Caring for Carpet

You’ve made a great investment in your carpet.  With the right care and maintenance, you’ll be able to keep it looking new and extend its life.

Cleaning your carpet is easier than you might think.  Here are a few tips for removing stains:

1. If you have a spill, treat the area immediately; the longer it sits, the harder it will be to remove.

2. For a food spill, gently remove as much solid material as you can with a spoon or a dull knife. Add water and blot, using detergent sparingly if needed. Then, using the highest suction setting, vacuum back and forth, adding more water to the stain as you go until completely clean.

3. If you need a spot removal solvent, use a product approved by The Carpet and Rug Institute. Apply several drops to a clean white cloth and blot the carpet in an inconspicuous area.If you notice a change in the carpet color, consult a professional carpet cleaner.

4. If stains remain after cleaning, moisten tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for one hour. Blot and repeat until completely clean.

Follow these tips to keep your carpet’s color and texture looking fresh:

1. Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent soil from embedding itself into the pile.

2. Depending on the type of carpet, use a vacuum with a rotating brush, a beater bar or suction only.

3. Keeping traffic and other use factors in mind, consider professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months.

4. Use scissors to clip sprouts and snags. Don’t pull on them as you might damage the carpet.

5. Remove heavy furniture dents by stroking the dented area with the edge of a coin.You can also use a hair dryer or a steam iron but be very careful not to touch the carpet with the iron.