CARPET KEEPS ALLERGENS OUT OF THE AIR

Carpet acts like a trap, keeping dust and allergens out of the air we breathe.  Simply put, what falls to the carpet (dust, pet dander and many other particulates that we breathe in) tends to stay trapped in the carpet until it is removed through vacuuming or extraction cleaning.  Unlike smooth floor surfaces that allow dust and other allergens to re-circulate into the breathing zone, properly maintained carpet actually contributes to improved air quality.

Independent testing has compared the distribution of airborne dust associated with normal activities on hard and soft flooring surfaces. Findings show that walking on hard surfaces disturbs more particles than walking on carpeted surfaces. In contrast, carpeted surfaces trap more particles so that walking disturbs fewer particles, resulting in less dust in the breathing zone of children and adults. More on the Study

SPOT REMOVAL STEPS

Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels.

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry. For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed.

If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.

Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected.

Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently.

Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient!Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.

After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed. Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

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

For more detailed information on a specific spill, please search on the pull-down menu at left.

Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll-free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty).

THREE STEPS FOR PROPER CARPET CARE

Carpet cleaning is just like exercise! If you get into a routine and keep it up, you will see great results and feel better for it. And understanding the right way to clean carpet will help you save time by doing it correctly the first time with products that do the job right from the start. Not only will Seal of Approval cleaning products help keep your carpet looking great, they can also help meet the warranty requirements of the carpet manufacturer. Below are three simple steps to keeping your carpet clean and looking great:

1. Vacuum at the right frequency with a CRI-approved vacuum.
2. Clean spots and spills quickly with products that do not damage the carpet or cause it to resoil quicker.
3. Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime.

STOP DIRT AT THE DOOR

Preventing dirt and grime from getting on the carpet in the first place is a great way to start keeping it clean. The following helpful hints can stop dirt in its tracks.

• Use mats — Outdoor and indoor mats or runners can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
• Take off your shoes — You can save wear and tear on carpet by asking everyone  to take off his or her shoes before entering your home.
• Change your air filters — Change air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the less that fall on the carpet.

BASIC RUG CARE

Rugs deserve the same care as wall-to-wall carpet and, in some cases, require special attention.

• Washing rugs — If your rug is small and the label says “machine washable,” shake the rug outside first and then put it in the washing machine at the recommended temperature. Use warm water (90 to 105 degrees) and a mild detergent. Tumble your rug dry at the lowest heat setting.
• Beating larger rugs — If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside first; then put it over a clothesline and beat it. Next, take the rug inside and vacuum it. If the label says dry clean only, then roll it up and take it to a dry cleaner. Save time and aggravation by calling first to see if the cleaner does rug cleaning — many do not.
• Vacuuming area rugs — Area rugs with fringe require special technique. Use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe and being careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe.
• Caring for Oriental, Turkish or Persian rugs — Clean imported rugs according to your carpet manufacturer’s specifications or bring in a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom-type rugs, you need professionals.

USE THE RIGHT CARPET CLEANING PRODUCTS

A 2009 survey of asthma and allergy specialists and general practitioners found that most agree that it is better to clean carpet and rugs than to remove them from your office or home.

Patients and consumers are advised to use carpet cleaning products, equipment and professional cleaning services certified by the CRI Seal of Approval program, which Classic Carpet Care is.

Industry experts tested an assortment of carpet cleaning solutions, deep cleaning extractors and vacuums and found a wide variance in how well these products work, with some products even damaging the carpet. To be Seal of Approval certified, vacuums must pass strict soil removal, texture retention and dirt and dust containment standards. In addition to soil and texture retention standards, certified extractors must not leave excess water in the carpet. Read More

Carpet In Schools

School design is widely recognized as positively affecting student learning and teacher satisfaction. Carpet contributes to good design by creating a welcoming, friendly and less institutional space for students, teachers and all school personnel. Carpet's other benefits include:

• Improved Safety - Because it affords more traction, carpet helps prevent slips and falls. When falls do happen, chances of injury are greatly reduced on soft flooring.
• Increased Comfort - For teachers and other staff, a cushioned walking and standing surface reduces leg fatigue. Plus, carpet provides a non-glare surface that reduces reflection and eyestrain.
• Better insulation - Carpet is warmer to sit on or work on, extending the learning area to space on the floor, especially with younger children. Thermal comfort exists because carpet retains inside ambient temperatures longer.
• Costs less over time - Carpet that is properly selected, installed and maintained lasts up to 10 year or longer. When product, installation and maintenance supplies and labor costs are considered over a 15-to 20-year period, carpet delivers lower life cycle costs than other floor coverings. Read More

• No floor covering offers the acoustic benefits of carpet. Plus, carpet's ability to reduce glare adds to its visual appeal. Enlarge Image

  Reduced noise - Based on a study by the American Society of Interior Designers, carpet is deemed to be 10 times more efficient in reducing noise compared with other flooring options. Also with carpet, less acoustic protection is needed on the ceiling and elsewhere. This quieter environment provides a better learning atmosphere with fewer distractions.
• Improved IAQ - Carpet can improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) by trapping allergens in its fiber which prevents them from circulating back into the air. The allergens can then be removed through proper vacuuming. Additionally, carpet has lower chemical emissions than most indoor furnishings and may be the lowest emitter of all floor covering choices.

Learn more about carpet

• Asthma and Allergy/Indoor Air Quality
• Selecting the Right Carpet
• Proper Installation
• Cleaning and Maintenance