Simple Rules to Protect Your Carpets and Make Them Last Longer

Below are some guidelines to follow to ensure your carpets stay in top quality condition, and ultimately save you money in the long run by avoiding early replacements costs.

Reduce soil accumulation

Use wipe-off mats at all entrances to keep outside soil from being tracked onto the carpet. You may also want to relocate furniture periodically to allow for even distribution of traffic and wear on the carpet. Mats and runners on uncarpeted areas adjacent to the carpet will reduce soil in heavy traffic areas.

Vacuum regularly

Keep in mind that carpet is subject to more abuse than any other home furnishing. Different styles of carpet will perform differently. The three best ways to keep a carpet clean are, vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Most soil, even dust, is in the form of hard particles. When left on the carpet, these gritty, sharpened particles abrade the pile as effectively as sandpaper. Regular and thorough vacuuming will remove them. Daily vacuuming is recommended for the thoroughfare, with all areas vacuumed at least once per week. Of course, since each household is different, adjust this advice to suit your household. Households with children, pets and/or heavy use will naturally require more frequent cleaning! A vacuum cleaner or attachment with a rotating brush or "beater bar" to agitate the pile is much more effective than one that relies on suction only.

Remove spills immediately

Anything spilled on carpet should be cleaned up promptly. Almost all spilled materials will stain or discolor the carpet or increase soiling if left unattended. Follow the instructions in the Great Choice booklet or call for advice.

Keep substances that can damage and stain carpet away from carpeted areas.

Many squashes / juices, teas, coffee, ink, acne medication, strong chemicals such as bleach, pet urine, etc will cause permanent stains if not removed immediately.

Have your carpet professionally cleaned professionally by Great Choice at least every 12 months.

Having your carpet professionally cleaned will serve three key points.
* First, it will help maintain a beautiful appearance. You can make your carpet look great for longer with frequent cleaning and vacuuming.
* Second, your carpets will last on average 33% longer, but many manufacturers agree that around 50% longer life is about right!
* Third, you will have a healthier home. Your home will be kept clean and healthy. Most of the contaminants in your home fall into the carpet due to gravity. We will remove these toxins from your carpet. Great Choice also use a product recommended by the British Allergy Foundation to eliminate the dust mite and all other creepy crawlies from your carpet.

Have your carpets protected every 3 or 4 years.

When your carpet was new, it may have had a coating of a flourochemical protector. If it didn't, then Great Choice probably applied some for you. Scotchgard is the most widely known brand name of flourochemical protector, but there are many more brands that perform just as well. This coat of protection is removed with vacuuming, cleaning, and foot traffic. By the time your carpet reaches 2 or three years old, it has very little protection left in it. In some cases, the protection decreases more rapidly. Re-applying the protectant will help add some protection back into the carpet.
What benefits will you get from fabric protection?
* Vacuuming will be more efficient because dirt won't stick to the fibres as well.
* Your spot removal procedures will be more effective (if you follow the correct procedure)
* The next time your carpet is cleaned, stubborn spots will be more readily removed.

Will fabric protection make your carpet or upholstery totally stain proof?

No. What it will do is put a coat of protection around the carpet fibre to protect from staining and wear. This will minimize the amount of harmful dry soil and liquid bonding to the fibre. If you spill something on your carpet, it will not magically disappear, it will just be far easier to remove. You should be able to remove most spots yourself once a protector has been applied. If you can't remove it, call Great Choice immediately on 0800 180 4560.