You know the ones… those unsightly stains that just won’t seem to budge! The key is acting quickly; however sometimes a spill goes unnoticed making the stain much harder to remove. Whether it is an old stain you need to remove, or a particularly troublesome new one, these tips and tricks should help.

If it is a new stain, first blot away the excess liquid with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub as this will only push the stain deeper into the carpet.

For the majority of stains, including old stains, combine ¾ cup of white vinegar with ¼ cup warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the stain and let it sit for five to ten minutes. With a dry cloth, blot the vinegar and repeat this process until the stain has lifted. Once the cloth is saturated, switch to a clean, dry cloth.

If the stain is particularly troublesome, such as wine, blood or animal urine, try using a solution of 1 tbsp of ammonia with 1 cup of warm water instead, following the same process of spraying, letting sit and blotting until the stain is removed. (NOTE: don’t use ammonia on woollen carpet).

These are simple, yet effective DIY solutions that can be made at home. There are a lot of specialised products out there that can also work quite well. There are also some occasions where these products and home solutions just aren’t enough and that is when you are best to call a professional carpet cleaning company.

April 2013 - Andersens

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Month: April 2013

Out damn spot!! Removing those pesky stains from your carpet

Posted on by Desmond Omovie

You know the ones… those unsightly stains that just won’t seem to budge! The key is acting quickly; however sometimes a spill goes unnoticed making the stain much harder to remove. Whether it is an old stain you need to remove, or a particularly troublesome new one, these tips and tricks should help.

If it is a new stain, first blot away the excess liquid with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub as this will only push the stain deeper into the carpet.

For the majority of stains, including old stains, combine ¾ cup of white vinegar with ¼ cup warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the stain and let it sit for five to ten minutes. With a dry cloth, blot the vinegar and repeat this process until the stain has lifted. Once the cloth is saturated, switch to a clean, dry cloth.

If the stain is particularly troublesome, such as wine, blood or animal urine, try using a solution of 1 tbsp of ammonia with 1 cup of warm water instead, following the same process of spraying, letting sit and blotting until the stain is removed. (NOTE: don’t use ammonia on woollen carpet).

These are simple, yet effective DIY solutions that can be made at home. There are a lot of specialised products out there that can also work quite well. There are also some occasions where these products and home solutions just aren’t enough and that is when you are best to call a professional carpet cleaning company.

Kids & Carpets: A buying guide – choosing kid-friendly carpet

Posted on by Desmond Omovie

When you have children, there are certain considerations that take priority when selecting flooring. Carpet is a great option that provides a soft and comfortable surface for children to play on. We are really spoilt for choice when it comes to carpets, and selecting the right carpet for your family home is a purchase that should be made carefully.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making your decision:

1. Is it practical?

Family life can be demanding on your carpets, which is why the durability and stain-resistance are key things to look out for in family friendly carpet.

2. What if my child has allergies?

Choosing a natural fibre carpet like wool can be a better option if anyone in your family suffers from allergies as they are naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.

3. Is it comfortable?

Whether it’s for floor time with your baby, or you have young children playing on the floor with their toys, soft and comfortable carpet is a must. Softer carpet also helps make a quieter environment.

4. How about aesthetics?

Take into consideration which room the carpet is for, the flooring of other rooms in the house and any changes to the room that may occur in the near future. These considerations will help determine colours and patterns that you prefer.

Take your time to make the right choice, it may take a little while but will be worth it to assure a safe and comfortable home for your family. If you are unsure about which carpet is most suited for your family’s specific needs, give us a call – one of our carpeting experts will be able to provide you with sound advice and recommendations. Call us on 1800 016 016 or visit our website

Top 10 Carpet Care Tips

Posted on by Desmond Omovie

Carpet is a long-term investment and often the main focus in a room, so naturally we all want our carpets to last like new for as long as possible. Here are our Top Ten Tips for looking after your carpet.

1. Vacuum

To keep your carpets clean, as well as lasting longer, vacuum regularly. How regularly will depend on how many people you have in your household. For small homes vacuum high traffic areas 2 to 3 times a week and the rest of the house once a week, for larger homes once a day for high traffic areas. Also ensure that you are using effective vacuuming techniques by using slow strokes several times in different directions.

2. Leave shoes at the door

Having a ‘no shoe policy’ will help to prevent outside dirt being trudged all over your carpets. Have a shoe rack or cupboard near the door for organisation.

3. Treat stains immediately

Treat any stains as soon as you see them. If it is a liquid spill use a blotting technique to remove excess, and never rub as it will only push the stain deeper into the carpet and be sure to use a quality stain remover.

4. Regular deep cleans

Call in the professionals a couple of times or at least once a year to give your carpets a deep clean. The main reason is to avoid leaving soil in the carpet for too long, as it can lead to permanent staining and the wearing down of carpet fibres.

5. Train your pets

If you have house pets, make sure they are properly trained to relieve themselves outside or in the kitty litter (depending on the type of pet). If you need to hire a professional trainer do so, as it is helping your pet as well in the long run.

6. Use mats and area rugs

Placing mats and rugs down can help minimise the amount of dirt and wear and tear on your carpet. Door mats at all entrances can make a significant difference to how much dirt enters the house.

7. Restrict food and drink to designated areas

Spills happen and you don’t always see them. To be safe, restrict food and drink to certain areas of the house.

8. Use stain protector

Over time, the stain resistance in your carpet wears away, so regularly re-apply a stain-resistant protector after cleaning.

9. Test colour fastness

Test the colour fastness of furniture and rugs before placing them on your carpet to avoid colour transfer that leads to stains.

10. Beware of the Sun

If there are any areas that are particularly subjected to a lot of sun, close the drapes or blinds over the windows to protect from fading or discolouration.