Carpet Care by ExpertsLANDLORD ADVICE FOR BASIC CARPET CARE by Mary Townshend Depending upon the lifestyle of the occupants, different levels of maintenance are required to keep the carpeting in good shape. Using a runner outside the entrance to carpeted areas to absorb and catch some of the dirt, etc. on your shoes is a wise investment. Vacuuming carpeting frequently is recognized in the carpet cleaning industry as vital to maintaining the life of the carpet. Dirt abrades the fibers, so weekley vacuuming and more often in high traffic areas is recommended. Remember to vacuum along the edges; otherwise, a dark tint may appear along the edges and may not be able to be removed. Another issue along the edges of light-colored carpeting is "filtration" lines which may or may not be able to be removed. When spills occur, they should be cleaned up a soon as possible. blot with a dry white towel -- do not rub as you may damage the fibers, and spread the stain. Not all stains can be removed. Urine and dye stains (kool-Aid and mustard) require special products and even with these the color of the fiber may not be able to be restored. In the case of bleach, a patch may be the best solution using a remnant or a piece of carpet from the closet. The results of spot dyeing can be inconsistent and not a true match. Some stains may not be visible until after the carpet has been cleaned, being hidden underneath the dirt or appearing when a chemical reaction occurs due to a product being used prior to the cleaning. Protect your carpet from long periods of direct sunlight as permanent discoloration may result. Odor problems are a common issue in a lot of residences -- pet urine and smoke being among the worst Pet urine decontamination requires locating the source of the problem, often only evident by pulling up the carpet and inspecting the pad and the back of the carpet. The contaminated pad and posssibly the tack strip must be disposed of -- the flooring must be sealed. The back of the carpet must aslo be sealed and an odor counteractant treatment applied. New pad should be installed,the carpet reinstalled and cleaning and deororizing agent applied to complete the process. smoke odor is treated with an odor neutralizer product administered in fog form. Hot water extraction also known as steam cleaning is the primary method of cleaning used by professionals. The two major manufactures of carpet recommend this type of cleaning. As to how often to clean the carpet, it varies with lifestyle, but a general rule is that every twelve to eighteen months a carpet benefits from a deep cleaning. Shampooing is surface cleaning only and will not deep down clean. Anything you can do as an owner or a tenant to prolong the life of the carpet is protecting a major investment in the home as well as creating a clean environment for its occupants.
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