PERMANENT STAINS—
We can and will remove most of the spots we encounter on you’re carpet. However, keep in mind that some spots turn to ‘stains’. In these cases, the spots have changed the original color of the carpet. These stains are most commonly caused by pet urine/vomit, Kool-Aid, grape juice, various medications, and cleaning agents, and are permanent. Options, in cases like this, would be carpet dyeing, or having an installer cut out the stained piece and patching it with a new piece of carpet.
SOIL FILTRATION LINES—
These are dark areas that develop gradually over time. They are most commonly found along the perimeter of the room, along the walls, under floor-length draperies, and under doors. The lines are caused by air currents passing through the carpet in these areas. The air carries microscopic particles of dirt and soot. As they pass over the carpet, the soil particles settle and become embedded in the fiber yarns. The carpet, in essence, acts like a filter. Over time, these soils solidify, and while we can make vast improvements, complete removal is difficult or impossible. Fireplaces and candles will add to these.
CARPET SHADING—
When carpeting is installed, the carpet nap is laid in the same direction. Shading is normally found in high traffic areas, such as hallways, and is the result of multidirectional foot traffic, which forces the nap to lie in opposite directions. When viewing the carpet in these areas, it looks either lighter or darker, depending on where you are standing. This condition is not reversible. One way to slow down shading is to vacuum your carpet in one direction only.
‘BLEACH SPOTS’—
When various household chemicals, store bought spot removers and bleaches are dripped onto the carpet and not immediately removed, some may lie dormant, not appearing until ‘activated’ by the carpet cleaning. Some of these chemical agents are acne medications, ammonia, and household cleaning agents containing bleach. Please notify the cleaning technician if you are aware of any spills of this nature.
CARPET WEAR– TRAFFIC LANE GRAYING—
Over time, carpet fabrics become worn or distorted to the degree that they no longer retain their original
texture and shape. This is a physical change (the fibers sustain ‘scratches’, thus creating a dull/faded appearance), and while our deep cleaning and grooming will improve a worn carpet to a degree, restoring it to a new appearance is not possible. This is also known as ‘Traffic Lane Graying’. Other common causes of ‘TLG’ and overall wear involve ‘external elements’ such as adjacent blacktop surfaces and sand. The chemicals used to blacktop driveways and pavements can, in time, ‘grey out’ the areas of the carpeting in direct proximity to the entryways/doorways. This is most notably apparent in white and lighter colored carpeting. Entry mats are suggested. Sand is also a major culprit in wear and abrasion due to surface ‘scratches.’ Frequent vacuuming will help considerably
PET ODORS—
While our ‘state of the art’ cleaning methods, coupled with a comprehensive deodorizing/disinfecting pro-ram will eliminate minor odor problems, some odors (pet) thoroughly invade the carpet, pad, and in some instances, sub-flooring. We cannot guarantee to completely eliminate these odors with general cleaning. These cases would involve considerable restoration, which includes removal and treatment of both sides of the carpet, pad replacement, sub-flooring cleaning, and reinstallation of the carpet. Please inquire about these services.
BUCKLING/CARPET RIPPLES—
You may notice waves or small ripples appearing in your carpet immediately following cleaning. The reasons for buckling vary—
- If an installer does not power stretch your carpet or fails to do so properly, buckling is assured.
- Improper carpet padding (too thick) can cause buckling.
- The absorption of moisture/humidity will cause the carpet latex to expand, resulting in buckling. This will resolve itself, however, as humidity in the room returns to normal and the carpet dries.
- Dragging heavy furniture across wall-to-wall carpeting will pull the carpet off the tackless strips, causing waves. Restretching is advised in this case.
Therefore, the root causes for buckling are preexistent and should not be blamed on the carpet cleaner or on the cleaning process.