How to Care for Your Carpet

A carpet can very quickly trap vast amounts of trodden-in dirt and grit from pavements containing all manner of unpleasant contaminants. It is also a store for invisible airborne pollutants such as human and animal dander, mould spores, pollen, engine fumes, dust mites and their faeces, bacteria, smoke, and other nasty chemicals.

The grit, if left in the carpet, will work its way to the bottom of the pile and slowly wear it away without anybody noticing until it is too late. The pollutants, if not removed from the carpet, will be a threat to the health and comfort of the occupants and visitors and will begin to smell stale.

All these elements can be present, even though the carpet may look clean. Preventative action is essential.

There is a great deal that can be done to combat these problems without having to call in a professional cleaner too frequently.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Outside the building

Because trodden in dirt starts its life outside, it does help enormously if one can brush and preferably wash down the approaches to entrance doors, and place a substantial scraper mat outside or within each doorway.

The bigger the better.

It needs to be shaken out daily. If dirt is allowed to build up in a mat, it will lose its ability to collect dirt.

Indoor Doormats

Trodden in wet muddy dirt is best dealt with by doormats at the inside of each entrance. You may already be using them, but what are they supposed to be doing? They should be trapping any wet dirt that escapes the outdoors mat. Synthetic mat materials such as polypropylene absorb very little moisture. I recommend the use of rubber backed cotton pile mats within each doorway. They are absorbent and thus collect wet dirt before it is trodden further into the building to rapidly soak into the carpets. It is important to wash these mats regularly.

Vacuuming

Even if you manage to reduce trodden in dirt to zero, there are still all those invisible but undesirable bits of dry debris constantly floating down onto your carpet. As they get walked on so they get pushed further into the pile. That is why it is important to vacuum main walkways regularly and frequently before the particles “take root”, even when there is no visible dirt on the surface.

In order to loosen dirt the vacuum cleaner must have a revolving brush at the suction end. If there is a collection bag, empty it when it is more than half full. If there is a filter, clean it regularly. Both these actions will ensure efficient suction. Set the cleaner at the correct brush height. If you are thinking of buying a new vacuum cleaner I can give you details of good models. Please telephone me on 01395 272428.

Spillages and Stains

Don’t leave a liquid stain to set. Soak up what you can with an absorbent colourfast towel, kitchen paper, or a spoon. Apply just a little Woolsafe approved spray stain remover such as 1001 Trouble-shooter, as per the instructions, and call me on 01395 272428

Tap or press it in with a small stiff brush or cloth (don’t rub, and therefore fuzz!). Blot with towel or paper.

To dilute the stain apply a little water with a fine sprayer, and blot. If needed, repeat. Don’t over wet as this might cause a browning stain to rise from the backing. Put layers of towels or paper over the spillage and place a heavy waterproof weight on top and leave for several hours. Use loads of tissues if needed – they are less expensive than a new carpet. Vacuum when dry.

Beware of furniture legs and other items staining a damp carpet, leaking plant pots, paint spots, cleaning fluids, bleaches, skin creams, candle wax, leaking radiators and chewing gum.

When Should You Get Professional Cleaning?

Experience has shown that if a carpet is used and maintained properly, the following frequencies will keep it in excellent condition: It may not always be necessary to clean every square foot of every area on every occasion; in many cases, cleaning walkways every second or third session would be sufficient to maintain appearance and hygiene, thus saving money. The following frequencies are ideal:

  • Areas where children frequently play or eat: every 3–6 months
  • Other high-use areas: every six to twelve months
  • Moderately used areas Approximately every 12 to 24 months
  • Light use zones: Approximately every 24 to 48 months

More Ways to Prevent Carpet Ruining

Furniture can fade significantly when exposed to direct sunlight. When necessary, draw curtains or blinds.

Holes, split seams, and ripples are tripping hazards that should be repaired before the carpet deteriorates beyond repair. Odd pieces of carpet that appear out of nowhere should be neatly snipped off rather than pulled.

Don’t leave anything on a wet carpet. They have the potential to cause stains and dye bleeds.

Dragging a heavy object across a polypropylene pile of carpet may cause permanent heat distortion.

Avoid purchasing a light-colored carpet for high-traffic areas. Despite meticulous care, it would most likely look well past its prime after a few months.

Fitted carpets can have greyish or black lines around the perimeters. These marks can also appear under doors, as dots and blobs around radiator pipes, and where the spikes on a carpet fitter’s kneekicker have made small holes. They are draught or filtration marks caused by dust-laden air blowing into the room. A professional carpet cleaner can sometimes partially, and sometimes completely, remove them. To avoid this issue, when having a new carpet installed, insist on covering any floorboards with an impervious material first. All fitted carpets should have gaps sealed between the floors and skirting boards, as well as around radiator pipes.

Under some pieces of furniture, using castor cups or gliders will help to reduce the depth of unsightly dents.

When pets are tired, they usually have a favourite spot to sprawl out. This gradually soils and flattens a carpet, and it is often irreversible.

Shoes and trainers with rubber soles can cause significant wear, particularly where people turn when walking and by frequently used chairs. The use of mats or rugs strategically will protect the vulnerable areas. Even better, encourage the occupants to wear only indoor footwear.

Carpet tiles can sometimes save the day. When an area becomes worn or stained, soiled tiles can be replaced with good ones from a hidden area.