To keep any carpet in optimum condition, here are a few expert suggestions to bear in mind...
Firstly, if there are marks left in the carpet from heavy furniture, place some ice cubes on the indents, and let it melt. This will help the carpet fibres fill out and rise again. Holding a steam iron over flattened carpet will also help to pull fibres up.
Always test any new cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area of the carpet first. If grease or oil is spilt, these can often be absorbed by bicarbonate of soda, so simply cover, leave overnight and vacuum the next day. Take care to gently sponge sparkling water on carpet to remove most fresh stains, but never scrub at carpet stains or spills, as things will only worsen the stain - always blot instead.
Before vacuuming any carpet, sprinkle a little salt on the carpet and let it sit for around an hour. The result will be a brighter finished carpet when the vacuuming is done. And, if in doubt, have it professionally cleaned. A list of reputable cleaners can be requested from the National Carpet Cleaners Association.
Buying a carpet needs real thought because you're likely to have it either as long as it lasts or better still, as long as you live in your house. However, not all are made to last. In other words, you get what you pay for. But Whether you're considering modern and bold, subtle and stylish, or just ecological, take a browse through the following carpet companies for some instant inspiration.
Kersaint Cobb has some of the best-looking quality natural and pure wool carpets on the market - we love their striped stair runners in particular.
Roger Oates specialises in striking stair runners and runners for the hall - as well as rugs and accessories.
Crucial Trading sells a stunning range of floorcoverings - from bold stripes (such as the carpet in our main picture on page one) to naturals, such as seagrass and sisal.
Brintons sells a huge range of carpets, including modern plains and more traditional prints.
Brockway Carpets of Kidderminster specialise in tufted carpets in British wool and wool rich blends in luxury textures, such as Twist pile and Saxony.
The Alternative Flooring Company - a UK based company - offers natural floor coverings, such as sisal, jute and sea-grass, which are sourced from around the world. www.alternativeflooring.com
The Ruckstuhl carpet factory at Langenthal, Switzerland, has an international reputation for manufacturing high quality textile carpeting. Ruckstuhl have a critically acclaimed 'Stripes' collection.
Westex Carpets is based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, the heart of England's traditional wool textile industry, and is the premier supplier of 100 per cent wool and wool blend tufted carpets, with five major ranges to choose from.
Ryalux Carpets is a well established New Zealand carpet manufacturer producing high quality tufted twist, velvet and wool carpets.
Heuga, established in The Netherlands over 50 years ago, is behind the design and manufacture of a wide range soft modular flooring options, from subtle to striking designs. Latest releases include animal print and number carpet tiles, perfect for children's bedrooms.
The Carpet Foundation is backed by 11 of the UK's top manufacturers and over 1,000 independent retailers, known as Registered Specialist Retailers, all of whom use a brand new Office of Fair Trading Approved Consumer Code of Practice.
The National Institute of Carpet and Floor Layers
The National Carpet Cleaners Association
Exclusive competitions and discount offers for 4Homes readers in our Advent Calendar 2009
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