Tips For Proper Carpet Care

(HIT) - Whether you're still thinking about installing a new carpet or already admiring carpeting that’s just been installed, there are some very important things you need to know and do to protect your new carpet investment. The result of proper carpet care will be longer carpet life, improved aesthetics and a cleaner, safer indoor environment for you and your family.

Experts suggest that proper carpet care should begin on the very same day it's installed, followed by a regular regimen of vacuuming, inspection and cleaning. The checklist that follows can get you started down the path toward proper carpet care:

Carpet Care Checklist

Fading: All carpeting looses some of its color over time due to natural and artificial forces in the environment. However, fading can be delayed by regular vacuuming, regular air filter changes in heating and air conditioning systems, and reduced exposure to direct sunlight. In fact, keeping skylight shades, window curtains and blinds closed when you’re not at home or using a room is the single best way to preserve the color in your new carpet.

Dirt Embedment: Dirt trails that appear across high traffic areas of your carpet over time can only be avoided if steps are taken to keep as much dirt as possible away from carpeting in the first place, and if a regular vacuuming and cleaning regimen is used to remove the dirt that does make its way inside your home. Start by placing mats on the outside and inside of every entry in your home. This "double" protection can keep a majority of dirt where it belongs—outside of your home.

Shedding: Shedding is normal in some new cut pile carpets. Dirt particles allowed to remain in your carpet also can contribute. In fact, many dirt particles are sharp and highly abrasive. Regular vacuuming and periodic cleaning can help remove abrasive dirt particles and will remove loose fibers without harming the carpet. For proper carpet care, follow manufacturer’s guidelines or consult a flooring or floor care professional for advice in choosing an effective vacuum cleaner for your type of carpeting.

Buckling & Puckers: After extended use, a carpet may develop a series of ripples or ridges. There are several potential causes for this problem, which may include dampness after periods of high humidity, or an underpad that’s too thick or too soft. Inadequate stretching of the carpet when it was originally installed may also be a factor. Fortunately, restretching with a power stretcher by a competent carpet installer should correct this condition.

Footprints: Most deep pile carpet will show shoe or foot print impressions. If you find this objectionable, a carpet of lower pile, lower luster and denser or textured construction will minimize the condition.

Shading: This is a normal characteristic of a luxurious, dense, cut pile carpet such as velvets and plushes. The visual effect is caused by the tips of the tufts reflecting differently than the sides of the tufts. It is an aesthetic quality in the design, not a defect.

Pile Crushing: Pile becomes crushed or compacted with use. Vacuum against the lay of the tufts with a beater-bar machine or brush with a pile groomer to lift and restore the crushed pile.

Dents: Usually caused by furniture or heavy objects, dents can often be corrected. Shift the location of furniture from time to time. Brush the dented area or use a grooming tool to loosen and stand the crushed tufts upward. Holding a steam iron several inches above the carpet surface, steam the dented area lightly and brush the tufts upward with your finger tips. Don’t let the iron touch the carpet!

Sprouts or Snags: To remove yarn tufts that stick up higher than the surrounding carpet pile, clip off excess length with scissors or fingernail clippers (do not use a knife). Don’t pull carpet snags, as the snag may unravel or "run." If a "run" does occur, see your carpet dealer to have the yarn retufted or glued back into place. Snags occur most frequently in loop pile carpets.

Burns: Remove the charred tips of burned carpet fibers by cutting them with curved fingernail scissors. If the burn spot is deep, it may require professional repair. See your installer or dealer.

Static: Most carpets have protection against annoying static shock. Look for a permanent built-in anti-shock feature. Other treatments are not permanent and may only control some levels of static electricity. Static electricity is usually an indication that the humidity level is too low for human health and comfort. The use of a humidifier is recommended.

Carpet Stains: Spills are more or less inevitable, but you can minimize the likelihood of a stain by setting rules about eating and drinking in carpeted rooms, and by working quickly when a spill does occur to remove the offending substance before it can be absorped deeper and deeper into carpet fibers. Most new carpeting is treated for stain resistance, and different types of carpet are made from different types of fiber. For proper care, follow the carpet manufacturer's instructions for spill clean up and stain removal. And, since a fast response to a spill is important, it's a good idea to have the recommended stain remover on hand.

New Carpet Smell: Although not technically a carpet care or maintenance issue, it’s always a good idea to properly ventilate rooms in which new carpet has been installed. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that you allow fresh air to flow (through the use of fans, open windows and open doors) into the room for a minimum of 48-72 hours to effectively remove unwanted odors.

For more information about proper carpet care and tips that can help extend the life of your carpet, talk to your carpet dealer, and read the instructions that came with your carpeting. Tips for proper care and cleaning of carpeting are also available on the Carpet and Rug Institute website at www.carpet-rug.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center