Carpet Cleaning
At Carpet Connection we not only help you find affordable carpet in the Denver area but also inform you about carpet maintenance. With the Winter season right around the corner, it’s important to be prepared and knowledgeable.
In addition to frequent vacuuming, it’s important to clean your carpet on a regular basis. Cleaning systems remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can’t take out, keeps your carpet looking great over time.
Cleaning systems target the soils that result from cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn’t lost but is hidden under the film. When this type of soil accumulates, dry soil such as dust is attracted.
How do you clean carpet?
- Preventative Maintenance – walk-off mats placed at doorways prevent most of the staining and soiling
- Spot and Spill Removal – prompt attention to spills will prevent a stain from setting
- Vacuuming – vacuum high-traffic areas to prevent matting
- Hot water extraction or steam cleaning – every 18 months
Get on a cleaning schedule
If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and the amount of activity.
Choosing the proper cleaning system is important. Some systems may leave residues which accelerate re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning.
Shaw’s choice: Hot water extraction
Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as “steam cleaning,” although no steam is generated. 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.
Shaw warranties require that the homeowner be able to show proof of periodic cleaning by hot water extraction (commonly called “steam” cleaning) by a professional cleaning service or do-it-yourself system, using equipment that is certified under the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval program.
Professional advantages
Professional carpet cleaners are a great choice for your floor. Their cleaning equipment has more extraction power than the rental units available to individuals, and the carpet should dry more quickly. When a carpet is cleaned hot water is being forced into the carpet. Hot water extraction units that don’t have the CRI Seal of Approval may not extract enough of the water from the floor to allow for proper or sufficient drying. When a carpet is drenched and the water isn’t extracted properly, it can lead to a whole host of issues such as wrinkling of the carpet and in extreme cases, even delamination. This could occur when the carpet is soaked which could in turn cause the backing of the carpet to breakdown. Backing failure can cause the carpet tufts to pull out easily and result in damage to your floor that could compromise your flooring warranties.
True professionals also understand the equipment, know the proper cleaning agents for the situation at hand, and recognize the differences in fibers and carpet construction. In addition, when soap residue is left on the carpet, it can cause rapid re-soiling on the entire floor. Have you ever had your carpets cleaned only to realize that they look dirtier quicker? The bottom line – choose a service provider or a machine that has the CRI Seal of Approval.
What about spot and stain removal?
Shaw Floors Carpet Cleaner is the only carpet cleaning product with the endorsement consumers have trusted for more than 100 years: The Good Housekeeping Seal. Because of the patented process, it’s even easier to use than most spot cleaners. Our recommended spotting product also has the Wool Safe Certificate of Accreditation and the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval.
Routine spot removal- research has shown that many products sold for do-it-yourself spot removal clean poorly and leave a residue. The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval program tests and certifies products that meet stringent standards and thus clean effectively, without damaging your carpet. In addition, products sold for do-it-yourself spot removal may contain optical brighteners and other agents that can cause a bleaching effect on your carpet. Please refer to “Shawfloors.com” for a list of common household spills and cleaning recommendations.