Archive for category Carpet Cleaning
What Are The Bebefits Of Carpet Cleaning?
Posted by Ian Harper in Carpet Cleaning on February 16, 2012
Turkish Rugs
Posted by Ian Harper in Rug Cleaning, Rugs on February 15, 2012
The art of weaving rugs and carpets was introduced in Turkeyduring the time of the Seljuk Empire around 11th century. The rug craft came first to Anatolia. 18 carpets and fragments have survived to present days and are known as Seljuk Origin fragments. Eight of these carpets were discovered in the Aladdin Mosque in the town of Konya – the former capital of Anatolian Seljuk. The oldest surviving Seljuk carpets are dated from the 13th –14th centuries.
Obviously, carpet weaving has long history and traditions inTurkey. The Turkish carpets are know as “Kilims” and they are one of the biggest competitors of Iranian (Persian) “Gelims”.
Turkish rugs have excellent quality and design. Both flat weaves and pile weaves are used. The rugs are mainly woollen as they appear to be used as protection from cold. Therefore they are more than an art – they are a way of life. The specialists determine the Turkish rug motifs as special language, developed by several generations. The weavers, mainly women, had used the carpets patterns for expression of their life, emotions and dreams. The rugs from different regions, though using different symbols, speak the same language… Sheep’s eyes, knifes and the “hands on hips” motif, a very old symbol denoting female fertility, are among the frequently seen motifs on the Turkish rugs.
Because of the extreme low temperatures inAnatoliaand other regions, the Turkish rug craft was mainly focused on the weaving of woollen carpets (both from sheep and goats wool). Cotton threads are traditionally used as a foundation, while the pile is from wool spun yarns. There are samples of silk carpets as well, but woollen carpets are the traditional ones.
The traditional kilims are flat rugs. Their design is created by using weft threads with different colours. The woven technique used is very interesting as well: the two weft threads of different colours do not join or cross, thus forming slits between the wefts.
The quality of the wool used in Turkish carpets varies depending on the sheep breed, the climate and season of the shearing. Sheep flocks leaving in warm and dry places give wool with less strength and elongation possibilities. High quality wool is obtained from healthy and well-fed sheep, which leave in cold and wet regions.
Wool yarns are hand-spun by using primitive utensils called kirmen (drop spindle) and by spinning wheels. The yarns are died with natural dyes.
There are different places inTurkeywhere the craft of rug weaving is developed and have long traditions, to mention only:Antalya,Bergama, Hereke, Taspinar, Milas,kars,Kayseri, Yagcibedir, etc.
Turkmen carpets are variety of Turkish kilims. Turkmen is a Turkish clan, which lives today inTurkmenistanandUzbekistanas well as northern parts ofIranandAfghanistan. The art of Turkmen carpets descend from the Turkish artisans and there are several artefacts that the bigger and stronger Turkmen clans developed rug weaving in ancient times.
General pattern of Turkmen carpet shows no important evolution. It is considered that Turkmen motifs preserve in their primary static state, as the oldest carpet in the world, have the same weaving style: repetitive images on a single colour background.
If you are owner of a Turkish kilim, you may ensure its proper maintenance. Ask the sellers for details about cleaning and care as well as look for professionals in the field of carpet cleaning. This way a small keepsake of the Seljuk Empire will continue leaving at your home.
Free Guide On Carpet Cleaning Here
Oriental Wool Rugs
Posted by Ian Harper in Rug Cleaning, Rugs on February 14, 2012
Modern Rug. How Things Change
Oriental wool rugs
The group of oriental rugs includes rugs coming from a broad geographical region starting from China and Vietnam in the east, to Turkey and Iran in the west and the Caucasus from the north to India in the south. People from different cultures, countries, racial groups and religions are involved in the production of oriental rugs. By their country of origin the rugs can be divided into Persian rugs, Anatolian (Turkish) rugs, Kurdish rugs, Caucasian rugs, Central Asian rugs, Turkestan rugs, Chinese rugs and Tibetan rugs.
The region of Turkey, Iran (Persia) and China are specifically called the “carpet belt”. It is considered that the production of piled carpets via knotting has appeared as a nomadic craft and therefore has been spread with nomads. The authentic oriental rugs are handmade. As a nomadic craft, they have been primarily made of sheep and goat wool. Furthermore they have developed towards application of finer or shorter yarns. The finest wool fibres come from Turkey and Persia. Khorasan and Kirman are also famous for their fine and velvety wool, used in production of rugs with soft handle.
The wool from the Caucasus and Central Asia is stronger, being at the same time suitable for production f wool rugs with lustrous pile. Oriental wool rugs are either piled carpets with knots or woven carpets without pile. The specialists consider that any other way of production, which includes machines, does not lead to production of authentic oriental carpets. The pile is made from wool, but silk yarns may be used in some knots for highlights. Cotton threads form the most common foundation for knotted rugs.
The Persian weaving traditions influence the wool rug weaving in many countries. Indian patterns, for example, are very similar to the used in Persian rugs, with slight Indian variations. However there is a big difference in the material used: the fibres in the wool spun yarns used in Indian rugs are coarser than that used in Persian rugs. Pakistani rugs have the same origin.
Iran and Turkey are known for the best quality piled oriental wool rugs. The motifs used in the rugs reflect the real life of the particular village where the carpet was woven. The wool rugs from Afghanistan remind the rugs made in Caucasus and Turkey. Caucasian rugs come from the region northwest of Iran and reflect a complex culture and ethnography. Chinese and Tibetan rugs look altogether different due to difference in the wool and types of knots. The motifs are also different due to the influence of Buddhism and Taoism. The quality of the piled rug depends on the knot density. As greater is the number of knots, as compact is the pile and higher the quality. Usually the knots density is measured in kpsi, which means number of knots in square inch.
A very good quality knotted wool rug may have from 330 knots per square inch. Having such a rug of high quality you need perfect maintenance. Together with the regular vacuum cleaning you have to think about professional care in order to enjoy as much as possible the cosiness of having oriental wool rug at your home.
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Iranian Carpets
Posted by Ian Harper in Rugs, Wool on February 13, 2012
Iranian carpets
Speaking in modern time about Iranian carpets, actually former Persian carpets are foreseen. Everything concerning way of manufacturing, design, materials used and woven techniques come form ancient times and the culture and traditions of Persia. Therefore the Iranian carpet, called Gelim, is truly considered as the oldest flow covering in the world. Not only because of the fairy-tales stories Iran is synonym of carpets and rugs. Traditionally, the Iranian rugs are made from wool, with cotton warp threads. They are plane or with pile. The wefts and the pile are made from wool yarns, preliminary dyed in order to create the colored pattern. Both vertical and horizontal looms are used for weaving. There could be modifications of the Persian gelim with pile, called as well Persian knotted gelim: both warp and weft threads could be made from cotton fibers and only the pile threads to be woolen or silk ones. Patterns are very different and depend mainly on the particular place of origin or the traditions of the particular nomad tribe.
The most productive period in the history of carpets and rugs craft in Perisa was between 15th and 17th centuries. A capital of the country was the city of Isfahan, situated in the western parts of Central Iran. Even today Isfahan carpets are famous by their quality. The typical design includes deep red and blue colors among total number of 15 colors per carpet. The background is in light ivory. Usually a centrally placed medallion is surrounded by floral motifs. Typical for the very old Isfahan carpets is the use of cotton yarns as warp and weft thread. Later silk yarns replace the cotton warp while the weft is made by both wool and silk fibers (rarely cotton fibers). The knot rugs use soft wool for the pile, which is between 120 to 840 knots per square inch. Another famous by its carpets and rugs
Persian town is Bakhshaish. The typical design of Bakhshaish rugs includes the so-called Herati pattern with central medallion and “tortoise” border. By contrast with Isfahan carpets several geometrical motifs are used here. The clean symmetry is the most distinguished for Bakhshaish rugs. Their colours are very typical: the medallion is made by yarns with bright colors, while the background involves lighter colours. The weft and warp yarns are spun from wool or cotton. The pile is woollen. The knots are very tight, which makes the rugs extremely stable in wearing out.
Another place in Iran, famous with the production of Persian carpets is the town of Bidjar, situated in Kurdistan. The most important characteristics of Bidjat rugs is their durability and weight, therefore they are known as “the iron rugs”. The Herati design is frequently used as well as geometrical and curvilinear patterns. The colour palette includes ochre, navy, orange, beige and ivory, cherry red, brown, light blue, pink, yellow. The pile of Bidjar rugs is distinguished for being higher, compared with other Iranean rugs. Very high quality wool fibres are used for the pile.
The foundation of very old carpets was made by wool threads as well. The most important here is the technology of beating up the knots row. The beating is very strong, which makes the carpet very tight. On the other hand, the beating provokes high tension in both warp and weft threads. This precondition the requirement that Bidjar rugs cannot be folded, but only rolled, if needed. Having such a high quality Persian carpet is expensive and at the same time very big pleasure. You have to take care for proper cleaning and professional maintenance in order to enjoy it for very long time. This way you will experience every day the oriental fairy-tale stories about he Persian flying carpets… staying at your home.
NHS Bill 2012 & Cleaning
Posted by Ian Harper in News, NHS on February 10, 2012
NHS Bill 2012 & Cleaning
Its was nice to hear the prime minister at question time this week report that infections are down in hospitals but for how long? Cleaning is fundamental to hospitals but so is this drive to save money. So can they find middle ground? Winners of cleaning contacts have always been picked on the cheapest but is this the best way?
Should cleaning contacts be picked on value? Price is what you pay but value is what you get. Its all well and good NHS managers picking a contractor and then washing their hands of the responsibility. When someone dies of an infection who should be responsible? Should it be the cleaner, cleaning supervisor, contractor manager, contractor director, or the person in the hospital responsible for contact with the contractor or some NHS manager?
What would the law have to say about this issue? I think we need to know as the person that ends up taking responsibility should know that they could be standing in some court some day. Maybe then infections will be reduced even more.
ECO FRIENDLY CARPET CLEANERS- THE ‘NATURAL’ FRIEND
Posted by Ian Harper in Eco on September 19, 2011
One of the crucial aspects in the modern world today in the realm of environment related research and development is eco friendly carpet cleaners. It has been observed by many experts in this particular field that there seems to be a definite increasing trend in awareness issues regarding the probable impacts on health in case of carpet cleaning (ill effects due to allergic reaction chemicals).
Most of the carpet cleaning service companies are not able to provide top quality eco friendly carpet cleaners, but a few selected organizations from these have, in recent years, effectively greened up their different products. If one requires his or her carpet to be cleaned properly and in a right manner (without harming the quality of the carpet) within a short span of time then he or she must take the initiative of calling up this kind of service provider and sort out the relevant queries. In case a service provider has got no concrete ideas regarding the composition of the eco friendly carpet cleaner, that whether it is chemical based or plant based, then they should not be approached to render services. Moreover, the point regarding high end systems for the proper treatment of transport wastewater after cleaning of the carpets must also be genuinely considered (making them free of allergic reaction chemicals).
But nowadays there are certain top class companies that are committed in providing eco friendly carpet cleaners. These companies take into account the potential harmful effects of using carpet cleaners that are not eco friendly (causing health hazards like asthma allergic reaction) and accordingly prepare their products with primary ingredient of natural solutions. A few examples of this type of companies are Simple Green, Capture, and Nature Clean etc. Moreover, there are a handful companies that provide even better quality eco friendly carpet cleaners when compared to those made up of ordinary natural solutions. One such company is the Chem Dry, that chiefly uses cleaning bubbles (carbonating) to remove the dirt from the carpet fibers. As per the claims of the company, it strictly adheres to avoiding any variety of harmful detergent or any type of enzyme solution that are responsible for causing asthma allergic reaction or itchy rash allergic reaction. Another company that provides quality eco friendly carpet cleaners is called Zoots that mainly has operations through dry cleaning stores.
Sum and substance, the core of the above discussion is the usage of eco friendly carpet cleaners in the domestic premises of millions of homes is quintessentially essential in order to safeguard a person of any age from unfortunate health hazards (like asthma allergic reaction).
Stain Removal Tips
Posted by Ian Harper in Anti-Stain Treatment, Tips on September 14, 2011
First Aid Stain Treatment for your carpets
Follow the advice below to avoid causing unnecessary damage to your carpets and furniture.
The Golden Rule
Never ever rub the stain whatever it may be.If you do this you will cause pile burst which results in frizzing.This can not be rectified.
When carpets are manufactured each fibre has a heat set memory built into it.When you rub you cause friction which wipes the memory so that the fibre does not return to original twist position hence the frizzing.
You should dab at spills or stains when attempting removal applying downward pressure as opposed to across the pile.
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There are Four Basic Solutions for home carpet spot and stain removal;
Dry cleaning solution – surgical spirit
A detergent solution such as ‘Stergene’ mixed 1 teaspoon to half a litre of warm water
A detergent and vinegar solution mixed 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to the detergent solution above
An ammonia solution 1 x teaspoonful of branded ammonia to one cup of warm water.
All the above are available from super markets of hardware stores.CAUTION never mix under the sink cleaning solutions together you could cause fumes that could prove fatal.
Procedure for treatment for stains
Wine,beer,coffee, tea other liquid foods and urine.
Blot the spill soaking up surplus using a neutral coloured towel or kitchen tissue on the roll (for body fluids make sure you wear protective gloves and clothing) .Work from the outer edge in wards using detergent-vinegar (no.3) solution blot the spill a little at a time changing cloths frequently.
When complete carry out a rinse of the area using an application either by spray bottle or sponge of 4 parts water to 1 part white vinegar.Spray over affected area to dampen.Lay white kitchen roll (still on the roll) on top and apply a weight such as a heavy book.This will absorb excess moisture.Leave to soak in overnight or all day if necessary and if required repeat the process.
2. Chocolate,sweets,blood,glue,ink,milk, vomit
Scrape up excess using a filling knife or some other blunt tool.Using Detergent Solution (No.2) and working in from the outside edge clean the stain and then blot dry.Follow up with ammonia solution (No4) and again blot dry.
Carry out rinse procedure as above.
3. Solids, fats, tar, chewing gum, oil, shoe polish
Scrape up excess with blunt tool or knife, using dry clean solution (No.1) followed by detergent-vinegar solution (No3) work on stain from the outside edge in and blot dry.
Carry out rinse procedure as above.
4. For unknown stains
Scrap or blot up excess spillage, start with dry clean solution (No1) followed by warm water and blot dry.If further treatment is needed use detergent vinegar solution (No3) and blot dry.
Carry out rinse procedure as above.
Important thing to remember is to act quickly, take your time to carry out most effective procedure as listed and follow instructions carefully and do not over wet the affected area as this could cause further damage.
If after all your best efforts the mark remains, now is the time to call a professional carpet cleaner .
Cigarette Burns
Cigarette burns can usually be dealt with quite successfully by re tufting the affected area.This takes some skill and should not be attempted by untrained persons.
Red wine,coffee,tea spills
The most common of spills as above can cause panic in the home and often in that panic the wrong course of action is taken.This can result in the opposite of what you are trying to achieve and can in fact set the stain.
Never use washing up liquid it will set the stain and leave tacky soil attracting residue which will cause the carpet to blacken very quickly.
Your carpet cleaner will be pleased that you have assisted him by carrying out correct procedure and this will mean he will be able to remove the stain much faster resulting in lower charges for yourself. (Spot Clean approx £40.00 - £50.00).
Wool Carpets
Posted by Ian Harper in Wool on September 14, 2011
Wool carpets are great to use and have a widespread history as well. Almost 8000 years ago, people learnt the art of shearing goats and sheep and creating wool and fantastic weaving techniques. Soon, people realized the need for insulation and warmth and that’s how carpets came into existence eventually. Wool carpets are the best products to be used for keeping your homes warm. This indeed has become a timeless product, as every household needs a carpet to enhance the décor and they preferably demand carpets made from 100% wool. Though these carpets, made from the most natural sources of fiber, are expensive, yet people prefer using these carpets for various reasons.
These wool carpets as well as the wool rugs have innumerable incarnation as well. You would find traditional carpets of Persian or oriental styles that are made up of 100% woolen fibers and you would be offered a wide range of colors and hues to suit your taste and the walls of your home. Wool carpets are also used for wall-to-wall carpeting.
You would also come across wool carpets in blends; such carpets are made from natural and synthetic fibers to enhance the look. These are less expensive as compared to the original wool carpets. But there are some people who prefer not to use these blended carpets as it seems to reduce the numerous benefits of the carpets made from 100% wool.
The synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon came into existence during the middle of the 20th century. As the price of these materials was comparatively lesser than wool, the carpets made form these synthetic fibers captured the market of the wool carpet. The synthetic carpets were not only cheap; but could also be used for making tufted carpets and rugs. But the wool carpets still existed due to its glamour and richness and decorated many households.
People still choose wool carpets to the synthetic ones because they want to avoid the synthetic fibers used. As the synthetic carpets are created with the use of certain chemicals, there have been some issues of concern regarding the chemicals. It is often believed that these carpets tend to release the chemicals continuously and it gets mixed to the air which we breathe. Arguments also state that these synthetic carpets contribute in making the household toxic and polluted and must be strictly avoided.
As this is a serious concern, there has been a constant growth in demand for wool carpets that uses natural fiber. However, there are some wool carpets that are often treated with chemicals for stain resistance. But the natural carpets do not receive any such treatments.
Wool carpets have several benefits as well. These carpets do not house dust mites and is not a pollutant as such. Wool fibers have their own natural property for resisting stain and are known as lanolin. Wool carpets are biodegradable as well and are made from renewable resources; it is often regarded as “green carpeting”.
There are innumerable benefits of using wool carpets; it is not only beneficial for the dwelling, but for the environment as well. Wool is a natural product which is renewable as well. If you buy woolen carpets, it would accelerate the production of wool, which would in turn be beneficial for the local farmers.
Wool carpet can actually retain its appearance for a longer period of time, unlike other carpets as it has proper bounce and bulk that can very well withstand the pressure exerted and the repeated footfall as well. Wool carpets are naturally resilient. Scientists have also acknowledged this fact and have further added that as such hair of wool has three-dimensional spiraling crimp, which acts almost like that of miniature spring. These springs can increase the elasticity of each fiber and can enable the hair to bounce back after repeated pressure. This is a unique feature of wool carpets and gives it an extra edge over the synthetic ones.
Wool carpets also have natural abilities to resist stains as the fibers are covered by thin membrane, which acts like as repellant and help in preventing the penetration of water into the woolen fiber. This is another contributing factor that enables these wool carpets to retain its appearance.
Wool also has natural dirt resisting properties, which is unique. If wool carpets are to be observed under a microscope, it can be seen that the surface of the fiber is made from overlapping scales that represents a roof structure. These scales can help in trapping all the dirt and soil at the very top, quite close to the carpet’s surface. It can then be removed quickly and very easily with the help of a vacuum cleaner.
Wool carpets are flame-retardants as well and it is one of the natural properties of wool. As wool fibers contain protein and moisture in abundance, it can actually act as a self-extinguishable product.
Apart from all these benefits, wool carpets can provide several health benefits to us as well:
Wool carpets are non-toxic. They are non-allergic as well, but some people are allergic to wool by nature, they cannot use the same.
Wool doesn’t support the growth of bacteria.
As wool contains moisture in abundance, it minimizes static electricity and reduced the risk of certain shocks as well.
Wool carpets also act as purifiers and can prevent the contamination caused due to nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and sulfur oxide. It helps in trapping these contaminants in the fiber.
Wool carpets have too many air pockets and the credit for this goes to the shape of the carpets. This enables the carpets to provide proper insulation to the room and can also regulate the temperature in the room.
All these factors actually prove that wool carpets are the best till date and will always be. It not only complements the décor of your home, but also helps in maintaining some of the essential properties that a healthy dwelling must have. It is environment friendly, health friendly and can be used for every household. Cleaning these carpets is even easier and can be done at home itself.
Make Your Carpets Last for Practically a Lifetime
Posted by Ian Harper in Carpet Cleaning on September 14, 2011
What You Need to Know about Carpet Cleaning
Can you imagine how much of an eyesore a month-old coffee stain would be if you have light-colored carpeted floors? Not only does it direct the attention away from the beauty of your home, but tough stains like these also lessen the quality of your carpet.
Basically, a high-quality carpet installed in the home should last you for about 10 to 15 years. However, this only applies if you will have your carpeted floors professionally maintained by a commercial carpet cleaning services provider at least twice a year. Regular vacuuming aside from typical carpet cleaning is also required if you want to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of your carpet on a day-to-day basis.
Here, we will take a look at the do-it-yourself carpet cleaning solutions that you can find from your very own kitchen; learn about the importance of having your floors attended to by a commercial carpet cleaning care expert, and know all that there is to know about the subject of carpet cleaning.
Do-It-Yourself Tips for Carpet Cleaning Emergencies
The minute that a blot of stain appears on your carpeted floors, the rule of thumb that you should follow is to use a blotting – never a continuous brushing motion – to remove the stain. And depending on the type of liquid which spilled on the floor, there are carpet cleaning solutions and materials that you can find from your very own kitchen to prevent the problem from worsening.
Keep clean white towels and paper towels handy.
It may not sound like a pretty notion but if you are a household with pets, there will be a lot of carpet cleaning challenges ahead of you. Let’s say that a new puppy urinated on the carpet, you do need to have a stack of clean, white terry cloth towels.
Place the stack of towels against the spot where your pet did the deed and stand on the stain. Make sure that you are wearing shoes – then step on the towels until they turn yellow. This will absorb the urine and prevent the stain from spreading around a larger area of the carpet.
Use the same carpet cleaning technique with a typical kitchen paper towel so that more of the stain will be absorbed and the dampness on the carpet can be eliminated.
Pour club soda over coffee stains.
Use a generous amount of club soda over coffee stains as a carpet cleaning solution on your floors the minute that it appears. This is a handy carpet cleaning solution that you can use, and remember to blot – not brush the stain afterwards.
Use baking soda to attack a variety of stains.
Another handy kitchen item that you can use as a carpet cleaning solution is baking soda. This is an ideal carpet cleaning solution for dark liquid stains over light-colored carpets. Just pour a pile of baking soda over the stain to absorb the liquid so that only a surface stain will be left – after which you can use a store bought carpet cleaning solution to address the rest of the problem.
Use rubbing alcohol as a carpet cleaning solution for ink marks on your carpet.
If you have kids who got a bit too excited using their marker pens and left a huge stain on your carpet, rubbing alcohol is an ideal carpet cleaning solution. Just pour the carpet cleaning solution taken out of your medicine cabinet over the stain and blot with a cloth until the mark is completely removed.
Use carpet cleaning solutions bought from hardware stores to address other carpet cleaning emergencies.
Red wine, wax from candles and other types of stains which just can’t help but appear on your carpeted floors can be treated with carpet cleaning solutions purchased from hardware stores.
How about Professional Carpet Cleaning Services?
Before discussing the benefits of getting in touch with professional carpet cleaning service providers, let us sum up your responsibilities as a homeowner first. Basically, you should see to it that you are doing your carpet cleaning responsibilities by regularly vacuuming your area rugs and carpets. How often you vacuum depends on how often a room in the house is being used.
For example, the living room where your kids often hang out can be vacuumed about twice or thrice a week. If you have a room which is not often used, a once-a-week vacuuming and carpet cleaning should be enough.
Next, make sure that you immediately deal with stains as soon as they happen so that the liquid will not cause too much damage on the carpet.
Now, here are the reasons why it pays to get the services of a professional carpet cleaning services provider:
- A commercial carpet cleaning company has the necessary equipment, materials and staff knowledge to deal with any cleaning challenges that you may have.
Let’s say that you have animals which freely roam around the house. The commercial carpet cleaning company will know how to remove the pet hair embedded into the carpet, while at the same time deodorizing and sanitizing the material so that it will be clean and safe to use.
A carpet cleaning care expert will also dig deeper into the fibers of the carpet to ensure that the deep-seated dirt, dust, grime and allergens will be removed.
- A commercial carpet cleaning company will be able to apply treatments that help prolong the life and maintain the beauty of your carpeted floors.
The stain guard is one example of a treatment that commercial carpet cleaning companies offer to homeowners. Right after doing the deep-cleaning of the carpeted floors, they can apply a layer of chemical which prevents stains and dust from sinking deep into the fibers of the carpet again.
Rug restoration, green carpet cleaning, spot cleaning and removal of tough stains are some of the additional services offered by commercial carpet cleaning companies.
When looking for a commercial carpet cleaning company in your area, make sure that they have a good reputation, they offer quality services, they have the expertise and equipment necessary to face any carpet cleaning challenges that you may have, and see to it that they offer reasonable prices for the professional carpet cleaning services that they offer.
By following these tips, you can see to it that your carpeted floors will last for the next 10 to 15 years, thereby maintaining the beauty, cleanliness and ‘homey’ feel to your dwelling.
DIY Carpet Cleaning Tips
Posted by Ian Harper in DIY, Tips on September 14, 2011
First, I would advise never clean your own rugs. Why? Because many are hand made and come from parts of the world where basic methods are used and colour run and the use of plant based fibers that will shrink and discolor if not cleaned the right way.
Having said that most fitted carpets will be fine to clean apart from Sisal, this is because its plant based (cellulose) and presents many problems if you don’t clean it the right way, many professionals will not clean it so that just shows you the damages.
Over wetting any carpet can cause the two most known about problems, shrinkage, and browning. They both happen when water get to the backing. A wet carpet dries from the bottom up, most carpets have jute in the backing. It releases its colour and comes to the top leaving a brown, yellowish stain. Shrinkage happens when the water get to the backing and when it starts to dry its will cause some carpets backing to become tight and pull away from the gripper holding it.
So if your carpet is really dirty then it would make sense just to cover over it let it dry then keep doing this until it’s clean. It’s natural to keep going over and over it when it’s dirty but you will pay the price if you do.
Before you start to clean your carpet make sure that it’s on the gripper that holds it in place. Many people pull up carpets around the edge to paint the based board or skirting. When you do this you release the tension that the fitter puts into the carpet. This tension will prevent the carpet from becoming creased up and looking like the sea at the beach.
If you have any metal items in the rooms like tables and light stands remove these until the carpet is dry. If you put them on damp carpet you will get rust marks that will only be removed by professional help.
Any wood items sofa legs, table, chairs, etc, that have any type of stain coloring put silver paper under them. The damp carpet will suck up the moisture and release that coloring back on the carpet damaging it.
