Two questions have to be asked before you clean your carpets. The first is whether to use steam or dry cleaning? The second is whether you do it yourself?

When it is done properly, steam cleaning is likely the best choice—and the one most often recommended by carpet manufacturers. “Done properly” means that the water is hot enough, the technician is appropriately trained (best if he’s IICRC Certified), the cleaning products are right for your carpet and the cleaning equipment is in good working order, especially the vacuum. When a truck-mounted vacuum works correctly, it will retrieve up to 95% of the moisture used in cleaning your carpet. This dramatically increases the effectiveness of the cleaning and reduces drying time for the carpet.

It is best not to try steam cleaning on your own. The great majority of tools available for rent or purchase for home use don’t generate enough heat for the water or power to retrieve what water they spray into your carpet. They often work well for spot-cleaning, but for a true deep extraction cleaning, it is best to utilize an experienced professional who operates a truck-mounted steam unit. Remember that for steam to reach your carpet, the water temp has to start at about 250 degrees!

It is also critical that all the cleaning agents are rinsed and removed, and that your carpet isn’t over-wetted. Overwetting can cause wrinkles or backing separation; cleaner residues left in your carpet will accelerate future soiling!

Reader Question:

Help! My massage therapist is about to head to the grocery store to buy all of the carpet cleaners she can in order to attempt to remove a massage oil mishap on our carpet! What should we do? Our carpet is really nice (and new) and I don’t want to ruin it!

– Thanks, Dr. Allie from Denver , CO

Answer:

Dear Allie,

Stop that therapist! Don’t let her run out the door yet and waste your money or her time! Below is how you should treat this stain. First, the most important thing is to NOT use multiple cleaners on top of each other when you don’t like the result of the first one. This can cause a reaction and permanently damage your carpet. Second, if you try anything other than the detergent option, test first in a closet for colorfastness. Use a white rag only. Third, remember more is not always better. Drowning a stain can only dilute it and make it spread.

Here’s your answer:

Nail Polish Remover – Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl acetate, which is used in many paint, oil, and grease (POG) removers. Many POG removers leave residues that may cause rapid soiling. When using a POG remover, always rinse the area thoroughly with a dry solvent. (See Residue Precautions.)

Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

http://www.carpetsnmorecolorado.com/contentpage.aspx?Id=16797#Oil,%20Lubricating

For more stain solving tips, click here.

Thanks for doing the right thing and asking an expert first!

We have touted wool carpets as being among the most luxurious options you have for carpet in your home. When you’ve spent more money on wool, you want to maintain it correctly! The single most effective method of maintenance on wool carpet is regular vacuuming.

One of the most common issues with wool carpet is a red wine spill. Have you heard it said that if you want to treat a red wine spill on wool carpet, you pour some white wine on it? Don’t do it! Not only will it be a waste of some good white wine, it will simply spread your problem!

The best way to treat a wine spill (or any water-based staining agent) is to immediately soak up as much of the spill as possible with an absorbent cloth or paper. Start at the outer edges of the spill and work your way to the center, blotting rather than rubbing. This is important! Blot, don’t rub! If you can still see the spot after blotting, use a spot remover specifically designed for water-based stains on wool, like any spot removers that carry a WoolSafe® label. In particular, do not use regular detergents, as they will likely leave a residue that will cause soiling quickly at the spot of the stain.

For oily stains, don’t be afraid to use a dry cleaning solvent (again, best with a WoolSafe® label). Remember that most high-quality wool garments recommend dry cleaning! Just be sure that you use the solvent sparingly as it can damage the backing of your carpet.

When you say, “polyester,” do you mean just plain polyester, PET polyester or PTT polyester? There is lots of confusion about what the terms really mean. Recently, most of the polyester fibers used for carpet construction have been of the PET variety. PET polyester is manufactured primarily from used plastic soda bottles. It is an improved fiber over the original polyester, but still retains some of the performance issues, about which you may have heard stories.

The high points of PET carpets are that they are inexpensive, and the fiber is highly colorfast and resistant to water-based stains (though susceptible to oil-based stains).  Additionally, there is a particularly soft and lush feel (carpet folks call it good “hand”) to new polyester carpet. The main complaints about carpets made from this fiber are that they crush and mat quickly, and that oil-based stains are difficult – if not impossible to remove.

PTT polyester is a late generation fiber refined and introduced by DuPont in 2000, under the trade name Sorona. It has some interesting characteristics, like 37% renewable resource content (corn-based) and reported extra stain and performance capabilities over earlier generations of polyester. Because of its unique performance characteristics in carpet construction, the FTC (in March, 2009) authorized the new generic fiber name and classification, Triexta. Mohawk’s Smartstrand carpets are manufactured from this fiber.

According to DuPont and Mohawk, carpets constructed from triexta fibers will perform every bit as well as nylon – and yet retain the soft feel (the hand) and stain-resistance of polyester.

Sorry guys, this one is for the ladies. (Although Adam Lambert from American Idol may have changed all of that!) Have you ever been in a hurry and dropped your mascara on your carpet? Don’t worry, we’ve got the solution. Take a look at these simple steps and you’ll be able to tackle that stain with no problem.

Here’s all you have to do! Follow these simple guidelines:

Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. The Carpet and Rug Institute is a great resource- 1-800-882-8846.

Sorry guys, this one is for the ladies. (Although Adam Lambert from American Idol may have changed all of that!) Have you ever been in a hurry and dropped your mascara on your carpet? Don’t worry, we’ve got the solution. Take a look at these simple steps and you’ll be able to tackle that stain with no problem.

Here’s all you have to do! Follow these simple guidelines:

Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. The Carpet and Rug Institute is a great resource- 1-800-882-8846.

Wool, the original fiber used to make textiles of all types, including carpet, is an amazing fiber with incredible characteristics, with a documented history dating back to around 4,000BC. Alexander Smith & Sons, one of the largest carpet manufacturers in the world up to the end of WWII, was at one time the largest employer in Yonkers, New York – producing over 26,000 square yards of woven wool carpets per day. However, the introduction of nylon during the war had a dramatic impact on wool carpet production. As a result, wool carpets today account for only a fraction of the overall carpet production – but they are some of the most beautiful and sought-after carpets in the world!

There are a host of things you’ll love about wool carpets. They hide soil brilliantly, and even when soiled, release dirt easily with most standard commercial cleaning methods available today. Wool carpets, when constructed well and maintained reasonably, will never “ugly out.” Also, because of the fiber’s unique ability to accept dyes, you can find wool carpets in dramatically bright and compelling colors. Lastly, wool is a safe carpet, recognized as non-allergenic and will not burn (it is naturally self-extinguishing).

One of the down sides of wool carpets is that they are expensive.  Another difficulty with wool is its susceptibility to stain. Because wool accepts dyes so readily (giving the deep, rich colors), it will also “accept” stain agents like red wine or fruit drinks. If you have the budget and the discipline to protect against staining agents, you will absolutely love your wool carpet!

Below is an interview with Design Consultant Karin Stalteri. Please read on to get to know Karin a little better!

What is your name and position with Carpets N More? Karin Stalteri – Design Consultant / Residential Contract Manager. I work in a dual role both as a design consultant meeting with customers to pick out their flooring and countertops as well as manage residential builder accounts.

How long have you been with the company? A little over 2 years

What is your favorite thing about Carpets N More? Getting to use my creativity

What do you think makes Carpets N More unique? We are able to provide our customers with great pricing because we do so much volume as opposed to some other stores and design centers that have very little work and are not able to pass on or provide their customers with these types of discounts and pricing.

Do you have a memorable customer experience that you can share? Just about every experience is memorable. I always enjoy the ones where people really care about their home and having it be something special.  I encourage people to take the time to really make smart choices that they are going to love now and for years to come.

Why should a customer choose Carpets N More over a box store or another retail store? Better pricing and customer service

What is the best part about your position? Helping people create a unique home.

If there’s one thing you could tell past, current or future customers, what would it be? Seal your grout and don’t get carpet that is too light!

What’s your favorite floor in your home and why? My entryway. I have a custom made medallion and it creates a great first impression.

If you could have any product that Carpets N More sells in your home what would it be? Antico Hardwood

It’s almost Easter! If you love to dye Easter eggs, but hate the worry of wondering what to do if you spill the dye on the carpet, stop worrying! Below are simple and easy guidelines to follow if you have a spill with Easter egg dye. You always want to treat spills as soon as possible and follow the instructions closely.

Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues.  Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (flourescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.

Not sure? Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. Carpet and Rug Institute – 1-800-882-8846.

We had some great feedback today on Facebook regarding our fans favorite Disney characters so we wanted to make sure you knew more about what the program has to offer!

The program is inspired by the colorful worlds of favorite Disney friends. The Disney Collection weaves the warmth and soft durability of Shaw® carpet with the magic and fun of Disney. The collection is designed around six Disney and Disney · Pixar favorites: Winnie the Pooh, Cars, Toy Story, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies and Hannah Montana.

Winnie the Pooh

Help your little one experience the joy and wonder of exploring the world. The whimsical designs and colors of the Hundred Acre Wood bring delight and discovery to the whole family.

Cars

Gear up his or her room, and you’ll be right on track to give them thrills and excitement. Your little racer will steer into the fun with carpet designs and colors that will keep them revved up lap after lap.

Toy Story

Let your child’s imagination blast off in a room where everything fun comes to life, and every moment is touched with magic. No batteries needed – just fun–filled designs and colors fueled with a turbo boost of imagination.

Disney Princess

Make your little girl’s room her castle with designs and colors that will transform her room into a palace. Then share in the joy as her imagination takes over and all her dreams come true.

Disney Fairies

Journey to Pixie Hollow and experience the enchanted life of the Disney Fairies characters who live there. These designs and colors create a true flight of fancy for anyone who chooses to believe.

Hannah Montana

Grab your backstage pass to the rockin–est room in the house with a carpet that makes you the superstar! On this stage, design and color are sharing the spotlight with you. It’s no secret. This is your room. Your way.

The program offers wall to wall carpets and area rugs. The wall to wall carpets have themed patterns, shags and even traditional patterns that you can use to coordinate and flow into other rooms of the house. The area rugs come in 4×6, 6×9, 8×11, 9×12 and even custom sizes!

Click here to see the styles and colors!