When it comes to maintaining your carpet, one of the most critical areas of focus is the traffic area. If soil is not removed on a regular basis, the traffic areas will begin to wear excessively. The dirt is extremely abrasive against the fibers of the carpet as you walk back and forth on it. The second area of focus is spot removal. You must react to "danger " spots immediately. Red wine, red beverages, urine, blood, etc. can cause a permanent stain if not treated immediately. Listed below are the steps that you must take to properly maintain your carpeting.

Vacuuming

Vacuum your carpet often, twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the abrasive soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Vacuum before the carpet looks soiled. Remove any loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. as these items can cause a spot on the carpet.

Professional Cleaning

As a general rule, carpet cleaning by a professional, certified firm should take place at least once a year. For heavy traffic areas, cleaning may be required more often. Proper professional cleaning will not leave a sticky residue behind and can be done as many times per year as needed. MANY STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING EVERY 2 YEARS. Professional cleaning removes the damaging soil in traffic areas that vacuuming has not been able to remove.
WARNING: UNINFORMED CARPET CLEANERS MAY VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

Warranty

Stain resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL. See our Spot Removal Guide for more information!

Spot Removal & Interim Cleaning

Immediate spot removal is key to a clean carpet. You must take great care when spot cleaning! When a carpet is new, or has sufficient protector on it, plain tap water will remove many spots. However, for those spots that will not move easily with water, you must use a spot cleaner. Select a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained certified professional cleaner. Most spot removers that are purchased over the counter leave too much soap residue and can cause yellowing. Avoid using foam carpet cleaners or any product that is not made specifically for carpet (we have a great one, just ask the technician).

Apply spot cleaner sparingly to terry cloth and gently massage spot causing it to transfer into the cloth. Never pour spot cleaner directly on carpet. If the product that you are using seems to cause the spot to reappear over a few weeks, discontinue use. For any spot that you are not able to remove, such as pet urine or feces, call us immediately. Read over our Spot Removal Guide for additional tips.

Protective Coatings

Residential carpets are treated with stain resist properties and soil resistors. The carpet manufacturers recommend that you re-apply protector after cleaning. The soil resistor will help the soil slide off the carpet easier when vacuuming, spots will be easier to remove, and professional cleaning will be more effective.

(From U.S. EPA Letter, January 1989)