Frequently asked questions

Porcelain tile is stain-resistant requiring minimal maintenance. Wipe up spills with a damp cloth or sponge. Regular cleaning with clear water or a mild detergent is recommended.

Regular cleaning with the right equipment will extend the life of your carpet, and provide you with many years to enjoy your investment.

Vacuuming

Even in ordinary use, carpets receive a lot of abuse - pounding feet, dirt, grit, dust, oily cooking vapors and spills of all descriptions wear on your carpet. By frequently vacuuming with a good machine, you can remove and prevent dry soils from building up to an unsightly level.

For carpets with looped textures, vacuum with suction only to avoid damaging the loops. Up to three passes of the machine works well for light soiling, while five to seven are necessary for heavily soiled areas.

To help optimize the aesthetic and performance value of your Karastan, remember these effective vacuuming tips:

Make sure your vacuum's belt is in good condition - and that the beater actually rotates when in contact with the carpet.¨ Height adjustment is correct when the beater contacts the pile enough to lightly vibrate the carpet several inches away from the machine, but not enough to cause a significant slowing of the motor.

Never allow the soil bag to become over half full or efficiency will suffer.

Vacuum across the traffic pattern occasionally, rather than in the traffic direction, to prevent matting.

While vacuuming removes most dry soil, the oily soil of cooking vapors, air pollution and grime tracked in from the street present a decidedly different type of problem. These particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of delicate pastel colors. The color isn't actually lost. It's hidden under a dirty film.

Stain removal

No carpet is stain proof. However, many are stain resistant which gives you time to act. Remember, with spot and stain removal, speed is of essence. Immediately after a stain or spill occurs, solids should be scooped up and liquids blotted as quickly as possible. Absorb as much liquid as possible with a paper towel, etc., replacing as they become saturated. Never use a scrubbing motion. Blot instead to prevent the carpet surface from fuzzing.

Stain treatment

For effective spot cleaning, you'll need the following items. The item numbers are keyed to the stain - and all should be used in the recommended sequence. Some stains may require professional cleaning, depending on the age of the stain.

Cold water

Detergent solution – Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm (not hot) water.

Ammonia solution – Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup of water.

Solvent – A dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores).

Important note: Dry cleaning solvent should never be used on polyester. Clean polyester with a solution of 1 cup cold water and 1 tsp. colorless dishwashing liquid or use an all-purpose household spray cleaner or laundry pre-spray (like 409 or Shout).

Ice – Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Shatter residue, pick or scrape off and vacuum.

Vinegar solution – Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.

Warm water (not hot)

Clear nail polish remover (preferably acetone)

Alcohol or methylated spirits mineral turpentine

Rust remover

Absorbent powder (e.g., salt, talc or proprietary absorbent powders)

Absorbent cleaners (e.g., Host)

The first thing we recommend is that you purchase a pad to put underneath your rug. Vacuuming is the best way to remove every-day dirt and dust. (Special care should be taken in the fringe area as vacuuming with a beater bar can catch and pull the fringe, causing separation.)

In the first year after bringing home your new rug, we recommend vacuuming at least two or three times a week to remove the excess fuzz that accumulates on the rug surface. This fuzzing is perfectly normal and in no way shortens the life of the rug. It is merely the result of loose fibers created during the weaving process. We suggest sending your rug to a reputable professional who is accustomed to cleaning rugs of this quality when your Karastan rug appears dirty or has set-in stains. In-home cleaning is not recommended, though we do suggest taking immediate action in the case of spills to lessen stains.

Natural wool fiber sheds liquid spills, so quick action offers the chance of preventing a stain. The following action will help you prevent stains from setting in.

Never rub a spill. You will only force the spill deeper into the fibers and possibly ruin the nap of your carpet.

Except for latex paint spills, remove any solids using a spoon or blunt knife. Work from the edge of the stain inward, scraping in the direction of the pile whenever possible. Latex paint, which solidifies on rubbing, should be rinsed with large amounts of water, then gently blotted with white paper towels or napkins.

Press absorbent white paper (paper towels, tissue, napkins, etc.) gently on the stain and repeat until as much moisture as possible is absorbed.

Try to remove any residual stain with a little lukewarm (not hot) water containing a small amount of carpet shampoo or mild dish-washing liquid and pure white vinegar.

If water fails, the next step is solvent.

Important note: Before attempting to clean, always test the effect of the solvent by applying a few drops to an unseen area of the rug, then blotting with a clean white tissue or paper towel. Any solvent must be used sparingly, and according to manufacturer’s suggestions.

Apply the solvent directly on the stain and work gently with a spoon handle. Blot out quickly and gently with absorbent white paper until as much moisture as possible is absorbed. Repeat the process until the stain is removed, never overwetting the stain. This can cause rings on your rug, and some solvents can damage the latex-coated backings used on our Chaumiére rugs.

If it is not possible to use solvent, greasy stains may be removed by placing an absorbent white paper on the stain and ironing the paper for a few seconds. This will soften the grease, which is then absorbed by the paper.

Never walk on a moist area of your rug, as this can distort the pile. A hairdryer can be used to accelerate drying of moist spots.

Important note: Always check the solvent manufacturer’s label for possible toxicity or flammability hazards.