Carpet is an investment that will last, especially with proper care and maintenance. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends the following information to help you preserve your carpet investment.
AFTER INSTALLATION
Vacuum your carpet after installation to remove loose fibers. You might notice a slight new carpet smell, which should dissipate quickly. Ventilate the area for 48 to 72 hours. If you are unusually sensitive to odors or are allergy prone, you might want to avoid the installation area during this period. If you have any questions about this, contact your retailer.
IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
In the months following installation, you might notice some of the following common carpet characteristics. These are all normal and will not affect your carpet’s life or beauty in any way.
• Shedding (loose fibers) – This is normal and subsides within a short time with vacuuming.
• Sprouting – A single tuft extending beyond the carpet surface, usually along walls or at seams. Simply cut it off—do not pull.
• Pile reversal and shading – Describes what seems to be a color change in various parts of the carpet. The same area might appear light when views from one direction and dark from another. This is caused by light being reflected in different ways as pile fibers are bent in various directions. This is not a product defect, but rather a characteristic of plush carpet.
• Buckling and wrinkling – May sometimes occur in wall-to-wall carpet installations. If the ripples persist, call your retailer, as it may be necessary to professionally re-stretch the carpet.
MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance of your carpet will extend its lifespan and keep its fresh appearance. You should vacuum properly, remove spills, and provide long-term care and deep cleaning.
REGULAR CLEANING
It is essential that you vacuum regularly with a strong, well-functioning vacuum cleaner. A good vacuum cleaner features a strong motor or dual motors; a powerful airflow, a high-efficiency filtration and internally housed vacuum bag, and brush height adjustment.
PROTECTION AGAINST STAINS
Most of today’s carpet is treated with special finishes to resist soil and stains. However, no carpet is entirely stain proof. Many fiber manufacturers provide toll-free help for cleaning assistance (consult your warranty).
Stain-resistant finishes hold the spill on the fiber’s surface, giving you some time to absorb the liquid and use spot removal techniques before the spill has a chance to penetrate the fibers. The longer you leave the spill unattended, the more difficult it will be to remove.
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