Hello and welcome to the Carpet Cleaning Resources website, a website dedicated to providing the best source of information, services and products for the cleaning and maintaining all types of carpets.

Carpets as we know can be very expensive and therefore should be looked after in the same rationale as any other beloved possession i.e. your car which we all at some point wash, clean and maintain. The result of us adopting this mentality on a carpet will ultimately prolong the life and keep it looking at it’s best for longer periods of time. Therefore it is imperative that we have an online resource dedicated to the cleaning of carpets for people to use.

In order to provide the best and most logical information about carpet cleaning this website has been split in to the main areas of carpet cleaning:

• Carpet Types: Providing information on the different types of carpet piles which will ultimately determine the most suitable cleaning method to use. The most common carpet piles are: Cut Pile, Hard Twist, Shag Pile, Loop Pile, Wool Sisal.

• Carpet Cleaning Methods: Providing the current carpet cleaning methods and techniques and general advice on how to clean carpets. Examples of common carpet cleaning methods are Vacuum Cleaning, Brushing, Shampoo Brushing and Pad Brushing.

• Carpet Cleaning Products: Providing a resource of quality recommended carpet cleaning products. Typical types of carpet cleaning products include shampoos,  sprays and stain removers.

• Carpet Cleaning Equipment: Providing a resource of various carpet cleaning equipment, electrical and   non-electrical, currently on the market. The most common carpet cleaning equipment include Vacuum Cleaners, Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaners,  Shampoo & Brush Machines and Pad Brush Machines.

• Carpet Cleaning Tips: Providing carpet cleaning hints and tips from professionals and normal householders about how to remove particular carpet stains. This includes a comments area where people can share their carpet cleaning experiences and tips.

Apart from the obvious carpet wine stain that has appeared after a party or a carpet coffee stain after the kids have knocked
over your cup, there are tell tale signs that a carpet is in need of some type of cleaning.

The most common signs are as follows:

1. The carpet is looking dull or tired.
2. The colour has faded in comparison to the parts of the carpet that have been obscured by furniture.
3. The carpet pile is looking worn and flattened.
4. There are visible stains and marks.
5. There is a noticeable odor from the carpet.

Once you have identified that your carpet or rug is in need of some tender loving care (aka cleaning..!!) you must then make a decision on which carpet cleaning method you will use.  The decision on your carpet cleaning method will often have derrived from your carpet type, which will also influence the carpet cleaning product and your the carpet cleaning equipment that will be preferable for your type of carpet.

By: Ben | Filed Under Carpet Cleaning Resources, Carpet Cleaning Tips

Here are some golden rules to remember when cleaning carpets…..

• Always deal with stains as quickly as possible for a greater chance of cleaning success.

• Never over wet carpet when cleaning, always try and keep carpet as dry as possible.

• Never use inappropriate household detergents on carpets i.e. (washing up liquid, wash powders, bleach, disinfectants etc.)

• Never apply the cleaning fluid directly onto the carpet, always apply to the absorbent spotting material i.e. cloth or sponge.

• Always test any detergent on an inconspicuous area of carpet prior to treating a stain.

• When using detergents always use the recommended dilution ratios

• Always mop, scrape or blot up any excess prior to treatment.

• Never rub or scrub, always work from the out side of the stain inward to avoid spreading.

• Try and encourage quick drying by leaving windows doors open etc.

Removing Carpet Stains:

Greasy carpet stains - (i.e. chocolate, butter, lipstick, oily food, sauce, ink):
Add a small quantity of Surgical spirit to some cotton wool or cotton bud (Q-tip). Using the lightly soaked cotton wool apply to the edges of the stain working inwards to the centre. Gently press (blot) either Terry towel, or kitchen roll, and repeat as necessary until the stain no longer transfers. Some carpets may darken initially during this process. Using a detergent solution on cotton wool, dampen the area and follow up by blotting with kitchen roll or terry towel. Finally, dry with hair dryer continually moving over the damp area to prevent water marking.

Water based carpet stains - (i.e. tea, coffee, fruit juices, wine etc.):
Soak up immediately using absorbent material or if affected area is large use a wet suction vacuum. Then, re-wet the area using tepid water on a small piece of sponge or cotton wool and blot with dry absorbent material i.e. Terry towel or kitchen roll. Repeat until stain is no longer visible. Finally, dry with hair dryer continually moving over the damp area to prevent water marking.

Dried in carpet stains:
Firstly create a detergent solution (2 litres of tepid water + ¼ of a teaspoon ONLY of carpet shampoo + 1 eggcup full of white vinegar). Secondly, wet the area using the  detergent solution applied on a piece of cotton wool. Dry the excess solution by blotting using kitchen roll or terry towel. Finally follow the wetting and blotting procedures, placing 5-6 layers of kitchen roll on to the affected area and place on top a telephone directory. Allow to dry over 24 hours to absorb any stain in the base of the fibre’s.

Although the above tips seem a little basic it is essential that you follow the appropriate procedures before consulting a professional to clean the carpet. The above Home Repair Tips combined with some professional help (if necessary) will guarantee the best results.

If you have any carpet cleaning tips or old wives tales of your own that you would care to share then please leave your comments in the box below:

There are several contributing factors when it comes to choosing a carpet cleaning service or product the most common being the type of carpet, the type of stain and carpet cleaning prices. There are many carpet cleaning products on the market today, however instead of naming the common brand names I’d thought id detail the main type of carpet cleaning products and their different effects:

Carpet Detergents:
Detergents often come in two formats, liquid based or powder based which are both easily dissolved in hot water and applied to the carpet area. A detergent is probably the most common cleaning product and will often form a lather or soap suds on the carpet area which can then be wiped of with warm or hot water. Never over wet the carpet when using a detergent based cleaning product and always use the correct ratio of detergent to water, otherwise you could end up with a soapy nightmare. This type of product would be recommended for a shorter pile of carpet.

Soap Free Carpet Cleaning Products:
Soap free carpet cleaning products are increasingly popular as there is no soapy by product which would normally, in the case of a detergent, require excess water to clean off. Soap free cleaning products can be odor free and non-toxic, but are all chemical based which prevents a soapy sticky residue from being left behind on the carpet from traditional detergent carpet cleaning products, reducing rapid re-soiling so carpets stay clean longer. This type of product would be recommended for a longer pile of carpet.

Carpet Spot and Stain Removers:
Carpet spot and stain removers for carpets are generally used on specific stains and come through a variety of different products depending on what the stain is. Normally they come with a soft water conditioner which leaves the carpet looking brighter and feeling softer. They are commonly used for the removal of stubborn stains like oil, grease and ink and applied through either spraying or blotting the product on the stain and waiting for a specified amount of time before being wiped clean. Spot and stain removers can often works as a carpet pre-stain remover prior to using a detergent or soap free cleaning product.

Carpet Protectors:
Carpet protectors can be effectively used to provide a protective finish that can be applied, to virtually any type of carpet to protect against dirt, spots, and stains. On application it forms an invisible protective shield around each individual carpet fibre which normally then repel both water and oil-based spots and spills.

There are several different types of Carpet which can be normally identified by the type of pile as indicated below. Different types of carpet might require cleaning with a different cleaning method, a different carpet cleaning product and different carpet cleaning equipment. So it is important that before you take on the task of cleaning the carpet that you are aware of the different carpet types:

Below is a guide providing detailed descriptions of the most common types of carpet, which will hopefully enable you to easily identify your type before cleaning:

Cut Pile often has a smooth finish and is often known as a “velour” or “velvet” pile. It brings a classic look to a room giving it a luxurious and sensual feel to it. It can be easily identified as the tops of the loops of wool are cut and the yarn slightly twisted to produce tufts of yarn that stand upright to produce a smooth and even surface.

Hard Twist is a variant of Cut Pile which features yarn twisted to high degree and then set. This ensures a hardwearing texture which will minimise tracking i.e. footprints, shading i.e. irregular light and dark areas in the pile and shedding i.e. yarn becoming loose and broken. All in all this makes the Hard Twist Pile a popular and practical choice when it comes to choosing a carpet type.

Shag Pile is another variation on the traditional cut pile style. The difference comes in the Shag Pile’s tufts of yarn which are longer and give a carpet a thicker more luxurious look and feel. Although the Shag Pile is probably the most luxurious type of carpet it comes at a cost being generally more expensive than other carpet types.

Level loop pile is formed with continuous loops of yarn of uniform length creating a very hard wearing durable carpet pile. This particular carpet pile has been designed to minimise tracking (i.e. footprint marks).

Textured loop pile is formed with continuous loops of yarn of differing pile length creating a different more sculptured look to the level loop pile. Like its level loop pile counterpart, it is a very hard wearing durable carpet pile which has been designed to minimise tracking (i.e. footprint marks).

Wool or Sisal pile carpets and rugs are now becoming very popular. This stylish raw looking, woven texture of wool or Sisal (coir and seagrass) provides a durable surface that is easily cleaned and generally hard wearing. The raw look and feel, make it a popular choice within the eco friendly minded people.

]]> http://carpetcleaningresources.com/how-do-you-identify-the-different-types-of-carpet/feed/ http://carpetcleaningresources.com/what-are-the-most-effective-carpet-cleaning-methods/ http://carpetcleaningresources.com/what-are-the-most-effective-carpet-cleaning-methods/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:51:11 +0000 bendertez http://carpetcleaningresources.com/?p=86 By: Ben | Filed Under Carpet Cleaning Resources, What are the most effective carpet cleaning methods?

This question can only be answered by examining the carpet to determine which method is required.

I would say the main methods of carpet cleaning present themselves in a particular order which pretty much dictates the severity of the carpet stain. let me explain further:

1. Vacuum Cleaning:
   To be used to remove day to day dust, dry spillages and food crumbs. This method without a doubt the most commonly used method to initially clean a carpet throughout the world and works through brushes effectively beating the carpet pile causing the dirt and dust to rise up wheer it is then sucked in to the vacuum cleaner.
2. Wet Vacuum Cleaning:
   Water and detergent is pumped down a hose and through the carpet fibres to loosen dirt which is then sucked back up in to the cleaner. With the water being sucked back up the hose it ensures that the carpet will be less wet than traditional methods of washing a carpet. Please note that this method will only brighten up a carpet and will not remove tougher ground in dirt.
3. Rotational Vacuum Cleaner (Roto-Vac):
   Water and detergent is pumped down a hose and through the carpet fibres a series of brushes are then rotated on the carpet loosening more persistent dirt which is then diluted in the water which is then sucked back up in to the cleaner. This method is alot more effective than using a wet vac alone and is ideal for stubborn stained patches of carpet.
4. Spot Stain Removal:
   A carpet stain remover product is applied to a sponge or cloth and then dabbed on the stain allowing the carpet cleaning product to soak in. The area can then be wet vacuumed to ensure that it dries quickly. This method should be used for specific stains i.e. oil, grease or ink using the appropriate carpet cleaning product to remove or dissolve the stain.
5. Foam Carpet Stain Remover:
   A foam carpet stain remover product normally comes in an aerosol can which is then sprayed on to the affected area. The area is then rubbed with a sponge and then left to dry. Once dry, any residue containg dirt is then vacuumed away. The advantage of this is that the carpet does not become over-wet as the foam uses little water. Although this method is effective it does not produce the same results as using the wetter carpet cleaning methods.
6. Absorbant Dry Compound Carpet Cleaning:
   This is similar to using the foam method where a dry compound is sprinkled on and worked in to the carpet which then attaches itself to the soil or dirt particles. The area is then vacuumed away removing the dirt or soil particles. The advantage of this is that the carpet does not become wet as there is no water involved, however this method is not as effective wetter carpet cleaning methods.
7. Bonnet Carpet Cleaning:
   This method is similar to using the rotational vacuum cleaner where a detergent solution is poured on to the carpet and the Bonnet machine uses its rotational buffer pads to work the carpet area. The dirt becomes suspended in the solution which is then removed with the pads. The advantage of this is that the pads are reversible so once one side of the pad gets soiled, it can be reversed and the other side can be used. The pads are also re-usable. Disadvantages of this method is that Bonnet machines are quite cumbersome to use.

By: Ben | Filed Under Carpet Cleaning Resources, What carpet cleaning equipment should I use?

There are many different types of carpet cleaning equipment from a simple dust pan and brush to a complex carpet cleaning machine. Choosing the correct equipment depends on the severity of the job or in most of our cases the severity of the carpet stain. Always think carefully when choosing your equipment as it could prove crucial to the carpet cleaning result ..!!

I have detailed below the most commonly used equipment that will guarantee a clean carpet after use:

Vacuum Cleaners:
The vacuum cleaner comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes which all work in a similar fashion. The vacuum cleaner is best used to remove day to day dust, dry spillages and food crumbs. This is without a doubt the most commonly used type of carpet cleaning equipment throughout the world and works through brushes effectively beating the carpet pile causing the dirt and dust to rise up where it is then sucked up through a hose in to a cylinder.

Vacuum cleaners also vary in suction power, the more expensive having a greater or a variable suction power control. However the highest power is not necessarily the best as a cheaper pile of carpet can often be damaged by a powerful vacuum cleaner.

Wet Vacuum Cleaners:
The wet vacuum cleaner (wet-vac) also comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes and works in the same way as a standard vacuum cleaner. The main difference is that a wet vacuum cleaner uses water and detergent which is pumped down a hose and through the carpet fibres to loosen dirt, which is then sucked up through a hose in to a cylinder. With the water being sucked back up the hose it ensures that the carpet will be less wet than traditional methods of washing a carpet.

Rotational Vacuum Cleaners:
The rotational vacuum cleaner (roto-vac) like the wet-vac uses a water based solution to clean the carpet. The detergent solution is pumped down a hose and through the carpet fibres where a series of brushes are then rotated on the carpet loosening more persistent dirt which is then diluted in the water which is then sucked up through a hose in to a cylinder. This method is a lot more effective than using a wet vac alone and is ideal for stubborn stained patches of carpet.

Dry Vacuum Cleaners:
A dry vacuum cleaner as you can probably guess does not use water or any solution based detergents. A dry carpet cleaning product is sprinkled on the carpet area which is then worked on by the dry vacuum cleaner which contains a series of sponges which works the dirt or soil in to the product. The end residue is then vacuumed away separately leaving the carpet stain free and more importantly DRY…!!

Carpet Cleaning Sprayers:
Another type of carpet cleaning equipment commonly used is the carpet sprayer. This type of equipment comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes which all work in a similar fashion in that they pump out a detergent or pre-stain remover with a varying level of pressure. The pressure applied is the key as it will determine how deep the penetration of solution will be of the carpet or affected area.