How To Extend The Life Of Your Carpets

How To Treat Carpets

Proper carpet maintenance is the key to the carpet installation in terms of its cost to the owner as well as appearance level. Carpeting in use cost is determined by carpet life and carpet life can be materially reduced if a proper maintenance system is not followed and if the proper cleaning equipment is not on hand. A carpet maintenance program must be planned to handle the four (4) types of soil carpets are exposed to:

Dry Dirt such as sand, dust, ashes and other loose soil, as well as surface litter that does not adhere to the fibers and can be removed by vacuuming.

Water Soluble and Suspended Soils such as mud and non-greasy food stuffs, spillages which can be removed with water soluble chemicals.

Petroleum Soluble Soils such as grease, tars, asphalt and airborne materials which are spilled, tracked and blown into occupied areas. They adhere stubbornly to carpet fibers and must be removed with special detergents and cleaning agents.

Stains and Discolorations such as ink, blood, urine, paints, etc. which must be removed as they occur with specials materials and techniques.

Most carpet colors and patterns are designed to hide or subdue the appearance of soiling. This does not mean, however, that carpets should not be cleaned until they appear dirty. On the contrary, the most important reason for cleaning carpets is to prolong the life of the carpet. Loose dirt, dust, sand and other particles will quickly work down into the middle of the carpet and serve to grind and wear out the fibers of the pile.

Furthermore, soil that has worked into the pile will be much more difficult to remove. This soil is also a breeding place for bacteria. Carpets should be vacuumed daily to help prevent this migration and destruction.

The following steps make up a complete maintenance procedure:

� Vacuum lightly every day
� Vacuum thoroughly once a week
� Spot clean immediately
� Clean heavily soiled areas and traffic lanes frequently (yarn pad method)
� Use extractor regularly
� Shampoo as needed
� Spray with anti-static as needed

It is important to have the proper janitorial equipment to achieve the objectives for your facility. Good planning and a good system will result in longer carpet life and a cleaner, healthier facility.

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