Carpet Cleaning Tips Everyone Should Know About
Extending the life of your carpet and maintaining its appearance can be a daunting task.
Over time, dirt, dust, grease, oil, and debris can all become embedded in the fibers of your carpet. Heavy traffic areas, pet stains, and accidents only compound the problem.
Soiled and stained carpet fibers change the appearance of the carpet and cause it to lose its luster. Vacuuming your carpeting will aid in the removal of some dirt, dust, and debris, but eventually, professional carpet cleaning is needed to fully restore the appearance of your carpet.
Complete Carpet Care utilizes the Hot Water Extraction Method recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This method commonly referred to as “steam cleaning”, is the safest and most effective way to clean carpeting. In fact, the largest carpet manufacturer in the world,
Shaw Manufacturing also, recommends hot water extraction to clean and maintain residential and commercial carpeting.
At Complete Carpet Care we use a 4-Step Carpet Cleaning Process:
1. Pre-Vacuum
2. Pre-treat
3. Hot Water Extraction (commonly called steam cleaning)
4. Pile Lift
How Often Should You Have Your Carpets Cleaned?
You can Check out this handy chart provided by the EPA and recommended by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (I.I.C.R.C). The IICRC is the official carpet and upholstery cleaning expert on this side of the universe.
Immediate Spot and Stain Removal
Stains, spills, and accidents happen. Carpets, in many cases, are the unfortunate benefactor. Complete Carpet Care’s trained carpet professionals can treat and remove most stains and spots. Specific products and methods can maximize the potential to remove tough stains. Please contact Complete Carpet Care as soon as possible if you experience a stain, spill, or accident on your carpet. Over-the-counter and household cleaners may set (make permanent) the stain. Please refrain from attempting to clean spots or stains prior to contacting us. Additional protection from spots and stains may be added to your carpeting. Please ask the Complete Carpet Care representative about Carpet Protection.
CONSUMER SPOT REMOVER GUIDE:
AVENGE NEUTRAL SPOTTER
Avenge is a neutral stain remover, cleaner, and deodorizer for carpet and upholstery, that has been professionally proven to be one of the most versatile and effective stain-fighting agents selected for removing various categories of problem stains.
GEL BREAK
Stays on the spot doesn’t run down into the backing of the carpet. It is effective on a wide range of spots and soils. Gel Break is safe for carpets and fabrics.
FOOD & WATER-BASED SPILLS
Types of spills and spots typically found in this category: Beer, coffee, soft drinks, Crème de Menthe, fruit juices, milk, tea, tomato juice, ketchup, chocolate, egg, gravy, ice cream, mustard, grass stains, iodine, etc. Most food spots and spills can easily be cleaned up by Avenge.
4 Easy Steps to Remove Spots
1) Remove any excess material by blotting or scraping.
2) Apply Avenge to a towel and blot onto stain and check results.
3) If testing deemed safe, apply Avenge directly to the stain and agitate lightly with the towel.
4) Apply light pressure with a dry portion of the towel to absorb the material from the fabric.
5) Repeat if necessary.
Note: Some greasy food spills may require the use of Gel Break to break down the oil. If oily residue results after completing step 4, apply Gel Break, agitate, and then rinse using Avenge.
INKS, COSMETICS & OILY SPILLS
Types of spills and spots often found in the category: Ballpoint pen, permanent marker, lipstick, nail polish, asphalt, chewing gum, crayon, grease, wax, etc.
Note: Most inks and cosmetics respond well to spotting with Gel Break. Test by applying a very small amount of Gel Break to the spot. Allow Gel Break to dwell for one minute then gently blot with a white towel. If some removal is apparent, then follow the steps below. If little or none of the spot comes up on the towel, Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner for advice. Some ink and cosmetic stains can be permanent.
4 Easy Steps to Remove Spots
1) Absorb, blot, or scrape to remove excess material
2) Apply Gel Break directly to the spot and allow to dwell for one minute
3) Gently blot to remove spot (Repeat until no more material is being removed )
4) Apply Avenge to remove final residue of spot and to rinse clean. (Repeat if necessary.)
PAINTS AND ADHESIVES
Types of spills and spots typically found in this category: Acrylic paint, latex paint, varnish, oil stain, Elmer’s glue, rubber cement, contact cement, etc. Note: Paints and adhesives come in two basic forms: water base and oil base. You should be able to tell the type by reading the original container and checking the suggested clean-up method. On fresh spills, you will use Avenge for water-based products and Gel Break for oil or solvent-based products.
FRESH SPILLS THAT ARE STILL DAMP:
4 Easy Steps to Remove Spots:
1) Absorb, blot, or scrape to remove excess material. {Determine if the material is water or oil based}
2) On water-based spills use Avenge. Oil-based spills us Gel Break.
3) Apply otter directly to the spill and agitate lightly with a towel. If the spot is hard or crusty, allow the spotter to remain for several minutes before continuing.
4) Apply pressure with a dry portion of the towel to absorb the material from the fabric. Repeat if necessary. If Gel Break is used, do a final rinse with Avenge to remove any residue.
DYES & OTHERS
Types of spills and spots found in the category: Red food dye, shoe dye, furniture dye, plant food, bleaches, rust, mildew stains, etc. Note: Most dyes react with the fabric to become permanent. Some red food dyes are removable but the services of a Professional Carpet Cleaner may be required. Test for removal possibilities by applying Avenge or Gel Break to the towel and blotting onto the stain. If results are positive, then proceed with the ‘Food’ steps for water-based spills and the ‘Ink and Cosmetics’ steps for oil-based spills.