Care & Maintenance

Looking After Your Carpet
Choosing a high quality carpet that is appropriate for the area of use will help to ensure that it looks good for as long as possible.

Professional installation following the guidelines mentioned in the "Services" section will also help a carpet to maintain its appearance.  Once in place, a carpet benefits from regular vacuuming and if necessary periodic cleaning by professionals.  To avoid staining, any spillages should be dealt with as quickly as possible.

We would always advise you to consult a professional carpet cleaner.
Should you wish to attempt to clean your carpet, the following may be of some use.

Stain Removal
Preventing avoidable soiling is obviously advisable but if an accident does occur then the following tips may help to reduce the likelihood of permanent staining. 

Rules for spot removal
Any liquid should be soaked up with kitchen roll, paper tissues, toilet roll, or absorbent cloth.  If the substance is solid, removing as much as possible by scooping or scraping will help.

If unsure of the nature of unknown spots, test with a solvent first.

Blot and do not rub

• Spot cleaners should be applied with a cloth and added a small amount at a time, working from the outside of the stain to the centre using a cloth or sponge.  DO NOT apply the cleaner directly to the area.  Blot the area with a clean, white tissue frequently.
  Do not over apply - carpets should not feel 'wet'
• Plenty of fresh air ventilation is essential.
• A hair dryer on a low setting can be used to help dry the area.
  

Regular Vacuuming
Daily vacuuming is highly recommended even if the carpet does not appear dirty. General dirt can lead to discolouration of the carpet, plus abrasive 'gritty' particles can work their way deep into the pile of the carpet and  effect its resilient texture and appearance.  Despite the myth, new carpets can actually be vacuumed straight after laying. To ensure all contaminants are removed, run the cleaner steadily over the same area several times.

Rotary brushing action (usually upright cleaners) is very satisfactory for most types of carpet. Plain suction vacuuming (e.g. a cylinder cleaner or the smooth nozzle attachment on an upright cleaner) is useful to prevent fuzzing and pilling of the pile of very deep carpets such as shag pile and some saxonies.


Periodic cleaning by professionals
Occasionally your carpet may benefit from professional cleaning. It is advisable to only use members of the National Carpet Cleaners Association as they are experts in carpet care and work to a Code of Practice.  For a list of members in your area please call the NCCA on 0116 - 2719550. They will also provide advice on the general care of your floorcoverings based on their specialised training and expertise in all types of carpet.

General Notes
To prevent indentations, move the position of furniture and other heavy objects if possible to help reduce permanent damage.

Abrasion.  Occasionally move chairs so that the same areas of carpet are not being constantly affected by abrasion from rubber soled shoes and other heel types.

Stairs. If possible, try to lift and move stair carpets periodically to distribute wear more evenly on this heavily used area.  

Fading. To prevent the fading of carpets by exposure to strong sunlight, the use of sun blinds, curtains or other protective screening is recommended.