Clean Carpet Recommendations From The Carpet and Rug Institute

“Properly maintained carpet will enhance the indoor environment and aesthetic value of any residence,” according to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), which is why they published new cleaning standards for residential and commercial carpeting. CRI’s Residential Carpet Standard for Maintenance and Cleaning stresses best carpet cleaning methods to make sure carpet continues to look great and perform well for as long as possible. 

CRI is the leading source for scientifically-based guidance in cleaning and maintaining carpeting in commercial and residential environments. CRI tests and rates vacuums, carpet extractors, and cleaning solutions on carpets, and they developed the carpet industry’s only scientific program to test and measure the effectiveness of cleaning products and equipment. The program helps consumers make informed decisions and manufacturers improve their products. The results are cleaner, healthier, and longer-lasting carpets.

How often should you clean your carpet?

CRI states, “Not only does carpet add unique properties of color and design to the home but the inherent characteristics of carpet trap soil, improve acoustics, increase safety by reducing the risk of slip-fall, and provide greater occupant comfort.” Purchasing carpet for your home is a significant investment, and like any product in your home, you must maintain it. The frequency of maintenance depends on use, size, number of occupants, location, outdoor environment, pets in the house, and other factors. To optimize your carpet’s appearance and useful life, following at least minimum recommended manufacturer maintenance guidelines is essential.

How often do you need to vacuum carpet?

Carpet performance is directly related to proper maintenance, and once your carpet is installed, you should vacuum it regularly. Regular vacuuming will maintain carpet appearance and increase carpet performance. You will not only remove soil but also enhance the carpet’s appearance and improve indoor air quality. Home experts recommend you vacuum your carpets at least twice a week, especially if pets are part of the family and more often in high-traffic areas.

What is the best method for carpet cleaning?

Cleaning is different from vacuuming. Clean your carpet as needed, but at a minimum of every 24 months. Use the cleaning frequency recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain your warranty. Do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machines are available for rent or purchase. While these machines can clean spots and spills and provide interim cleaning, they should not be substituted for periodic professional deep carpet cleaning. Here’s what you need to know about DIY extraction cleaning:

• Remove furniture or place plastic film or blocks of styrofoam under the legs of furniture (this prevents color from transferring from furniture legs to the carpet).
• Vacuum thoroughly to remove dry soil – this is essential.
• Do not add other chemicals or attempt to make your cleaning solution stronger than the recommended dilution rate – using a higher concentration of cleaning solution than recommended may cause excess residue to be left in the carpet, which contributes to rapid re-soiling.
• Use CRI Seal of Approval cleaning solutions and equipment.
• Begin at the farthest point from the doorway and work back toward the door so you can step out when finished.
• Extract as much water as possible by making a dry pass after the initial wet pass. Multiple dry passes may be necessary – do not rush this step.
• Wait until the carpet dries before replacing the furniture or walking on the carpet. This step can take six to 12 hours.

How to make carpet dry faster?

These handy tips can help you dry your carpet fast after cleaning:

• Ventilate cleaned areas to enhance drying time:
• Run the HVAC fan to create air movement.
• Open windows if outdoor weather conditions permit (sunny, low humidity, and dew point).
• Operate the air conditioner (in warm weather) or heat (in cold weather) at a moderate setting to assist with dehumidification.
• Set up or turn on fans in the room as necessary.
• Never shut up a room with wet carpet.
• The carpet should be dry within 12 hours – if the carpet remains wet past 12 hours, contact a professional.

How do you maintain a rug?

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

• If your rug is small and labeled “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 F) and a mild detergent. Tumble dry on the lowest heat setting.
• If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside, then put it over a clothesline and beat it. Next, take the rug inside and vacuum it. You can also find a professional rug cleaner to do this for you.
• Area rugs with a fringe require a special technique – Use gentle suction, start from the center of the rug, and vacuum toward the carpet fringe. Be careful not to catch the strands in the brush roller as you get close to the edge. Move the vacuum steadily and completely off the rug. Lift the rug edge to vacuum beneath the fringe.
• When caring for woven Oriental, Turkish, or Persian rugs, consult a professional.

How to remove stains from carpet?

With today’s stain-resistant carpet, treating spots and stains is easy. While no carpet is entirely stain-proof, the key is to act quickly with the right solution to kill the spot or stain. Cleaning spots and spills require a three-step process:

• Step One: Absorb the Spill – blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towel, no prints or colors. Using a printed or colored product may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet. Continue blotting until the area is slightly damp. Scoop up food spills with a spoon or spatula. Solid, You can vacuum solid, dried foods. Do not scrub or use a brush! Bristles and scrubbing can damage the carpet. Fraying and texture change are the likely results.
• Step Two: Treat the Stain – Use a CRI Certified Seal of Approval carpet cleaning solution. These have been laboratory tested, but you should still pretest any cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your carpet. Follow the product’s directions carefully. Using multiple spot, spill, or stain removal products, one on top of the other, without rinsing with water between applications, can set a stain and make it permanent.
• Step three: Call a Professional – if the first two steps do not work, or you aren’t sure how to clean the toughest carpet stains, contact a professional carpet cleaner service.

Where can I find reliable carpet cleaning professionals?

If you need help maintaining your carpet and removing tough stains from it, don’t jeopardize your family’s health by putting off specialist cleaning. Castle Keepers can carry out this task using industry-leading procedures and cleaning solutions.

Except for tending to your carpets and rugs, we can also gently clean your TV screens, get you rid of dust bunnies and cobwebs, and take good care of your windows. Get in touch with us now, let us know what you need, and we’ll be happy to handle any challenge!

LET US DO THE CLEANING. YOU DO THE RELAXING.​

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