Caring for your carpet

Recommendations after your project is complete

You may walk on your new carpet immediately. Vacuuming will remove loose fibers, and it is common to have fiber loss for the first 6 months.
During and immediately following the installation of your new carpet, there may be a slight odor, which may result from the removal of your old carpet and cushion or from the new carpet, cushion, adhesives or seaming tape. Ventilation with fresh air is recommended. Ideally, windows and doors should be opened, and the HVAC system should be operated at maximum capacity for 48 to 72 hours. The new carpet smell will clear very quickly, usually in less than 72 hours.

Preventive maintenance / carpet cleaning tips

The Quick Clean — Vacuum

Vacuuming removes dirt that dulls appearance
Select a vacuum with good suction and strong beater bars, which brush the carpet and loosen dirt
Change vacuum bags and filters regularly

Get your carpets professionally cleaned at least every 12 to 18 months, even if you clean them yourself in between

Professional cleaning methods include steam cleaning (known as hot water extraction), absorbent pad or bonnet cleaning, rotary shampoo, and dry foam powder
Lighter shade carpet may require cleaning more often

Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage carpet

Blot up liquids with white paper towel or absorbent cloth; scoop up solids with a spoon
Treat the spot according to manufacturer recommendations—Apply spot removal agent (Perky Spotter cleaner is available for purchase at our office) to clean towel or cloth, not directly to the spot. Use small quantities and always work inwards from the edge. Do not rub as this may cause the spot to spread or distort the pile. Do not over-wet the carpet pile. Blot as dry as possibly with clean towel.

Remember to stop dirt at the door

Use mats — Outdoor and indoor mats or runners with underlayment pads can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
Take off your shoes — You can save wear and tear on carpet by asking everyone to take off his or her shoes before entering your home.
Change your air filters — Change air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by manufacturer's directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the less that fall on the carpet.

Questions?

Basic area rug care

Beating larger rugs — If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside first; then put it over a clothesline and beat it. Next, take the rug inside and vacuum it. If the label says dry clean only, then roll it up and take it to a dry cleaner. Save time and aggravation by calling first to see if the cleaner does rug cleaning — many do not.

Vacuuming area rugs — Area rugs with fringe require special technique. Use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe and being careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe. For wool rugs, you should disable the beater bar on the vacuum.

Caring for Oriental, Turkish or Persian rugs — Clean imported rugs according to your carpet manufacturer's specifications or bring in a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom-type rugs, you need professionals.

Product expectations

In the months following installation, you may notice some shedding or sprouting. This is normal and will not affect the carpet's life or beauty. Here's what to do:

Shedding — The shedding of loose fibers is normal and should subside with regular vacuuming.
Sprouting — If a single tuft extends beyond the carpet's surface, simply clip it off. Do not pull it out.
Pile reversal or shading — This seeming color change may occur in various parts of the carpet, caused by light being reflected in different ways as pile fibers are bend in different directions. This is not a defect but a characteristic of plush carpet.
Wrinkling — If ripples occur, call us. It may be necessary to professionally re-stretch the carpet.

Depressions or indentations

The weight of heavy pieces of furniture can cause indentations in carpet. Some depressions may be permanent. 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. To remedy depressions, work the carpet pile back into place with your fingertips or the edge of a spoon, then, dampen the area and use a hair dryer on a COOL setting, working the fibers with your fingers or a spoon.

Stain-resistant carpet
Almost all carpet manufactured today has finishes that make it more stain- and soil-resistant, but no carpet is entirely stain proof. It still requires care. Remove spots and spills promptly. If spills or soils are allowed to remain, they may become permanent. Call the phone number normally found on the carpet warranty to obtain specific information about cleaning the carpet.