Caring For Your Carpet
From time to time your carpet will probably suffer from a spillage.
Not all spillages will require professional attention and we hope that some of our guidelines will help you to maintain your carpet on a day-to-day basis.

• Clear spillages immediately by blotting off all the liquid stain with paper kitchen towel or a clean dry white cloth (coloured cloths may allow staining back from the cloth to the carpet).
• Semi-solid substances should be removed with a plastic spatula.
• A clean damp cloth soaked in warm slightly soapy water can be used to blot any remaining stain. Use a dabbing action with the cloth and then blot out any remaining moisture with dry kitchen towel. Repeat if necessary.
  Do not rub the surface of the pile or over-soak the stain.
• To prevent the stain spreading, always work from the outside towards the centre of the stain.

Basic Maintenance
Most carpet damage and discolouration will occur if loose dirt and dust is able to get into the carpet pile where it will act as an abrasive. To combat this effectively you should, if possible:

• Vacuum your carpet at least two or three times a week depending upon the amount of use.
• Use a large strong door mat to remove dirt at the door and prevent it being carried around the house.
• Try to select a lighter colour away from the main entrance to the house

Common Problems

Velvet Pile
If you have chosen a velvet pile carpet this requires a little time for the fibres to "bed down". Brush by hand or with a carpet sweeper in the direction of the pile for two to three weeks after laying. You can however use the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner to pick up any loose pieces.

Loop Pile
If you have a loop pile carpet, vacuum using the suction head of a cylinder cleaner. Do not use the beater bar or the brushes will catch the fibres and lift them. This will make your carpet look bobbled or felted.

Cut Pile
Use an upright cleaner with a beater bar and brush when vacuuming a cut pile carpet.

Shedding
All carpets using a spun yarn will shed excess fibre when first installed. This is quite normal and is not a defect. The short fibres given off represent a very small fraction of the pile.

Long Tufts
Occasionally you may find a stray tuft extending above the pile surface. If your carpet is a cut pile, carefully cut the tuft with sharp scissors to the level of the surrounding pile.

Shading
After some use the pile surface in a cut pile carpet will lay in different directions. As light refracts off the pile it will create light and dark patches which is an effect known as shading. This is again quite normal and in no way detrimental to the wear of your carpet.

Fading
Most textiles will fade very gradually over time due to natural light. To reduce fading of carpets in rooms with strong exposure to the sun, (i.e. rooms with south facing patio doors or windows,) we suggest sun blinds or curtains are used where practical.

Abrasion
Pet paws, claws, rubber soled shoes and heels can be abrasive to carpets, particularly if use is concentrated in small areas, for example in front of armchairs. Move furniture occasionally to avoid distortion to the carpet pile.

Piling
Small balls of fibre may collect on the surface of some loop pile or wool blend carpets. This is called piling and can be carefully removed with sharp scissors. This does not affect the durability of your carpet.

Indentations
The feet of furniture will create indentations in any carpet. To help reduce marking, where possible, regularly reposition your furniture and other heavy objects. You can use a coin to gently tease the pile back towards its previous position.

Static Electricity
In a dry atmosphere static electricity may build up in a carpet. Use of a humidifier or indoor plants in water trays will help keep the humidity high and reduce static build up.

Flattening
As with any cut pile fabrics, areas of heavy usage will be prone to flattening of pile. Regular vacuuming will help reduce the likelyhood of this occurring. This flattening is a normal reaction to heavy usage and is not detrimental to the wear of the carpet.
The above information is intended to help you get the most from your carpet. Phoenix Carpets cannot be held responsible for any implied guarantee, loss, damage or injury which may arise from following this information.