Our StudiosEASY HOUSEKEEPING & MAINTENANCE
To know the maintenance requirements, it's essential to know about the general problems in carpets.
A tiny number of loose fibres are always present in every new carpet and regular vacuuming can remove them without harming the carpet.
All carpets have to go through ‘shading,’ ‘pooling,’ or ‘watermarking’. It’s natural and we cannot prevent it. The permanent changes in the carpet are visible 2-6 weeks after installation. ‘Shading’ does not affect the durability as it is not a manufacturing defect.
Sometimes a loose thread may appear from the pile of a carpet. Remove it by using a pair of scissors.
General Maintenance
Remember that carpet as compared to hard surface floors restricts spills and keep them from spreading quickly. Therefore, it needs maintenance from the 1st day of installation. If you are in food services, then stains and spills will be very common. Hence, it is important to clean the rug regularly, using both regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. Use walk-off mats at all building entrances and kitchen exit areas to collect dirt before it reaches the carpet. Vacuum mats daily and change them at least once a week.
Methods for Daily Preventive Measures:
- Use walk-off mats at all building entrances and kitchen exit areas to collect dirt before it reaches the carpet.
- Vacuum mats daily and change them at least once a week.
Vaccuming schedules and equipment
Keep in mind that carpets, compared to hard-surface floors, localise spills and prevent them from spreading quickly. It is wise to anticipate maintenance from the very first day the carpet is installed. Otherwise, abrasive dirt may build up faster than it can be handled. Stains and spills in food service areas will be very common. Hence, it is essential to plan daily preventive maintenance - which includes both regular vacuuming and spot cleaning.
| Traffic Nature | Vacuuming Frequency |
|---|---|
| High traffic | Vacuum daily (extremely high traffic lanes may require vacuuming several times daily) |
| Medium traffic | Vacuum two to three weekly |
| Light traffic | Vacuum weekly |
Detergent solutions
Using harsh detergents can damage rugs, therefore, before applying detergents on an entire carpet, try it on a small area first. Do not over-spray/overuse the detergent as it leaves a sticky residue which can cause rapid re-soiling.
One important thing to note here is that detergent solutions for wool, viscose, bamboo, silk, and pure silk should have a neutral PH - between 5.0 and 7.5 .
Periodic cleaning methods
There are two common approaches:
Dry foam with extraction
Dry extraction
Do not use spin bonnets, rotary brushes, or rotary extractors as it can severely distort the pile yarn.
Cleaning Frequency
The following general guidelines have been established by IICUC (International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Certification) based on U.S EPA ltter. It is intended to serve as a guideline on recommended cleaning frequencies for carpet from a public health perspective in addition to the traditional aesthetic concern. Please assess individual needs based on usage. This chart is only an indication
| Environmental Humidity/Dust | Normal | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Service Areas | 1 Month | 1 Month | 1 Month |
| Health Care or Beauty Saloon | 1 Month | 1 Month | 1 Month |
| Commercial Areas (Ground Floor) | 1 Month | 1 Month | 1 Month |
| Commercial Areas (Higher Floor) | 1 Month | 1 Month | 1 Month |
| Other Commercial Areas | 1 Month | 1 Month | 1 Month |
Pure silk, bamboo and viscose
Silk, bamboo, and viscose carpets need extra care to keep them looking luxurious and shiny.
There are two kinds of fibers: natural ones like cotton, wool, and silk; and artificial
ones, synthesized out of petrochemicals like nylon and polyester.
Viscose falls somewhere in between. The raw material for viscose is cellulose, which is
transformed in fiber by breaking it either mechanically or chemically.
High temperatures, high pH (>7.5), and sunlight can damage silk, bamboo, and viscose carpets.
Viscose reacts quickly with water. In case of a spill, dry it immediately. Otherwise,
the surface will harden and a yellow color water stain will appear.
Cleaning tips for immediate action
Water: Cover the wet area with paper towels and repeat till it is dry
Powders: Clean it by vacuum cleaner .
Food: Use 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid detergent with lukewarm water to soften the spill.
Juices and other coloured liquids: Pour some salt over the spot. It will absorb the liquid like a sponge. Use a rounded spoon to remove the residue. Clean the area with a little cold water and blot dry.
Paint, oil, and grease: Use nail polish remover to remove paint, oil, and grease, later clean with chilly water and blot dry.
Peroxide bleach and other harsh chemicals: Use cold water to clean the affected area and contact a professional rug cleaner.
If there is a stain of dried liquid then use a soft brush to break up any crusted material. Then vacuum thoroughly to remove loosened particles. Do not work on the carpet until it’s dry.
