Protect your carpet color

In addition to normal vacuuming, its crucial to clean your carpet on a consistent basis. Cleaning methods will take away the greasy, sticky soil that vacuums can't get out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time.

Cleaning techniques aim at the soils that result from cooking fumes, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt. The particles of greasy soil deposited on carpet fibers can trigger gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn't lost, but is concealed in the coating. If this form of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and grasp the dry soil.

Get on a cleaning schedule

If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful. Carpet in a usual home should be cleaned every twelve to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity.

Choosing the proper cleaning method is important. A number of methods could leave residues which speed up re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning.

Shaws choice: Hot water extraction

Research indicates that the hot water extraction system offers the best ability for cleaning. This technique is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning," though no steam is actually generated. The procedure consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.

Shaw warranties require that the house owner be able to show verification of periodic cleaning by hot water extraction (commonly called "steam" cleaning) by a qualified cleaning service or do-it-yourself system, using equipment that is certified under the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program. We strongly recommend cleaning systems that have achieved the Gold Level Performance in the CRI Seal of Approval Program.

Professional advantages

Professional carpet cleaners are a great choice for your floor. Their cleaning equipment has extra extraction power than the rental units available to individuals, and the carpet should dry more quickly. True professionals also understand the equipment, know the correct cleaning agents for the situation at hand, and know the differences inside fibers and carpet construction.

Locate a qualified carpet cleaner

Effective January 1, 2008, professional service must be performed by an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) licensed firm.** You can contact the IICRC at 1-800-835-4624 for information. This association maintains a national directory of independent professional cleaners who are qualified and trained in a variety of cleaning specialties. Call and explain that you have purchased a Shaw carpet, and be sure to ask for a cleaner near you who uses the hot water extraction system. If you prefer tackling the job yourself, check these do-it-yourself guidelines before you begin.

What about spot and stain removal?

Shaw's R2X Stain and Soil Remover is the only carpet cleaning product with the endorsement customers have trusted for more than one hundred years: the Good Housekeeping Seal. Because of our patented procedure, it is even easier to use than nearly all spot cleaners. Our recommended spotting product also has the Wool Safe Certificate of Accreditation and the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval. Normal spot removal- research has shown that several products sold for do-it-yourself spot removal clean poorly and their residues draw soil on the cleaned area quickly afterward. The Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program tests and certifies products that meet stringent standards and thus clean effectively, without damage to your carpet.