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Bespoke Carpet and Rug Care Guide

Last Updated: January 26, 2024

REGULAR CARPET CARE
 

Different fibers demand distinct cleaning methods. Always follow the recommended vacuuming and pre-conditioning steps. For specific spot removal solutions and cleaning methods, refer to the Spot Cleaning Guide (below) and follow the recommended procedures.

​

WOVEN & TUFTED WOOLS 

 

  • Vacuum regularly. Frequent vacuuming is a carpet's best friend. A suction-only canister vacuum is best to prevent excess pilling, fuzzing and pulls. However, if this type is not available, set a vacuum so that the brush is furthest away from the surface of the carpet.

  • Remove spills immediately.

  • Professionally clean as needed. Do not apply stain-repellent treatments that contain silicone because they tend to accelerate carpet soiling.

  • Keep doormats clean. Exercise preventative maintenance by placing absorbent mats at the most frequently used entrances to your home. Change or launder when these mats become soiled.

  • The vacuum cleaner dust bag should be changed when half full.

  • Filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly.

    STEPS FOR SPOT REMOVAL

    One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is the removal of spots and spills. Acting quickly when anything is spilled or dropped, and always having the necessary cleaning materials at hand are of the utmost importance.
     

  • Immediately blot (do not rub) spills with white paper towels or with a clean absorbent cloth. Scoop up solids.

  • All cleaning agents and solvents should be Ph-neutral; pre-tests should be done in an inconspicuous area.

  • Apply the cleaning agent listed on the spot removal chart (Below) to an absorbent towel and begin to blot up the spill with a blotting motion. Flip the cloth to prevent reapplying soil.

  • Do not over-saturate with water.

  • Work inwards from the edge of the spot to prevent excess spreading.

  • Wait a few minutes for the cleaning agent to work on the spot. Follow the recommended directions.

  • Once the cleaning agent has removed the spot, blot excessive moisture by applying pressure with paper towels or a dry absorbent cloth.

  • Rinse with clear water on a clean cloth.

  • Remove excess moisture by applying pressure with paper towels.  

    RECOMMENDED PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

​

  • Dry cleaning systems such as Capture®; Host®; Dri-Mate®; Wool Clean by Wools of New Zealand and Chem-Dry

  • Truck-mounted steam extraction is acceptable for tackless wall-to-wall installations. We do not recommend steam cleaning for loose lay rugs

  • We do not recommend any portable units or Rug Doctor systems
     

STAIN TREATMENT CHART

SPOT
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Alcoholic Beverages
2
-
-
Blood
1
2
-
Butter
3
2
-
Candle Wax
6
4
-
Chewing Gum
4
3
-
Coffee
1
2
3
Colas and Soft Drinks
1
2
-
Cream
2
3
-
Floor Wax
3
2
-
Gravy & Sauces
5
2
3
Ink (Ball Point)
4
7
2
Ink (Fountain Pen)
1
2
-
Lipstick
3
2
-
Mercurochrome
2
10
-
Milk
5
3
2
Nail Polish
6
3
-
Oil & Grease
3
2
-
Paint (Latex)
1
2
3
Paint (Oil)
9
3
2
Rust
3
2
8
Salad Dressing
2
3
-
Shoe Polish
3
2
-
Tar
3
-
-
Unknown Material
3
10
2
Urine (Fresh)
2
-
-
Urine (Old)
1
2
10
Vomit
2
-
-
Wine
9
1
2
1
Add cold water and blot
2
Detergent solution or WoolClean Dry Spot Remover
3
Methylated mineral spirits, turpentine, or WoolClean Dry Spot Remover
4
Chill with aerosol freezing agent or ice cubes in a plastic bag; follow by picking or scraping off gum
5
Warm Water
6
Clean nail polish remover (preferably acetone)
7
Isopropyl alcohol
8
Rust Remover
9
Absorbent Powder (e,i,, salt, talc, or Absorb-It)
10
Absorbent Cleaner (WoolClean Spot Dry Remover, Host, Capture

SISALS, SEAGRASS, MOUNTAIN GRASS

 

  • Natural fibers are inherently absorbent and should not be placed in areas that are damp or where spills are likely to occur (kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and porches).

  • Vacuum regularly. Frequent vacuuming is a carpet's best friend. This will remove the fine dirt particles that can lodge between the fibers and cause additional wear. For best results, use a vacuum with strong suction and brush attachment or beater bar.

  • Remove spills immediately. (see additional information below)

  • Professionally clean as needed. Never steam clean or wet-shampoo a natural fiber floor covering.

  • Keep doormats clean. Exercise preventative maintenance by placing absorbent mats at the most frequently used entrances to your home. Change or launder when these mats become soiled.

  • The vacuum cleaner dust bag should be changed when half full. Filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly.

    STEPS FOR SPOT REMOVAL

    One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is the removal of spots and spills. Acting quickly when anything is spilled or dropped, and always having the necessary cleaning materials at hand are of the utmost importance.
     

  • Remove spills immediately.

  • Liquid spills act as a magnet to any dirt particles that are in the carpet, causing the dirt to rise to the surface. This dirt may cause a dark stain.

  • Immediately blot – do not rub – the spot with a clean, absorbent white cloth or paper towel. Rubbing can work the liquid deeper into the fibers, making the spill more likely to stain the carpet.

  • To remove spots caused by solid substances, first remove any remaining material. Scrape it up with a spoon, always working from the outside of the spot toward the center.

  • Pretest spot removal in an inconspicuous area.

  • Apply the cleaning agent listed on the spot removal chart (below) to an absorbent towel and begin to blot up the spill with a blotting motion. Flip the cloth to prevent reapplying soil.

  • Do not overuse water.

  • Work inwards from the edge of the spot to prevent excess spreading.

  • Wait a few minutes for the cleaning agent to work on the spot. Follow the recommended directions.

  • Once the cleaning agent has removed the spot, blot excessive moisture by applying pressure with paper towels or a dry absorbent cloth.

    RECOMMENDED PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

    Never steam clean or wet-shampoo a natural fiber floor covering which can cause shrinkage, discoloration, and/or staining. Please be aware that proper maintenance on natural products calls for Dry Clean Only

NATURAL FIBER SPOT CLEANING CHART

TYPE OF SPILL
REMEDY
Beer or Liquor
A or D
Blood
A or D
Butter
A or B
Candy
A or E
Coffee
A or E
Chocolate
A or D
Crayon
B and A
Egg
A or C
Feces
A or C
Food Coloring
C and A
Fruit Juice
A or E
Furniture Polish
A or C
Glue - model
I
Glue - white
C and A
Gravy
A or E
Gum
A or G
Hair Spray
A or B
Hand Lotion
A or B
Ice Cream
A or E
Ink
A or B
Ketchup
A or C
Lipstick
A or B
Mascara
A or B
Mayonnaise
A or C
Merthiolate
A and E
Milk
A and E
Nail Polish
I and A
Oil - cooking
A or B
Oil - Furniture
A or B
Paint - latex
A or F
Paint - oil base
A or B
Rust
A
Shoe Polish
A or B
Soft Drinks
A or E
Tar
A and B
Tea
A or D
Urine
A or E
Wax
G
Watercolors
A or F
Wine
A or E
A
Use HOST Dry Cleaner for Carpets
B
Solvent, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
C
Detergent, blot, ammonia, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
D
Detergent, blot, vinegar, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
E
Detergent, blot, ammonia, blot, vinegar, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
F
Detergent, blot, ammonia, blot, water, blot, solvent, blot
G
Freeze with ice cube, shatter with blunt object, vacuum, solvent, blot (for wax, place paper over wax, iron with warm - not hot - iron to absorb)
H
Cool Water, blot, ammonia, blot, detergent, blot, water, blot
I
Acetone polish remover, blot, repeat

Solvent = HOST Spot Remover, or any commercial dry cleaning solvent 

Detergent = 1 tsp laundry detergent (without bleach) + 1 cup of lukewarm water

Vinegar = 1/4 cup of white vinegar + 1/4 cup of water

Ammonia = 1 tsp clear household ammonia and 1/2 cup of water

VISCOSE, VISCOSE BLENDS & ART SILK
 

  • Natural fibers are inherently absorbent and should not be placed in areas that are damp or where spills are likely to occur (kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and porches).

  • Vacuum regularly. Frequent vacuuming is a carpet's best friend. This will remove the fine dirt particles that can lodge between the fibers and cause additional wear. For best results, use a vacuum with strong suction and brush attachment or beater bar.

  • Remove spills immediately. (see additional information below)

  • Professionally clean as needed. Never steam clean or wet-shampoo a natural fiber floor covering.

  • Keep doormats clean. Exercise preventative maintenance by placing absorbent mats at the most frequently used entrances to your home. Change or launder when these mats become soiled.

  • The vacuum cleaner dust bag should be changed when half full. Filters in your heating and air conditioning systems should be changed regularly.

    STEPS FOR SPOT REMOVAL

    One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is the removal of spots and spills. Acting quickly when anything is spilled or dropped, and always having the necessary cleaning materials at hand are of the utmost importance.
     

  • Immediately blot (do not rub) spills with white paper towels or with a clean absorbent cloth. Scoop up solids.

  • Spot cleaning with dry cleaning products only (Host, Capture, or Dri-Mate.)

  • Work inwards from the edge of the spot to prevent excess spreading.

  • Wait a few minutes for the cleaning agent to work on the spot. Follow the recommended directions.

  • Once the cleaning agent has removed the spot, blot excessive moisture by applying pressure with paper towels or a dry absorbent cloth.

    RECOMMENDED PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

    Dry cleaning systems such as Capture®; Host®; Dri-Mate®; Wool Clean by Wools of New Zealand and Chem-Dry

INDOOR / OUTDOOR

 

  • Vacuum or sweep regularly and/or shake to remove dust

  • Simply hose off the outdoor rug to clean

  • Blot spills immediately with a clean dry cloth

  • Rotate your rug twice a year to avoid traffic wear spots on your rug

  • Keep away from prolonged moisture

  • Use a proper rug pad
     

BENEFITS OF POLYPROPYLENE CONSTRUCTION

​

  • All-weather rug construction is pet-friendly and mold- and mildew-resistant

  • Yarn-dyed fiber has an incredibly rich color that holds its vibrancy over time

  • Polypropylene is a stain-resistant, water-repellent synthetic material

  • Resistant to high heat temperatures so yarns will not wilt in hot climates

  • All-weather rugs are resistant to chemicals, including bleach, so they easily repel stains and are equally easy to clean

  • Flexible yarns maintain their original firmness, so you get a long-wearing rug that's incredibly supple

  • Lightweight for easy cleaning and relocating

  • Woven to be incredibly tough and durable; Polypropylene rugs resist cracking in extreme temperatures

  • Quick-drying, thanks to low water absorption quality and moisture barrier aspect of the yarns

  • Stain resistant, so you can use these rugs in your outdoor decor without worry

  • Outstanding resistance keeps your area rugs in high-quality condition for years

  • Adds warmth underfoot in cooler temperatures and relief from hot surfaces in hot climates

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