Clarendon Carpets - British wool.

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Care & Maintenance.

Care & Maintenance

Having purchased your new carpet, it is natural to want to maintain its initial appearance as long as possible.

The carpets in our collection are not given a secondary stain protection application, unless requested, since wool fibre itself has inherent, natural soil and stain resistant properties. Compared to other fibres, wool releases soil more easily in cleaning, and responds particularly well to vacuum cleaning. Dirt and spillages may be spot cleaned off a wool carpet more easily than off synthetic carpets. However, it is still necessary to prevent soiling as much as possible and to follow a regular cleaning schedule.

Daily Care

It is easier to remove surface dirt from a carpet than embedded dirt. The first requirement therefore is a light vacuuming, on a daily basis, to remove the surface dirt before it becomes embedded.

It is very important that regular vacuum cleaning is carried out as soon as the carpet is installed, giving particular attention to areas in front of seating, and in high traffic areas, such that any shed fibre (this is normal in the early life of the carpet) does not build up on the surface and become difficult to remove later. Traditional advice not to vacuum carpets in the early stages is mistaken, and may be comfortably ignored.

Cut Pile Carpets

One of the most effective cleaners for a twist or cut pile carpet in one with a strong suction and a revolving beater bar/brush. This will generally be an upright vacuum cleaner. This will not only remove surface dirt, but also opens up the pile to remove loosely embedded soiling.

An upright vacuum cleaner will also remove the excess fibres of a new carpet ensuring that these are not collected within the pile. The beater bar will also ensure that the pile is 'lifted' each time the carpet is maintained.

Loop Pile Carpets

For loop-pile carpets a cylinder type vacuum cleaner is recommended in that it does not have driven, rotating brushes that can cause ‘fuzzing’ of the surface. With most cylinder types, the brushes on the head may be retracted for cleaning carpet (and should anyway, only be used for hard floors). It is recommended that consumers use a cleaner with high suction power (determined by wattage of motor) and with a large head so that a greater surface area may be covered more easily.

Velcro strips are found on all vacuum heads (cylinder and upright) and are intended to help pick up lint (e.g. especially in bedroom areas). However, they can be harmful to wool loop pile products, even heavy pile / construction products. It is therefore recommended that the Velcro strip either be taped over, or removed, and that if taped over, this should be checked periodically to ensure that the tape remains in place.

Weekly Cleaning

All carpeted areas should be given a thorough vacuum cleaning at least once a week.

Seasonal Cleaning

There are several methods available for the seasonal cleaning of carpets including spray extraction (also called steam cleaning), rotary brush shampooing, dry foam cleaning and dry powder systems. The method chosen and the frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of traffic, the nature of the soiling and the type of carpet. This type of cleaning is best left to the professional.

Further advice on approved professional cleaners is obtainable from the National Carpet Cleaners Association, Please click here to visit their website.

Stain Removal

No matter how careful a person is, sooner or later carpets will become stained as a result of spillage and domestic mishaps. Prompt and correct treatment will remove many of these stains and leave the carpet in a satisfactory state.

The golden rule with stains is to act quickly to remove the spilt substance before it penetrates the carpet pile. Stains which have been allowed to dry are more difficult if not impossible to remove.

Before applying any special treatment it is important to remove as much of the spillage as possible. In the case of liquids use a clean dry undyed cotton cloth or absorbent paper towels. Semi-solids and greasy materials should be removed with a spoon or back of a knife.

If the above action is taken quickly little penetration will have taken place and a final wipe over with a damp cloth, leaving the pile sloping in the correct direction, may be all that is needed to remove the stain. Any residual stains may be treated by either one of the following methods.

Water-based stains: e.g. tea, coffee, fruit juice, wine.

Always clean up a spill immediately. Do not spread the spill. If liquid, blot up as much as possible with a clean absorbent cloth or tissues. Pressing firmly, blot until no more liquid is easily removed.

If a stain is still apparent, dampen the area with clean water using a clean cloth or sponge without over wetting.

Repeat blotting. If a stain is still apparent dampen a cloth or sponge with water and a good proprietary brand carpet shampoo (diluting according to label). Apply to the stained area and blot until the stain has been removed. Then re-wet the stained area with clean water until all the shampoo has been removed.

Blot dry the area with a dry cloth or tissue. When the clean spot is almost dry, gently brush the area in one direction (high pile carpets only).

N.B. Some substances contain chemicals or bleaches which can permanently mark some carpet fibres.

Very hot tea or coffee, if not attended to quickly, may leave a stain and professional cleaning will be necessary.

Do not use washing-up liquid as this can leave sticky residues in the carpet and attract dirt.

Oil-based spills: e.g. butter, salad oil, cream

Always clean up a spill immediately.

If liquid, blot up as much as possible with a dry cloth or tissue. If solid, remove as much as possible with a spoon.

Dampen a cloth or sponge with a good proprietary brand carpet shampoo (diluting according label) and apply to the stained area. Blot until the stain has been removed. Repeat if necessary. Then re-wet the stained area with clean water until all the shampoo has been removed. Do not over wet.

Blot dry the area with a dry cloth or tissue. When the cleaned spot is almost dry, gently brush the area in one direction (high pile carpets only).

Very heavy oil based spills may not be fully removed by this method and professional cleaning will be necessary.

If you are unable to remove a stain or spill, consult a professional carpet cleaner or your local supplier.

All our wool carpets are covered by the WOW warranty - click here for more details: www.wowwarranty.com