Maintenance guide carpet

General Cleaning

Routine Cleaning

• Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum your carpet at least once a week, or more frequently in high-traffic areas, to remove dirt, dust and debris.
• Use the Right Vacuum: Choose a vacuum cleaner with suitable settings for your carpet type, whether deep-pile or low-pile. Clean filters and brush rolls regularly to maintain suction.
• Spot Clean: Address small spills or stains promptly. Use a clean white cloth to blot, rather than rub, working from the outside of the stain inwards.

Deep Cleaning

• Professional Carpet Cleaning: Consider professional carpet cleaning every 12–18 months, particularly in high-traffic areas or on lighter carpets.
• DIY Cleaning: If using a home carpet or steam cleaner, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and avoid over-wetting the carpet.

Stain Removal

Common Stains and How to Remove Them

• Food and Beverage Spills: Blot the spill with a clean cloth as soon as possible. For sticky substances, use warm water with a small amount of dish soap, then blot with clean water and dry.
• Pet Stains: Use an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for pet stains to help break down stains and odours.
• Oil and Grease: Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and leave for around 15 minutes before vacuuming. If required, treat with a mild dish soap solution and blot clean.
• Ink or Dye: Use rubbing alcohol or a specialist carpet cleaner designed for ink stains. Apply a small amount and blot gently.

Stain Prevention

• Use Carpet Protector: A suitable carpet protector or stain-resistant treatment can help reduce the chance of future stains setting.
• Blot, Don’t Rub: Always blot stains with a clean cloth. Rubbing can push the stain further into the fibres.

Maintenance & Upkeep

Keep Dirt Outside

Place mats at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt and debris brought into your home. Clean entrance mats regularly too.

Furniture Protection

• Use Furniture Pads: Place pads beneath heavy furniture to help prevent dents and compression of the carpet fibres.
• Move Furniture Occasionally: Shifting furniture periodically can help prevent long-term indentations and concentrated areas of wear.

Shampooing

Deep cleaning or shampooing your carpet around once a year can help remove embedded dirt and refresh the fibres. This can be carried out professionally or using a suitable carpet cleaning machine.

Carpet Protection

Mats and Rugs

• Area Rugs: Rugs can help protect high-traffic areas and spaces beneath furniture from everyday wear.
• Carpet Runners: A runner can provide additional protection in hallways and other frequently used areas.

Protect from Sunlight

Direct sunlight can fade carpet fibres over time. Curtains or blinds can help reduce prolonged sun exposure in particularly bright rooms.

Preventing Carpet Damage

Avoid Excessive Moisture

Excess moisture may cause unpleasant odours, mildew or damage. Dry wet areas promptly and avoid over-wetting the carpet during cleaning.

Cleaning Caution

If cleaning the carpet yourself, avoid oversaturating it with water or cleaning solution. Too much moisture can affect both the fibres and backing.

Avoid Abrasive Tools

Do not use harsh brushes, steel wool or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage carpet fibres and cause fraying or thinning.

Dealing with Wear & Tear

• Use Rugs & Mats: Protect high-traffic areas to help reduce matting and premature wear.
• Shift Furniture: Periodically rearranging furniture can help prevent carpet fibres being compressed in the same areas for long periods.
• Address Flat Areas: For flattened carpet fibres, try gently brushing them with a carpet rake or using an appropriate vacuum setting to help lift the pile.

Carpet Care for Homes with Pets

• Vacuum More Frequently: Pet hair can accumulate quickly, particularly during shedding seasons. A pet-specific vacuum attachment can help.
• Deal with Pet Odours: Sprinkle baking soda lightly over the carpet, leave for 10–15 minutes and then vacuum thoroughly. A suitable pet odour eliminator can also be used.
• Clean Pet Stains Immediately: Use a pet-specific enzyme cleaner promptly to help break down stains and odours before they set.

Prolonging the Life of Your Carpet

• Vacuum Regularly: Prevent dirt becoming deeply embedded in the carpet fibres.
• Clean Spills Immediately: The quicker a spill is dealt with, the less likely it is to leave a stain.
• Use Carpet Runners: Protect particularly busy areas while maintaining the comfort of carpet.
• Rotate Furniture: Moving furniture periodically helps encourage more even wear across a room.