Almost all carpet samples are now labelled as to their suitability for use in different areas of the home, under normal domestic usage. Before finally deciding on which material is to be installed, check carefully that it is suitable for the location for which it is intended, not to do so could result in costly disappointment. In rooms where a lot of computer equipment is to be used, or high tech musical equipment, thought should be given to fitting material made especially for those areas. Although carpets do not produce static, they do have the capacity to store it, especially in a very dry environment. Prevention of this can be effected by the introduction of moisture into the atmosphere, perhaps by the use of humidifiers etc. In general, long piled carpets are not suitable for use on stairs.

Secondary backed carpets, fitted over a good underlay, will give a better performance in heavy wear areas such as living/dining rooms and hall/stairs/landings.

Maintenance

Vacuum cleaning is vital in maintaining the carpets appearance and preventing severe deterioration. In areas of high use, or where local conditions dictate, this should be done daily to remove dry soil, dust and grit, which can damage carpet fibers, and to restore flattened pile to an upright position. An upright cleaner, with strong suction and rotating brushes, is the most effective in this, provided that the dust container is emptied frequently. Much of the efficiency is lost as these fill up. Suction only type of cleaners on loop pile carpets.

Accidental Spillages/Spot Cleaning

It is vital that accidental spillages are dealt with both very quickly and correctly, as failure to do so can result in carpets being permanently marked and, in extreme cases, severely damaged. Any hot liquid which contains colour, from tea and coffee through to vomit, simulates dye conditions and is vital that the substance is removed from the carpet immediately. Scotchgard treatments, in line with all other protective treatments, provide stain resistance only - THEY DO NOT PROVIDE STAIN PROOFING. Their effectiveness is
still dependent on prompt and correct treatment of stains & spillages.

Golden Rules For Stains And Spillages

1. NEVER USE WASHING UP LIQUIDS. Scoop up solids with a knife or spoon. Determine method of stain removal from the chart.
   
   
2. ALWAYS blot up the spillage using white absorbent paper, until no more shows on the paper when pressure is applied.
   
   
3. Before treating stain, test treatments on an inconspicuous part of the carpet for possible colour change.
   
   
4. With blotting or dabbing motion, work inwards from the edges of the stain to prevent it spreading. NEVER rub or scrub at the surface of the pile, this will damage the carpet surface very badly and leave a permanent mark.
   
   
5. When attempting to remove stains, ensure that the carpet is dry before proceeding to the next step in order of treatment. Once all the spillage has been removed, if necessary dab the affected area with clean tepid water, taking care not to over wet the carpet, and working inwards from the edges to prevent spreading, then blot by applying pressure to absorbent white material.
   
   
6. Once the stain is removed, allow the area to dry and at the same time, ensure that the pile is lying in the same direction as the main carpet. When thoroughly dry, brush the pile very gently to loosen any residues. The area can then be vacuum cleaned to remove all traces of both the stain and the treatment.
   
   
7. NEVER walk on or place objects on damp carpets. Where accidental staining has taken place and not been detected for some time, the services of a professional cleaning company should be sought as the substances will have penetrated, and dried into, the fibers of the carpet.

Reference: Carpet Care by Cavalier Carpets