Keep Your Carpet Warranty Valid
Would you drive your car for 100,000 miles without changing the oil? Of course you would not. To keep your engine in good working order, you change the oil and do a tune up once and a while, right? Your carpet is the same way. Just like regular auto maintenance, carpets require regular cleaning to keep your carpet warranty valid.
What are the warranty requirements?
Depending on your type of carpet, stain resistant warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. Most manufacturer warranties require professional carpet cleaning at least every 11-18 months. Check your warranty. ALL STAIN RESISTANT WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR HOT WATER EXTRACTION CLEANING, REGULAR VACUUMING, AND IMMEDIATE STAIN REMOVAL.
Hot Water Extraction otherwise known as “steam cleaning” is the preferred method of carpet manufactures. This is because other methods don’t truly extract deep down embedded dirt. Truck mount hot water extraction carpet cleaning systems are not required, however they do proved the best results and quicker drying times.
It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye.
Carpet stains that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. Always use a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your certified professional cleaner. Many “over the counter” spotters leave too much soap residue that leaves a sticky residue behind that will make your spots return!
Major Carpet Manufactures Warranty Coverage Summary
Shaw® Nylon Carpet Warranties offer lifetime* (10 Year limited) stain, soil, pet urine, plus 15-Year texture retention and abrasive wear. Shaw carpets must be “Professional carpet cleaning every 6 – 24 months.” The Fine Print: Excluded from this limited warranty are color changes to the carpet fibers.
http://shawfloors.com/Tips-Trends/Carpet-Warranties
All STAINMASTER® carpets feature lifetime* (10 Year limited) warranty protection against: food and beverage stains — no exclusions, pet urine stains, soiling and even static shock! Carpets require professional cleaning by trained, qualified carpet care professionals at least every 24 months. Failing to do so can void your warranty. The Fine Print: Excluded from this limited warranty are color changes from grease, pile reversal, asphalt, tar, ink, rust blood, pets, urine, and mud.
http://www.stainmaster.com/page/warranties
Mohawk® has extensive coverage limited to acids that add to or take away from the carpet fiber. Mohawk’s Carpet Care Guidelines include professional carpet cleaning every 18 months using cleaning products, equipment, systems and services specified with the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval. The Fine Print: Excluded from this limited warranty are damage or stains caused by vomit, feces, urine other than pet, , but not limited to tar, shoe polish, lipstick or mascara.
http://www.mohawkflooring.com/customer-care/warranties.aspx
Karastan® Carpet and Rugs pairs its high standards of excellence with outstanding warranties that guarantee your satisfaction. Karastan ® has the most extensive almost total coverage, with many different many packages. The Fine Print: You are financially responsible for the labor charges associated with “non warranted characteristics”. Karastan® carpet and rugs require cleaning every 12 to 18 months, by a Carpet & Rug Institute professional
http://www.karastan.com/customer-care/warranty-information.aspx
In summary: Vacuum frequently, treat stains immediately, and clean your carpets before it looks visibly soiled. To keep your carpet cleaner longer, have Scotchgard protector reapplied.