ABC Chem-Dry Carpet Care Tips

Proper care and maintenance of your carpet will extend its useful life and preserve its appearance for years and years. Failure to take care of it will result in premature wear. Additionally, clean carpets contribute to a healthy indoor environment. Dirty carpets can be unhealthful indeed.

Save yourself money and maintain a healthy home by using the following simple carpet care tips:

• Vacuum your carpets three times a week using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter.
• Remove stains and spills as promptly as possible. This is best achieved with Chem-Dry Professional Strength Spot Remover. Remove as much excess as possible, then apply and blot with a clean white cloth. DO NOT rub the spot as this might grind the stain in further.
• Have your carpets cleaned and protected at least twice a year by Chem-Dry, or more often if you have children or pets.

Traffic Lane Gray

Like all textiles, carpets will eventually show signs of wear. The wear creates an illusion of soiling, which often causes frustration and misunderstanding between the homeowners and carpet care experts. Even though a carpet has been cleaned, it does not mean the traffic areas will look clean. Traffic areas are those places where people are constantly walking or working. This situation creates what is called "traffic lane gray".

There is not a lot that a carpet care expert can do with traffic lane gray. When a 10-year old carpet is cleaned, you will end up with a clean 10-year old carpet. It may not appear the way you had hoped. The easiest way to slow down this process is by rearranging the furniture so traffic areas are changed or just add area rugs.

Contrary to the old saying, "What you can't see wont hurt you...", what you can't see is precisely what can hurt you.

A common misconception to home owners with carpet is that it's adequately clean with routine vacuuming. It may appear spotless from your family's contribution of daily activity or mishap, but also consider the dust and particles that lie beneath the surface. Life on your new carpet should include an annual (some experts recommend as often as every six months - others suggest every 12-18 months) and thorough deep cleaning by a carpet cleaning professional.

Choosing the best process of clean-up should be a top priority. Many commercial carpet cleaners require gallons of water along with toxic soaps which not only take hours, even days to dry, but leave behind volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term effects. Some household cleaning products supply precautionary labels specifying risks and procedures for safe use; some do not. Signs and symptoms of VOC exposure may include eye and upper respiratory irritation, rhinitis, nasal congestion, rash, pruritus, headache, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea and, in the case of formaldehyde vapor, epistaxis. Your Chem-Dry professional uses the core cleaning solution, The Natural®, which puts the power of Mother Nature to work in cleaning your carpets. The Natural® is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets.

The kind of fiber used to make a carpet will determine its durability, appearance, stain resistance and its price. Most carpet is made with synthetic materials that are simple to uphold, affordable, and can be used in a variety of styles. Commonly, materials used for making carpet are nylon, polyester, acrylic and wool. As most synthetic fibers are resistant to water, keeping carpet clean is possible. Tightly woven or tufted fibers work together at keeping stains on the surface where you can quickly attend to them. Periodic deep cleansing removes dust and dander that settle over time. Chem-Dry's powerful Hot Carbonating Extraction^TM process works deep for a phenomenal clean.

Vacuum Regularly

Depending on the traffic in your home, if you have children and/or pets, vacuuming your carpet can be done as often as necessary. Vacuuming a few times per week reduces the dirt that is likely to end up in the roots of your carpet. Spot cleaning is also an essential part of keeping your floors clean. After vacuuming, apply a quick spray of Carpet Deodorizer (various scents available) for a pleasing fragrance along with built-in stain resistance protection for your carpets.

Who hasn't spilled a glass of wine, milk, or soda? Chem-Dry offers various home products to lift spots. For difficult spots, a professional cleaning application may be required. Consult with your local professional to ensure proper treatment.

There is nothing like climbing out of bed and putting your feet down on soft, clean carpet. Make your floors more livable and inviting by keeping them clean on a regular basis. When purchasing cleaning products, look for "green" labels, and Eco-friendly brands. Use natural products when possible, welcome fresh air by having open windows, and keep moisture levels controlled by having proper ventilation. Consult your Chem-Dry professional to develop a routine maintenance plan that works to keep your carpets clean and your family healthy.