• Spot Removal Steps
• Wool Wisdom
• Basic Rug Care


Manufacturer Recommendations
• Mohawk Industries
• Shaw
• Carpet One

1. Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.
2. Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to re-soil more quickly.
3. Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove dirt and grime.

• Change your air filters — Changing your furnace and air conditioning systems helps reduce dust and other pollutants that can be trapped in your carpet.
• Use mats — Outdoor and indoor mats or runners can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
• Take off your shoes — Heavy traffic areas can be reduced by just taking off your shoes before coming inside.

Spot Removal Tips

Act Now! Your best chance of removing any stains is to act as soon as they happen. The quicker the better.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or or plain white paper towel (with no printing).

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing may cause the stain to go deeper into the carpet. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

Pretest any spot removal product in an area that will not be noticed in case staining or discoloration happens. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change does occur, discontinue use and try another solution.

Apply the cleaning solutions in a small amount to a white cloth and work in gently.

Working from the edges of the spill to the center will prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub or you risk deepening the spill! Blot to absorb as much moisture as possible, and repeat as needed.

Continue using the pretreated cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. Stop using when the stain has been removed or if discoloring happens.

Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times and may be very lengthy in time. Rinse the area completely after the stain has been removed, and blot with a dry clean cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause soiling if the solution is not completely removed ASAP. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Change paper towels as needed.

A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time.

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• An upright vacuum with a beater bar/brush is the best type for cut pile carpet. A suction-only vacuum may be required for loop pile Berber carpets to prevent excessive fuzzing.
  Empty vacuum cleaner bags when they are half full. This will help cut down re-administering your dust back on the carpet.
• Periodically clean traffic lanes and the areas in front of frequently used chairs with an absorbent powder (such as Host®, Dri-Matic® or Capture®).
• Keep absorbent cloth or paper towels and cleaning solutions on hand for quick action response to any spills and accidents.
• DO NOT apply stain repellent treatments which contain any silicone as they tend to accelerate carpet soiling. Some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints where such treatments have been used. When having your wool carpet professionally cleaned, use Advantage Kwik-Dry as we are certified by the Restoration Industry Association.
  

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• Vacuuming area rugs — Area rugs with fringe require a 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.
• 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. Then take it inside and vacuum it. If the label says dry clean only, roll it up and take it to a professional rug cleaner. Make sure that your dry cleaner will clean rugs before taking it there.
• Caring for Oriental, 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.
• Washing rugs — If your rug is machine washable, shake the rug outside. Use warm water 90 - 105 degrees and a mild detergent. Tumble dry on lowest setting.

Stain Removal

• 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 best results, use Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Carpet Spot Remover and Cleaning Kit.
• First scrape food spill gently with a spoon or dull knife – or a Mohawk Carpet Cleaning Key, removing as much solid materials 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 any discoloration 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.

• 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.

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Protect your carpet color In addition to frequent vacuuming, it's 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. Visit www.carpet-rug.org for a list of approved products/equipment.

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. 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.

Regular Care for Lasting Beauty
A regular maintenance program extends the life and the initial appearance of your carpet. Today's carpet fibers are designed to hide and soil and reflect light, and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.

You'll need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs and exterior entryways, at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating brush, and with a strong enough airflow to penetrate the carpet backing. Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.

No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty cleaning from time to time. Professional cleaning is required to maintain your Carpet One warranty. We would be glad to advise you about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet. Hot water extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to maintain your warranty, EXCEPT for the NATURA styles that must be cleaned through dry cleaning techniques.

A trained professional should perform this service every 1 to 2 years to refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet. Have the cleaning professionals come to your home for a visual inspection, and obtain a written agreement before the work is started. You must retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty claim arise.

When you and your cleaning professional choose a cleaning method, fiber content is the most important concern. Most carpet today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester or olefin, and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk and sisal may require specialized care. Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty, and if you should have any questions or concerns about your new carpet, just call your Carpet One retailer.

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For a list of carpet manufacturer’s click here.