Carpet Care

Tender Loving Care Keeps Carpets Happy

No carpet lasts forever, but by regular care, you can add years to the life of any carpet. A carpet wears out through a combination of foot traffic and dirt particles. When dirt is up close to the top or surface of the pile, little or no damage occurs to the carpet. But when that dirt is trampled down into the tufts, close to the "roots" of the pile, it scrapes and cuts away at the fiber, gradually wearing them away.

Vacuuming

Heavy traffic areas should receive daily vacuuming. Once a week, the carpet should get a thorough vacuuming, which includes running the cleaner back and forth at least six times over each area, as well as moving tables and chairs under which dirt may accumulate.

An upright cleaner with a rotary brush action and beater bar is best as they improve the rise of dirt to the surface. An adjustable model vacuum cleaner is essential to accommodate long shags and extra thick saxony carpets.

Cleaning

No matter how often you vacuum, you'll fin that a thorough cleaning of your carpet pays dividends in beauty and longer life. This should be done by professionals. Consult Conklin Bros. for advice. However, for those of you who prefer to do it yourself, there are three types of home cleaning:

	The dry method, using an absorbant, powder-type cleaner.
	The wet method, using a water and detergent solution.
	The foam spray method.

Between thorough cleanings, it is a good idea to use the dry method to clean rapid-soiling areas - such as kitchen doorways or in front of sofas and chairs, traffic patterns, etc.

You are urged to carefully read and follow the directions that come with the product. All cleaning solutions should be tested on an incospicuous area to make certain you approve results before proceeding with the entire job. Conklin Bros. carpet guarantee is based upon professional cleaning at least once every 12 months.

Accidents Will Happen...But Don't Panic

STEP 1: Act Immediately.
Most spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer you delay, the more difficulty you may encounter in removing the stain.

Semi-solids should be gently scraped up with a rounded spoon or dull knife. Be careful not to damage the carpet. Blot liquids with clean white towels or tissues. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

You can either follow the steps in the order indicated or proceed to the step containing the same or a similar stain. Always pre-test each solution first and keep mechanical action to a minimum.

STEP 2: Pre-test.
Apply several drops of the spot removal solution to a scrap of identical carpet or an inconspicuous area. Hold a white tissue on the wet area and count to ten. Examine the tissue for carpet dye transfer. Examine the carpet. If either show damage to the carpet or its dyes, do not use. Select another solution.

WARNING: Household chemicals may "spot" your carpet. Some modern-day chemicals may cause mysterious spots when they come in contact with carpet or other dyed fabrics. They may not appear for several days or weeks after the carpet was exposed to the chemical.

The only way to protect carpet is to take special precautions to prevent any contact with these chemicals. The presence of stain-resistant properties in your carpet will not prevent household chemicals from discoloring your carpet. The following chemicals are common culprits:

Acne medicines Most contain a strong bleaching agent, benzoyl peroxide.

Household cleaners Tile, toilet bowl, drain and oven cleaners contain strong acids of alkalis which can weaken the carpet fiber and cause color "bleeding".

Bleaches Chlorine bleaches, mildew killers, and swimming pool chemicals will cause yellow spots.

Insectisides and Pesticides Products most often involved contain Malathion, Diazinon, Dursban, Vapona, and include some pet shampoos and flea and tick collars.

Plant foods Liquid plant food spills or leakage from flower pots can cause discolored spots.

Carpet Spot Removal Chart

Key to Cleaning Methods

Note: No carpet is totally stain proof. Refer to manufacturers warranty for individual specific stain guarantees. Above methods not recommended for natural fibers such as wool or sisal. Under such circumstances, consult a professional.

Find the spot source in the first column and read across that row for the correct method to try. Try the first method suggested, then the second, and thirds, etc., until the spot is successfully removed.

Note: Some spills contain chemicals that may discolor or even damage the carpet fibers or dyes. If you have doubts about what caused the spot and how to remove it, contact a professional carpet cleaner.