CARPET CARE AND MAINTAINENCE

CARPET CARE AND GUIDELINES
PREVENTION
Soiling (dirt, dust and abrasive matter) is the greatest threat to carpet. We highly recommend the use walk-off mats
at entrances and other areas to protect your carpet. Walk-off mats should be cleaned frequently to prevent them
from becoming a source of soiling.

VACUUMING
Most dirt, even dust, has the form of a hard particle and is as abrasive to the pile as sand paper when left in the carpet.
The best way to increase the life of your carpet is to vacuum regularly meaning at least once a week in most areas
and even daily in medium to high traffic areas. More use means more vacuuming but beware that some vacuums
can be aggressive to the pile and damage the surface of the carpet. For cut pile carpets we recommend an upright
vacuum cleaner with a cylindrical brushing action, or a cylinder vacuum cleaner with a power brush attachment.
However, the exception to this is for carpet with loop textures, shag style and soft qualities as they may become fuzzy or
worn with use of the rotating brush. For loop pile carpets, it’s best to use a cylinder vacuum cleaner without a
brushing action or an upright machine with the brushes raised or turned off.
Height adjustment of the brush is critical and is correct when the brush contacts the pile enough to vibrate the
carpet lightly. Keep brushes clean and replace when worn and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and change
the filter bag when it reaches the “full line”.

SPOT AND STAIN REMOVAL
Spills are likely to happen and if you treat spots and stains immediately, they will be easier to remove. However, it
is important to note that no carpet is completely stain proof. Certain carpet qualities are stain resistant which allows
time for removal. Be aware never to scrub the area because this can cause pile distortion.
Certain products can cause irreparable damage to your carpet. Bleaches, tile cleaners, mildew removers,
oven cleaners, etc can have strong chemicals which discolour or dissolve carpet fibers. Products containing benzoyl
peroxide, a very powerful bleach, are capable of permanently damaging your carpet.
Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or plain white paper towel. To prevent the spill from spreading,
please work from the edge of the spot to the center. Continue until no additional spot shows on the cloth or towel.
For food and other non-liquids, start by gently scraping up with a spoon or knife blade and vacuum until
completely removed.

If the stain remains, you can treat it with one of the following procedures.

Note: Do not get the carpet too wet. Wetting through to the backing may result in shrinkage, discoloration,

odour and delaminating. Never walk on a cleaned area before it has thoroughly dried. Always pretest spot cleaners in an inconspicuous area to make sure that the agent will not damage the carpet.
Dampen the stain and then blot using these cleaners (always use a white towel to blot or damp)

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Periodic professional cleaning is necessary to remove the oil and soil which cannot be removed by vacuuming. The
frequency may vary depending on the level and type of traffic and the conditions to which the carpet is exposed. This
may range from 6 to 18 months between cleanings.
Professional cleaning should be considered before your carpet begins to show soil. Letting the carpet become
excessively soiled will make cleaning more difficult and shorten the carpet’s useful life. You must provide your receipt
for proof of service.

CARPET APPEARANCE
Even with regular maintenance, some changes in appearance can occur:
Fading
Direct sunlight can cause fading. Protect the carpet with the most appropriate window covering.
Shedding Is an effect of all new carpets, in particular cut-pile qualities, and is not a defect of the carpet. Shedding is
caused by the short fibers within the pile that work loose during service, most likely in high traffic areas. The total
fiber loss during use is relatively small and the length of time required to eliminate shedding will depend upon
the type and amount of vacuuming. Shedding is more apparent in staple products than continuous filament
products.

Shading Is not a true colour change but a visual effect as a result of light reflecting differently from the tips of the carpet
tufts versus the sides of the tufts. Shading, which is normal in luxurious, cut pile carpet qualities, is not a
manufacturer’s defect.
Seams
Qualified installers from professional carpet stores know how to minimize the appearance of seams. Seams may be
slightly more apparent with a loop pile carpet than with a cut pile carpet.
Footprints
Most deep, cut pile carpets will show shoe or foot impressions. A low pile carpet with a denser construction can help
minimize this condition.
Pile crush
Crushing is unavoidable and will occur to some degree, mainly in high traffic areas and under the legs of pieces of
furniture. Crushing is the compression of the carpet tufts. Vacuuming and gentle brushing of the area with the hand
will hasten the recovery.
Tip bloom
Over time, day-to-day foot traffic can cause the tips of cut pile carpet tufts to untwist and open up. This is a normal
occurrence.
Static discharge
This can be an annoying problem, especially when your carpet is new. Static discharge is caused because the
natural moisture content is removed during manufacturing. When the natural moisture returns, static should greatly
subside and also the amount of static will minimize through daily use.
Indoor Air Quality
When properly installed and maintained, Lano Carpets will be a significant part of a safe and healthy interior,
providing years of beauty and comfort. Extensive studies showed that carpet is completely safe and non-toxic
to humans and pets when properly installed and maintained. Providing ventilation (opened window/door) will
diminish and possibly eliminate any initial temporary odours which emit from padding, seam sealers, glue, subfloor
treatments and other finishes or components related to the carpet installation process.