subject: Cleaning a Carpet - Tips for Quality Solutions [print this page] If you have carpeting, there is a pretty good chance that, at some point in time, you are going to have to clean it. This article, Cleaning a Carpet: Tips for Quality Solutions, will provide you insight for cleaning your carpet in a safe and effective way.
A spill means that you must act quickly.
Speed is the first line of defense for a liquid spill. Use clean towels to soak up as much as possible. Blot; don't rub.
Removing the stain in another matter.
There are a plethora of tables available which match the nature of the stain to the method of cleaning. Techniques range from using cold water to treat stains made from artificially colored drinks to using sand paper to rub off scorch marks. What you will typically find is that you will be directed to try multiple cleaning solutions in a particular order. The last method listed is usually "call a professional."
General cleaning Your First Decision
The first decision that you will make is whether you will clean the carpet yourself or whether you will hire a professional. Doing it yourself may mean using a carpet cleaner that you already own; or it could require that you rent a machine from a local grocery or mart. Doing it yourself takes time, and you are practically guaranteed to work up a sweat. If you take this route, don't wear leather shoes, because the cleaning solutions have been known to enable the leather dye to transfer to the carpet. If you decide to hire a professional, the cost will increase, but a quality company should do an exceptional cleaning job.
Follow the Advice provided by the industry.
There are quite a few organizations for carpet cleaners. I recommend, however, that you go one step further, and look at the organizations of carpet manufacturers. Those who make carpet want it to be well cared for, and are good sources of advice. These organizations provide carpet cleaning tips, recommendations for cleaning solutions, and often a list of preferred cleaning companies. Some examples of companies whose advice is likely worth considering:
Wools of New Zealand (Woolsnz.com)
They provide a step by step routine maintenance guide, a table about stain removal, and have a list of professional cleaners from 23 countries.
WoolSafe Organisation (Woolsafe.org)
This is a UK based group with branches in the USA and in Australia. They recommend not only professional carpet cleaners, but also cleaning products. In fact WoolSafe provides certifications for each of these. They have a required training class for cleaning companies to be accredited, and they list tests that chemical cleaners must pass in order to earn their mark of certification. (Look for a round stamp with a picture of a horned New Zealand Merino Ram in the middle and "WoolSafe Approved" around the circumference.
Brintons Fine Carpet (Brintons.net)
This UK manufacturer provides a glossary of carpet terminology; advice on treating specific stains; carpet care, including instructions for vacuuming, dry foam cleaning, and deep cleaning.
The Carpet Foundation (carpetfoundation.com) is an organization of British carpet retailers. Their site provides general cleaning advice and instructions for how to address any sort of stain.
