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Regular thorough vacuuming removes soil from among fibers of carpets, thus keeping their good appearance and extending their life. Most carpeted areas need this vacuuming once a week, with several slow strokes. Little- used areas need may not need as frequent vacuuming, while areas with lots of active or messy use may need quick daily vacuuming.

Surface Soils: Dry soil from shoes, crumbs, etc. may stay on the surface of the carpet a short time before working its way down into the carpet. This, along with litter such as paper, threads, etc. can be removed with a vacuum, light-weight stick vacuum (or "electric broom"), or even a carpet sweeper, if used promptly. These methods will also remove dust from the carpet surface. Pet hairs should be removed promptly, as the oil in them makes them cling to carpet, and work its way down into the pile.

Deep Soil: Gritty soil tracked on carpet by shoes, wet or dry, will sink down in between fibers of carpet. Gritty soil has very sharp edges capable of cutting carpet yarn fibers. Vacuuming is the best means of removing the grit from deep in between the carpet fibers. Moving the vacuum over the carpet 7 times; forward and back, forward and back, forward and back, forward on the next section, should remove deep seated grit.

Upright vacuum cleaners generally do the best job of removing deep-seated gritty soil from carpets. Next are combination canisters with power-driven rug nozzle. Steps can be vacuumed with the upholstery nozzle or brush attachment.

Room size oriental rugs are best cleaned with an agitator type cleaner. When approaching a fringed edge with an upright cleaner, lift up the cleaner nozzle by pushing down on the handle. This will allow cleaning to the fringe, but will raise the nozzle and avoid catching the fringe. When using a canister with a power nozzle, stop before reaching the fringed edge. Fringe may be cleaned with low suction, using the upholstery tool or floor brush.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Georgia Extension bulletin, How to Care for Carpets and Rugs, the Hoover Company, Nebraska Extension bulletin Carpet Care - Cleaning and Stain Removal, the Carpet and Rug Institute, Allied Fibers and Plastics Inc. and DuPont Clean Up Carpeting bulletin.



MSU 2003