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Okay, so
how often should I clean my carpets?
How many
opinions would you like? There's no hard and fast rule
that applies equally for all situations. Many factors such as
children, pets, environmental situations and so on play
a role in how quickly your carpet soils. Here's some
information to help determine the right interval for
you.
StainmasterTM
is one of the most recognizable names in carpet today
and a source we trust.
What does Stainmaster say?
- Stainmaster
recommends professionally cleaning at least every 12
months, even if you clean them yourself in between.
-
Professional cleaning methods include steam cleaning
(known as hot water extraction), absorbent pad or
bonnet cleaning
[low or
controlled-moisture cleaning],
rotary shampoo, and dry foam powder
.
- Lighter color
carpets may require cleaning more frequently.
The IICRC is an industry organization
providing training and certification for
cleaning and restoration professionals.
The chart below is taken from IICRC
Publication S001-1991, Standard
Reference Guide for Professional
On-location Cleaning of Installed
Textile Floor Covering Materials.
|
Cleaning Frequency Guidelines
from the IICRC Standard for
Carpet Cleaning S001-1991 |
Environmental Factors |
|
Normal |
Contaminated
Outside
Dusty |
Extremely
Cold Weather
Climates |
High
Humidity
Biogenic |
|
Day Care
Center |
2 wks |
1 wk |
2 wks |
1 wk |
|
Nursing
Homes |
1 mo |
1 mo |
1 mo |
1 wk |
|
Residence
2
persons, non-smoking |
6-12 months
. |
2 months
. |
4-6 months
. |
4-6 months
. |
|
2 persons,
with smoking |
4 months |
2 months |
3 months |
4 months |
|
young
children |
6 months |
1 month |
3 months |
3 months |
|
young
children w/pets |
3-6 months |
1 month |
2 months |
2 months |
|
Office
Building
ground
floor
higher
floors |
3-6 months
6-12 months |
1-4 months
2-6 months |
2-6 months
3-9 months |
2-6 months
3-9 months |
|
Food
Service Establishments |
1 month |
1 week |
2 weeks |
2 weeks |
Commercial
retail shops, bank |
3-6
months |
1
month |
2
months |
2
months |
|
(From: U.S. EPA Letter, January, 1989) |
|
This table
is intended to serve as a guideline for
recommended cleaning frequencies from a
public health perspective. Originally
published in a letter from the U.S. EPA,
this schedule has been adopted as part
of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning
and Restoration Certification's (IICRC)
Carpet Cleaning Standard S001-1991.
Complete copies of the IICRC Carpet
Cleaning Standard can be obtained by
calling the Institute at 360-693-5675. |
What do we recommend?
There's
no doubt that regular, professional
cleanings benefit both you and your carpet.
Removing unwanted contaminates from your
carpet promotes a healthier indoor
environment. Properly maintaining your
carpet prolongs its useful life. We can
help you determine how often you should
clean your carpets during your cleaning
visit. Here are a few tips.
-
It's easy to forget, so make a conscious
effort just keep an eye on the condition
of your carpet. Take a good look
three months after cleaning. Then,
again, in another two or three months.
-
Call before your carpet starts showing
signs of heavy soiling. Soil buried in your carpet acts
like an abrasive, accelerating the wear
of face yarns. Soils are harder
to remove when they've been ground in
over an extended period of time.
.
-
Vacuum regularly,
daily if possible, especially in front of
exterior doors where soils can
accumulate.
.
-
Clean up spills when they happen.
Read more here.
.
-
Use products intended for use on carpets
only. Try water or carbonated water
first. If the spot remains use a
non-residual product such as Drynamic's
Professional Carpet spot and
Stain Remover. For more information,
click here
to view DuPont's spot removal
recommendations.
.
-
Properly performed cleaning, even
frequent cleaning, does not damage your
carpet nor will it cause your carpet to
soil more quickly.
.
-
ALWAYS consult a professional if you
have questions about the care of your
carpet.
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