How to clean your own carpets the professional way!

• Information on indoor pollutants
• Carpet cleaning step by step
• Stains how to remove them step by step

Children? Pets? Asthma, Allergy Sufferers?

Carpets should be cleaned at least once a year. However, for homes with high traffic., children or pets, or for those suffering from allergies or asthma, more frequent cleanings are recommended

Is your carpet a health trap?
As a part of its efforts to control and eliminate sources of pollution, The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has conducted studies on human exposure to air pollutants. The result of these studies may surprise you: they found that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor levels. Since it's estimated that the average person spends 90% of his time indoors, such results are of particular importance. While indoor air pollutants can have many sources, from spray cleaners to smoking, every home has what are called biological contaminates or bio-pollutants.

These bio-pollutants, which can cause allergic, infectious or toxic reactions, include:

• bacteria, molds and mildew
• animal dander
• dust mites
• viruses
• pollen

Carpeting and upholstery act as natural filters.
If they're not maintained and cleaned properly, they can become attractive environments for these pollutants, weather they settle into the carpet from the air, or are tracked in from the outside. Even frequent vacuuming, while recommended for cleanliness and longer carpet life, will not rid your carpet completely of these health hazards and can actually send the pollutants back into the air.
Increased ventilation can be effective in increasing indoor air quality , by bringing fresh air in and carrying pollutants outside. However, in cold winter months, such ventilation is neither comfortable nor cost effective. Experts agree that the most effective solution is to control and clean the bio-pollutants sources and environments, including air ducts, basements, attics, carpeting and upholstery.

The result: a clean carpet that not only looks good, but will help you feel good about your health .

back to top

Carpet Cleaning step - by - step:

Even though vacuuming can remove most of the dry soil, it is also necessary to clean your carpet on a regular basis to remove the oily, sticky soil that builds up in the pile as a result of cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt from outside. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of delicate pastel colors; the color isn't lost but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil. This is the reason cleaning is so important when dulling of the color is first noticed; if allowed to remain too long, it becomes gummy and difficult to remove.

If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. It is a myth that cleaning the carpet before it is absolutely necessary will cause it to get dirty faster. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 9 to 12 months depending upon the number of residents and amount and type of activity.

Choice of the proper cleaning system is important. Some systems may leave residues which promote re-soiling and defeat the whole purpose of cleaning. Research shows that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning," although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of spraying a solution of  hot water and detergent into the carpet pile, aggitating it with a brush and recovering the water and soil with a powerful vacuum into a holding tank. This can be done  with a "self contained" carpet cleaning machine available at your local rental center.

Avoid overwetting the carpet. And, reduce drying time by using several fans to move air across the carpet in combination with a dehumidifier or air conditioner to pull moisture out of the air. Carpet should be dry within 12 hours; even less is better.
Protect the carpet from stains by putting aluminum foil, wax paper, or plastic wrap under furniture legs, until carpet is dry.

Maintaining your carpet through regular vacuuming, deep cleaning, and stain removal has many benefits:

• Extending the life of the carpet (ground in soil particles weaken carpet fibers)

• Providing a fresh, clean look to a room 

• Making a room smell better

• Helping allergy and asthma sufferers by removing germs and dust

back to top

Stains, how to identify and remove: 

General Instructions: Act Quickly!
Delaying may cause the spill to become a permanent stain. Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or white paper towels. Gently scrape up semi-solids with a rounded spoon. Break up solids and vacuum. 

a. Pretest any spot removal solution (for color transfer to the cloth or damage to the carpet) in an inconspicuous area. If a change occurs, select another solution.

b. Apply a small amount of the solution to a white cloth, and work in gently - do not rub -- working from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Allow to remain on the spill a few minutes. Be patient. Blot.

c. Continue to use the first agent as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. Be patient. Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times. Or, you may need to need to move to the next solution.

d. When the spill is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry cloth until all moisture is removed.

A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to minimize drying time.

 

Stain Removal Methods:

For the following stains we recommend Cleaning Method A

Cleaning Method A
1. Blot to remove excess stain or liquid.
2. Soak with lukewarm water for one minute.  Blot with sponge or paper towel.   Repeat until no stain is evident on towel or sponge.
3. If stain persists, apply carpet cleaner, some other type of stain remover or a detergent solution (see below for instructions) and press into stained area with fingers.  Blot excess.  Rinse with clear, lukewarm water.  Blot dry
4. If stains persist, add clear, lukewarm water.  Fold paper toweling and place over stained are with weight.  check paper towel every 5 minutes.  Repeat until blotter is stain free.  Repeat if necessary.
5. Brush up pile with gentle strokes or vacuum.  Allow to dry completely before walking on carpet.

Note: Mustard will fade with exposure to sunlamp or sunlight.

Cleaning Method B

1. Blot to remove excess stain or liquid.
2. Soak with lukewarm water for one minute. Blot.  Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stained area and immediately follow with household ammonia.  Blot. Rinse with clear, lukewarm water.  Blot.
3. If stain persists, apply a stain remover or a detergent solution (see below for instructions) and press into stained area with fingers.  Blot excess.  Rinse with clear, lukewarm water.  Blot dry.
4. If stains persist, add clear, lukewarm water.  Fold paper toweling and place over stained are with weight.  check paper towel every 5 minutes.  Repeat until blotter is stain free.  Repeat if necessary.
5. Brush up pile with gentle strokes or vacuum.  Allow to dry completely before walking on carpet.

Cleaning Method C
1. Blot to remove excess stain or liquid.
2. Vacuum loose particles.  Soften stain with carpet cleaner, alcohol or dry cleaning solvent.  Blot.  Brush off particles.  Apply carpet cleaner, alcohol or dry cleaning solvent.  Blot immediately.
3. If stains persist, apply carpet cleaner, some other type of stain remover or a detergent solution (see below for instructions) and press into stained area with fingers.  Blot excess.  Rinse with clear, lukewarm water.  Blot dry.
4. If stains persist, add clear, lukewarm water.  Fold paper toweling and place over stained are with weight.  check paper towel every 5 minutes.  Repeat until blotter is stain free.  Repeat if necessary.
5. Brush up pile with gentle strokes or vacuum.  Allow to dry completely before walking on carpet.

Cleaning Method D
1. Blot to remove excess stain or liquid.
2. Wet stain with carpet cleaner, alcohol or dry cleaning solvent.  Blot dry immediately.  Repeat two more times.
3. If stains persist, apply carpet cleaner, some other type of stain remover or a detergent solution (see below for instructions) and press into stained area with fingers.  Blot excess.  Rinse with clear, lukewarm water.  Blot dry.
4. If stains persist, add clear, lukewarm water.  Fold paper toweling and place over stained are with weight.  check paper towel every 5 minutes.  Repeat until blotter is stain free.  Repeat if necessary.
5. Brush up pile with gentle strokes or vacuum.  Allow to dry completely before walking on carpet.

 

Cleaning Method E
1. Blot to remove excess stain or liquid.
2. Rinse spot with clear, lukewarm water.  Blot dry.
3. If cleaning method is not effective, have damaged area replaced (plugged) by professionals.


Cleaning Method F
1. Allow to dry.
2. Vacuum excess.
3. Soak with lukewarm water for one minute.  Blot with sponge or paper towel.   Repeat until no stain is evident on towel or sponge.
4.If stains persist, apply cichmond carpet cleaner, some other type of stain remover or a detergent solution (see below for instructions) and press into stained area with fingers.   Blot excess.  Rinse with clear, lukewarm water.  Blot dry.
5. If stains persist, add clear, lukewarm water.  Fold paper toweling and place over stained are with weight.  check paper towel every 5 minutes.  Repeat until blotter is stain free.  Repeat if necessary.
6. Brush up pile with gentle strokes or vacuum.  Allow to dry completely before walking on carpet.


Cleaning Method G
1. Blot excess.
2. Apply nail polish remover.  Blot immediately.
3. Repeat until no stain is evident on blotter.
4. Brush up pile with gentle strokes or vacuum.  Allow to dry completely before walking on carpet.

Solution Options

Detergent Solution - Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Ammonia Solution - Mix two (2) tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.

Warm Water - Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fibre. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fibre may cause accelerated soiling.

Call a Professional - Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills.

Residue Precautions

Make sure that you thoroughly rinse the area several times with lukewarm tap water as spot removal solutions leave residues in the carpet that may attract soil. . To prevent overwetting use a mist type sprayer. Blot with paper towels and pat dry after each rinse. Several rinses are often necessary to thoroughly remove residues. Never use any of the solutions in concentrations stronger than those recommended.

 

back to top

Equipment delivery and pickup service available.

Spencer Rental Center  is located at 8 Donnelly Rd. Spencer Mass.
                                          We are open Monday Thru Saturday 8am to 5pm
                                           Our Phone # is (508) 885-9015
                                           Our Fax# is      (508) 885-2185

           For directions, please give us a call or visit our "contact us" page.  All rates effective 01/01/2010