top of page

Carpet care

Housekeeping Tips for Carpets and Rugs

 

Entrance or walk-off mats

The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as they will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil.

They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves.

 

Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning will extend the life of a carpet and maintain its appearance. Vacuum clean regularly and thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can damage the fibres.

 

Deal with spillages as soon as possible.

Preferably the moment they occur.

 

Beware of products claiming to be safe on all fibres, including wool. It might be true, but if it does not have the Wool Safe Mark, it is not endorsed by most carpet manufacturers.

 

Never use any detergents such as dishwashing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use. Although they may clean the carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet.

 

Periodic Cleaning.

When the carpet or rug reaches a stage where it could do with a really good clean, you can either do the job yourself, or we would recommend calling in a specialist carpet cleaning company.

 

General Rules for Spot Removal.

 

 

  • Soak up liquids with white kitchen roll, tissues, toilet roll or a clean cloth.

  • Scoop up or scrape off solids

  • Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment- if unsure, use solvent first

  • Always work from the edge of the spot inwards

  • BLOT, do NOT rub

  • Use small quantities of spot remover at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work into the spot with a small, soft brush or sponge

  • Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles

  • When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation

  • Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters with clean water

  • Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer

 

Treatments

 

  1. Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

  2. Vacuum clean

  3. Cold water

  4. Warm water

  5. WoolSafe-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)

  6. WoolSafe-approved carpet spot remover for water-based stains

  7. WoolSafe-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

  8. Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

  9. Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

  10. Nail varnish remover or acetone

  11. White spirit or turpentine substitute

  12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)

  13. Rub with a coin

  14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

  15. WoolSafe-approved disinfectant or deodoriser

  16. Rust remover

  17. Carpet re-colouring kit

bottom of page