Use and Care Guide

stain remains, blot with household hydrogen peroxide. (Slight
bleaching may occur.) If no change in affected area, consult with a
carpet care professional.
Insecticides - Some insecticides may attack red dyes used in beige
carpet leaving the blue and yellow dyes, which together form
permanent green colorations.
Mustard - Some mustards contain very strong dyes that are difficult
to remove. Quick action will minimize staining. It may be necessary
to remove the stained area and insert an undamaged section of carpet.
Optical Brighteners - Any cleaning solution with optical brighteners
should not be used to clean carpet because they contain fluorescent
dyes that may bleach or discolor carpet fibers. They may exhibit a
lavender cast in areas where the solution has been used and can
eventually oxidize, causing a yellow discoloration on the fiber.
Plant Foods - Many plant foods contain oxidizing ingredients that
alter carpet dyes, leaving green, yellow, or brown discolorations.
These stains typically occur near the carpet backing and migrate up
the pile fiber.
Rust - Use one part white vinegar and one part water. Using a dry
white cloth, dip into solution and dab solution onto affected area.
Immediately apply 1/2 inch layer of white paper towels to the affected
area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object (that will not fade).
Leave for approximately 30 minutes changing paper towels as needed.
Repeat as long as stain is getting lighter. If no change in affected
area, call a carpet care professional.
Strong Chemicals - Some cleaning solutions with high alkalinity, such
as laundry detergents, may cause yellowing. Products, such as drain and
oven cleaners, may cause permanent bleaching of the carpet color.
CLEANING RUGS, MATS AND
OUTDOOR CARPET
From the modest welcome mat to the antique treasure, all rugs
require regular care to prolong life and appearance. Dry soil,
environmental pollutants, and spills can also damage the fibers of
rugs and reduce their useful life. To properly care for your rugs,
vacuum regularly to remove dry soil, taking care with fringe and
edging. Restorative cleaning should take place at regular intervals
to remove embedded soils.
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Acid Substances - Strong acids, such as battery acids and some
tile-cleaning compounds require prompt action to prevent serious
damage to carpet. First, flush the affected area with water. Using a
white absorbent cloth blot up the excess liquid and repeat the
process several times until the acid is diluted and washed away.
Finally, blot the area with a solution prepared by adding one (1)
tablespoon of baking soda to one (1) quart of warm water. Rinse
again. Dry the carpet as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Acne Medications - Benzoyl peroxide is a strong oxidizing solution
used in most acne medications and is capable of destroying most
carpet dyes. Benzoyl peroxide can be transferred through direct
contact of the skin with the carpet, or through the shedding of skin
scales containing benzoyl peroxide. Because of a slow reaction time,
this chemical will remain on the carpet fibers for months before
activation by moisture or humidity. As the chemical reaction continues,
the center of the affected area can be bleached white with a pink or
orange halo around the outer edges.
Bleaching Solutions - Many household cleaning products contain
bleaching ingredients that can destroy carpet color, leaving a white
or yellow discoloration.
Blood - To remove blood, use only cool cleaning solutions to
prevent setting the stain.
Burns - Burn damage can be remedied only by reweaving,
re-tufting, or re-sectioning the damaged area. However, an
area of charred carpet can be improved by carefully clipping
off blackened ends of tufts, using small, sharp scissors. Trim
surrounding tufts to minimize indentations.
Candle Wax or Chewing Gum - Freeze with ice by placing the ice in a
metal pan and setting pan on top of wax or gum. Allow to sit for about
10 minutes, until frozen. Break with a blunt instrument (e.g. a knife
handle). Vacuum up the pieces. Repeat until removed. Using alcohol
or a dry cleaning solvent on a white absorbent cloth, blot the spot to
dissolve the remaining residue and remove with fingers.
Dye Stains - Many beverages, medicines, cosmetics, foods and other
liquids contain dyes that can be absorbed into the fibers, making
removal very slow or impossible. Follow dye spot-removal proce-
dures on the chart. If removal does not appear to be possible, call a
carpet-cleaning professional for advice. Sometimes the stain can be
hidden by spot dyeing, re-tufting, or by repairing the affected area.
Ink (Ballpoint Pen) - Follow recommended procedures on the Spot
Removal Guide to contain the spill, using rubbing alcohol as the dry
cleaning solvent. Rubbing alcohol (90% isopropyl) can be used as a
dry cleaning solvent by applying with a cloth or towel. Do not pour
the alcohol directly on the carpet.
Inkjet Cartridge - Blot with dry absorbent white cloth, use a wet vac
or extraction machine to remove as much of the residue as possible.
Blot with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) applied with a white cloth, if
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