Your Carpet Care Guide

• Types of carpets
• How often should I have my carpets cleaned?
• Day-to-day carpet care
• The carpet cleaners guide to selecting a vacuum cleaner

Types of carpets

For many centuries rugs were woven by hand from animal fibres such as wool. It wasn't until the middle of the 19th century that machine-made carpets became widely available. The technology changed again in the 1950s with the introduction of tufted carpets and the availability of artificial fibres such as nylon.

Left: The Bayeux Tapestry portrays the invasion and conquest of England by William the Conqueror in an amazing tableau of coloured woollen thread worked on canvas or linen cloth, over 70 metres in length.

Most domestic carpets are made from artificial fibres sewn in tufts on a lightweight backing material. The fibre loops may be left in place ('loop pile') or cut ('cut pile') or a combination of the two ('cut and loop').

Which carpet type should you buy? That depends on your needs and the depth of your wallet. As always you get what you pay for and it's best to discuss your requirements with a number of suppliers before making a decision you will have to live with for many years. Whatever your carpet type or application, an Association of Master Carpet Cleaners-member can protect your investment.

How often should I have my carpets cleaned?

That depends on a number of factors but mostly on how much traffic your carpets carry and how dirty they become. Most domestic carpets should be cleaned about once a year, especially with a very young family.

Commercial carpets should be cleaned more frequently, particularly in high traffic areas or in areas subject to frequent spills and spoils, for example, a restaurant. Remember, too long an interval between cleans will inevitably lead to premature carpet wear.

Right:  It's not a pretty sight! Dirty water entering a carpet steam cleaner recovery tank. Most people are amazed at how much dirt and grime is extracted from what appears to be a reasonably clean carpet.

Day-to-day carpet care

There are no real secrets to keeping your carpets clean and looking like new.

• Reduce spoiling in high traffic areas, such at entrances, with good quality mats and carpet protectors. Clean mats and protectors frequently.
• Clean all spills and spoils immediately.
• Carpet protection, such as Master-Shield will make spot-cleaning easier and more effective.
• Buy a good vacuum cleaner and use it often!
• Have your carpets regularly professionally cleaned.

The carpet cleaners guide to selecting a vacuum cleaner

Using a good vacuum cleaner is important to ensuring your carpet stays looking good and has a long life. As always you get what you pay for and no vacuum works well sitting in the cupboard!

Many manufacturers boast of the power of their vacs (measured in watts) but this is not the most important factor. The effectiveness of the filtration system is crucial. The filter is that little foam pad that sits between the bag and the motor. It should be easy to remove and clean. A vacuum cleaner with a blocked filter will not breathe properly, whatever the power of the motor!

Most carpet cleaners agree that the best vacuums are the older-style upright models with beater bars or brushes that agitate the pile to loosen dirt. The disadvantage of uprights is their height makes it difficult to clean under low furniture.

Barrel cleaners are very popular and can do an excellent job. Don't be swayed by the power of the motor - quiz the salesperson about the filter and check how easy it is to remove and clean. Wet and dry vacs are also common now but they are generally a compromise and the less effective as an everyday carpet cleaner.

The only trick to using a vacuum cleaner is to vacuum in one direction in overlapping strokes and then repeat the process crossways, that is at right angles to the first direction. Oh, that and take your time and do it often!

Select from list and click on FIND!