The most important maintenance step is proper vacuuming. Regular and thorough vacuuming at least once a week and more often in heavy traffic areas will remove soil and dirt particles before they become imbedded into the pile of the carpet. Remember, you cannot over-vacuum, and vacuuming should begin the day the carpet is installed.
Spot & Spill Removal
One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is removal of spots and spills. Acting quickly when anything is dropped or spilled, and always having the necessary cleaning material at hand are of the utmost importance.
The recommended method is to blot up liquids with white paper towel or absorbent cloth. Scoop solids with the end of a knife or spoon and then treat the spot according to the cleaning instructions guide. Apply spot removal agent to clean towel or cloth, not directly to stain. Use small quantities at a time. Always work inward from the edge to prevent spreading. Do not rub, as this may cause the spot to spread or distort the pile. Do not overwet the carpet pile. Afterwards, blot as dry as possible with clean towel.
Wool Wisdom
Frequent vacuuming is a wool carpet's best friend.
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 excess fuzzing. Vacuum cleaning dust bag should be emptied when half full.
Exercise prevention maintenance by placing absorbent mats at the most frequently used entrances to your home. Change or launder when these mats become dirty. Filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly.
Clean traffic lanes and in front of frequently used chairs periodically with absorbent powder (such as Host® or Dri-Matic®).
Keep absorbent cloth or paper towels and cleaning solutions on hand for quick response to spills and accidents.
DO NOT apply stain repellant treatments which may contain any silicone because they tend to accelerate carpet soiling. (Some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for compalints where such treatments have been used.)
When having your wool carpet professionally cleaned, use a reputable company and check references.
Ammonia Solution
Mix one tablespoon clear ammonia (3% solution) with one half cup water.
This solution must be neutralized with vinegar solution.
Vinegar Solution
Mix one third cup white vinegar with two third cup water.
Solvent
A dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores)
such as Carbona®, Energine®, or K2R®
(chemically known as 1.1.1 Tricloroethane preferred).
| SPOT | ORDER OF TREATMENT | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| br | STEP 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | 1 | 2 | - | |
| BLEACH | 1 | 3 | - | |
| BLOOD | 1 | 2 | - | |
| BUTTER | 4 | 2 | - | |
| CANDLE WAX | Absorbent Paper & Hot Iron | |||
| CHEWING GUM | 5 | 4 | - | |
| CHOCOLATE | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| COFFEE | 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| COLAS AND SOFT DRINKS | 1 | 2 | - | |
| COOKING OILS | 4 | 2 | - | |
| CREAM | 2 | 4 | - | |
| EGG | 2 | - | - | |
| FLOOR WAX | 4 | 2 | - | |
| FRUIT JUICE | 1 | 2 | - | |
| FURNITURE POLISH | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
| GRAVY AND SAUCES | 7 | 2 | - | |
| INK (FOUNTAIN PEN) | 1 | 2 | - | |
| INK (BALLPOINT PEN) | 4 | 9 | 2 | |
| INK (FELT TIP) | 7 | 2 | 8 | |
| KETCHUP | 7 | 2 | - | |
| LIPSTICK | 4 | 2 | - | |
| MERCUROCHROME* | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| MILK | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| MUSTARD | 2 | - | - | |
| NAIL POLISH | 8 | 4 | - | |
| OIL AND GREASE | 4 | 2 | - | |
| PAINT (LATEX) | 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| PAINT (OIL) | 9 | 4 | 2 | |
| RUST | 4 | 2 | 10 | |
| SALAD DRESSING | 2 | 4 | - | |
| SHOE POLISH | 4 | 2 | - | |
| SOOT | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
| TAR | 4 | - | - | |
| TEA | 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| URINE (FRESH) | 1 | 2 | - | |
| URINE (OLD) | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| VOMIT | 2 | - | - | |
| WINE | 11 | 1 | 2 | |
| UNKNOWN MATERIAL | 4 | 12 | 2 | |