State of the art technology coupled with perpetual research and development has resulted in carpet fibers that resist matting and crushing and are far more stain resistant. The quality and type of carpet fibers used will have a direct impact on the durability and life of your carpet. Certain carpet fibers are more stain resistant than others, while certain fibers display a higher degree of resistance to matting and crushing.
Olefin fibers are the most stain resistant of all fibers used in the manufacture of carpet; however they tend to matt and crush easily. Olefin fiber is solution dyed, making it unique among carpet fibers, facilitating the use of a bleach water solution that will not damage or discolor the carpet when cleaned. Polyester is inherently more stain resistant than nylon; however it is not as resilient.
Routine maintenance of your carpet will ensure optimum performance in terms of durability and aesthetics. Carpet construction is designed to hide dirt and soil and the fibers are treated with chemicals that have the ability to resist soiling and stains. This coupled with certain inherent stain resistant qualities of the fibers itself, has resulted in carpets that are more stain resistant and are less likely to abrade and discolor.
Regular vacuuming is the key to maintaining the luster and health of carpet. Particles of dirt, dust and soil contain sharp edges and will cut into the fibers of a carpet, thus reducing its sheen and giving it a lack luster appearance. Regular vacuuming will remove these particles from the surface of the carpet, preventing them from being trodden into the carpet pile and thus abrading the fiber. For plush carpets, utilize a vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush head, in order to loosen and remove soil and dust particles that are present on the surface as well as deeper in the pile. When vacuuming a loop pile carpet, it is advisable to use a suction vacuum only, in order to prevent the fibers from fuzzing.
Due to their tight level loop construction, berber carpets are easier to maintain as dirt particles cannot penetrate the pile. As the carpet is vacuumed, the soil and dust particles are easily lifted off the surface of the carpet by the vacuum cleaner, as opposed to a plush constructed carpet which is more difficult to vacuum due to soil and dust particles penetrating the shag and settling deep within the carpet pile. Always ensure that the vacuum cleaner head is free of any protrusions, nicks or gouges, as these will damage the carpet fibers and cause unnecessary wear and tear.
Spills must be cleaned up immediately with the use of a sponge and a dabbing motion. It is important to dab a carpet and not rub it, to ensure that as much liquid as possible is soaked up by the sponge. Dabbing the carpet will facilitate the removal of topical spills without spreading the spill or pushing it deeper into the carpet pile. Often, one will clean up a spill and later find that the stain has re-appeared. This is a common occurrence and is caused by the spill penetrating the carpet pad that is then reabsorbed by the carpet when foot pressure is applied to the affected area. This scenario can also be the cause of carpet odors that tend to linger, as the odor has been absorbed into the pad; in which case normal cleaning methods are insufficient. If your household contains pets, it is a good idea to purchase a pad with a spill barrier, as this will prevent liquids such as pet urine from penetrating the carpet and settling in the carpet pad where the odor can linger.
Always follow the manufacturers recommended guidelines with regards to approved cleaning methods and materials. Following the guidelines will ensure optimum performance of your carpet as well as ensuring the adherence of all warranty guidelines.
