Reviewed October 1993
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The information in this guide will help you care for the rugs and carpet used in your home. With proper maintenance, rugs and carpets will look good for several years. Without regular care they will soon appear old and worn and will detract from the decor of your home rather than enhance it.
The life and beauty of your carpet depend on many factors. The texture and color will partly determine how much soil shows. The two most important factors for soil and stain control are density and fiber. If the tufts are close together (dense), everyday dirt and spills will not penetrate as easily. When tufts are far apart, soil will go through to the carpet backing where it is more difficult to remove and damaging to the carpet.
Some fibers are easier to maintain than others.
In all cases, fast action will result in easier stain removal, especially with oily soils. Even carpets with special stain release treatments respond better when the stain is treated promptly.
Carpet manufacturers suggest carpet, especially in heavy traffic areas, should be vacuumed lightly every day to eliminate day-to-day surface dirt and litter. A light vacuuming consists of three strokes with the cleaner over a given area of carpetforward, back and forward. In our busy world, every day may be more than the average person can manage, but two or three times per week will help to maintain your carpet's appearance.
All rugs and carpets should be vacuumed thoroughly at least once a week to remove sandy, gritty soil. It is important to remove this soil before it becomes embedded in the carpet pile and reaches the backing. Removal is important because sand and grit have sharp edges that can cut the fiber and reduce wear life. A thorough cleaning takes seven or more strokes with the vacuum.
Carpet sweepers remove lint, crumbs and other surface dirt, but they do not get at embedded soil. They are suitable only for daily light cleaning.
A straight suction-type vacuum cleaner, such as an electric broom, will remove surface dust and soil, but not embedded dirt. Like the carpet sweeper, it is suitable only for daily light cleaning.
The beater-bar vacuum with a brush and strong suction provides the best cleaning. The brush should be set for the height that gives slight resistance to pushing or pulling over the carpet pile. For longer pile, such as shag, a strong suction is needed to remove the loose soil from the carpet back.
Keep your vacuum cleaner in good mechanical condition. Brushes should be clean; replace brushes when they wear out. Change the soil bag according to manufacturer's instructions.
Clean up spills immediately so that they do not become permanent spots or stains. A spill that has been allowed to sit untreated will begin a chemical reaction with the carpet fibers making it almost impossible to remove the stain.
Periodic professional care is also important to the life of your carpet. Professional cleaning removes the embedded gritty and greasy soil not removed by vacuuming. Grease and oil cause dirt to cling to the fiber, which makes it impossible to remove with a vacuum.
A gray or yellow cast on the carpet is a definite indication that professional cleaning is needed. Because soil is usually evenly deposited over the carpet surface, you may not notice the color change until furniture is moved, revealing an area that was not open to air and soil.
Carpet under warranty
Use of cleaning chemicals or procedures not included in the manufacturer's cleaning
guide may nullify the warranty. Make sure you understand the specific recommendations
of the manufacturer before you attempt home or professional cleaning.
There is no one carpet cleaning method that satisfies all consumer needs. Before you select a cleaning method, consider the amount of soil in the carpet, time and energy available to clean the carpet, drying time, product cost and any machine rental fees. The four main carpet cleaning methods are: dry powder, dry foam, shampoo and hot water extraction.
Dry powder method
Absorbent granules containing dry cleaning solvent are sprinkled over a carpet section and worked into the pile by mechanical or hand brush. The granules dissolve and then absorb oils and greasy soil. After thorough drying, the carpet is vacuumed. An example of a dry powder product is Glamorene Dry CleanerTM. You can also use talcum powder or cornstarch.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Aerosol foam sprays
Aerosol foam sprays are available in most grocery and hardware stores. Examples include GloryTM, Woolite Spray FoamTM, Blue LustreTM and Glamorene Spray 'N Vac Rug CleanerTM.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Liquid shampoos
Liquid shampoos are generally sold in concentrated form and must be diluted. Select a shampoo that produces a rich foam and dries to a crystalline powder rather than a sticky residue.
Some liquid shampoo applicators have wet pick-up vacuums that reduce the possibility of overwetting and improve the efficiency of the cleaning process.
Examples of liquid shampoos are BissellTM, Blue LustreTM, Carpet MagicTM, Household ResearchTM and Rinse 'N VacTM.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Hot water extraction
Hot water extraction is also called "steam" cleaning although no steam is used in the process. A solution of hot water and detergent is sprayed onto the carpet under pressure to flush out the dirt and soil. This solution is immediately extracted by a vacuum action.
It costs less to rent hot water extraction equipment and do the cleaning yourself than it does to have a professional clean the carpet. Directions accompany rental equipment and are easy to follow.
Advantages
Disadvantages
All carpet should be professionally cleaned about every two to three years or as recommended by the carpet manufacturer. A professional can remove embedded carpet soil more thoroughly with heavy duty equipment and special cleaners that are not available to the public. Note that some warranties require proof of periodic professional cleaning.
Stains from some household products are considered permanent. They change the color of the carpet either immediately or gradually. Permanent stains occur as a result of contact with insecticides, pesticides, disinfectants, iodine, mustard, oven cleaner, red Kool-AidTM and plant food products.
Other chemical products such as bleach and drain cleaners, some pet shampoos, and benzoyl peroxide, found in acne medication, may quickly and permanently remove the color from carpet fibers. Protect your carpet from contact with these products.
Most new carpets have a stain-resist finish that makes the fibers more resistant to staining. If your carpet has a stain-resist finish and specific care instructions have not been provided, call the dealer, carpet manufacturer or fiber producer before using any of the spot and spill removal techniques described here.
The Carpet and Rug Association recommends the following procedure be used for carpeting with a stain-resist finish. If no specific instructions are available, use the following procedures:
To help you react quickly to spills, keep a spot and stain removal kit handy. It should contain paper towels to soak up spills, a dull knife to remove hardened soil, a wooden or hard plastic spatula for rubbing and solutions to remove water-based stains, oil-based stains and animal stains. Solutions include:
These instructions give a general approach to removing carpet stains. The chart below refers you to specific spotting procedures for a number of common stains.
Scrape up solids and blot up liquids before applying chemicals. Apply spotting chemicals with a sponge or towel in the order listed. Blot with an absorbent material after each application. When the spot is removed, blot up as much moisture as possible. Then place about a 1/2-inch thick stack of paper toweling over the area and weight down. When carpet is dry, vacuum to restore texture.
Act quickly, identify the spot and test the spotting chemical on a carpet scrap or in an inconspicuous area. Do not flood spotted area with the reagent. Use a wooden or hard plastic spatula to work the spot. Work from outside edge toward center to avoid spreading the stain. Work slowly and carefully. All spotting agents, except volatile solvents, must be completely rinsed from the carpet as the last step before drying.
A few spots, such as rust, paints, furniture stains and dyes, should be left to a professional cleaner, either because they are removed with hazardous chemicals or because improper techniques may cause permanent damage to the carpet.
If you are not sure about the origin of a stain, use the oil-based stain remover first (dry cleaning solvent). If the stain does not come out, use a water-based solution.
Blot stains, don't scrub them. Scrubbing can permanently change the texture of a carpet. Avoid soap, ammonia and too much water.
Water-based stains
Blot spill immediately. Apply detergent and vinegar solution. Rinse and blot dry. Apply dry cleaning fluid if needed, let dry. Repeat if necessary. Brush pile.
Oil-based stains
Blot spill immediately. Apply dry cleaning fluid. Blot dry. If necessary, apply detergent solution. (See spot and stain removal kit.) Rinse and blot dry. Repeat steps if necessary. Brush pile.
Animal stains
Blot liquid immediately. Apply several applications of clean, lukewarm water. Then apply vinegar and water solution (See spot and stain removal kit.) Blot and allow to dry. Apply the detergent solution. Blot dry. Reapply vinegar solution and let stand for about 15 minutes. Rinse, blot and allow to dry.
These cleaning methods can be used to remove certain type of stains. If your carpet is under warranty, be sure to check for restrictions before applying any chemical treatments.
Note
Improper cleaning methods may invalidate your warranty
Foodstuff, starches, sugars
Remove excess material by blotting up liquids with a clean absorbent towel and scraping up solids with the dull edge of a knife. Sponge lightly with cool water and blot several times. Apply diluted carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Oily materials and grease
Remove excess material by blotting up liquids with a clean absorbent towel and scraping up solids with the dull edge of a knife. Apply a spot cleaner or dry cleaning solvent according to the product directions. (Some spot cleaners dry to a powder. If this type is used, vacuum before continuing.) Apply carpet shampoo (diluted 1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Alcohol base antiseptics and perfume
Blot up liquids with a clean absorbent towel and scrape up solids with the dull edge of a knife. Sponge with alcohol (or a solution of alcohol and water) and blot quickly. Repeat several times until no more stain is absorbed into the towel. Apply diluted carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Special treatments
Note
Be sure to pretest all solvents in an inconspicuous
place
Cigarette burns
For light burns, brush area lightly then carefully clip away charred part of tufts. Shampoo. Places having severe burns will need repair or replacement.
Glue, model
After removing excess, carefully apply nail polish remover, drop by drop, to soften glue. Scrape or blot away. Then shampoo. Let dry and vacuum. Pretest nail polish remover in an inconspicuous place. Do not use on acrylic fibers.
Gum
After removing as much as possible by scraping, "freeze" the residue with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Break or scrape off brittle gum. Shampoo, let dry, then vacuum.
Mildew
Mildew is best treated by prevention. Use a dehumidifier to help control moisture. A professional carpet cleaner may be able to give you advice about commercial products you can apply to the carpet backing that will help prevent mildew.
Mud
Scrape up as much mud as possible and allow residue to dry completely. Vacuum well, then shampoo. Let area dry and vacuum again.
Nail polish
After removing excess, apply nail polish remover, drop by drop, to soften. Then blot or scrape away. Shampoo, let dry, then vacuum. Pretest nail polish remover in an inconspicuous place. Do not use on acrylic fibers.
Paint, oil base, wet
After removing excess paint, carefully apply turpentine or paint thinner and blot repeatedly. Shampoo, let dry, then vacuum.
Urine
Blot up excess with clean towel. Sponge with cool water and blot, then sponge with white vinegar and blot well. Shampoo, let dry, then vacuum.
Water
For severe wetting, mop or blot as much as possible. Dry carpet quickly to prevent rot or mildew. Once dry, shampoo lightly, let dry, then vacuum. If the carpet is very wet, it may be necessary to take up the carpet and padding from the floor. Floor fans and dehumidifiers may be used to assist in drying the carpet and pad. It may be necessary to have the carpet relaid.
Wax, candle
Remove excess by scraping. Cover with several layers of paper toweling and press lightly with a warm (not hot) iron until all wax is removed. Be careful not to melt fibers with iron. Shampoo, let dry, then vacuum. Some colors, particularly red, may leave a dye stain that is difficult or impossible to remove.
Unidentified stains
Remove excess. Mop or blot liquids with several layers of paper toweling to absorb as much as possible. Remove semi-solid material by scraping with the dull edge of a knife. Apply a dry-cleaning fluid, blot gently and work from the stain edges to the center. Apply a detergent solution. Use a clean cloth and blot gently, working from the outer to inner area of the stain. Dry the carpet. Apply a dry cleaning fluid; work from outer to inner edge of stain and blot gently. Dry the carpet and brush gently to restore the pile.
Contact a commercial carpet and rug cleaner for advice.
Table 1
Cleaning methods for specific stains
| Source of stain | Cleaning method (1-5 from above) |
|---|---|
| Alcohol, beer, mixed drinks | 1 |
| Blood | 1 |
| Butter, margarine | 1 |
| Candy, not chocolate | 1 |
| Catsup, tomato juice | 1 |
| Chewing gum | 4 |
| Chocolate, cocoa | 1 |
| Cigarette burns | 4 |
| Coffee, black, with cream or with sugar | 1 |
| Correction fluid | 2, 5 |
| Cosmetics | 2 |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fruit juice, berries | 1 |
| Grease | 2 |
| Glue, household | 1 |
| Glue | 4 |
| Gravy | 1, 2 |
| Gum | 4 |
| Ink, water soluble | 1 |
| Ink, non-water soluble | 2, 5 |
| Ink, ballpoint | 2 |
| Iodine | 5 |
| Lipstick | 2 |
| Mercurochrome | 3 |
| Mildew | 1, 5 |
| Milk, ice cream | 1 |
| Mud | 4 |
| Mustard | 4 |
| Nail polish | 4 |
| Oils, clear vegetable | 1 |
| Oil, machine, mineral | 2 |
| Paint, waterbase, wet | 4 |
| Paint, dry | 5 |
| Peanut butter | 1 |
| Perfume | 3 |
| Rust | 3 |
| Sauces, salad dressing | 1 |
| Shoe polish | 2 |
| Soft drinks | 1 |
| Sugar, jelly, jam, syrup | 1, 2 |
| Tar, asphalt | 2 |
| Tea | 1 |
| Toothpaste | 1 |
| Urine | 4 |
| Vomit | 1 |
| Water | 4 |
| Wax candle | 4 |
| Wax, car, floor, furniture | 2 |
| Wine | 1 |
Thanks to
NCR462, reviewed October 1993