Carpet Cleaning and Care
Regular thorough vacuuming removes soil from among fibers of carpets, thus
keeping their good appearance and extending their life. Most carpeted areas need
this vacuuming once a week, with several slow strokes. Little-used areas need
may not need as frequent vacuuming, while areas with lots of active or messy use
may need quick daily vacuuming.
Dry soil from shoes, crumbs, etc. may stay on the surface of the carpet a
short time before working its way down into the carpet. This, along with litter
such as paper, threads, etc. can be removed with a vacuum, light-weight stick
vacuum (or "electric broom"), or even a carpet sweeper, if used
promptly. These methods will also remove dust from the carpet surface. Pet hairs
should be removed promptly, as the oil in them makes them cling to carpet, and
work its way down into the pile.
Gritty soil tracked on carpet by shoes, wet or dry, will sink down in between
fibers of carpet. Gritty soil has very sharp edges capable of cutting carpet
yarn fibers. Vacuuming is the best means of removing the grit from deep in
between the carpet fibers. Moving the vacuum over the carpet seven times -
forward and back, forward and back, forward and back, forward on the next
section - should remove deep seated grit.
Upright vacuum cleaners generally do the best job of removing deep-seated
gritty soil from carpets. Next are combination canisters with power-driven rug
nozzle. Steps can be vacuumed with the upholstery nozzle or brush attachment.
Room size oriental rugs are best cleaned with an agitator
type cleaner. When approaching a fringed edge with an upright cleaner, lift up
the cleaner nozzle by pushing down on the handle. This will allow cleaning to
the fringe, but will raise the nozzle and avoid catching the fringe. When using
a canister with a power nozzle, stop before reaching the fringed edge. Fringe
may be cleaned with low suction, using the upholstery tool or floor brush.
Pile fabrics tend to stain more readily due to long yarns.
They may be cleaned satisfactorily at home with dry powder cleaners, but test
first. Wet cleaning of velvets, etc. should be done professionally. If protected
with stain resistant finish, blot quickly and gently with lint free cloth. If
stain remains, spot clean, wiping the stain in the direction of the pile. Brush
lightly during drying to prevent matting. If unprotected, pretest in an
inconspicuous area for discoloration or pile distortion. If color proves fast,
sponge lightly with appropriate cleaning agent.
Eventually carpets need some type of cleaning to remove soil that sticks to
the fibers. How often depends on amount of use and soil carpet gets; some areas
will need cleaning before other. Basic methods are: dry absorbent powder, foam,
shampooing, and hot water extraction (sometimes called steam cleaning or
extraction). Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Costs in dollars,
time, and energy vary, as do skill needed to do a good job. Always vacuum
thoroughly before starting cleaning method. Here are some general precautions
for all methods:
- Pretest before using.
- Protect the carpet from rust stains by putting aluminum foil, wax paper,
or plastic wrap under furniture legs, until carpet is dry.
- Follow the cleaner and equipment instructions as directed.
- Do not over wet the carpet. Excess moisture can cause shrinkage, streaks,
- Keep mechanical action to a minimum to avoid carpet damage or streaks.
In the dry powder method, absorbent granules containing dry cleaning solvent
are sprinkled over a section of carpet and worked into the pile by mechanical or
hand brush. The dry cleaning solvent dissolves oils and greasy soil. These are
then absorbed by the granules. When thoroughly dry, the carpet is vacuumed. A
powerful vacuum is essential for total removal of cleaning granules.