Cleaning and maintenance (our personal guide)

Test this on a scrap of carpet first.

We are not responsible for failed attemtpts at cleaning carpets.

For official guides see the manufacturers guides further down the page.

To maintain your carpet and ensure it looks good for the life of the carpet, Carpet Factory recommends the following procedures.

• Walk off mats should be used at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture from making progress through the house.
• A professional and reputable carpet cleaning professional should be used every few years, or if serious soiling or a stain occurs.
• Any cleaning with chemicals and cleaning agents should be tested in an inconspicuous area of the carpet (like a cupboard).
• Use of a quality vacuum cleaner with a brush beater to regularly clean and remove harmful sand and grit that can affect carpet wear, will prolong the life of your carpet and maintain it's look and feel. (vacuum cleaners do not have to be expensive ones - try to test them in the store, check for good suction and cleaning ability and empty the bag or catchment regularly when using your vac)
• Nylon carpets can benefit from re-application of a Scotchguard or similar treatment after a few years of use. (Do not apply stain treatments to poly, wool or wool blend carpets as it will have no effect and is a waste of money)
• Clean stains immediately and you will have the greatest chance of removing the stain. (see stain removal guides below)
• Rugs in heavy traffic areas will also help maintain the look of your carpet, especially in rooms that are subject to regular use.

To maintain carpet in heavy wear areas like halls and doorways, Carpet Factory recommends the use of scatter rugs and runners.

Carpet Factory Has a Canberra's biggest range of rugs and runners to suit any décor.

When cleaning stains or soiling from carpet, DO NOT RUB!!! Always blot carpet with clean white towels. To lift liquid stains like red wine and coffee, stomp on carpet with a towel, repeat process by pouring water on the stain to dilute the liquid and stomping with a clean dry towel.

We emphasise this method works for us. It is not necessarily the manufacturers guidelines or contained in any official recommendation.

Ensure your carpet is dried properly after this process.

If in doubt, please consult a professional carpet cleaner.

Remember to check manufacturers recommendations before cleaning any flooring product!

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For more information on cleaning methods see the links to Australia's leading manufacturers sites below…

Cleaning Guides from Manufacturers:

"click the logo above to see the Godfrey Hirst official cleaning guide video"

The links below require adobe acrobat to be installed!

Carpet Guides available for Download

Wool - Godfrey Hirst Carpet Care and Maintenance Guide

Synthetic – Godfrey Hirst Carpet Care and Maintenance Guide

Wool - Hycraft Carpet Care and Maintenance Guide

eco+ carpet Care and Maintenance Guide

Godfrey Hirst Carpets Warranty Card

Hycraft Carpets Warranty Card

Wool Cleaning:

(content provided by wools of New Zealand)

Caring for your carpet

The natural attributes of New Zealand wool help keep your Wools of New Zealand branded carpets looking good for longer:

• The naturally scaly surface of wool makes it naturally resistant to soiling. Soil will be held high in the carpet pile where it can be easily removed by vacuuming.
• Wool has natural elasticity so it stands up to everyday wear and tear and resists unsightly crushing from furniture.
• Wool has a natural protective outer layer that prevents water-based spills from penetrating into the fiber.

Combined with an effective maintenance plan, these natural attributes make it easy to look after your Wools of New Zealand branded carpet or rug.

All you have to do is follow the three simple steps set out below:

STEP 1: VACUUMING

When it comes to keeping your carpet looking good and hygienically clean, you can never vacuum too often. As a rule, vacuum at least once a week, more often in heavy traffic areas. Be thorough – vacuum under furniture, behind curtains and where your carpet meets the wall.

Quick tips:

• Be sure your vacuum cleaner is suitable for your type of carpet. Follow the advice of the carpet manufacturer or your retailer.
• If your vacuum has a bag, empty it regularly to ensure the vacuum doesn't lose suction.

STEP 2: CLEAN SPILLS IMMEDIATELY

Stains can be prevented easily by ACTING QUICKLY when spills occur. Even when time is not on your side, follow this simple removal process, use the correct cleaning agent, and you'll be delighted with the difference you can make.

DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB YOUR WOOL CARPET AS THIS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT PILE DISTORTION.

Type of treatment

1. 1. Cold water.
2. 2. One teaspoon of wool detergent (for example, Softly) and one litre of warm water.
3. 3. Clear household disinfectant.
4. 4. Dry cleaning solvent such as White Spirit or Murlex (Available from hardware stores). Use only on dry carpet.
5. 5. Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Pick or scrape off gum.
6. 6. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.
7. 7. Warm water.
8. 8. Nail polish remover (should not contain lanolin).
9. 9. Surgical alcohol.
10. 10. Place absorbent paper over wax and apply hot iron to paper. Wax will melt and be absorbed by the paper.
11. 11. Vacuum clean.
12. 12. Mineral turpentine.
13. 13. Seek assistance from a professional carpet cleaner.

Cleaning Guide

(Begin with Step One and proceed to Step Two or Three if necessary.)

Stain	Step One	Step Two	Step Three
Alcoholic beverages	1	2
Bleach	1	13
Blood	1	2
Butter	4	2
Candle Wax	10	4
Chewing Gum	5	4
Chocolate	4	2
Coffee	1	2	6
Colas & soft drinks	1	2
Cooking oil	4	2
Cream	2	4
Egg	2	13
Faeces	2	3	13
Floor wax	4	2
Fruit juice	1	2
Furniture polish	4	2
Gravy & sauces	7	2
Ink (ballpoint pen)	9	2
Ink (felt tip pen)	4	2
Lipstick	4	2
Milk	2	4
Mustard	2
Nail Polish	8	4
Oil & grease	4	2
Paint (Oil based)	12	4
Paint (acrylic)	1	2
Rust	6	13
Salad dressing	2	4
Shoe Polish	4	2
Soot	11	4
Tar	12	4
Tea	1	2	6
Tomato sauce	7	2
Urine (fresh)	1	2	3
Urine (old stain)	13
Vomit	2	3	6
Wine	1	2	6
Unknown material	4	2

STEP 3: PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

Professional cleaning once every one-to-two years will do wonders to revitalise your carpet and keep it hygienically clean.

Professional carpet cleaning is a science requiring skills and expertise that can only be obtained through formal training. Untrained operators may do your carpet more harm than good.