Did you know that according to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) you should have your carpets cleaned  AT LEAST 1 TIME PER YEAR depending on the amount of traffic. The IICRC is a professional association that trains & monitors cleaning technicians throughout North America. To help you decide how often your carpets need to be cleaned, I have included a graph from the IICRC S100 Standards. These standards provide the guidelines used by the Carpet Industry to give your carpet the longest life possible.

Cleaning Frequency Guidelines
from the IICRC Standard for Carpet Cleaning S001-1991

Traffic Soil Rating	Carpet Owner/Maintainer		Professional Carpet Cleaner/Restorer
.	Vacuuming	Spot Cleaning	Heavy-Use Area Cleaning	Restorative Cleaning
Light Soil	1 time per week	Daily or as soon as the spots are noticed.	Traffic areas every 12-18 months	Every 2 years per manufacturer warranty
Normal Soil (Families with children, elderly)	1 to 2 times per week	Daily or as soon as the spots are noticed	Traffic areas every 6 to `12 months	Annually
Heavy Soil (Families with pets, smoking)	2 to 4 times per week	Daily or as soon as the spots are noticed	Traffic area every 3 to 6 months	Semi-annually (2 times annually)
Extreme Conditions  (large families, multiple pets)	Daily	Daily or as soon as the spots are noticed	Traffic lanes every 2 to 3 months	Quarterly (4 times annually

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. (From: U.S. EPA Letter, January, 1989)

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.

• Clean your carpet sooner rather than later.  Soil buried in your carpet acts like an abrasive, accelerating the wear of face yarns, and soils are much harder to remove when they’ve been ground in over an extended period of time.
• Vacuum regularly, especially in front of exterior doors where soils can accumulate.
• Clean up spills when they happen.
• 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 “Spotter Blotter”. 
• 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.
• Call Our Office at 770-410-1950.

SPOT REMOVAL STEPS

Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain-proof.

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels.

Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area. Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towel 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 any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make 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, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently.

Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.

Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.

After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth 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 call our office at 770-410-1950 and request our Professional Guide at no cost to you mailed to your residence.

Many fiber manufacturers provide toll-free cleaning assistance and advice (consult your warranty).

Spotting Guide

The key to successful spot removal is getting to it as quick as possible. Keep this page book-marked, or make a copy of it so you will be able to refer to it when you need it. Be sure to let your friends and family know about this spotting guide so they will be able to use it as well.
YOUR BASIC SPOT REMOVAL KIT

Keep the following items on hand so you will be prepared to handle fresh spills on your carpet: Neutral dish detergent such as Joy® or Dawn® (dilute 20:1); clear household ammonia; white vinegar (dilute 1:1); wet spotter such as Spot Gone®; dry spotter such as Dissolve®; paint thinner; hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for bleaching; denatured or isopropyl alcohol; a good supply of white terry cloths; and a spotting brush. If you have pets, stock a bacteria/enzyme digester such as Liquid Alive®. A wet/dry vacuum is great to have as well.

THE 6 STEPS TO REMOVING SPOTS

1. Catch it while it’s fresh, when chances of removal are 75% better. Don’t iron or hot-air dry until the stain is gone. Heat will set most stains.

2. First blot up all the liquid and scrape up all the solids you can. On a large liquid spill you can use a wet/dry vac. Be careful not to spread the stain.

3. Test any chemical you intend to use in a hidden area to make sure it won’t discolor or damage the surface.

4. Apply spotter and work from the outside of the stain in, to avoid spreading. Blot, don’t scrub; strike with the flat face of a spotting brush if needed to help break up the stain.

5. Rinse chemical spotters out with water, blot the area dry and feather the edges. Brush or fluff up pile or nap.

6. On carpet and upholstery, put a thick pad of toweling over the spot, weight it down with books, and leave it there overnight to “wick up” any remaining moisture.


SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC SPOTS AND SPILLS

1. Acid – Apply a solution of baking soda and water until acid has been neutralized. Then apply ammonia solution and rinse with cold water.

2. Alcohol – Apply detergent solution. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide if necessary. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry.

3. Blood – Scrape off dried blood and apply cool detergent solution. Blot. Apply cool ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry. If stain remains, apply rust remover or bleach with hydrogen peroxide.

4. Candle Wax – Scrape off all you can. Ice cubes will make it brittle for easier scraping. A hot iron (on low heat setting) over a damp cloth will melt and absorb remaining wax. Apply dry-cleaning solvent. Blot.

5. Candy – Scrape off all you can with a dull knife. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. Be sure all traces of sugar are gone. Sugars left in carpet will cause a rapid re-soiling problem.

6. Chocolate – Scrape off all you can first. Sponge with dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. If stain remains, bleach with hydrogen peroxide.

7. Cigarette Burns – If the burn is slight, rub with dry steel wool – or if you feel confident, trim the damaged tufts. If the burn is bad, take a razor blade and scrape some fibers from a hidden area and use super glue to patch the burn with the fibers.

8. Coffee – Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot with vinegar. Rinse. Air dry. If stain remains, sponge with dry cleaning solvent. Bleach remaining stain with hydrogen peroxide. Coffee is a very difficult stain, and can in many cases be permanent. Call us.

9. Crayon – Scrape off all you can. Just as with candle wax, use a hot iron and a damp cloth to melt and absorb the remaining wax. Apply dry cleaning solvent. Blot. Apply detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

10. Grass – Apply detergent solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot. Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Rinse.

11. Greasy Foods – Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work to center to avoid ring. Blot. Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

12. Gum – Use aerosol gum freeze or ice cube to harden the gum and make it brittle, then strike and break into pieces. Scrape them up with a dull butter knife. Remove residue with dry cleaning solvent.

13. Ice Cream – Don’t wait. Blot up all you can immediately with a dry cloth. Apply ammonia solution or protein digester. Rinse. If area is large, shampoo afterward.

14. Ink – Sponge with detergent solution. Rinse. If stain remains, saturate with cheap hair spray and blot. Always work from the outside in to avoid making the spot bigger.

15. Jam/Jelly – Apply detergent solution. Let sit to soften. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry.

16. Lipstick – Scrape off all you can, taking care not to spread the stain. Apply dry cleaning solvent and blot repeatedly until color is gone. Apply detergent solution. Blot. Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot.

17. Mildew – Dry-brush to remove as much as possible. Sponge area with disinfectant solution. Blot. Sponge with ammonia. Rinse. Bleach with hydrogen peroxide.

18. Mud – Allow to dry and vacuum or brush off as much as possible. Apply detergent or ammonia solution. Blot. Rinse. Blot dry. If stain remains, apply dry cleaning solvent. Blot dry.

19. Mustard/Ketchup – Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Apply detergent solution. Blot. If stain remains apply rust remover or hydrogen peroxide solution. Blot. Do not use ammonia or alkaline cleaners.

20. Nail Polish – Blot acetone or non-oily nail polish remover through the stain into a clean absorbent pad. No acetone on acetate, modacrylic, silk, or wool. Use amyl acetate from a pharmacy. Flush with dry cleaning fluid. Air-dry.

21. Oil – Apply dry cleaning solvent. Work to center to avoid ring. Blot. Apply light detergent solution. Rinse. Blot.

22. Paint/Varnish – Oil-based paint or varnish: if fresh, flush with mineral spirits. If dry, carefully soften with lacquer thinner (test first for fabric damage) then flush with appropriate solvent.

23. Pet Stains – Blot out all liquid possible by placing a clean towel on the spot and standing on it. Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions. When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

24. Rust – Rub with steel wool or rust remover. If you use professional rust remover, be careful not to get any on your skin. Don’t apply it to glass, porcelain or enamel surfaces. Rinse. Blot dry.

25. Shoe Polish – Gently scrape off all you can, being extra careful not to spread the stain. Blot dry cleaning solvent through the stain into a clean absorbent pad. Sponge with detergent solution. Blot. Sponge with ammonia. Rinse. If stain remains, try alcohol, then hydrogen peroxide.

26. Soft Drinks – Blot up all you can. Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Air dry. If stain remains, soak with glycerin for 30 minutes and rinse.

27. Tar – Scrape up all you can, then remove residue by blotting with paint thinner or dry cleaning solvent. Blot with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

28. Vomit – Scrape up as much as possible. Apply bacteria/enzyme digester according to directions. When dry, remove any remaining stain with detergent solution. Rinse. Blot dry.

Call Us Today at 770-410-1950 or email us at MistCarpet@Gmail.com