Use and Care Guide

Appearance Retention in Heavy-Use Areas - Carpet in heavily
traveled areas receives the most abuse. The use of small rugs in front of
heavily used chairs or furniture may reduce wear. Remove and clean
these while vacuuming the primary carpet or rug. Move furniture and
reverse area rugs to change the traffic flow.
Crushing - Crushing is the loss of pile thickness due to foot
traffic. It is not a manufacturing defect unless specifically cited in the
manufacturer’s warranty. Regular vacuuming can help reduce
crushing. Manufacturers’ definitions of crushing may vary.
Depressions - The weight of heavy pieces of furniture can put
indentations in carpet. Use furniture glides or cups under the legs
of heavy pieces, or move your furniture a few inches backward or
sideways so that the weight is not concentrated in one place.
If depressions do occur, spritz the indentations with water in a spray
bottle. Hold a hair dryer, set on medium, a few inches above the
indentation. As the spot is drying use your fingers to gently work
the pile upright and in the opposite direction.
Fading or Color Loss - Give carpet the normal protection from
direct sunlight that you give any colored fabric. Fading can be caused
by emissions from heating fuels or chemicals, such as pesticides,
household cleaning agents, and other household items.
Filtration Soiling - Filtration soiling may appear as dark or grayish
lines on carpet along walls, stairways, around vents, and under
doors. It is caused by airflow over and through the carpet that allows
fine, airborne soils to settle on the carpet surface, and sometimes
may be attributed to an improperly balanced ventilation system.
This type of soiling, while sometimes permanent, requires special
treatments for effective removal. Contact a carpet-cleaning
professional for assistance.
Fluffing or Shedding - The balls of fluff found on carpet or in the
vacuum cleaner bag, are merely loose bits of fiber left in the carpet
from the manufacturing process. Removing these loose fibers does
not affect the carpet life or quality. Because of the large micron size
(>90 microns), these particles are too large to become airborne or
respirable (<.4 microns). With proper vacuuming, using a quality
vacuum cleaner, most shedding gradually disappears within the first
year after installation.
Matting - Matting, the untwisting of the fiber and intermingling
of the yarn tips, is usually the result of concentrated foot traffic and
possibly inadequate maintenance. But other factors, including
improperly specified cushion or cushion failure, can also be the
cause. Matting is not considered a manufacturing defect unless
specifically cited in the manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturers’
definitions of matting may vary.
Moth and Beetle Control - Wool and wool-blend carpet made in
the United States is treated to be permanently moth resistant.
Carpet and rugs made of man-made fibers are naturally resistant to
insects. Synthetic carpet fiber is resistant to beetles, commonly called
1817
Most cleaning methods can be used on synthetic fibers; however,
natural fibers sometimes require specialized care. (See
Which Cleaning
Method for Various Fibers,
page 2). Do-it-yourself cleaning of area
rugs containing natural fibers other than cotton is discouraged.
Bath Mats and Small Rugs - Many bath mats and small rugs can be
cleaned in a washing machine. Wash them in warm water (90
º
F -
105
º
F) using a neutral (mild) detergent. Rinse thoroughly, and tumble
dry using the lowest possible heat setting. Larger bath mats and rugs
may be spread in a shaded area and brushed lightly to facilitate drying.
Entry Mats - Entry mats are valuable to limit soil from the outside.
For full benefit, remove soil frequently. Once they are filled with
soil, they become a source for additional soil. To remove dry soil
from entry mats, vacuum regularly. Remove embedded soil weekly
by shaking or striking with a brush. For a thorough cleaning, wash
entry mats with a brush and mild detergent solution, rinsing
thoroughly. Allow them to dry completely before vacuuming.
Outdoor Carpet - Maintain outdoor carpet installed indoors in the
same manner as other carpet in your home. When the carpet is used
outdoors, sweep surface litter with a broom or deck brush. For a
thorough, overall cleaning, wash outdoor carpet with a good carpet-
cleaning solution. Follow dilution instructions carefully. Spread solu-
tions over outdoor carpet with a garden sprayer. Using a scrub
brush, work the solution into the pile. Rinse thoroughly with a
garden hose, and allow carpet to dry completely before vacuuming.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Following carpet installation, questions may arise pertaining to
common characteristics of carpet. These characteristics are usually
for a short duration or are easily remedied.
Further questions can be directed to the carpet retailer or the
carpet manufacturer.