Care Guide
Caring for your carpet
Your carpet or rugs require proper care to prolong their useful life. Using cleaning methods not recommended by your carpet manufacturer may void specific warranties, so it is worth following a consistent maintenance routine.
Professional carpet cleaning
A reputable carpet cleaning professional should understand current carpet construction, carpet care products, and safe cleaning methods. Contact a professional when soil and stains can no longer be removed with vacuuming and recommended spot-cleaning procedures.
You can look for a reliable cleaner through referrals, the Better Business Bureau, or the Carpet and Rug Institute at 706.278.3176. The Carpet and Rug Institute also provides a carpet and rug care guide at carpet-rug.org.
Spot cleaning
Start with general cleaning, then spot clean only if needed. Always pretest any spot remover or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to make sure it will not damage fibers or dyes.
After applying a few drops in the test area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for ten seconds. Check both the carpet and the cloth for color transfer, color change, or other damage. If any change appears, choose a different cleaning solution.
Recommended cleaning methods
Follow the carpet manufacturer's recommendations whenever possible. Choose products made specifically for soil-resistant and stain-resistant carpet, and follow all dilution and application instructions exactly. Never use soap, ammonia, laundry detergent, automatic dishwashing detergent, washing soda, or strong household cleaners made for hard surfaces. For best results, always pre-vacuum and clean spots promptly.
Hot Water Extraction
Pressurized hot water is injected into the pile, then suspended soil and cleaning solution are extracted immediately by a powerful vacuum. Follow directions carefully, avoid overwetting, avoid temperatures over 120 degrees, and make sure the carpet dries quickly.
Dry Extraction
An absorbent compound such as the Capture Rug Cleaning System is brushed into the fibers. The compound attaches to soil particles and is then removed by vacuuming. Follow the product's specific instructions carefully.
Precautions for any cleaning method
Use only non-cationic detergents and spot cleaners made for soil-resistant and stain-resistant carpet with neutral pH levels or below.
Follow directions carefully and use only approved cleaning agents intended for carpet.
Use only enough detergent to clean effectively while leaving minimal residue behind.
Never exceed the recommended solution strength.
Do not overwet carpet, which can lead to backing separation, seam separation, shrinkage, discoloration, or odor.
Make sure all detergent is fully rinsed from the carpet.
Do not allow carpet to remain wet for more than 24 hours.
Dry carpet fully within 24 hours before walking on it.
Avoid topical treatments such as fungicides, bactericides, biocides, antistatic treatments, or stain-resist products that may affect carpet performance.
Do not use shampoo, dry-foam, or extraction detergents that contain optical brighteners.
Never use a do-it-yourself rotary shampoo machine designed for hard surface, laminate, or linoleum floors.
Bound carpet and rugs
The general carpet care and cleaning guide also applies to bound carpet and rugs, but extra caution should be used around the binding and serging. Avoid contact with sharp or abrasive objects and with cleaning machinery such as flooring buffers and vacuum sweepers with aggressive beater bars.
If you are buffing floors, move the carpet first so the binding does not come into contact with the machine. When vacuuming, adjust the beater bar height so it lightly agitates the pile without slowing the vacuum motor. If possible, avoid vacuuming directly over the binding and serging.
School Rugs rugs are bound and double stitched for durability and are designed to perform well when these precautions are followed. Even so, accidental damage, misuse, or abuse can still occur, so careful handling remains important.