Tips for making your carpet more resistant to staining
Density and fiber are two of the most important factors for soil and stain control. Everyday spills and dirt will not easily penetrate, if the tufts are close together, which is the density. When the tufts are not as dense and are more far apart, soil will go through to the carpet backing where it can be more difficult to remove and also more damaging to the carpet. The texture and color are other factors that will determine how much soil and stains show. There are some fibers that are easier to maintain than other:
- Wool is more difficult to clean than synthetic fibers, but still resists soil well.
- Nylon quality carpeting is very easy to clean. It is resistant to stains and soils.
- Polyester does resist most soiling and can be cleaned easily, except for oil-based stains.
- Olefin resists soil, but oil-based stains are difficult to remove.
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Here are some tips to help your carpet look good for several years with minimal soil and staining:
1. Regular maintenance: Carpet manufacturers suggest carpet should be lightly vacuumed on a daily basis to help eliminate day-to-day surface dirt. Three strokes with the cleaner over an area is considered light vacuuming. Rugs and carpets should be thoroughly vacuumed at least one a week. This will remove any sandy, gritty soil and dirt before it becomes embedded in the carpet pile and reaches the back. Sand and grit have sharp edges that can cut the fiber, which will reduce wear life. A thorough cleaning consists of seven or more strokes with the vacuum.
2. Clean up spills: Spills should be immediately cleaned up so they do not become a permanent spot or stain. If left untreated, a spill will begin a chemical reaction with the carpet fibers and may become an almost impossible stain to remove.
3. Professional Care: Professional cleaning will remove embedded gritty, greasy soil not removed by vacuuming. Having carpets periodically cleaned by a professional is important to the life of your carpet. Before having carpet professionally cleaned, make sure the procedure is included in the manufacturer's cleaning guide. If it is not included you warranty may be nullified.
If you have thought about cleaning your carpet yourself you should know there are four main home carpet cleaning methods. They are dry powder, dry foam, shampoo, and hot water extraction. Before deciding on a cleaning method, you should take into consideration the amount of soil in the carpet, time and energy available to clean carpet, drying time, product cost, and machine rental fees, if any.
- Dry powder method: This is when absorbent granules containing dry cleaning solvent are sprinkled over carpet and worked into the pile by a mechanical or hand brush. Carpet is vacuumed after thoroughly drying. This method is less effective on heavy soil or water based soil, but an effective method of spot cleaning that is relatively inexpensive.
- Aerosol foam sprays: Foam sprays are widely available. This cleans only the carpet surface, but is convenient and there is no need for special equipment.
- Liquid shampoos: Shampoos are typically sold in concentrated form and must be diluted. This is good for cleaning moderately to heavily soiled carpet at a moderate price. However, carpet can be easily over wetted, and mayneed a longer amount of time to dry.
- Hot water extraction: This method of cleaning is done using rental equipment. A solution of hot water and detergent is sprayed on the carpet and is immediately extracted by a vacuum action. It costs less to rent hot water extraction equipment and do it yourself than it does to hire a professional carpet cleaner, but this method is the most expensive out of the four home carpet cleaning methods.
