All about Maintenance

IN GENERAL AVOID >> top

Exposing your carpet to very strong light.

Placing it in a too-confined or a particularly damp area.
Leaving it always in the same spot, especially if this is a passage.
Removing a stain from a dusty carpet. Hooven it before.
Soaking the carpet.
You are recommended to periodically change it round, if possible.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

The colours of a woollen carpet can be revived by moistened (and not wetting) with sparkling water. Leave to dry and then brush softly.
In order to remove dust completely from a carpet, sprinkle it with damp tea leaves. Leave to dry and then hoover

REMOVING DUST >> top

Do this oncea week with your vacuum cleaner in the brush position. This job must not be neglected, because dust which is encrusted in the heart of the carpet will suffocate the fibres which, like all organic substances, need air to remain in good condition. Also, dirty carpets can often harbour mites.

REMOVING STAINS >> top

Act immediately in case of an accident (you will have a 90% chance that the mark will disappear). Remove all spilt substances with a dry sponge by pressing against the carpet, so as to absorb the liquid as much as possible. Clean with household soap dissolved in lukewarm water. Inse in water, dry and vacuum clean (always use a sponge, simply moistened, for cleaning operations). If the substance is solid, delicately remove it with a spatula and follow the previous instructions. If the stain persists : preferably use a specific stain-recover, depending on the kind of stain.
Here is how you can remove the most common stains :
For carpets in natural fibres :
Grease stains (wax, fuel oil and tar) :
- Delicately remove the excess liquid with a spatula,
- Apply a mixture of "terre de Sommières" and perchloroethylene on the stained area,
- Let the area drying and repeat if necessary.
Paint stains :
- gently remove the excess paint,
- Dab the stain with a mixture of "terre de Sommières" and benzine,
- Let the area drying and hoover.
Mud stains :
- Hoover the stain once dry,
- If the stain remains, rub it with diluted vinegar (1 table-spoon to 1 litre of water),
- Rinse and sponge immediatly with a cloth.
Alcohol, ink, coffee, tea, jam, and sauce stains :
- Quickly absorb the stain with blotting paper or talcum powder,
- Dab with a cloth moistened with alcohol and water (1/4 water and 3/4 alcohol).
Candle stains :
- Remove the excess wax with a spatula,
- Apply blotting paper or kitchen roll to the stain and iron with a warm iron,
- the rest of the stain can be removed using benzine.
Excrement and vomit stains :
- Dab with a cloth moistened with equal quantities of water and ammonia (pure withe vinegar also gives very good results),
- Rinse and dry.

If you are using a commercial product of the solvent type, try before-hand on a corner of the carpet. Hint : dab and raise the pile to prevent the wool from felting, which results from the fibre bursting.

For the carpets in vegetable fibres :
Warning :
Sisal is sensitive to water and stains. If it is wet, it should be dried using a sponge followed by a hair dryer, moving from the outside of the carpet towards the centre to avoid rings.
Alcohol, coffee and Cola stains :
- Can be removed using shampoo with water and vinegar.
Grease stains :
- Dab with a cloth moistened with pure alcohol,
- leave to evaporate,
- Finish using a cloth moistened with soapy water and white vinegar.
Chewing-gum stains :
- Harden the chewing-gum using a plastic bag filled with ice cubes,
- Once hard, remove with a spatula in the direction of the fibre.

For artificial silk carpets:
- With the exception of trichlorethylene, all solvents can remove stains from artificial silk.
- Apart from routine cleaning, your carpet will need a thorough clean, periodically and according to the degree of soiling. This is necessary when a large area of the carpet becomes dirty. The thorough cleaning process results in (optimal) removal of dirty marks so that the carpet returns to its initial state of use.
- The thorough cleaning process must be carried out by a specialist: it involves washing in lukewarm water at 25°C followed by drying the carpet out in the open. Contact your Serge LESAGE stockist.

For leather carpets:
- Leather is a living material!
So that your carpet can breathe, keep it in a dry, clean and well-ventilated room.
- Only use specific cleaning products that are guaranteed for use on leather.
- Always tests the stain remover on a hidden section of the carpet!
- Give your carpet its original radiance by using a special leather cleaning spray.
- For a thorough clean (dry cleaning), you are advised to ask a specialist.

Fluffing (shedding)

Woollen carpets may bring about appearance of "pieces of fluff". There is nothing abnormal in this and it is due to the nature of the material.
It is a distinguishing sign of a good-quality carpet. During the first weeks, the shorter fibres become detached and appear on the carpet's surface.
Do not be afraid of treading on your carpet, whose surface fluff is easily removed with a vacuum cleaner.
These "pieces of fluff" will disappear after a few weeks of use.

RENOVATION>> top

Every three or four years your carpet will need an in depth - a real "wash" which must be done by professionals - to restore its thickness and original appearance.

Consult your Serge Lesage retailer.

RESTORATION>> top

For rips and snags: contact your Serge Lesage stockist who will put you in touch with a restoration service.