Shaw Carpet Maintenance and Care

Carpet Cleaning 

In addition to frequent vacuuming, it's important to clean your carpet on a regular basis. Cleaning systems will remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can't take out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time.

How to Clean Carpet:

Preventative Maintenance - walk-off mats placed at doorways prevent a majority of staining and soiling.
Spot and Spill Removal - prompt attention to spills will prevent a stain from setting. Visit the Shaw Care Center for instructions and view our recommended cleaning product.
Vacuuming - the most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming it thoroughly and frequently.
Hot water extraction or steam cleaning - removes oils and particulates that accelerate soiling. Shaw Floors recommends hot water extracting every 12-18 months depending on the traffic in your home.

 

What is hot water extraction?
Hot water extraction targets the soil that results from air pollution cooking vapors and tracked-in dirt which can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors over time. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

The process consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home. This system is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning," although no steam is actually generated. Whether you choose to hire a professional or do it yourself, make sure the machine used has the CRI Seal of Approval.

Get on a cleaning schedule
Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity. If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful.

Preventative Maintenance
Easy, proactive steps will keep your carpet looking good over time.

 

 

Don't track dirt inside
Placing walk-off mats outside all entrances will help absorb soil and moisture and trap excessive dirt, sand or oil that might otherwise be tracked into the home. Clean mats on a regular basis so they don't become sources of soil themselves.

 

Use quality carpet cushion
A good carpet cushion, or pad, not only gives better resilience and comfort underfoot, it can extend the life of your carpet - especially on stairs.

 

Learn more about Shaw Floors carpet cushion

 

Occasionally move heavy furniture
Moving your furniture on occasion refreshes the feel of your room and helps avoid excessive pile crushing. Consider using carpet protectors under the legs of tables, chairs and other furniture to help distribute the weight. Damage can occur if you use chairs or appliances with rollers or casters without a chair pad designed specifically for carpet.

 

Protect carpet when moving furniture
When moving heavy wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.), prevent damage by placing a protective barrier of heavy cardboard or plywood between the wheels and the carpet.

 

Clean your area rugs
If you use area rugs on your carpet, be sure to clean them regularly, and make sure you clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath as well. After cleaning your carpet, allow it to dry completely before replacing rugs.

 

Reduce periods of direct sunlight
Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades or awnings.

 

Use Shaw Floors Carpet Cleaner
Our specially formulated Carpet Cleaner is ideal for stain and spot removal to keep your floors looking great. Each bottle purchase also donates $0.25 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Clean never felt so good.

Vacuum Frequently to Extend the Life of Your Carpet

The most important step in caring for your carpet is vacuuming it thoroughly and frequently.

 

Frequent vacuuming stops soil from working its way below the surface of the carpet pile where it is far more difficult to remove and can damage the carpet fibers. Consider Shaw Floors’ recommendations on how to best vacuum your carpet:

 

• Invest in a quality vacuum certified through the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval/Green Label Vacuum Cleaner Program
• For light traffic areas - vacuum the carpet traffic lanes twice weekly and the entire area once weekly
• For heavy traffic areas - vacuum the carpet traffic lanes daily and the entire area twice weekly
• For shag, wool and wool-blend styles, suction-only vacuum or a vacuum with an adjustable brush lifted away from the carpet so it does not agitate the pile
• For Shaw Floors Caress styles, select from a Shaw Floors approved vacuum cleaner which has proven to be gentle enough for the most luxurious of plush carpet
• For all other carpet styles, use a vacuum with a rotating brush or combination beater/brush bar that agitates the carpet pile and mechanically loosens soil. Test the beater/brush bar in an inconspicuous location before regular use to make sure it doesn't produce excessive fuzzing.

 

For complete details on how to properly vacuum your carpet, refer to the Shaw Floors Care and Maintenance brochure.