Use and Care Guide

REGULAR CARPET CARE
Carpet fibers are designed to hide soil and reflect light. Consequently,
soil in carpet is not as visible as it is on smooth flooring where soil
remains on the surface and is easily seen. The ability of today’s carpet
fibers to hide soiling is a positive feature for most consumers.
However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the need for
regular cleaning. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed
to remain in the pile.
Even with carpet’s ability to resist soiling and stains, a regular
maintenance program extends the life and appearance of your carpet.
Specific carpet care information may be available from your carpet
dealer, carpet manufacturer or fiber producer.
VACUUMING - WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Whether you’re cleaning out the spare bedroom or just tidying up
around the house, it is important that dirt and dust are removed,
not simply moved around or thrown back into the breathing zone.
Properly vacuuming carpet is the easiest and most effective way to
keep your carpet clean. It may be surprising, but something as simple
as regular vacuuming can also have the largest impact on the
cleanliness of your home and the air you breathe.
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recommends vacuuming areas
often that receive the most traffic, such as hallways, stairs, and
exterior entryways in the home. Ideally, vacuum all the floor
coverings a minimum of once a week, and the high-traffic areas
more often, based on the usage. If you have pets, you may need to
vacuum some areas daily. Removing loose soil while it remains on
the carpet’s surface is important so that it is not walked into the
carpet pile.
Use a vacuum cleaner that effectively removes soil and
minimizes generating dust from the filter and around the
machine while keeping the carpet looking good. To help
consumers select an effective vacuum, CRI initiated the
Vacuum Cleaner Indoor Air Quality Testing Program.
Vacuum cleaner models evaluated by an independent
testing laboratory are tested for removing soil adequately,
containing the dust in the machine and in the filter bag,
and carpet appearance retention. Those that achieve the
carpet industry’s standard are identified by the CRI as
“Green Label.” Because of the impact of vacuum cleaners
on indoor air, cleaning efficiency can vary significantly, it is
important to identify models that clean well and protect the
indoor environment. Vacuum cleaners that have met the CRI Green
Label Standards are listed on CRI’s website: www. carpet-rug.com.
Vacuum Cleaner Selection
For maximum effectiveness, use a vacuum cleaner with adjustable
and rotating brushes that can loosen ground-in soil and has a strong
enough airflow to penetrate to the backing, removing all particles.
The vacuum cleaner should have an enclosed, high filtration bag
that limits particles re-circulating into the air. Regularly using a CRI
Green Label vacuum cleaner will maintain a cleaner indoor
environment. For the best cleaning results, no matter what type
vacuum cleaner you purchase, inspect it periodically to be sure it is
functioning properly:
• Keep brushes clean and replace them when worn.
• Keep vacuum hoses and attachments free of obstructions that
restrict airflow.
• Inspect the vacuum head for rough edges or bent metal that may
damage your carpet.
• Inspect belts frequently to make certain they are working properly.
• Always keep a spare belt for replacement as needed.
• Follow the vacuum cleaner manufacturer’s instructions, and
change the filter bag when it reaches the “full line.”
DEEP CLEANING - WHEN, WHY, & WHO
Daily vacuuming is the most important cleaning activity, but
restorative cleaning must be performed to remove stubborn or
embedded soil. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that
carpet be cleaned using a restorative cleaning method every 12
months before soiling shows.
Use a cleaning method recommended
by the carpet manufacturer to maintain your warranty.
Professional Cleaning Services should be considered before your
carpet and rugs begin to show soil. Letting carpet and rugs become
excessively soiled will make cleaning more difficult and shorten the
carpet’s useful life.
Obtain recommendations from satisfied friends, carpet retailers, the
Better Business Bureau, and local business groups for reliable, certified
cleaning professionals in your area.
In order to determine the amount and type of cleaning services
needed, have the cleaning representative come to your home for a
visual inspection. He or she can check the carpet for problem
stains or excessively soiled areas that require additional attention.
Obtain a written agreement for all work to be performed. Under
normal circumstances, there should be no extra charge for moving
furniture, preconditioning, and routine spot and stain removal.
Beware of pricing that is “too good to be true.” Professionals should
charge only for services that are authorized in writing before
cleaning begins. Most cleaning is based on the total number of
square feet to be cleaned. Many firms have cleaning specials;
however, pricing by the room or low prices quoted over the phone
may have hidden restrictions or additional cost add-ons. A reliable
firm will tell you the steps needed to clean your carpet and provide
a written agreement before work begins. If you question the need for
any required add-ons, contact the carpet manufacturer for assistance.
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For Program Information
Carpet and Rug Institute
800-882-8846
www.carpet-rug.com
VACUUM CLEANER
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
TESTING PROGRAM
ID #:
Meets Carpet
Industry Standards for
✓ Soil Removal
✓ Dust Containment
✓ Appearance Retention