One of the best ways to protect your carpets is to prevent dirt and grime from getting on them in the first place. Here some steps to get started:

• Use mats — Outdoor and indoor mats or runners can reduce the amount of dirt that enters the house.
• Take off your shoes — You can save wear and tear on carpet by asking everyone to take their shoes off before entering your home.
• Change your air filters — Replace air filters in your heating and air-conditioning systems as recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. The more dust and particles removed by the filter, the less that fall onto the carpet.
  

Spot Removal Steps

When a spot or a stain gets on your carpet, act fast! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resistant treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the harder it will be to remove a stain. It’s important to note that staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

Here are some stain removal tips to keep in mind:

• Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or or white paper toweling (no printing).
• Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing may cause pile distortion in the affected area.
• Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry.
• For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed. If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.
• Pretest spot removal agents in an inconspicuous area to be certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds.
• Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected. Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth and work in gently. Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. If the cleaning solution works well with your carpet, continue using it.
• After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water and blot dry it until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed.
• Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed.
• A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time. For more detailed information on a specific spill, please search on the pull-down menu at right. Many fiber manufacturers provide a toll-free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty).
  

Wool Wisdom

Wool is similar to carpet in that it requires quick action when spilled on. Always having the necessary cleaning materials at hand are of the utmost importance. We recommend a “WoolClean Spot Removal Kit,” which can be purchased from a Wools of New Zealand Partner Retailer. Check the Wools website for the partner retailer nearest you. In the meantime, here are some additional steps to keep in mind:

• Frequent vacuuming is a wool carpet’s best friend. An upright vacuum with a beater bar/brush is the best type for cut pile carpet. A suction-only vacuum may be required for loop pile Berber carpets to prevent excessive fuzzing. Remember to empty the vacuum cleaner dust bag when it's half full.
• Exercise prevention maintenance by placing absorbent mats throughout the high traffic areas in your home. Change or launder when these mats become dirty. Filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly.
• Periodically clean traffic lanes and the areas in front of frequently used chairs with an absorbent powder (such as Host®, Dri-Matic® or Capture®).
• Keep absorbent cloth or paper towels and cleaning solutions on hand for quick response to spills and accidents.
• DO NOT apply stain repellent treatments which contain any silicone as they tend to accelerate carpet soiling. It should be noted that some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints where such treatments have been used. When having your wool carpet professionally cleaned, use a “WoolCare Specialist” certified by the Restoration Industry Association.