that limits particles from recirculating into the air.
For the best cleaning results, no matter which type vacuum cleaner you purchase, inspect it periodically to be sure it is functioning properly.
|
| Soiling around the Edges |
 Filtration soil is a term used to describe dark, grayish lines that may appear on carpet. This is not a carpet defect, but a situation in which dust and other airborne pollutants can accumulate on the carpet face fibers in areas with a concentrated flow of air over the carpet or through tiny cracks or other open areas under the carpet. The soiling condition can occur quickly, or it may develop over a period of months or years. The level of soiling is dependent upon the volume of airflow and the level of pollutants in the air. Filtration soiling is not a result of the quality of carpet selected. The condition will obviously appear more pronounced on lighter colorations than darker colorations.
|
Filtration soil areas may appear around baseboards, under doors, along the edges of stairs and possibly away from walls where plywood subflooring materials have been joined. Generally, the concentrated air flow will be from an upper level to a lower level of the home.
As indicated, filtration soiling can occur under closed interior doors where a central heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system is utilized. When possible, open Interior doors to reduce filtration soiling that may develop under closed doors while the HVAC system is in operation.
Filtration soil may be fireplace or automobile emissions, residue from furniture polishes, fine sand or clay particles, cooking oils, or a host of other soils or a combination of soils. Oily airborne contaminants trapped by carpet fibers will serve to attract more dry soil.
It is difficult to identify effective methods to reduce or prevent filtration soiling. Preventing airflow through carpet and carpet edges by sealing cracks in the subfloor, as well as under baseboards and edges of stairs, may reduce filtration soiling problems. Keeping air inside the home as clean as possible can be accomplished by reducing indoor air pollutants, such as cooking emissions, fireplace smoke, burning candles, cigarette smoke, and emissions from cleaning chemicals; and by the installation and regular replacement of high efficiency HVAC air filters.
While no one cleaning technique may be successful in all filtration soiling situations, recent innovations in soil- and stain-resist treatments applied to carpet have reduced the effort previously needed to remove the filtration soil. However, the complete removal of contaminants from the soiled areas can be complicated, depending on the type of contaminant materials present. To achieve the best results, the services of a cleaning professional should be considered.
CAP recommends this link for specific stain removal procedures...
www.carpet-rug.org
|
| Spot Removal Steps |
Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.
Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels.
Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.
If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.
Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.
Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently.
Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.
Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.
After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.
A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time.
|
| Pet Stains |
Owners of even the best-trained pets will occasionally encounter pet accidents. Often, the urine is not discovered until long after the accident. The types of damage from pet stains can be diverse and are dependent upon the makeup of the urine. Urine content will change over the pet’s life because of the pet’s diet, medications, age, health, sex, and reproductive cycles. Because of these variations, some urine stains may not be removable.
To treat urine-damaged areas:
Urine can affect the dyes used in carpet, although not all occurrences will result in a permanent stain. Success is dependent upon the content of the urine, the dyes and finish used, and the time elapsed after the deposit. Some urine spots may be immediately noticeable, while others may take weeks or months for a reaction. The dyes may change color immediately after contact with urine.
When urine spots develop slowly and are noticed after much time has elapsed, the dyes and carpet fibers may be permanently damaged. In beige carpet, blue dyes are attacked by pet urine, leaving behind the red and yellow dyes with a resulting stain appearing red, yellow, or orange.
Pet urine, left unattended, can damage carpet in several ways. Moisture can weaken the layers of the carpet, allowing separation or delamination of the backing material. Seam areas can be particularly damaged and can separate.
Another problem, especially with cats, is odor. Unless the cat urine can be completely removed, complete odor removal is unlikely. A number of products are available to combat odor, but may simply mask the odor, and, in times of high humidity, the odor may reappear. Recently, enzymes, available at pet stores and veterinary offices, have been developed that are more effective; but they may be better used by a carpet cleaning professional. If odor cannot be removed, the damaged area of the carpet can be replaced with a piece from reserved scrap. If carpet replacement is necessary, then replacement of cushion and even subflooring may also be necessary.
Some carpet manufacturers have developed backings that resist spills and even prevent the spillage from penetrating the carpet into the carpet cushion and, perhaps, the subfloor. Check with your carpet dealer about these products.
|
| Deep Cleaning |
Daily vacuuming is the most important cleaning activity, but deep extraction cleaning must be performed to remove stubborn or embedded soil. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that carpet be dry- or wet-extraction cleaned a minimum of every 12 or 18 months before it shows soiling. Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty.
Carpet should receive regular deep cleaning to maintain its good looks. A carpet cleaning professional may be hired or carpet cleaning equipment may be purchased or rented for do-it-yourself cleaning.
The fiber system used should be the primary factor in selecting a cleaning method. The majority of carpet manufactured today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, or olefin, and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods.
Natural fibers may require specialized care. Following are general guidelines for these fiber systems:
Wool - Wool fibers may be cleaned using all cleaning methods, although excessive agitation and excessive heat should be avoided. Wool is easily damaged by bleaches and alkalies. Wool should be cleaned with neutral detergents (pH 5.0-8.0) and dried quickly to limit yellowing or browning.
Cotton/Rayon - Cotton and rayon are cellulosic fibers and may be cleaned using all cleaning methods. Most cellulosic fibers are subject to browning if prolonged drying occurs or if alkaline solutions are used. Shrinking may occur if these fibers are overwet. Avoid excessive agitation.
Silk - Silk should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. These fibers may be damaged by high temperatures, high pH (>9), sunlight, and will lose strength when wet. The cleaning of silk fibers is best left to the carpet cleaning professional.
Sisal and Other Plant Fibers - Plant fibers used in carpet construction, including sisal, cotton, jute, coconut (coir), pineapple, ramie, and hemp, have characteristics similar to cotton. These fibers may be cleaned with all cleaning methods, but dry extraction and dry foam extraction are most often recommended. To limit color change or odor transfer, a pH of less than 7.5 should be used and precautions should be taken to expedite rapid drying. It is best to use a carpet cleaning professional.
There are five accepted methods for cleaning carpet make from synthetic fibers. Rely on the carpet manufacturer's recommendations. When choosing any cleaning method, select cleaning agents sold especially for stain resistant carpet cleaning, and follow the directions for dilution and application. Never use soap, laundry detergent, automatic dishwasher detergent, or any of the strong household cleaning agents intended for use on hard surfaces such as woodwork, linoleum, or tile. For best cleaning results, always prevacuum the area to be cleaned and apply a preconditioning solution prior to cleaning. A precondition solution is a detergent solution applied to the carpet prior to cleaning to begin loosening soil. These solutions typically require 8-10 minutes to begin the soil loosening process.
Absorbent Pad (Bonnet) Method
The absorbent pad method should be used only by a properly trained cleaning professional. The rotary bonnet method uses a machine similar to a floor buffer with an absorbent spin pad attached to remove the soil. The spin pad absorbs soil onto the pad, and soil is removed when the pad is rinsed. To reduce pile distortion, keep the absorbent pad well lubricated with cleaning solution. Replace pad often to prevent transfer of soil back to the carpet face.
Dry Extraction (Polymer Compound) Method
An absorbent compound saturated with detergents and solvents is brushed in and around the fibers with especially-designed machines or brushes. The compound attaches to the soil particles, and both the soil and compound are then removed by vacuuming.
Dry Foam Extraction Method
In dry foam cleaning a detergent solution is whipped into a foam and applied to the carpet. The foam is worked into the carpet by a especially-designed machine with reel-type brushes, followed by wet vacuuming. Some machines have their own extraction capabilities while others need thorough vacuuming after the carpet is dry.
Hot Water Extraction Method
This method is sometimes called "steam cleaning." Areas of heavy use are preconditioned to suspend ground-in soil, then a pressurized cleaning solution is injected into the pile. Suspended soil and solution are immediately extracted. Follow directions carefully and avoid overwetting. Ensure speedy drying by using fans, operating the building air conditioning system (HVAC) in the "on" position, and by performing additional drying strokes.
Rotary Shampoo
The rotary shampoo method uses equipment similar to the rotary bonnet method, except that a cleaning solution is injected onto the carpet before cleaning or through especially-designed brushes. Never use a do-it-yourself machine designed for hard surface floorcovering with counter rotating (rotary) brushes. Pile distortion or untwisting of the fiber can occur.
|
| Do-It-Yourself Cleaning |
Do-it-yourself cleaning may be an economical choice between professional cleanings. For any do-it-yourself cleaning method, the following points are critical.
Consider the following precautions when selecting a wet cleaning method.
|
| Professional Cleaning Services |
Consider the services of a carpet cleaning professional before your carpet and rugs begin to show soil. Allowing carpet and rugs to become excessively soiled will make cleaning more difficult and will shorten its useful life.
Recommendations can be obtained from satisfied friends, carpet retailers, the Better Business Bureau, and local business groups for reliable, certified cleaning professionals in your area. Choose a carpet cleaning professional who is properly trained for the following services. Prior to using these services, you may wish to contact the carpet manufacturer to prevent voiding warranties.
In order to determine the amount and type of cleaning services needed, have a representative of the cleaning firm come to your home to make a visual inspection. The cleaning professional can inspect the carpet for problem stains or excessively soiled areas that may require additional attention. Obtain a written agreement for all work to be performed. Under normal circumstances there should be no extra charge for activities, such as moving furniture, preconditioning, and routine spot and stain removal.
Beware of pricing that is "too good to be true." Professionals charge only for services that are authorized in writing before cleaning begins. Most cleaning is based on the total number of square feet to be cleaned. Many firms do have cleaning specials; however, pricing by the room or low prices quoted over the phone may have hidden restrictions or mandatory add-ons. A reliable firm will tell you the steps that they are going to use to clean your carpet and provide a written agreement before the work is started. Should you question the need for any required add-ons, contact the carpet manufacturer for assistance.
|
|
|
