Domestic Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

Vacuum Cleaning

For all wool carpets produced by Westex, both loop and cut pile, we recommend an upright vacuum with a driven brush head. For maximum benefits and effectiveness use a vacuum cleaner with adjustable height and suction settings and rotating brushes that will loosen deep rooted dirt. The suction of all vacuum cleaners should be sufficient so that it can get through to the backing and pick up any dust and dirt settled there. There should be a large closed filter and filter system, so the dust doesn’t re-enter the room. Whichever model of vacuum cleaner you decide upon it should be regularly serviced. Keep the suction hose and attachments free from foreign bodies and ensure that these do not become blocked, as this could reduce the suction. Examine the suction head for rough, sharp edges or bent metal which could damage the carpet.

High traffic areas such as corridors, stairs and entrance halls should be vacuumed daily. The whole carpet should be vacuumed a minimum of twice a week. In this way dirt lying on the surface will be removed avoiding penetration further into the pile. Equally important is dirt already lying deep in the pile is removed; however, this is not always so easy and very expensive. Surface dirt can be removed while the vacuum cleaner is kept in the direction of the pile for a long time and then the opposite way. Repeat as necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to machine bag and filter change and maintenance to ensure maximum possible suction at all times. If you require any further information on the suitability or selection of the appliance, please consult the appliance retailers direct.

Stain treatment

Stains in carpets should always be treated immediately. The earlier you treat the stain, the easier the removal.

• Absorb liquids immediately with an absorbent white cloth such as kitchen paper, toilet paper, cotton towel, etc. and dab, not rub.
• Solid substances (e.g. yogurt or similar) remove with a spoon or the back of a knife.
• Identify the stain, in order to select the correct treatment.
• Always work the stain from the outside inwards.
• Dab stains, NEVER rub.
• Always ensure the product is suitable for use on wool carpets.
• Always test the cleaner/stain remover in an inconspicuous area (even better on a carpet sample of offcut), never directly on the stain
• Take care when using solvents. Put on a cloth first and not directly onto the carpet.
• Ensure there is sufficient fresh air supply.
• Always thoroughly dab away the solvent.
• Dab the area treated area dry or if possible, dry use a hairdryer on cool and groom the carpet with a soft brush to realign the pile.

The recommended stain removal suggestions contain the methods in the order in which the treatments should be attempted.

Easy stains: relatively easy to remove by the recommended methods.

Difficult stains: harder to remove and require repeated attempts using stronger stain removers. With some stains it is probably impossible to fully remove them. In this case, help from professional carpet cleaners is required.