Carpet Care and Maintenance

 

 

A regular maintenance program extends the life of the original appearance of your carpet. Today’s carpet fibers are designed to hide dirt and reflect light and have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.

 

You will need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs, and exterior entryways at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating brush and with a strong enough airflow to penetrate to the carpet backing.

 

Carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool blend styles, may be sensitive to brushing or rubbing of the pile surface and may become fuzzy. For these products, and those styles with a combination thick or thin or cable yarn, a suction- only vacuum is recommended or a vacuum with an adjustable brush lifted away from the carpet so it does not agitate the pile. A vacuum with a beater bar or a rotating brush can be tested for excessive fuzzing in an inconspicuous location before regular use.

 

Carpet One Floor and Home does not recommend a vacuum brand. There are brands that offer adjustable beater bars or even a feature to turn the beater bar off in some cases. The Carpet and Rug Institute (www.carpet-rug.org) also offers information and ratings on vacuums. Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.

 

No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty cleaning from time to time. Professional cleaning is required to maintain your Carpet One Floor and Home warranty. We would be glad to advise you about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet. Hot water extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to maintain most warranties.* Some styles, however, must be cleaned in other ways. Be sure to check with your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer for the recommended cleaning method for your particular carpet. A trained professional should perform this service at least every 24 months to refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet. Have the cleaning professionals come to your home for a visual inspection, and obtain a written agreement before the work is started. You must retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty claim arise.

 

 

*If you purchased the Everguard Stain Protection Plan with your carpet, contact the 3M Service Center (1-800-352-6789) for spot removal instructions prior to using the following spot removal methods.

 

When you and your cleaning professional choose a cleaning method, fiber content is the most important concern. Most carpet today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, or olefin and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, and sisal may require specialized care. Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty, and if you should have any questions or concerns about your new carpet, just call your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer.

 

Carpet Spot Removal Procedures

 

In between professional cleanings, you may have to spot clean your carpet. If you have a spill or a spot, you must act quickly to minimize staining. The longer the delay, the greater the possibility that the stain will become permanent. Complete removal of spills or spots may require a single solution applied repeatedly or the use of a combination of solutions. Follow these simple guidelines in sequence:**

 

Note: If your Carpet is a Lees carpet with the Ultra25 stain protection warranty, it is important to contact 3M at 1-800-352-6789 before you attempt any of the listed stain removal methods.

 

1. Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels. Do not scrub the area! Continue to blot until the area is completely dry. Gently scrape up semi-solids with a rounded spoon and vacuum. Do not add moisture.

 

2. Locate the spill on the spot removal chart, select the first spot removal solution recommended and follow the spot removal procedures listed.

 

3. Pretest any spot removal solution 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth 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. Do not saturate the area as this may cause the spill to penetrate into the backing.

 

6. 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.

 

7. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water after the spill has been removed. Blot with a dry cloth until all the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed.

 

8. Place a ½ inch layer of white paper towels over the affected area to absorb all the moisture, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object.

 

Carpet Spot Removal Solutions

 

We recommend the following solutions for removal of spots and stains. If you have these on hand, you will be able to handle most common spills. Always use solutions in the concentrations recommended. See the chart to find the best solution for your stain. For assistance in choosing the correct solution, call your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer and ask which is best for your particular type of carpet.

 

DETERGENT SOLUTION: Mix ¼ teaspoon of clear, non-bleach, non-lanolin, non-optical brightening dishwashing liquid per one cup of warm water. Allow the

detergent to remain on the stain for 8 to 10 minutes. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. Never use an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that may destroy the carpet color and damage fibers. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (florescent dyes) that dye the fiber.

 

DRY POWDER CLEANER: Use powdered carpet cleaner, such as Capture.

 

DRY CLEANING FLUID: Use caution when using a dry cleaning fluid. A non-flammable spot removal solution is preferred. Transfer solution to the spot with a damp towel - do not apply directly to the spot since direct contact may destroy the backing.

 

NAIL POLISH REMOVER: Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl acetate, which is used in many paint, oil, and grease removers. Amyl acetate nail polish remover leaves residue that may cause rapid soiling. When using, always rinse the area thoroughly with a dry solvent, such as rubbing alcohol. Consult your warranty before using either of these products.

 

The Beautiful Guarantee

 

Carpet flooring products with a Titanium, Platinum, or Gold SelectAFloor warranty carry the Beautiful Guarantee Replacement Warranty. If at anytime after installation and during the terms of the Beautiful Guarantee Replacement Warranty you wish to change your new carpet for a different SelectAFloor style or color, Carpet One Floor and Home retailer will replace it free with another SelectAFloor carpet style or color of equal or lesser value. Should you wish to replace your flooring with a SelectAFloor carpet upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price. No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced carpet is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement and does not include replacement of cushion. Simply call your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another SelectAFloor carpet under the Beautiful Guarantee Replacement Warranty. This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties.

Replacement includes material and labor. Labor to move the furniture, permanent construction (built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases), equipment, or electronics is the responsibility of the customer.

No replacement will be made with respect to carpet that has been glued down, subjected to abuse, vandalism, alteration, or damage caused by smoke, fire, flooding, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchase of a Carpet One Floor and Home style carpet that has been professionally installed by a Carpet One Floor and Home retailer or authorized independent installer. 

 

No Questions Asked Replacement Warranty

 

At Carpet One Floor & Home, carpets with a Silver or Bronze SelectAFloor warranty carry a No Question Asked Replacement Warranty.* If at any time during the term of your warranty after your carpet is installed, you wish to change the style or color of your new carpet, your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer will replace it with another style or color of equal or lesser value, or if the carpet has been discontinued, carpet of comparable quality will be substituted. Should you wish to replace the carpet with Carpet One Floor and Home SelectAFloor carpet upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price. No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced carpet is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement and does not include replacement of cushion or reinstallation charges. Simply call your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another SelectAFloor carpet under the No Question Asked Replacement Warranty. This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties.

No replacements will be made with respect to carpet that has been glued down, subjected to abuse, vandalism, alteration, or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightening, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of Carpet One Floor and Home style carpet that has been professionally installed by Carpet One Floor and Home retailer or authorized independent installer.

 

Limited Wear Warranty

 

Your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer warrants that with proper care and maintenance the pile of your new carpet will not wear by more than 10% by weight from normal foot traffic for the period specified by the warranty level of the product purchased.

Wear is defined as abrasive fiber loss and not a change in appearance. “Shading,” sometimes referred to as “watermarking” or “pooling,” is an inherent characteristic of some fine cut pile carpets and is not considered a manufacturing defect. Should you feel that your carpet is not wearing properly, contact your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer. If your carpet suffers excessive wear(more then 10% by weight) during the warranty period, your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer will replace the affected area (the worn area and adjacent areas extending to the nearest wall, doorway or entrance) with identical carpet, or if the carpet has been discontinued, carpet of comparable quality will be substituted.

Any charges for carpet disposal, new padding, or moving furniture, equipment, etc., are the customer’s responsibility. This Limited Wear Warranty does not apply to carpet installed on stairs and in high moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, boats, etc. This limited warranty covers only abrasive wear resulting in lose of fiber. Wear or damage from tears, pulls, cuts, pilling, shredding, matting, crushing, shading or pile reversal, burns, pets, improper cleaning, improper installation, or defective construction is specifically excluded.

 

Limited Stain Warranty

 

Most carpets have been specially treated to resist stains. Stain resistance means the ability of the carpet pile to resist (minimize or withstand) permanent stains. No carpet is fully stain proof. Therefore this limited warranty excludes stains from:

 

1. Non- food and non- beverage substances.

 

2. Such foods and beverages that contain strongly colored natural substantive dyes as found, for example, in mustard and hot beverages.

 

3. Substances that destroy or change the color of the carpets such as bleaches, acne medications, plant fertilizers, drain cleaners, and plant food.

 

4. Vomit, urine or feces.

 

The fiber manufacturer provides most stain warranties. Contact the following fiber manufacturers for further information on care and cleaning and limited stain warranties for your specific carpet as specified by the warranty page.

 

Carpets made from fibers by:

 

INVISTA: Call 1-800-438-7668

ANSO: Call 1-800-441-8185

WEAR DATED: Call 1-800-633-3208 (24 hour hotline)

For all other fibers, call, call your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer. Should your carpet not perform according to this Limited Stain Warranty for the term or your warranty, the affected area will be repaired or replaced.

Limited Texture Retention Warranty

 

Many of our carpet styles carry a limited warranty that the surface pile will not exhibit abnormal loss of texture retention from normal foot traffic in residential use for the term of the warranty. Texture retention is defined as the ability of the carpet tufts to retain their visible shape as measured by the degree of bursting, opening or untwisting of the tufts at the surface of the carpet. Texture retention is measured by using an international standardized rating scale ranging from 5.0 (new or no change) to 1.0 (severe change), CRI TM-101.

Please note: Carpets depress under weight and often show footprints and vacuum marks. These inherent characteristics do not meet the definition of loss of texture retention. Over time all carpets will lose some of their twist and exhibit what is termed as “tip bloom.” This is normal and is not considered loss of texture retention. Abnormal lose of texture retention is defined as a rating of less than 2.5 when measured against standardized rating scales.

Changes in appearance caused by soiling or furniture depressions are specifically excluded. “Shading” sometimes referred to as “watermarking” or “pooling,” is an inherent characteristic of some fine cut pile carpets and is not considered a manufacturing defect. This Limited Texture Retention Warranty does not apply to carpet installed on stairs and in high moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, boats, etc. Should lose of texture retention occur during the covered period of this limited warranty, those affected areas (and adjacent areas extending to the nearest wall, doorway, or entrance) will be replaced with the same carpet. If the carpet has been discontinued, carpet of comparable quality will be substituted. During the entire term of any 5-year warranty and during the first 5 yrs of any 10 yr warranty, there will be not charge for replacement carpet. Replacement carpet is pro-rated based on the number of years it has been installed.

The Usage Fee will be determined as a percentage of the original purchase price, as follows: 6th yr 50% usage fee; 7th yr 60% usage fee; 8th yr 70% usage fee; 9th yr 80% usage fee; 10th yr 90% usage fee. Responsibility for labor to replace carpet that has loss of texture retention varies with each style and is covered for one to 10 years depending upon the specific carpet style.

Stairs and commercial installation are excluded. This limited warranty does not cover defects caused by abuse, accidents, and crushing caused by furniture or objects other then foot traffic. Carpet installed outdoors or in areas subjected to high levels of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens and boats are excluded.

Limited Installation Warranty

 

Your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer guarantees the quality of workmanship to be professional and in keeping with the standards set by the carpet industry. Should installation service attributable to the original installation be required during the life of your floor, your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer will provide that service at no cost to you. Life of Floor” is defined by the terms of the Limited Wear Warranty.

This warranty is valid only for original owner-occupied residential installations performed by a Carpet One Floor and Home retailer or authorized independent installer and will be invalid if the carpet condition is due to improper maintenance or cleaning, abuse, excessive moisture, vandalism, or alteration.

Please note that in most installations, seams are necessary. Our installers are trained to minimize seams; however, seams are inevitable and will not be invisible. This is quite normal, should be expected, and is not covered by this Limited Installation Warranty.

General Terms and Conditions for Carpet Warranties

 

In addition to the requirements previously specified above for each respective limited warranty, the following general terms and conditions apply to each of the limited warranties unless otherwise specified.

 

1. These limited warranties apply only to carpet installed in owner-occupied residential space where no commercial activity takes place. Area Rugs are not covered under this warranty.

 

2. See fiber manufacturers’ and carpet manufacturers’ separate warranties for the terms and conditions of these warranties. Each fiber manufacturer and carpet manufacturer has its own definitions and limitations with regard to stain, soil, and static resistance. Abnormal matting, crushing, or loss of texture retention from normal foot traffic is defined under the standard rating scales and definitions set forth by each fiber manufacturer or carpet manufacturer, as the case may be.

 

3. These limited warranties exclude carpet that has been put to commercial use, abnormal use or conditions, or abused in any way. “Commercial use” includes, but is not limited to, use in a store, office, or other place of business. “Abnormal use or conditions” includes, but is not limited to, water damage from plumbing, storm or flood; damage from smoke or fire or other casualty event; damage from improper cleaning methods or materials; chairs on wheels; and from improper maintenance. “Abuse” is any use of the carpet that is unreasonable considering the normal and expected uses of a carpet in a residence.

 

4. To qualify for repair or replacement, the original sales receipt or other documentation that demonstrates proof of purchase must be supplied.

 

5. All carpet must be installed over proper cushion that meets the HUD UM 72A, Class 1 standards (USA) or CHHC standards in China.

 

6. These warranties apply only to the original purchaser and installation site and are not transferable.

 

7. These warranties apply only to residential installations performed by a Carpet One Floor and Home retailer or authorized independent contractor.

 

8. These warranties apply only if you follow regular carpet care and routine maintenance. Over time, normal foot traffic and soiling of a carpet will cause a change in any carpet’s appearance. Most carpets must be professionally hot water extracted by an IICRC certified cleaner at least once every 24 months to maintain warranty coverage. Call your Carpet One Floor and Home retailer for the name of the nearest approved dealer.

 

NOTE: For Lees Ultra25 Limited Stain Warranty, you must follow the procedures in the 3M Carpet Care Guide and report the stain to the 3M Service Center (see actual warranty for further details).

 

9. Carpet One Floor and Home and Liz Claiborne Home Shall under no circumstances be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages based upon the foregoing warranties, contracts, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal claim. Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. The foregoing warranties give you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

 

10. If there is a conflict between these general terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of the warranties as specified, the terms and conditions of the warranties as specified shall control.