| Unfortunately accidents happen and when they | | | | For chewing gum stains, or similar, place ice |
| do, its good to know how to deal with them. | | | | cubes in a plastic bag and place on the |
| Spillages and stains can ruin a carpet so | | | | carpet stain for 10 minutes. This will harden |
| tackling the problem straight away will give | | | | the chewing gum making it easier to remove by |
| you the best chance of reducing damage. The | | | | gently scrapping. Alternatively, aerosol |
| following tips and techniques can help to | | | | freezing cans are available that can be |
| prolong the life of your carpet and keep it | | | | sprayed onto chewing gum stains to instantly |
| looking in great condition. | | | | freeze them. This allows you to easily remove |
| | | | the chewing gum or brake it up into smaller |
| Spillages should never be scrubbed as this | | | | pieces. |
| can damage the carpets fibre. Instead excess | | | | |
| liquid should be removed using an absorbent | | | | In the event of a tougher problem a different |
| cloth followed by a dabbing action to dry the | | | | approach is often required. Tackle heavy |
| area out. A diluted solution of carpet | | | | stains such as grease and tar with a blunt |
| shampoo and water can be applied with a clean | | | | knife to remove any solid material and then |
| cloth in the event of liquid spillages. Avoid | | | | blot up any remaining residue with a dry |
| using hot water as this can discolour your | | | | cleaning or tar removing product. When using |
| carpet, and never use washing up liquid as | | | | such products always follow the |
| marks can appear weeks later if it is not | | | | manufacturer's instructions to avoid any |
| completely removed. You should also never | | | | discolouring and damage to your carpet. |
| soak the carpet as excess liquid can damage | | | | |
| the backing and underlay. Once the visible | | | | When it comes to looking after your carpet, |
| spillage has been removed, place some kitchen | | | | prevention is often the best form of attack. |
| roll over the area and apply pressure using a | | | | Vacuuming at least once a week will remove |
| weight. Leave this for a prolonged period of | | | | the grit particles which get trapped in the |
| time to draw out the remaining liquid. | | | | fibre. Grit can be tread into the carpet and |
| | | | rub against the fibres causing unnecessary |
| Red wine spillages should be deal with | | | | damage to the flooring. Using doormats or |
| immediately by applying white wine (if you | | | | removing footwear all together will |
| can bear losing any more!) to neutralise the | | | | dramatically reduce the amount of dirt that |
| colour. Salt can also be applied to dry the | | | | accumulates in the carpet. Most footwear has |
| affected area which can be vacuumed or | | | | rubber soles which are designed to grip the |
| brushed away. The area should then be treated | | | | floor. This pulls on the carpets fibres |
| with a diluted carpet shampoo or cold water | | | | causing snags and undue wear on the pile of |
| and blotted dry. | | | | the carpet. The use of rugs in high use areas |
| | | | such as in front of fire places reduces the |
| Dealing with carpet stains uses different | | | | wear caused by shuffling feet. An |
| techniques depending on the type of spillage. | | | | application of Carpet Guard can maximise the |
| Common stains like chocolate, shoe polish or | | | | lifespan of your carpet. Carpet Guard is a |
| pets mess are easily treated by scraping off | | | | resin based solution that prevents liquid |
| any excess solid matter and applying a | | | | spillages causing stains by forming a |
| solution of diluted carpet shampoo to the | | | | protective barrier on the carpet. Any dirt |
| stained area. For blood stains, any remaining | | | | can be vacuumed up and spillages simply |
| fluid should be absorbed followed by applying | | | | absorbed away. Carpet Guard also minimises |
| cold water with a clean cloth. Remember to | | | | the friction between carpet fibres which |
| finish by completely drying the affect area. | | | | helps to keep it looking new. |
| | | | |
| If oil based paint is spilt you must be | | | | There are many ways to keep your carpet in |
| absorb any excess with a cloth and then clean | | | | excellent condition. With a little care and |
| the area with white spirits and a clean | | | | attention you can prologue the life of your |
| cloth. Follow this with a course of diluted | | | | carpet and keep it looking new for years to |
| carpet shampoo and then clean water. Finally | | | | come. If in doubt contact a professional |
| using an absorbent cloth dry the area and | | | | carpet cleaner who will be able to offer |
| brush clean and remnants. | | | | advice on dealing with specific problems. |
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