SPOTLESS CARE

CARPET

Stain Removal Tips

The following stain removal steps are to be used at your own risk. Always pre-test products (in a hidden area) before application over large areas to be certain fibers will not be damaged. Always wear gloves and follow appropriate safety precautions.

For emergency spotting a wet/dry vacuum cleaner (a 2.5 gallon wet/dry vacuum from Home Depot less than $30) is the best way to effectively remove stains. Use the attachment with the best suction and vacuum as much of the stain as possible, continuing to add water to the stain as you go. 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. For the best results, use POOF.

1

SCRAPE THE SPILL

First scrape the food spill gently with a spoon or dull knife, removing as much solid material as possible. If detergent is required, use it sparingly and gently rinse the area with water while moving the vacuum wand back and forth. Use a towel to absorb as much leftover moisture as possible.

2

REMOVE SPOT

If spot removal product is necessary use POOF or another low-residue carpet spot remover.

3

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ( IF NECESSARY )

If stains remain after cleaning, moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for one hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain–free. No rinsing is necessary. Do not apply to natural fiber carpets (wool, cotton).

4

ABSORB

Apply a pad of white terry cloth or paper towels and weigh down with a heavy colorfast object, allowing remaining moisture to absorb into pad overnight.

PET OR BIO SPILLS

Biokleen’s Bac-Out Odor & Stain Remover can be very helpful in working with pet accident stains and odors. Bac-Out can be purchased at Whole Foods in the cleaning product section. After removing/absorbing as much of the offending material as possible, apply Bac-Out heavily to the affected area allowing 10 to 15 minutes dwell time, then rinse per above instructions.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VACUUMING

Easy, proactive steps will keep your carpet looking good over time. The most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming thoroughly and frequently, paying most attention to high-traffic areas. Walking on soiled carpet allows soil particles to work their way below the surface where they are far more difficult to remove and can damage fibers. Frequent vacuuming removes these particles from the surface before problems occur. For rooms with light traffic, vacuum the carpet traffic lanes twice weekly and the entire area once weekly. In areas with heavy traffic, vacuum the carpet traffic lanes daily and the entire area twice weekly. Up to three passes of the machine will suffice for light soiling, but five to seven passes are necessary for heavily soiled areas. Change the vacuuming direction occasionally to help stand the pile upright and reduce matting.

An inexpensive machine may remove surface dirt but will not effectively remove the hidden dirt and particles embedded in the pile. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner to get the dirt you can’t see and prolong the beauty and life of your carpet. Vacuum frequently for long-term beauty. When vacuuming high pile or premium soft carpets, look for the following features that will allow you to easily maintain your carpet: Adjustable Height – Use the highest setting where appropriate Efficient Airflow – Avoid vacuums with very concentrated or sealed suction Large Wheels allow the appliance to glide easily across the carpet Remember to periodically vacuum edges with an edge detail tool. Don’t forget the edges on staircases and under doorway thresholds.

CARPET CARE TIPS

Stop dirt at the door. Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great way to keep 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.

Occasionally move heavy furniture. Moving your furniture on occasion won’t just renew the feel of your room, it will also help avoid excessive pile crushing. To remove a dent caused by heavy furniture, stroke carpet with the edges of a coin. You can also use a hair dryer or a steam iron to gently raise the dented area while you tug upward on the tufts. CAUTION: DO NOT LET THE IRON TOUCH THE CARPET.

Use carpet protectors. Consider using carpet protectors under the legs of tables, chairs, and other furniture to help distribute the weight. Damage can occur if you use chairs or appliances with rollers or casters without a chair pad designed specifically for carpet.

Reduce periods of direct sunlight. Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, or awnings. Use scissors to clip sprouts and snags. Do not pull them or you may damage the carpet.

Professionally clean your carpets. Consider professional cleaning every 6-24 months. This depends on traffic and other use factors (kids, pets etc.), frequency of vacuuming and whether the carpet is a light or dark color.

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