Carpet Fibre Care

Regular vacuuming, quick response to spills and stains, careful selection of tools, products and professional help assure your carpeting a long life. Life length depends also on the construction quality, but even a poorly constructed carpet lasts longer if it's well cared for.

To help you react quickly to stains, a spot and stain removal kit may help. It should contain paper towels to soak up spills, a dull knife to remove hardened soil, and solutions to remove water-based stains, oil-based stains and animal stains. If you are not sure about the origin of a stain, use the oil-based stain remover fist (dry-cleaning solvent). If the stain has not come out, use the water-based solution.

Blot stains, don't scrub them. Scrubbing can permanently change the texture of a carpet. Avoid soap, ammonia or too much water.

* Water-based stains. Blot spill immediately. Apply detergent and vinegar solution: 1 tsp. detergent; 1 tsp. white vinegar; 1 qt. water. Rinse and blot dry. Apply dry cleaning solvent spot cleaner if needed, let dry. Repeat if necessary. Brush pile.

* Oil-based stains. Blot spill immediately. Apply solvent-based spot cleaner available in grocery stores, etc., or use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. Blot dry. If necessary, apply suds of detergent solution (from water-based stain removal instruction). Rinse and blot dry. Repeat steps if necessary. Brush pile.

* Animal stains. Blot liquid immediately. Apply several applications of clean, lukewarm water. Apply solutions of warm water and mild non-bleach liquid detergent (1 tsp. to 1 qt. water). Blot and allow drying. Apply clear water solution. Blot dry. Apply vinegar solution of about 1 Tbsp. white vinegar and 1 cup warm water. Rinse, blot and allow drying.

Consumers are urged to refer to the specific recommendations of the manufacturer before attempting home or professional cleaning. Use of cleaning chemicals or procedures not included in the manufacturer's cleaning guide may nullify the warranties.