**Note: Carpet and Rugs are made from the same material therefore the require the same mainenance techniques.**

Properly cleaning on a regular basis is essential to keep your carpet looking its best now and in the future. Dirt and soil, tracked into your home and onto your carpet from everyday household traffic, can make its color look dull and dingy while abradingthe fibers, leading to early signs of wear like tip bloom and matting of the carpet surface. Take note of the basic cleaning guidelines outlined in the plan below.

Step 1: Vacuum Frequently
The best way to reduce dirt accumulation and prolong the life of your carpet is to Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum! Most dirt, even dust,is in the form of hard particles. When left in the carpet, these gritty, sharpened particles abrade the pile as effectively as sandpaper. How frequently should you vacuum? That depends on the amount of foot traffic and household soil your carpet is exposed to. A vacuum cleaner (or vacuum attachment) with a rotating brush or "beater bar" that agitates the pile is more effective than one that relies on suction only.

Step 2: Clean Most Frequently Used Areas More Often
The most frequently used areas of the carpet entrances, doorways,traffic lanes, (around a favorite chair, etc.) will collect dirt much faster than the other areas of the carpet. By cleaning these areas when they first show signs of soiling you can prevent the dirt from spreading to the rest of the carpeted areas of the house, and you can prolong the time between professional cleanings.

Step 3: Periodic Professional Cleaning
Periodic professional cleaning of the overall carpet is recommended. The frequency of overall cleaning may vary depending on the level and type of traffic and the conditions to which your carpet is exposed, and may range from as little as 6 months to 18 months between cleanings. Carpets perform best when properly cleaned by a professional carpet cleaner using specially formulated products developed for your carpet.

Preventing Wear and Tear

Every carpet is subjected to different challenges, whether it's children, pets or a high-traffic area you've chosen to carpet. While it's important to follow a consistent cleaning plan, it's equally important to know how your carpet may benefit from a regimen that's customized for your home.

The best care you can provide for your carpet is the kind that minimizes the long-term effects of daily wear and tear, preventing some of the most common carpet complaints from arising in the first place. The following care suggestions are simple procedures that are proven to prevent the premature appearance of wear in the forms of color loss and matting of the carpet tufts. While these procedures may sound basic, they are absolutely vital to the lasting beauty of your carpet.

1. Reduce Dirt Accumulation
Use walk-off mats at entrances to reduce outside dirt from being tracked onto the carpet and clean mats weekly. Mats and runners will help reduce dirt build-up in heavy traffic areas. (Caution: latex-backed runners may yellow carpet.) Periodic relocation of furniture, if possible, will allow for a more even distribution of foot traffic on carpets. Vacuum regularly to remove dirt/soil.

2. Remove Spills Promptly
Anything spilled on a carpet should be cleaned up promptly. Most spilled materials will stain or discolor carpet or can lead to increased soiling if not removed promptly. Follow the recommended techniques in the Stain Center for removing spills and stains.

3. Prevent Contact with Household Chemicals
Warning: Many household chemicals may permanently stain or remove color from your carpet. Many household chemicals may cause permanent spots or stains on carpets and other dyed fabrics. Depending on humidity and temperature conditions, these spots may not appear until several days or weeks after exposure to the chemical. Protect your carpet by taking special precautions to prevent any contact with these chemicals.

The presence of stain-resistant properties in your carpet will not prevent certain household chemicals from damaging or removing color from your carpet.

Here are some common culprits:

Acne medicines
Most acne medicines and some skin products for humans and for pets contain benzoyl peroxide, a strong bleaching agent. These products, unknowingly transferred from the hand or face, will cause permanent color loss in carpets, often not appearing until activated by high humidity/moisture and high temperatures.

Household cleaners
Tile, toilet bowl, drain and oven cleaners contain strong acids or alkalis that can damage carpet dyes and cause color "bleeding" and/or permanent loss of color. Exercise caution when using these cleaners by protecting nearby carpeted areas.

Bleaches
Chlorine bleaches, mildew removers and swimming pool chemicals, when tracked onto the carpet, will cause yellow spots or a permanent loss of color.

Pesticides
Pesticides may cause staining or discoloration, and can lead to accelerated sunlight fading in carpets and other dyed textile products. Culprits include insecticides, pet shampoos, and flea and tick collars.

Plant foods
Liquid plant food spills, or leakage from flower pots, can cause discoloration of carpet dyes. The discoloration typically starts at the carpet backing and progresses to the carpet surface, and is sometimes not apparent for months.

Related Links:

- Shaw Carpet Care Guide