CARPET MAINTENANCE TIPS
A regular carpet maintenance program extends the life of the original appearance of your carpet. Today’s carpet fibers are designed to hide dirt and reflect light and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.
CARPET MAINTENANCE
For ideal carpet maintenance, you will need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs, and exterior entryways at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating brush and with a strong enough air flow to penetrate to the carpet backing.
Carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool blend styles, may be sensitive to brushing or rubbing of the pile surface and may become fuzzy. For these products, and those styles with a combination thick or thin or cable yarn, a suction-only vacuum is recommended for the best carpet maintenance. If that is not available, use or a vacuum with an adjustable brush lifted away from the carpet so it does not agitate the pile. A vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush can be tested for excessive fuzzing in an inconspicuous location before regular use.
R.J. Lacroix Five Star Services does not recommend a vacuum brand.
There are brands that offer adjustable beater bars or even a feature to turn the beater bar off in some cases.
The Carpet and Rug Institute(www.carpet-rug.org) also offers information and ratings of vacuums to provide the best new carpet care. Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.
A regular carpet maintenance program as well as proper carpet cleaning methods will keep your carpet beautiful for a long time.
CARPET CARE & CLEANING TIPS
No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty cleaning from time to time. Professional carpet care and cleaning is required to maintain your carpet warranty.
We would be glad to advise you about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet.
Hot water extraction carpet care, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to maintain most warranties. Some styles, however, must be cleaned in other ways. Be sure to check with R.J. Lacroix Five Star Services for the recommended cleaning method for your particular carpet.
A trained carpet care professional should perform this service at least every 18-24 months to refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet. Have the cleaning professionals come to your home for a visual inspection, and obtain a written agreement before the work is started. You must retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty claim arise.
When you and your carpet cleaning professional choose a cleaning method, fiber content is the most important concern. Most carpet today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, or olefin and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, and sisal may require specialized care.
Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty, and if you should have any questions or concerns about your new carpet care, just call R.J. Lacroix Five Star Services.
