These are maintenance recommendations supplied by product manufacturers.

For common household stains & the extraction method recommended see the chart at the bottom of this page. (If you don't see the stain in this chart, there is another chart in the Warranty Section for DuPont's Stainmaster™ procedures)

Basic Care
To reduce soiling problems. Use rugs in walk-off areas (where traffic moves from hardwood, vinyl, or tile flooring to carpeting). The walk-off rug must have a soft, non-abrasive backing, and may be placed either on the hard surface floor or on the carpet.
Vacuuming. You should go over your carpet each day using an upright vacuum cleaner having a beater-bar action (but no teeth or combs).
Professional cleaning. We recommended professional cleaning every year to eighteen months. Before cleaning, professionals often use special pile lifters and heavy duty vacuums. Then, too, you'll find that each service has a preferred method. They range from rotary brush machines to deep soil extractors. All can be quite effective if used correctly.
Carpet Characteristics
Shading. After installation, some shading may be noticeable at seam areas that could not be detected during installation. Often a consumer will think this characteristic is poor craftsmanship in making the seam. If fact what is usually the case is a slight Variation in the carpet dye process from one edge to the other. Although carpet dye technology has not been able to eliminate this characteristic, it is usually far less noticeable after draperies are hung and furniture is placed.
Occasionally the problem may be a reversing of the pile direction during the manufacturing or shipping process. When this is the case we recommend professionally steaming the yarn, causing a relaxation of the original set; then resetting the nap direction by hand. Another possible cause may be slight variation in pile height which can be improved by professionally shearing the high edge.
Seams. The construction and finish characteristics of certain carpet styles will show seams more readily than others.
Pile crush. Pile crushing is most apparent in high traffic areas or in front of furniture and is aggravated by soil from shoes, animals, and bare feet. This characteristic is usually mistaken for wear. It is not actual yarn wear, but gives the appearance due to the pile laying over. Although it cannot be eliminated it is best minimized by regular vacuuming and brushing the pile.
Texture change. Normal usage will usually result in a texture change. This is usually in the form of pile crush or loss of twist in individual tufts. Pile crush is best handled as noted above, however loss of twist can only be reduced by preventive measures, such as the use of soft backed rugs in high traffic areas.
Here's What To Do After You Say "Oops"
First, make sure you have the proper cleaning solution on hand. Then follow the general instructions below.
Cleaning solutions:
Detergent. Mix 1/2 teaspoon clear dishwashing detergent with one
cup warm (not hot) water.
Pre-soak Solution. Mix one teaspoon enzyme laundry presoak (such as Axion or Biz) with one cup warm water.
Hydrogen Peroxide. Mix 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide (3% strength, available in drug stores) with one teaspoon of household ammonia. Use within two hours of mixing.
Ammonia. Undiluted household ammonia.
Dry Powder Cleaner. Powdered carpet cleaners such as Host, Capture, and Blue Luster.
Dry Cleaning Solvent. Non-oily, non-caustic type sold for spot removal from garments. ***Caution: may be flammable***
General Instructions:
1. Apply. Solutions, water and other liquids should be applied to a clean white paper towel (not printed), and this wet towel should be used to dampen the carpet. Never wet the carpet through to the backing.
2. Blot. Blot by pressing straight down with a clean white paper towel- never rub - rubbing alters the carpet texture. In the final blotting step, a 1/2" thick pad of clean white paper towels, placed on the cleaned spot with a weight and left overnight, is the best way to pick up the last traces of foreign material.
3. Scrape. Gently scoop or scrape with blunt edge of spoon from the outside edge of the spot toward the center.
Removal Methods
Method A
1) APPLY a dry cleaning solvent, use dampened towel
2) BLOT - don't rub
3) REPEAT solvent application as above
4) BLOT - don't rub
5) WATER - apply with dampened towel
6) BLOT - finish with weighted pad of towels
Method B
1 ) SCRAPE or BLOT up excess spill
2) APPLY DETERGENT (See "Cleaning Solutions"), use damp towel
3) BLOT - don't rub
4) APPLY AMMONIA (See "Cleaning Solutions"), use damp towel
5) APPLY WHITE VINEGAR (Undiluted), use damp towel
6) BLOT - don't rub
7) WATER - apply with damp sponge
8) BLOT - finish with weighted pad of towels
Method C
1) SCRAPE or BLOT up excess spill
2) APPLY dry baking soda
3) SCRAPE and VACUUM
4) WATER - use damp sponge to rinse remaining baking soda. Don't over wet
5) BLOT - don't rub
6) APPLY PRESOAK SOLUTION (See "Cleaning Solutions"), use damp towel
7) WATER - rinse as above
8) BLOT - don't rub - dry well
9) APPLY DRY POWDER CLEANER (See "Cleaning Solutions")
10) VACUUM
Method D
1) SCRAPE or BLOT up excess spill
2) FREEZE with ice cubes
3) SHATTER with blunt object like the back of a large spoon
4) VACUUM chips away before they melt
Method E
1) SCRAPE or BLOT up excess spill
2) APPLY DETERGENT SOLUTION (See "Cleaning Solutions"). use damp towel, leave 3-5 minutes
3) BLOT - don't rub
4) APPLY HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SOLUTION (See "Cleaning Solutions"), let stand 20 to 30 minutes under a weighted pad of clean, dry white paper towels.
5) REPEAT application of Hydrogen Peroxide and dry under weighted pad until removal is complete.
6) APPLY WHITE VINEGAR (Undiluted), use damp towel
7) BLOT - finish with weighted pad of towels
An "Oops" by any other name
NOTE: Where two methods are listed (ex: B-F), use first
Stain Chart:(Description of methods)

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