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University of Illinois Extension

General Carpet Suggestions

Regular maintenance

Carpet manufacturers suggest carpet, in heavy traffic areas should be vacuumed lightly everyday to eliminate day-to-day surface dirt. A light vacuuming consists of three strokes with the cleaner over a given area of carpet - forward, back and forward. For the average person vacuuming two to three times per week will help to maintain your carpet's appearance.

Spills

Clean up spills immediately, so that they do not become permanent spots or stains. A spill that has been allowed to sit untreated will begin a chemical reaction with the carpet fibers making it almost impossible to remove the stain.

Professional care

Periodic professional care is important to the life of your carpet. Professional cleaning removes the embedded gritty and greasy soil not removed by regular vacuuming. Grease and oil cause dirt to cling to the fiber, which makes it impossible to remove with a vacuum.

A gray or yellow cast on the carpet is a definite sign that professional cleaning is needed. Because soil is usually evenly deposited over the carpet surface, you may not notice the color change until furniture is moved, revealing an area that was not open to air and soil.

Carpet under warranty

Use of cleaning chemicals or procedures not included in the manufacturer's cleaning guide may nullify the warranty. Make sure you understand the specific recommendations of the manufacturer before you attempt home or professional cleaning.

Home carpet cleaning

close up of carpet pattern

There is no one carpet cleaning method that satisfies all consumer needs. Before you select a cleaning method, consider the amount of soil in the carpet, time and energy available to clean the carpet, drying time, product cost and any machine rental fees. The four main carpet cleaning methods are: dry powder, dry foam, shampoo, and hot water extraction.

Spot and stain removal kit

To help you react quickly to spills, keep a spot and stain removal kit handy. It could contain paper towels to soak up spills, a dull knife to remove harden soil, a wooden or hard plastic spatula for rubbing and solutions to remove water-based stains, oil-based stains and animal stains. Solutions include:

  • Acetone or nail polish remover without a lanolin base. (Do not use acetone on acetate or acrylic fibers.)
  • Alcohol: rubbing, isopropyl or denatured.
  • Carpet shampoo, any brand.
  • Detergent solution: 1 teaspoon of mild liquid detergent to 1 pint of warm water.
  • Detergent and vinegar solution: 1 teaspoon detergent: 1 teaspoon white vinegar: 1 quart water.
  • Dry cleaning solvent: a nonflammable spot removal liquid, any brand. Be sure to follow manufacturer's directions for use.
  • Paint remover without an oil base.
  • Vinegar solution: 1 pint of water with 1 pint of white vinegar.
  • Ammonia solution: 1 tablespoon household ammonia with ½ cup water.

General instructions

Scrape up solids and blot up liquids before applying chemicals. Apply spotting chemicals with a sponge or towel in the order listed. Blot with an absorbent material after each application. When the spot is removed, blot up as much moisture as possible. Then, place about a 1/2 - inch thick stack of paper toweling over the area and weight down. After the carpet is dry, then vacuum to restore carpet texture.

Act quickly, identify the spot and test the spotting chemical on a carpet scrap or in an inconspicuous area. Do no flood spotted area with the reagent. Use a wooden or hard plastic spatula to work the spot. Work from outside edge toward center to avoid spreading the stain. Work slowly and carefully. All spotting agents, except volatile solvents, must be completely rinsed from the carpet as the last step before drying.

A few spots, such as rust, paints, furniture stains or dyes, should be left to a professional cleaner, either because they are removed with hazardous chemicals or because improper techniques may cause permanent damage to the carpet.

If you are not sure about the origin of the stain, use the oil-based stain remover first (dry cleaning solvent). If the stain does not come out, use a water-based solution.

Blot stains, don't scrub them. Scrubbing can permanently change the texture of a carpet. Avoid soap, ammonia and too much water.

Water-based stains

  1. Blot spill immediately.
  2. Apply detergent and vinegar solution.
  3. Rinse and blot dry.
  4. Apply dry cleaning solvent if needed, let dry.
  5. Repeat if necessary.
  6. Brush pile.

Oil-based stains

  1. Blot spill immediately.
  2. Apply dry cleaning solvent and blot dry.
  3. If necessary, apply detergent solution - see spot and stain removal kit.
  4. Rinse and blot dry.
  5. Repeat steps if necessary.
  6. Brush pile.

Animal stains

  1. Blot spill immediately.
  2. Apply several applications of clean, lukewarm water.
  3. Apply vinegar and water solution - see spot and stain removal kit.
  4. Blot and allow to dry.
  5. Apply the detergent solution.
  6. Blot dry.
  7. Reapply vinegar solution and let stand for about 15 minutes.
  8. Rinse, blot and allow to dry.

Foodstuff, starches, sugar stains - #1 Cleaning Method

pomegranate
  1. Remove excess material by blotting up liquids with a clean absorbent towel.
  2. Scraping up solids with the dull edge of a knife.
  3. Sponge lightly with cool water and blot several times.
  4. Apply diluted carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel.
  5. Let the area dry thoroughly, and then vacuum.
  6. Repeat if necessary.

Oily materials and grease stains - #2 Cleaning Method

  1. Remove excess material by blotting up liquids with a clean absorbent towel.
  2. Scraping up solids with the dull edge of a knife.
  3. Apply a spot cleaner or dry cleaning solvent according to the product directions. (Some spot cleaners dry to a powder. If this type is used, vacuum before continuing.)
  4. Apply carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel.
  5. Let the area dry thoroughly, and then vacuum.
  6. Repeat if necessary.

Alcohol-based - antiseptics and perfume - #3 Cleaning Method

  1. Blot up liquids with a clean absorbent towel and scrape up solids with the dull edge of a knife.
  2. Sponge with alcohol (or a solution of alcohol and water) and blot quickly.
  3. Repeat several times until no more stain is absorbed into the towel.
  4. Apply diluted carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel.
  5. Let the area dry thoroughly, and then vacuum.
  6. Repeat if necessary.

Special treatment - #4 Cleaning Method

Some stains require specific stain treatment. Please follow as directed.

Seek outside assistance - #5 Cleaning Method

Contact a commercial carpet and rug cleaner for advice

Unidentified stains

  1. Remove excess.
  2. Mop or blot liquids with several layers of paper toweling to absorb as much as possible.
  3. Remove semi-solid material by scraping with the dull edge of a knife.
  4. Apply a dry cleaning solvent, blot gently and work from the stain edges to the center.
  5. Apply a detergent solution.
  6. Use a clean cloth and blot gently, working from the outer to inner area of the stain.
  7. Dry the carpet.
  8. Apply a dry cleaning solvent; work from outer to inner edge of stain and blot gently.
  9. Dry the carpet and brush gently to restore the pile.

Resource: Caring for Your Carpet- NCR 462