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