24 August 2019

How to care for your carpet

Protect and maintain the quality of your carpet with this simple step by step care guide. From man made to natural fibres, loop pile or cut pile; knowing how to care for your carpet has never been simpler.

Man Made Fibres- Carpet Care

Polypropylene

Hard wearing, affordable and practical. An incredibly popular choice for the home.

Polypropylene is solution dyed (the colour is built into the fibre) and so will not absorb water. This dying process makes the colour an inherent part of the fibre meaning that the colour will not fade. Even when exposed to intense sunlight or other harsh chemicals or elements.

This carpet is naturally stain resistant and therefore the perfect option for a modern home. For particularly difficult stains a solution of 50% bleach/50% tap water can be used. However if using this solution, apply to a cloth and not directly onto the carpet. Using a clean white cloth, kitchen towel or tissues; blot the stain from the outside in. This will help to avoid any spreading and change in appearance.

Polyester

Soft, with a nice sheen and naturally stain and fade resistant. Made from a hydrophobic fibre, resulting in liquid repellent qualities and making it easy to clean.

Polyester is extremely stain resistant.  However stains can still set in your polyester carpet if they are not properly taken care of. As above, as soon as a stain occurs, apply an appropriate carpet cleaner to paper towels or a cloth to blot the spilled liquid, from outside to in. After the stain is gone, rinse the carpet, using a clean cloth and water, blotting the area dry and vacuum to finish.

The most common problem with maintaining a polyester carpet, is preventing traffic patterns from occurring. Even the newest polyester fibres crush and mat easily under heavy traffic. It is therefore recommended to vacuum low traffic areas at least once a week and high traffic areas once every other day to prevent dirt from filtering into the carpet and breaking down the fibres. Moving furniture every so often to redirect foot traffic, can also help to prevent this problem. For heavy furniture try using gliders, this will help to keep your carpet dent free.

Nylon

Exceptionally soft and flexible. The most resilient and versatile of all the man made fibre carpets. Not inherently stain resistant, however if solution dyed (the colour goes completely through the fibre instead of on the surface) stain and fade resistance is higher.

When it comes to cleaning a nylon carpet, use nylon friendly carpet cleaner (no bleach). Nylon is very absorbent and so the best method is to dab and blot the stain, as soon as possible. Firstly soak up as much liquid with a clean, dry cloth. Then apply a small amount of solution/soap to a damp cloth and blot the stain outside to in.

Nylon has an exceptional resilience to crushing and has an excellent yarn memory. It is therefore perfect for areas of high traffic and ideal for rooms with heavier furniture. Regular vacuuming will still undoubtedly help to maintain the quality and appearance of the carpet.

 

Natural Fibres- Carpet Care

Wool/ Wool mix –  80%  wool 20% synthetic fibres (superior appearance and durability).

Warm, resilient and strong, with a natural ability to resist general soiling.

Wool carpets can help to moderate the humidity in the home. It has a unique ability to breath meaning it can absorb and release airborne moisture.

They are also exceptionally easy to maintain. It has a unique fibre structure which releases soil more readily than synthetic fibre carpets and can stand heavy traffic and still look beautiful. This carpet also has a natural resistance. This can provide you with more time to act after a spill. Liquid will stay on top of the pile longer, rather than seeping into the base of the pile. As with any carpet, removing spills immediately will help to prevent permanent damage. For wool carpet’s, it is best to use a cleaning solution specifically for wool carpets. Cleaning products containing bleach can dissolve the wool. When removing a stain it is best to use a clean white cloth, kitchen towel or tissues; blot the stain do not rub, from the outside in to avoid spreading and change in appearance. Professional cleaning by hot water extraction every year or two is recommended, as wool responds very well to cleaning. Moisture makes the fibres swell and release dirt.

Unlike synthetic carpets, wool doesn’t melt or stick when in contact with heat or flames and can be self-extinguishing. It forms an insulating char when it burns which can be brushed or clipped off.

Vacuuming

Daily vacuuming will help to prevent everyday dirt and grit from penetrating the carpet fibres. As soon as your carpet is laid, vacuum lightly and frequently in the first week to remove surface dust and fluff. Firstly vacuum against the pile to lift any dirt and finish vacuuming with the lay of the pile for a nice smooth finish. We recommend using a good quality vacuum to ensure the best results. For a cut pile carpet, a vacuum with a rotating brush is best. This will agitate the pile and loosen any dirt. A suction cleaner without a beater bar or brushes is recommended for loop pile carpets. Alternatively, turn off the brush or use a different head to prevent excess fuzzing and damaging the loop. This applies to all carpets.

You can also try placing a doormat at all entrances to your home. This will help to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture on your carpet.

In the event of snags appearing, it is advised to trim with a small pair of scissors rather than pull. For any minor burns, gently trim with fingernail scissors.

For a food spill, gently remove as much solid material as you can with a spoon, or a dull knife before applying any solution. Lighter stains can be cleaned with an appropriate carpet cleaning product . We recommend to always check the label before usage.

Ultimately the faster you act, the less likely you are to have a permanent stain.