Manufacturer's Recommendations Spotting Tips

Tips

Manufacturer Recommendations

Three steps for proper carpet care

Carpet cleaning is just like exercise! If you get into a routine and keep it up, you will see great results and feel better for it. And understanding the right way to clean carpet will help you save time by doing it correctly the first time with products that do the job right from the start. ;Not only will Seal of Approval cleaning products help keep your carpet looking great, they can also help meet the warranty requirements of the carpet manufacturer. Below are three simple steps to keeping your carpet clean and looking great:

  • Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.
  • Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to resoil quicker.
  • Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.

Stop dirt at the door

Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great way to start keeping it clean. The following helpful hints can stop dirt in its tracks.

  • Use mats - Outdoor and indoor mats or runners can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
  • Take off your shoes - You can save wear and tear on carpet by asking everyone to take off his or her shoes before entering your home.
  • Change your air filters - Change air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by the manufacturer's directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the less that fall on the carpet.

Spot Removal Tips

With today's stain-resistant carpet, treating spots and stains has never been easier. The key is to act quickly! The longer you wait, the higher the probability that a spill will become a permanent stain. No carpet is completely stain proof. So to knock out spots, give them a one-two punch.

Step one: absorb the spill

  • Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels (no prints or colors). Use of a printed or colored material may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet.
  • Start at the outside of the spot and continue toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Continue step one until the area is barely damp. Semisolids, like food spills, may need to be scooped up with a spoon. Solid, dried bits can be vacuumed up. Warning: do not scrub or use a brush. Scrubbing and brushes can damage the carpet. Fraying and texture change is the likely result.

Step two: treat the spot or stain

  • Use a CRI Seal of Approval carpet cleaning product. Though these have been laboratory tested, you should still pretest any cleaner on a scrap of carpet or in a hidden area of your carpet.
  • Follow the product's directions carefully. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a white cloth and work in gently, from the edges to the center. Blot; don't scrub. Never use a brush. You may need to do this several times to remove the spot.

When cleaning stains and spills, don't become overzealous. Mix the cleaning solutions according to the directions. In truth, more is not better. Don't use too much water; try to keep the carpet as dry as possible. And always remember to pretest the product on an inconspicuous spot of carpet.

What if you don't have a CRI-approved carpet cleaner handy? Try one of these homemade remedies:

  • Use plain water. Surprisingly, water often works better than untested carpet cleaners do.
  • Use a detergent solution. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a clear (nonbleach, nonlanolin) dishwashing liquid with one cup of warm water. Never use laundry detergent; it may contain bleach or simply be too harsh.
  • Use a white vinegar solution. Mix one cup white (not red wine or cider) vinegar with 1 cup of water. White vinegar (5 percent acetic acid) is sometimes effective on tannins (weak vegetable dyes found in tea and coffee), and it leaves no residue. However, be careful because acids can set some other dye stains.

Tips for Pet Owners

Do you have a pet? About 70 million U.S. households do, and that's a 35 percent increase from 1988, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. You can combat pet odors and stains in many ways:

  • Vacuum carpet more frequently to capture pet hair and dander from your pet's fur.
  • Use CRI Seal of Approval cleaning products that are specifically designed for pet stains and odors.
  • Clean up new messes promptly and then follow the steps for spot and stain removal outlined in the "Removing Spots and Stains".
  • Use small hand extractors for a quick cleanup of pet accidents but remember that these quick clean ups don't take the place of periodic deep cleaning.
  • Have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months, or more frequently if necessary.
  • Don't use a steam cleaner when dealing with urine spots because the heat will set the stain and the smell. Extracting the spill with a wet-vacuum and rinsing with cool water will reduce the odor. If necessary, call in certified carpet cleaning firms that know how to remove pet stains and odor permanently.
  • If you do not have a Seal of Approval certified cleaner handy, you can download CRI's Spot Solver to learn how spots and spills can be cleaned with common household solutions, such as hot water with a little detergent, vinegar or ammonia.

Basic Rug Care

Rugs deserve the same care as wall-to-wall carpet and, in some cases, require special attention.

  • Washing rugs - If your rug is small and the label says "machine washable," shake the rug outside first and then put it in the washing machine at the recommended temperature. Use warm water (90 to 105 degrees) and a mild detergent. Tumble your rug dry at the lowest heat setting.
  • Beating larger rugs - If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside first; then put it over a clothesline and beat it. Next, take the rug inside and vacuum it. If the label says dry clean only, then roll it up and take it to a dry cleaner. Save time and aggravation by calling first to see if the cleaner does rug cleaning - many do not.
  • Vacuuming area rugs - Area rugs with fringe require special technique. Use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe and being careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe.
  • Caring for Oriental, Turkish or Persian rugs - Clean imported rugs according to your carpet manufacturer's specifications or bring in a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom-type rugs, you need professionals.

    If you have experienced dark areas, usually around the edge of rooms and under doorway, they are called soil filtration lines. These are more evident on light colored carpet. Soil filtration is caused as air moves between the carpet and baseboard or under a closed door. As the air passes through the edge of the carpet pile, the microscopic soiling is deposited on the edge. Soil filtration occurs over a period of time and is not noticed until a significant build up has occurred.

    Soil filtration is difficult to remove

    The soil particles are deposited deep into the carpet pile, and even on the backing of the carpet. Because the carpet extends under the baseboard it is difficult to remove all of the filtration. A significant amount of it can be removed with special products, time and effort.

    To help prevent soil filtration, vacuum and wipe the edges of the carpeting on a regular basis. Filtration soiling is accelerated by the use of items that cause smoke such as candles or cigarettes.

Protect your carpet color

In addition to frequent vacuuming, its important to clean your carpet on a regular basis. Cleaning systems will remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can't take out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time.

Cleaning systems target the soils that result from cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

Get on a cleaning schedule

If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity.

Choosing the proper cleaning system is important. Some systems may leave residues which accelerate re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning.

Shaws choice: Hot water extraction

Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning," although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.

Shaw warranties require that the homeowner be able to show proof of periodic cleaning by hot water extraction (commonly called "steam" cleaning) by a professional cleaning service or do-it-yourself system, using equipment that is certified under the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program.

Professional advantages

Professional carpet cleaners are a great choice for your floor. Their cleaning equipment has more extraction power than the rental units available to individuals, and the carpet should dry more quickly. True professionals also understand the equipment, know the proper cleaning agents for the situation at hand, and recognize the differences in fibers and carpet construction.

Locate a professional carpet cleaner

Effective January 1, 2008, professional service must be performed by an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified firm.** You may contact the IICRC at 1-800-835-4624 for information. This organization maintains a national directory of independent professional cleaners who are trained and certified in a variety of cleaning specialties. Call and explain that you have purchased a Shaw carpet, and be sure to ask for a cleaner near you who uses the hot water extraction system. If you prefer tackling the job yourself, check these do-it-yourself guidelines before you begin.

What about spot and stain removal?

Shaw's R2X Stain and Soil Remover is the only carpet cleaning product with the endorsement consumers have trusted for more than 100 years: the Good Housekeeping Seal. Because of our patented process, it's even easier to use than most spot cleaners. Our recommended spotting product also has the Wool Safe Certificate of Accreditation and the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval. Routine spot removal- research has shown that many products sold for do-it-yourself spot removal clean poorly and their residues attract soil on the cleaned area rapidly afterward. The Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program tests and certifies products that meet stringent standards and thus clean effectively, without damage to your carpet

  • Treatment of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before treatment,the more difficult a stain will be to remove.
  • Scrape food spill gently with a spoon or dull knife - or a Mohawk Carpet Cleaning Key, removing as much solid material as possible.
  • Apply Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Spot Remover or other low residue carpet spot remover that has obtained the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval to the stain.
  • Abnormally large or excessive stains may require hot water extraction method. Professional cleaning is recommended.
  • Important - Do not use any cleaner with a PH of 10 or higher. Always test cleaners on a small, non-visible area for anydiscoloration of the pile before using.
  • Mohawk recommends using the Mohawk FloorCare Essentials line of cleaning products and tools for best overall results and product safety. These products are non-toxic, leave no soapy residue, and feature proprietary technology developed for the entire family of Mohawk flooring products. Call 1-877-757-0996 for a retailer near you.

Cleaning Recommendations

  • Even with regular vacuuming, soil particles and oily dirt will cling to the carpet fibers. With foot traffic these particles and oily dirt are driven deep into the carpet. We recommend professional hot water extraction every 12 to 18 months using cleaning products, equipment or systems that carry the Carpet Rug Institute Seal of Approval. Periodic cleaning using the hot water extraction method performed by a certified carpet care professional, will refresh carpet appearance.
  • The most used areas, such as entrances, doorways, traffic lanes, and in front of chairs will collect dirt faster than other areas. Clean these areas as they begin to show soil. This will stop dirt from spreading and will extend the time between professional cleaning.