Caring for your carpets

By Victor Moitas, Operations Director at Spot on Cleaners Limited

To keep any carpet at its best the first and essential step is to vacuum frequently.
Vacuuming, no matter how good the equipment is or what type the floor surface, is still unfortunately a chore, however vacuuming frequently-used carpets twice a week is an essential part of any maintenance plan. Carpets that receive constant use or that suffer from being used as an alternative ‘doormat’, especially during muddy conditions, will require even more attention.

Carpets have a great capacity to retain a good deal of dirt and dust and we tend only to think that a carpet needs cleaning when this capacity is reached and we see surface residue – with older carpets this can be very noticeable around the carpet edge.

Cleaning systems target the residue that result from cooking vapours, air pollution and
tracked-in dirt. The particles of oily residue deposited on carpet fibres can cause a gradual but noticeable dulling of colours. The colour isn't lost, but it is hidden under the film of oily residue. In addition if this type of residue is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the general dust and dirt making for not only noticeable degradation of the appearance of your carpets but also of increasing unnecessary wear of your carpets.

Get a cleaning schedule

If your carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, your regular cleaning task will be easier and more successful. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months; however this can be significantly reduced due to additional factors such as children & family pets particularly in entrance and hallways or areas of common use. It is therefore advisable that a well-planned maintenance programme is put into effect once new carpets have been laid. The same can be said for commercial premises however greater emphasis should be made on entrances and hallways and, where children are resident, cleaning can be advisable as frequently as once a month to cope with additional environmental factors.

Choosing the proper cleaning system is important. Some systems may leave residues which accelerate re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning.

At Spot On Cleaners Limited our research and experience has indicated, along with leading carpet manufacturers that the hot water extraction system, professional applied, 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 applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and residue.

Some carpet manufacturer warranties require that the homeowner is able to show proof of periodic cleaning by hot water extraction.

Professional advantages

Professional carpet cleaners are a great choice for many reasons. Their cleaning equipment has more extraction power than the rental units available to individuals, and the carpet should dry more quickly. True professionals also understand the equipment, know the proper cleaning agents for the situation at hand, and recognize the differences in fibres and carpet fitting and construction.

Regards

Victor

Spot On Cleaners Limited is a corporate member of the British Institute of Cleaning Science.