PROTECT & MAINTAIN YOUR INVESTMENT
With any floor covering, the best maintenance is preventative maintenance. And in the case of carpet, that means vacuuming and regular professional cleaning. Exactly how frequently a carpet should be vacuumed depends on numerous use-related factors. As a general rule, we recommend that carpets be vacuumed twice per week overall and daily in traffic or high-use areas. Here are a few tips that will help your carpet stay looking beautiful for years to come.
Step one is entrance protection.
Place walk-off mats wherever there are entrances to your home from high-soil areas like backyards, garages and so on. A few dollars invested in these mats can prevent a lot of dirt and grime from being tracked across your beautiful new carpet.
This tool is a must.
A good vacuum cleaner can be your carpet’s best friend. Buy a quality vacuum and use it regularly. There have been significant improvements to vacuum cleaners in the past few years, making them easier to use, and better at doing their job. We recommend a sealed HEPA filter vacuum, which can remove up to 80% of the dry soil in your carpet. Thorough vacuuming removes loose dirt and dust from the fibers which over time can dull your carpet’s appearance. Frequent vacuuming maintains the beauty of your floor covering and extends its life.
Know where to concentrate.
High traffic areas may need more vacuuming more often. Use a machine with a good beater bar and maximum suction. And get attached to using the cleaner’s attachments. They make it easier to clean the tight spots – along walls and up and down the stairs.
If your vacuum uses bags, be sure to change them frequently for maximum cleaning efficiency. Some newer model vacuums have been designed without bags, making the chore of vacuuming even simpler, and more time saving.
The cushion is critical.
Remember that carpet cushion plays an important role in preserving the look and feel of your carpet. Investing in a good carpet cushion prevents your carpet from matting and crushing underfoot, as well as offering its own level of soil and stain protection. A good carpet cushion also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor, making vacuuming easier, and more efficient.
Treat snags carefully and surgically.
Looped carpets can snag, especially at a seam or a carpet transition. Don’t vacuum over loose yarn or try to pull out the snag. Treat it as you would a loose thread on an expensive blouse. Carefully snip the yarn flush with the carpet and without catching any surrounding loops.
Understand the issues of weight and sunlight.
Another important and often overlooked way of keeping your carpet in top condition is in the placement of heavy furniture. Heavy furniture can compress, or crush the carpet pile, and leave noticeable indentations that won’t be discovered until you redecorate or move. So rearrange your furniture periodically.
Carpet that is near windows and patio doors can be subjected to harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and ability to withstand wear. If possible, be sure to use window treatments that offer some protection against sunlight.
Apply this knowledge to spills.
Treat them as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more the stain will soak into the fibers. Immediately blot up as much of the liquid or debris as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the area with a rag, this damages the fibers and may create a permanent scar.
Use warm, not hot, water to rinse the stained area completely. Hot water can set the stain and make it difficult if not impossible to remove. Press clean cloths deeply into the carpet to take up moisture until the stain no longer appears on the cloth.
For information on cleaning specific spills please see our Stain Removal Guide.
Thorough cleaning calls for the pros.
Manufacturers as well as fiber companies require the consumer to have their carpets professionally cleaned by an IICRC certified firm at least once every 18 to 24 months to keep the warranty valid. LEVI'S 4 FLOORS CARPET CLEANING is an IICRC certified firm that uses state-of-the-art equipment to make sure your carpet is cleaned without voiding these warranties. LEVI'S 4 FLOORS customers will receive an automatic 10% discount off the regular price for cleaning.
For further information or to set up a time to clean click here or call 4 FLOORS CARPET CLEANING at (614) 846-4441. You can also join our CUSTOMER LOYALTY CARPET CARE PROGRAM free of charge. As a member of our CUSTOMER LOYALTY CARPET CARE PROGRAM, you will be notified when it is time to consider having your carpets cleaned so that your warranties remain valid.
The manufacturer knows. Read their materials.
Keep in mind that carpet should be treated like a textile product. Be sure to read the care and maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer because different fibers, styles and finishes can each have their own unique guidelines.
Consistent upkeep and periodic professional cleaning will keep your carpet beautiful, inviting and durable for years to come. Keep it a source of pride and comfort, with and without your shoes on.