How to clean carpet
Carrying out a proper maintenance program has a positive effect on the aesthetics and performance of your carpet flooring, thereby preserving, maintaining and extending the life of your investment.
However, defining and executing the most effective cleaning method is not the only aspect of a proper maintenance program. One preventive measure to take is to install dirt barrier zones with scraping and absorbing effect (such as DESSO Protect) at all entrances, with sufficient length and starting outside the building. Doing this is essential to keeping dirt outside. Another important preventive measure is selecting the right products, in colour, pattern and structure for all parts of your building.
A three-step carpet maintenance program
Tarkett recommends a three-step maintenance program:
- routine/daily maintenance: this is a combination of vacuum cleaning and spot removal, carried out as often as needed for the different zones within your building. Effective vacuum cleaning is an essential part of a proper maintenance program to keep dirt to a minimum. For best results Tarkett recommends heavy duty upright vacuum cleaners1 with a brushing action and efficient, clean filters. Additional to vacuuming, regular spot removal should take place to maintain a good appearance.
- periodic maintenance: periodic Maintenance takes place if the daily maintenance no longer gives the desired performing and preferably should be carried out by a specialist. Generally, this periodic maintenance is carried out 1 to 2 times per year, depending on the specific needs of your building and the different areas within. From the many cleaning methods available, Tarkett recommends two options: crystal dry cleaning and dry compound cleaning2. Be assured that the product used does not cause re-soiling. Always vacuum before carrying out either of these methods. When using either method, make sure to first test them on a concealed part of the floor to preserve the colour of the carpet.
- deep cleaning: Proper routine maintenance on a daily/weekly basis, supported by periodic maintenance, keeps the aesthetics and performance of your carpet flooring at a satisfactory level for a long period. Deep cleaning of a carpet should take place in consultation with a specialist, in accordance with the maintenance plan. Tarkett recommends the method of hot water extraction to deep clean your carpet. This must always be preceded by intensive vacuum cleaning and possibly also spot removal or pre-spraying to loosen stain residues. It is recommended to get a specialist (carpet) cleaning company carry out this type of maintenance. Furthermore it is very important to make sure the floor is given enough time to dry before it is used again (generally 1-2 days).
The frequency of maintenance depends on colour, the intensity of use, area and grade of representation.
For more detailed carpet maintenance instructions, download the maintenance manual below (which can be found on each product page as well)
At your service
The maintenance plan as described above (and the more detailed maintenance plan in the manual) provides guidelines as recommended by Tarkett. However, we understand that the actual maintenance program also depends on your individual building requirements.
Defining a proper maintenance plan is essential for maintaining optimum aesthetics and performance of your carpet installation. Tarkett and/or your partner in maintenance are available to support you in this.
Maintenance and Cradle to Cradle®
Tarkett aims to design and produce products that contribute to creating healthy spaces for people's wellbeing and can be disassembled and recycled, following Cradle to Cradle® principles. These principles need to be integrated into the maintenance program with the definition of methods, tools and cleaning agents.
The operation of the maintenance program and the use of cleaning agents is a determining factor for the condition of the carpet after its useful life and thus for the options to recycle or reuse the product as part of Tarkett’s ReStart program . The amount of dirt and residue in the carpet determines the quality of the materials fed into the different recycling streams.
Contact Tarkett and/or your maintenance partner if you have questions or need further support.
For more detailed carpet maintenance instructions, download the maintenance manual below (which can be found on each product page as well)
1) For needle punch fiber products like DESSO Lita, high cut pile and polyester yarn made carpets, as well as woolen loop pile carpets predominantly vacuuming with a suction only vacuum is recommended. 2) For needle punch fiber products like DESSO Lita, hot water extraction is the only recommended cleaning procedure (see maintenance manual)