Use and Care Guide

solutions may cause accelerated re-soiling. Be sure to rinse all detergent
from the carpet to prevent accelerated resoiling.
• Do not overwet the carpet. Overwetting may cause
separation of the backing, separation of the seams, shrinkage,
discoloration, and odor.
• The carpet should be dry within 12 hours. Provide proper
ventilation or use fans to accelerate the drying process and exhaust
any existing solution-related fragrances.
• Allow the carpet to dry completely before walking on it.
SPOT CLEANING
Stain-resist treatments provided on most carpets are designed
to repel most acid-based dyes in many, but not all, foods and
beverages. With proper patience and prompt attention, most
common household spills can be removed.
For successful spot removal, the following suggestions should be
followed. It may be necessary to contact a carpet-cleaning
professional for assistance with stubborn stains that require a great
deal of extra effort to remove.
Spot Removal Procedures
Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a
stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate
action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a
spill becoming a permanent stain.
Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is
completely stain proof.
Complete removal of many common spills may require repeated use
of a single solution, or the use of a combination of solutions. Always
use the solutions in the concentrations recommended. Continue
using each solution as long as there is noticeable improvement or
transfer of the spill. Follow the simple steps carefully, in sequence.
SPOT REMOVAL STEPS
Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white
(no printing) paper towels.
Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the
affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the
area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a
rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until
completely removed.
If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the Spot Removal
Guide and follow the directions carefully.
Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make
certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye in carpet.
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WHICH CLEANING METHOD FOR
VARIOUS FIBERS?
The majority of carpet manufactured today is constructed with syn-
thetic fibers, such as nylon, polyester, or olefin, and may be cleaned
with most cleaning methods. Other fibers can require special attention.
Synthetic fibers can be cleaned by different methods, rely on the
carpet manufacturer’s recommendations.
When choosing any cleaning method, select cleaning agents sold
especially for stain-resistant carpet cleaning, and follow the directions for
dilution and application. Never use soap, laundry detergent, automatic
dishwasher detergent, or any of the strong household cleaning agents
intended for use on hard surfaces, such as woodwork, linoleum, or tile.
For best cleaning results, always vacuum the area to be cleaned first
and apply a pre-conditioning solution, to begin loosening soil, prior to
cleaning. These solutions typically require 8-10 minutes to begin
loosening soil.
Natural fibers may require specialized care, therefore rely on the
carpet manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning:
Wool fibers - Excessive agitation and excessive heat should be
avoided. Wool is easily damaged by bleaches and alkalies.
Clean wool with neutral detergents (pH 5.0 - 8.0) and dry quickly
to limit yellowing or browning.
Silk should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. These fibers
may be damaged by high temperatures, high pH (>9) and sunlight,
and will lose strength when wet.
The cleaning of silk fibers is best
left to carpet-cleaning professionals
.
Plant fibers include sisal, jute, coconut (coir), pineapple, ramie, and
hemp.
For these fibers, it is best to use a carpet-cleaning professional.
DO-IT-YOURSELF CLEANING
For any do-it-yourself cleaning method, the following points
are critical:
• Always vacuum first to remove as much dry soil as possible.
• Follow instructions carefully!
Consider the following precautions with a wet-cleaning method:
• Remove furniture from the room before cleaning or, if impractical,
place plastic film under and around the legs of chairs, tables, and
other furniture to prevent rust or furniture stains from developing
on the carpet.
• Use only the recommended cleaning solution strength. Stronger
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