How to Clean and Maintain Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles are typically used as a flooring solution in commercial premises such as airports, schools and public buildings. However, due to their durability and economical cost, cheap carpet tiles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many homeowners.

Each tile is a square shaped cut of carpet which can be laid on a floor in the same way as traditional ceramic tiles. The surface of a cheap carpet tile is typically manufactured using nylon material with the back of the tile consisting of a water-repellent material.

All types of carpet require regular cleaning and maintenance to optimise their durability and performance. Sometimes, carpet tiles can become worn out after what is a relatively short amount of time. The reason for this is often because the carpet has not been properly cleaned or maintained. Below is a guide which will help you to maintain your carpet tiles.

If it would be best to renew your carpet tiles then take a look at the different options of carpet flooring available for 2018.

Vacuuming Carpet Tiles

The soiling which in the result of everyday activities can easily be removed by vacuuming. If you do not regularly vacuum your carpet tiles, dust, grit and other debris can become trapped between the fibres. The dirt and debris have an abrasive action when it rubs against the fibres, causing them to break down and shorten the life of your carpet.

A good vacuuming schedule can help to reduce the damage to the carpet and reduces the need for other periodic maintenance jobs. Vacuuming will also help to restore the carpet pile.

If you are using a vacuum cleaner which is fitted with cylinder brushes, you should set up, so the brushes come into contact with the surface of the carpet pile. You should not use the backpack type of vacuum cleaners as they will not provide enough downward pressure to clean the carpet properly.

You should clean your carpet tiles on a daily basis. Some areas of the carpet which receive heavy footfall, such as those in front of entrances and exits, may require vacuuming several times a day to prevent the build up of dirt which could be carried further into the building.

Install Barrier Mats

To prevent dirt and debris from being carried into the building where they will be trod into your carpet, you should install barrier mats at the entrance and exits. The mats will help to capture any dirt from the bottom of people’s shoes before it comes into contact with the carpet tiles.

However, it’s important that you clean or replace the barrier mats on a regular basis. If you fail to clean or change the barrier mat, it could become so saturated with dirt, that it is no longer effective at trapping dirt.

Stain Removal

The key to removing stains from carpet tiles is a quick response to any spillage. The longer a substance is left in contact with the carpet tile fibres, the more difficult the stain will be to remove. If left untreated, some types of stain will attract dust and debris which could be spread across the carpet when people step in it. Below is a guide which will help you to remove common stains which can affect your carpet.

  • Chewing Gum: If you spot chewing gum on your carpet, you should apply an ice cube to the affected area. Once the chewing gum is frozen, you should scrape the residue from the surface of the carpet. Repeat this process until all of the gum has been lifted from the carpet. Finally, you should shampoo the carpet tile.
  • Blood: You should soak the blood stain with cold water and then add a solution made by mixing one teaspoon of biological liquid detergent into half a pint of water. The enzymes will help to break down the organic matter which is trapped between the fibres of the carpet.
  • Felt Marker Pen: If you accidentally drop a felt marker onto a carpet tile, you should immediately wash the area with water. If the stain is stubborn, you should use a solvent carpet cleaner to remove it.
  • Cigarette Burns: To deal with cigarette burns you should scrape off the burnt area using a scalpel or short bladed knife. Once you have removed as much of the damaged area as you can, you should treat the area using a mix of warm water and mild liquid detergent. If the burn is severe, you should use a sharp knife to cut the burnt area out of the tile. The hole can then be replaced using a piece of spare carpet tile.

Scheduled Cleaning

Many people allow a carpet to become soiled for an extended period before they think of calling in a professional carpet cleaning company. However, doing this can lead to hefty repair bills, and there isn’t any guarantee that the cleaners will be able to restore an extremely soiled carpet back to an almost new appearance.

You should create a schedule on which your carpet tiles will be professionally cleaned. Although professional carpet cleaning cost money, it could actually save you cash in the long run, as it will extend the life of your carpet tiles.

The frequency at which you have your carpet professionally cleaned will depend on the type and colour of the carpet and the volume of traffic the surface has to deal with. You should consult with a tile carpet specialist to determine the best schedule for deep cleaning.

Replacement of Damaged Tiles

One of the major benefits of installing carpet tiles is that individual tiles can be easily replaced without having to lift the entire floor surface. It is likely that once your carpet has been installed, you will have a couple of spare tiles left over, which you should keep hold of for repairs and the replacement of damaged carpet tiles.

If any tiles become severely damaged or stained, you should consider replacing it with a spare tile. However, you should be aware that new tiles may appear to be a slightly different colour until they become worn in.

By taking care of your tile carpet, you can enjoy many years of this cheap and durable flooring solution.

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