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Cleaning Methods
in the order in which they should be tried
(three options in some cases.)
The stain removal chart included here advises on methods of treating stains and the order they should be tried.
For instance, if clean warm water does not remove all traces of a beverage, try a solution of biological washing powder next.
For the solutions, one teaspoonful of powder to a pint of water
equals about 1%, two spoonfuls equals 2% and 5 spoonfuls equals 5%...
STAIN SOLUTION
Beverages................. Clear warm water - 2% solution of biological washing powder
Bleach.................... Carpet shampoo solution
Blood..................... Cold water - 2% solution of biological washing powder -
2% solution of Sodium hydrosulphite
Butter ................... Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution
Candle wax................ Absorbent paper and hot iron - Dry-cleaning fluid
Chewing gum............... Freezing agent
Chocolate................. Carpet shampoo solution - Dry-cleaning fluid
Cooking oils.............. Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution
Cream .................... Carpet shampoo solution - Dry-cleaning fluid
Egg ...................... Carpet shampoo solution
Floor wax................. Dry-cleaning fluid
Fruit juice............... Clear warm water - Carpet shampoo solution -
2% solution of Sodium hydrosulphite
Furniture polish.......... Carpet shampoo solution - Dry-cleaning fluid -
Contact a specialized cleaner
Gravy and sauces ......... Clear warm water - Carpet shampoo solution
Ink(fountain pen)......... Clear warm water - 2% solution of biological washing powder -
2% solution of Sodium hydrosulphite
Ink(ball point pen)....... Methylated spirits - Carpet shampoo solution
Lipstick.................. Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution
Metal polish.............. Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution
Milk ..................... Clear warm water - Carpet shampoo solution
Mustard................... Carpet shampoo solution
Nail polish............... Nail polish remover - Dry-cleaning fluid
Oil and grease............ Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution
Paint(emulsion)........... Cold water - Carpet shampoo solution
Paint(oil)................ Turpentine or white spirit - Dry-cleaning fluid -
Contact a specialized cleaner
Rust ..................... Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution -
Contact a specialized cleaner
Salad dressing............ Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution
Shoe polish............... Dry-cleaning fluid - Carpet shampoo solution
Soot ..................... Vacuum - Carpet shampoo solution
Tar....................... Dry-cleaning fluid - Eucalyptus oil
Urine..................... Call a specialized cleaner
Vomit .................... Carpet shampoo - 2% solution of biological washing powder
Wine ..................... Absorbent powder - Clear warm water - 2% solution of sodium hydrosulphite
ALWAYS REMOVE EXCESS
Most of the agents recommended in the stain removal chart are easy to obtain.
However, if you cannot get sodium hydrosulphite or hydrochloric acid from your chemist,
call a professional cleaner instead.
A freezing agent is available in aerosol sprays, but dry ice can be used to harden
chewing gum in order to remove it.
For the solutions of sodium hydrosulphite, one teaspoonful of powder to a pint of water
equals about 1%, two spoonfuls equals 2% and 5 spoonfuls equals 5%.
(Sodium hydrosulphite is a mild bleach and it can be used safely on most light-coloured carpets.
In the case of patterned carpets, test it first on an inconspicuous corner of the carpet).
Always work inwards, in a circular motion, from the edge of the stain to prevent it spreading.
Apply small amounts of cleaning agent at a time so as not to over wet the carpet, blot between
applications with paper tissues or dry cloths.
Do not rub the stain, rubbing will spread it over a bigger area and distort the pile.
Rinse the treated area with clear tepid water,
especially if a bleach like sodium hydrosulphite is used, and place a thick wad of white tissues
on the treated area weighed down with a heavy object until dry.
Some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints regarding colour where such
a treatment has been used.
However, there are some proprietary stain-repellent treatments which are effective
and do not have drawbacks.
Please speak to your local supplier if in doubt!
Methods of Cleaning:
Deep Cleaning:
Daily vacuuming is the most important cleaning activity, but deep extraction cleaning must be
performed to remove stubborn or embedded soil.
Manufacturer's recommend that carpet be dry or wet-extraction cleaned a minimum of every 12
or 18 months before it shows soiling.
Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty.
Carpet should receive regular deep cleaning to maintain its good looks.
A carpet cleaning professional may be hired or carpet cleaning equipment may be purchased
or rented for do-it-yourself cleaning.
The fibre system used should be the primary factor in selecting a cleaning method.
The majority of carpet manufactured today is constructed
with synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, or olefin, and may be cleaned with
most cleaning methods. Natural fibres may require specialized care.
Following are general guidelines for these fibre systems:
Wool:
Wool fibres may be cleaned using all cleaning methods, although excessive agitation
and excessive heat should be avoided.
Wool is easily damaged by bleaches and alkalies. Wool should be cleaned with
neutral detergents (pH 5.0-8.0) and dried quickly to limit yellowing or browning.
Cotton/Rayon:
Cotton and rayon are cellulosic fibres and may be cleaned using all cleaning methods.
Most cellulosic fibres are subject to browning if prolonged drying occurs or if alkaline
solutions are used. Shrinking may occur if these fibres are overwet.
Avoid excessive agitation.
Silk:
Silk should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. These fibres may be damaged by
high temperatures, high pH (>9), sunlight, and will lose strength when wet.
The cleaning of silk fibres is best left to the carpet cleaning professional.
Sisal and Other Plant Fibres:
Plant fibres used in carpet construction, including sisal, cotton, jute, coconut (coir),
pineapple and hemp have characteristics similar to cotton.
These fibres may be cleaned with all cleaning methods, but dry extraction and dry foam extraction
are most often recommended.
To limit colour change or odour transfer, a pH of less than 7.5 should be used and precautions
should be taken to expedite rapid drying.
It is best to use a carpet cleaning professional.
There are five accepted methods for cleaning carpet made from synthetic fibres.
Rely on the carpet manufacturer's recommendations.
When choosing any cleaning method, select cleaning agents sold especially for stain resistant
carpet cleaning, and follow the directions for dilution and application.
Never use soap, laundry detergent, automatic dishwasher detergent, or any of the strong household
cleaning agents intended for use on hard surfaces such as woodwork, linoleum, or tile.
For best cleaning results, always prevacuum the area to be cleaned and apply a
preconditioning solution prior to cleaning.
A precondition solution is a detergent solution applied to the carpet prior to cleaning to
begin loosening soil.
These solutions typically require 8-10 minutes to begin the soil loosening process.
Absorbent Pad (Bonnet) Method:
The absorbent pad method should be used only by a properly trained cleaning professional.
The rotary bonnet method uses a machine similar to a floor buffer
with an absorbent spin pad attached to remove the soil. The spin pad absorbs soil onto the pad,
and soil is removed when the pad is rinsed.
To reduce pile distortion, keep the absorbent pad well lubricated with cleaning solution.
Replace pad often to prevent transfer of soil back to the carpet face.
Dry Extraction Method:
An absorbent compound saturated with detergents and solvents is brushed in and around the
fibres with specially designed machines or brushes.
The compound attaches to the soil particles, and both the soil and compound are
then removed by vacuuming.
Dry Foam Extraction Method:
In dry foam cleaning a detergent solution is whipped into a foam and applied to the carpet.
The foam is worked into the carpet by a specially designed
machine with reel-type brushes, followed by wet vacuuming. Some machines have their own
extraction capabilities while others need thorough vacuuming after the carpet is dry.
Hot Water Extraction Method:
This method is sometimes called "steam cleaning." Areas of heavy use are preconditioned to
suspend ground-in soil, then a pressurized cleaning solution is injected into the pile.
Suspended soil and solution are immediately extracted.
Follow directions carefully and avoid overwetting.
Ensure speedy drying by using fans, operating the building air conditioning system
(where appropriate), and by performing additional drying strokes.
Rotary Shampoo:
The rotary shampoo method uses equipment similar to the rotary bonnet method, except that a
cleaning solution is injected onto the carpet before cleaning or through specially designed brushes.
Never use a do-it-yourself machine designed for hard surface floorcovering with counter
rotating (rotary) brushes.
Pile distortion or untwisting of the fibre can occur.
Do-It-Yourself Cleaning:
Do-it-yourself cleaning may be an economical choice between professional cleanings.
For any do-it-yourself cleaning method,the following points are critical.
Always pre-vacuum to remove as much dry soil as possible. Follow instructions carefully!
Consider the following precautions when selecting a wet cleaning method.
Remove furniture from the room before cleaning or, if impractical, place plastic film under and
around the legs of chairs, tables and other furniture to prevent rust or furniture stains from
developing on the carpet. Use only the recommended cleaning solution strength.
Stronger than recommended solutions may cause accelerated resoiling.
Rinse all detergent from the carpet to prevent accelerated resoiling. Do not overwet the carpet.
Overwetting may cause separation of the backing,
separation of the seams, shrinkage, discolouration, and odour.
The carpet should be dry within 12 hours.
Provide proper ventilation or use fans to quickly dry the carpet and exhaust any existing
solution-related fragrances.
Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it.
Professional Cleaning Services:
Consider the services of a carpet cleaning professional before your carpet and rugs
begin to show soil. Allowing carpet and rugs to become excessively soiled will make cleaning
more difficult and will shorten its useful life.
Recommendations can be obtained from satisfied friends, carpet retailers, and local business
groups for reliable, certified cleaning professionals in your area.
Choose a carpet cleaning professional who is properly trained for the following services.
Prior to using these services, you may wish to contact the carpet manufacturer to prevent
voiding warranties.
Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it. In order to determine the amount and type
of cleaning services needed, have a representative of the cleaning firm come to your home to make
a visual inspection.
The cleaning professional can inspect the carpet for problem stains or excessively soiled areas that
may require additional attention.
Obtain a written agreement for all work to be performed. Under normal circumstances there should be
no extra charge for activities, such as moving furniture, preconditioning, and routine spot and
stain removal. Beware of pricing that is "too good to be true."
Professionals charge only for services that are authorized in writing before cleaning begins.
Most cleaning is based on the total number
of square yards/metres to be cleaned. Many firms do have cleaning specials; however,
pricing by the room or low prices quoted over the phone may have hidden restrictions or
mandatory add-ons.
A reliable firm will tell you the steps that they are going to use to clean your carpet and
can provide a written agreement before the work is started.
Should you question the need for any required extras, contact the carpet manufacturer for assistance.
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