SOIL AND STAIN RESISTANT TREATMENTS
Certain chemical treatments can assist in reducing the soiling
and staining of carpets. Currently, these treatments are generally
recommended for residential situations only. Ask your retailer
about this when purchasing new carpet.
TYPES OF VACUUM CLEANERS
A good quality vacuum cleaner is vital for carpets maintenance.
There are three types of vacuum cleaners available: plain suction,
beater bar and revolving bristle strip. Plain suction vacuum
cleaners are particularly good for long pile carpets when their
use is combined with regular raking. Take care if your vacuum
cleaner is fitted with a beater bar or bristle strip as damage
can occur to the pile surface of loop or woven carpets. Ensure
that the vacuum cleaner is kept in a mechanically sound condition
and brushes are cleaned and replaced when worn out. Empty the
dust bag frequently as the suction efficiency of the vacuum
cleaner is reduced considerably even when the bag is half full.
If a beater bar fitted to the cleaning head, ensure that the
bar is kept in good condition. Follow the instructions of the
vacuum cleaner manufacturer as well as any instructions provided
by the carpet manufacturer in regard to particular carpet textures.
CLEANING – SELF HELP CLEANING
The idea of carpet spot cleaning is to take the stain into
solution and then extract it by absorption. There are two methods
of spot cleaning: dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Test any spot
removal treatment in an inconspicuous area to make certain it
will not affect the dye or carpet fibres. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
A PROFESSIONAL MAY HELP
If the stain cannot be removed, call a professional carpet
cleaner. Slap dash attempts at spot removal can cause the stain
to set permanently or cause pile distortion, matting and loss
of colour.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE HINTS
Avoid using soap, ammonia, washing soda or any of the strong
household cleaning agents intended for use on hard surfaces,
such as woodwork or tiles. These may damage your carpet. Similarly,
acne medication, hair bleaches and other strong household chemicals,
such as used in swimming pools, will discolour carpet. Solutions
which have sticky residue should not be used as this will lead
to rapid resoiling of the carpet. Excessive wetting of the carpet
through to the backing may result in shrinkage, discolouration
and odour.
POWDER CLEANING/BONNET CLEANING
Powder cleaners may include odour and pest control agents.
It is essential to observe the instructions given for their
use. After vacuuming, powder is applied onto the carpet, brushed
or massaged into the pile and then the carpet is vacuumed again.
It is not necessary to remove all the powder as it can help
to reduce further soiling. The procedure can either be manual
or mechanical depending on the size of the carpeted area to
be cleaned.
The Bonnet Cleaning Machine utilises a fibre bonnet, containing
the cleaning chemical, which massages the pile. Alternatively,
chemical may be applied to the carpet and massaged into the
pile via the bonnet.
The Absorbent Powder and Bonnet Cleaning techniques are suitable
for “freshening up” a carpet. I.e. surface brightening,
and as an intermediate step between daily vacuum cleaning and
periodic shampoo or water injection and extraction cleaning.
AEROSOL FOAM SHAMPOO
Aerosol foam shampoo maybe used for cleaning of small areas.
The foam should be chosen carefully and, if in doubt, consult
a carpet retailer or manufacturer. The foam is sprayed lightly
onto the carpet and worked in with a damp cloth, sponge or brush.
Vacuum after the carpet is dry. Follow the instructions carefully.
SHAMPOO CLEANING
With this method of cleaning, the shampoo or detergent is released
from a tank on the machine into a brush. With the action of
the brush, the liquid is worked into the carpet pile. The residues
can then be extracted in a similar manner to that of the water
injection and extraction method, i.e. via a vacuum device, or
vacuum cleaned from the pile if foam cleaning has been utilised.
While it is advisable to call on the services of a professional
cleaner, shampoo machines can be hired by the customer. Follow
the machine manufacturer’s instructions carefully together
with recommendations on concentrations of additives and cleaning
method. When the shampoo and water injection and extraction
methods are used one after the other, very dirty, flattened
carpets can be restored.
HOT WATER INJECTION AND EXTRACTION OR STEAM CLEANING
Injection cleaning and extraction machines (commonly referred
to as hot water extraction or steam cleaning) are best used
by a professional carpet cleaner because of the danger of over-wetting
the carpet and distorting the pile and backing.
The process injects the carpet pile with a hot water and detergent
solution which is then extracted together with dirt and other
residues from the carpet. This method is suitable for restoring
an extremely dirty, flattened carpet, although it may not clean
the surface as well as other methods.
Maximum temperature of the hot water used should be strictly
observed to avoid damage to the pile.
CLEANING SPOT/STAIN REMOVAL – SEE STAIN REMOVAL CHART
Following procedure should be used in spot and stain removal
for all stains except those caused by hazardous chemicals:
Quick actions may remove the substance before it penetrates
into the carpet pile – the longer spill remains on the
carpet; the more difficult it will be to remove.
Test any recommended spot remover and spot removal treatment
in an inconspicuous area to make certain it will not affect
the dyestuff, protective finish or the carpet fibre. Always
follow the instructions listed on the spot remover container.
Note: Where a certification scheme or guarantee applies to
the carpet involving stain and soil resist finishes, the appropriate
stain removal guide must be obtained and utilised.
WARNING: Some chemicals that will reduce or discolour a stain
are hazardous, e.g. hydrofluoric acid (HF). These chemicals
should only be used strictly in accordance with their safety
instructions.
Stain
Removal Guide for Nylon Carpets
Stain
Removal Guide for Wool Carpets
CARPET CHARACTERISTIC
Shading – Permanent Pile Reversal Cut pile carpets may
develop an effect where certain areas of the carpet appear lighter
or darker than the surrounding areas and its occurrence cannot
be predicted or prevented. It is not due to a manufacturing
fault and its existence has no effect on the performance of
the carpet. However, as this phenomenon can affect the appearance
of the carpet, you are urged to consider it when purchasing
a cut pile carpet. Check the manufacturer’s shading label
on the showroom sample and discuss this feature with your retailer.
Technical Bulletin No 3 – Shading published by the Carpet
Institute of Australia Limited contains full details of this
phenomenon.
FLUFFING AND SHEDDING
When carpet is new, fluff balls and loose fibres can appear.
This occurrence is not related to a defect in the carpet. These
are just loose bits of fibres left over from the manufacturing
process. They will lift from the pile with use and vacuuming.
Some carpets shed for longer periods, but rest assured your
carpet is not disappearing as fluffing does not reduced the
life or quality of carpet.
TRACKING
The appearance of foot-marks on the surface of cut pile carpet
is temporary but recurring condition. Vacuuming restores the
pile lay.
MISSING TUFTS
During the manufacture of the carpet, some tufts inadvertently
may not be inserted. Normally they are noticed and sewn in by
hand. Sometimes the absence of a tuft becomes evident only after
carpet is laid. However, these can readily be replaced in the
same way as they would be in a factory. Re-tufting is also the
most satisfactory way of dealing with severe cigarette burns
and other small areas of damage providing yarn of the same due
series is still available.
FADING
Even though Australian Carpet Classification Scheme graded
carpets must meet minimum standards for light fastness, following
exposure to direct sunlight fading can occur in all carpets.
Protection from direct sunlight is, therefore, necessary.
IMPLEMENT A PREVENTIVE MAINTENAnCE PROGRAM
An effective carpet maintenance program keeps soil below threshold
of visibility. If the program is working satisfactorily, the
carpet should never look soiled.
Cleaning frequently and cleaner expertise are more than the
particular cleaning procedure selected. To assess a cleaner’s
professionalism, inquire about references, training and certification.
Test – evaporate sample chemicals (particularly final
rinse additives) in a pan, to ensure they dry to powder, rather
than leaving a greasy residue. When a professional cleaner has
been appointed, jointly devise a relevant maintenance program.
The chart below shows hypothetical maintenance plan for a multicoloured,
medium shade, patterned, loop carpet installed throughout a
typical office building. This plan is a starting point only
and should be modified depending on actual site conditions and
periodic visual inspections. Your carpet requires more frequent
and intensive cleaning’s (such a s hot water extraction)
if it is a light, dark or solid colour, of if the site includes:
