Soil found on a carpet can be classified as spots and stains; surface litter (paper, pet hair, lint, etc.); gritty unattached particles; and that which is adhering to the fibres. Spots and stains are discussed in other ASE flyers. Surface litter can be picked up with a vacuum. Although unsightly, this material does not soil or harm the carpet.
Most gritty, unattached soil is tracked in on the feet; the longer it remains on the carpet, the more damage it causes. Gritty soil scratches and produces pits on fibres, dulling them and making them appear to be more soiled than they are. Grit also produces a cutting action that removes fibres and shortens the life of the carpet. Remove this soil by daily vacuuming of traffic areas and overall vacuuming at least once a week.
Soil that gives the carpet its dirty look is composed of sticky oils and greases containing tiny pieces of soil materials. Thorough professional cleaning can remove most of this type of soil. The longer oily soil remains on the fibre, the more difficult it is to remove. Some oily soils change chemically and produce a yellowish film on the fibre that is impossible to remove. Other oils dissolve into some synthetic fibres, becoming part of the fibres themselves. These cannot be removed without damage to the fibre.
For proper carpet maintenance, remove spots immediately, vacuum traffic areas daily, vacuum thoroughly once a week, and have a professional cleaning when traffic areas begin to show soil.
