Efficient Carpet Maintenance
Submitted by: Victor Nugent
Here are some essential tasks that should be a part of all
carpet maintenance schemes, and constitute a very effective
carpet cleaning checklist:
1. Contamination control
Keep as much soiling and extraneous contaminants as possible out
of the building, by placing mats or grids to trap them near
entrance ways. Clean them often by washing or vacuuming, so that
they will remain effective, constantly.
2. Spotting
Many householders often ask "What should I do to remove spots or
spills from my carpet? Several things I've tried, just seems to
make things worse."
First of all, attempt to remove the spot immediately. Your best
option is to use clean, cold water and a white towel. Wet the
spot or stain thoroughly, and blot up as much as possible with
the white towel. White is preferred because it will preclude the
possibility of color transfer from the towel fabric to your
carpet. Also, blot without rubbing, to avoid spreading the stain
to adjacent areas.
If this doesn't remove all of the stain, try using a soap free
spotter like Procyon. Avoid high pH solutions or foams that may
have been formulated for other applications. Many of those that
you will often find in department stores, will only make the
problem worse. If your DIY efforts are unsuccessful, you should
call in a professional.
Don't just leave the spot on the carpet. The longer it stays on
the fibers, the more likely it will be to get fixed there as a
permanent stain, that will be extremely difficult, if not
impossible to remove.
3. Vacuuming
Every home or office should have a good quality vacuum cleaner,
preferably one with a disposable bag or canister, and a beater
brush. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly, preferably daily,
but at least weekly.
Make sure the vacuum cleaner is maintained routinely. Empty the
dust container frequently. Check the hoses for obstruction, and
check all hoses and electrical cords for wear or damage.
Vacuuming is probably the most important activity that you
should have on your carpet cleaning checklist. Soil particles
can be extremely abrasive. They will usually migrate down to the
base of the carpet, near the backing, and may not be readily
visible. If they are not removed quickly, the carpet fibers will
get worn rapidly, and even after cleaning, their light
refractive properties will be so blemished, that the carpet will
appear to be old and dull.
4. Deep Cleaning
The major carpet manufacturing companies and carpet industry
experts recommend that carpet should be deep steam cleaned at
least once every 18 months. Once a year is preferrable,
especially if there is high traffic on your carpet.
5. Protection
Have a good quality protector applied just after deep cleaning
your carpet. The protector will become a shield or coating that
will resist soiling, and prevent water based or oil based spills
from lodging on the carpet fibers and being absorbed. They can
thus be vacuumed off quite easily, and the carpet will remain
clean and stain free for much longer periods.
High quality protectors can be relatively expensive, but they
are well worth it.
6. Warranty
Always be sure to check the terms of your carpet warranty and
follow the manufacturers recommendations.
Use this checklist as a guide for proper and effective
maintenance of your carpet, and you will extend its life and
beauty, and save yourself a good deal of money over time.
About the Author: Victor Nugent is President of AJS Carpet
Cleaning, Inc. and has had more than 11 years experience in the
Carpet Cleaning business. For more information call 801 368-0705
or visit our website at http://www.ablejan.com or
http://www.carpetcleaninghighland.info or
http://www.carpetcleaningmurray.info
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