Care and Maintenance
Immediate Spot Removal
• Equal in importance to vacuuming and maintaining carpet appearance is spot and spill removal. The golden rule is to act quickly. Your maintenance plan should contain the following items:
A. Carpet shampoo or a detergent solution for removing water based spots.
B. Solvent for removing greasy spots (1.1.1. Trichloroethylene)
C. Chewing gum remover (freeze or solvent type)
D. Special spot removers for ink, fruit drinks, coffee, etc. as indicated on the attached spot removal chart.
E. White absorbent cloth or paper towels for mopping spills.
• Rules For Spot Removal
A. Try to categorize the spot; treat according to the attached spot removal guide.
B. Scrape up all solids using a spoon or dull spatula.
C. Blot up – do not rub – excess liquids using an absorbent white cloth or paper towel.
D. Test for color fastness on an inconspicuous part of the carpet before applying shampoo or chemicals.
E. Do not apply liquid directly onto the carpet. Put the cleaning chemical onto the cloth and blot.
F. Repeat blotting action until no more of the spot is deposited onto the cloth before going to the next step.
G. Work from the edge of the spot inward to prevent spreading of the spot.
H. Rinse the treated area with clean water afterwards, and place weighted paper towels until dry.
I. Avoid walking on the area until completely dry.
Spot | Treatment (in order) |
Alcoholic Beverages | Cold Water - Detergent Solution |
Bleach | Cold Water - Ammonia Solution |
Blood | Cold Water - Detergent Solution |
Butter | Solvent - Detergent Solution |
Candle Wax | Absorbent Paper and Hot Glue |
Chewing Gum | Chill w/ aerosol freezing agent / ice cubes in plastic bag. Pick / Scrape gum |
Chocolate | Detergent Solution - Ammonia Solution - Vinegar Solution |
Coffee | Cold Water - Detergent Solution - Solvent |
Soda Pop | Warm Water - Detergent Solution |
Cooking Oils | Solvent - Detergent Solution |
Cream | Detergent Solution - Solvent |
Egg | Detergent Solution |
Felt Tip Pen Ink | Warm Water - Detergent Solution - Acetone |
Ballpoint Pen Ink | Solvent - Rust Remover - Detergent Solution |
Floor Wax | Solvent |
Fruit Juice | Cold Water - Detergent Solution |
Furniture Polish | Solvent - Detergent Solution - Ammonia Solution |
Gravy and Sauces | Warm Water - Detergent Solution |
Ketchup | Warm Water - Detergent Solution |
Lipstick | Solvent - Detergent Solution |
Milk | Warm Water - Solvent - Detergent Solution |
Mustard | Detergent Solution |
Nail Polish | Acetone - Solvent |
Oil and Grease | Solvent - Detergent Solution |
Rust | Solvent - Detergent Solution - Alcohol |
Salad Dressing | Detergent Solution - Solvent |
Shoe Polish | Solvent - Detergent Solution |
Soot | Solvent - Detergent Solution - Ammonia Solution |
Tar | Solvent |
Tea | Cold Water - Detergent Solution - Solvent |
Urine (Fresh) | Cold Water - Detergent Solution |
Urine (Old ew) | Detergent Solution - Ammonia Solution - Vinegar Solution |
Vomit | Detergent Solution |
Wine | Absorbant powder (e.g. salt, talc etc) - Cold Water - Detergent Solution |
Vacuum Instructions
• Routine carpet maintenance is made up of two daily elements: vacuuming and spot cleaning. Proper vacuuming on a regular basis is the most important of all cleaning procedures and is essential to obtain the longevity of wool carpet. A floor plan highlighting the heavy traffic should be a part of the maintenance program. These heavy traffic areas should be vacuumed daily: medium traffic areas once or twice weekly as determined by appearance. Thorough vacuuming requires that the vacuum move slowly back and forth over the area several times (3-5 times in heavy areas). It is also important to ensure good suction the vacuum bag be emptied frequently (never use a bag over ½ full).
• There are two main types of vacuum cleaners: plain suction and suction plus revolving brush and beater bar. An upright heavy duty with rotating brush/beater is recommended for cut pile carpets. Suction only types are best for loop pile constructions, but rotating brush/beater bar can be used if they don’t cause excessive fuzzing. Begin vacuuming program as soon as the rug is laid