How to Care For & Maintain Your Carpet

A regular maintenance program extends the life of the original appearance
of your carpet. Today’s carpet fibers are designed to hide dirt and reflect
light and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of
apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.†

You will need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs,
and exterior entryways at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas
weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating
brush and with a strong enough airflow to penetrate to the carpet backing.

Carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool blend
styles, may be sensitive to brushing or rubbing of the pile surface
and may become fuzzy. For these products, and those styles with
a combination thick or thin or cable yarn, a suction-only vacuum is
recommended or a vacuum with an adjustable brush lifted away from
the carpet so it does not agitate the pile. A vacuum with a beater bar or
rotating brush can be tested for excessive fuzzing in an inconspicuous
location before regular use.

Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light
to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage
the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.

No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty
cleaning from time to time. We would be glad to advise you
about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet. Hot water
extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to
maintain most warranties.* Some styles, however, must be cleaned in other
ways. Be sure to check with your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer for
the recommended cleaning method for your particular carpet. A trained
professional should perform this service at least every 18-24 months to
refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet.† Have
the cleaning professionals come to your home for a visual inspection,
and obtain a written agreement before the work is started. You must
retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty
claim arise.


Disclaimers:
† Courtesy of the Carpet and Rug Institute, Copyright 2006.
* If you purchased the Everguard® Stain Protection Plan with your carpet, contact the 3M Service Center (1-800-352-6789) for spot removal
instructions prior to using the following spot removal methods.