iSense Carpet - Cleaning and Maintanence

iSense is the newest range of carpet from one of Europe's leading manufacturers.  It is made from a super soft fibre that is extremely soft to the touch but also is very hard wearing.  Please watch the video below for an indepth look at the range 

This fantastically soft fibre has been very popular in Europe and America but has only recently been launched in the UK as a main stream option for carpets.  The biggest difference to other man made fibres is that iSense should not be cleaned using products that contain bleach, please see the guide below for cleaning suggestions.

The other thing to consider is the type of vacuum cleaner that is to be used.  With all twist or velvet type tufted carpets it is usual to use a vacuum with a "beater bar" to ensure that the pile is adequately lifted to ensure the best upkeep of the carpet appearance.  

An issue can be experienced with the iSense carpet with some super powerful machines that do not have an adjustable height on the beater bar as the face plate of the machine causes a seal around the extra fine and silky soft iSense fibres and this makes it hard to push the cleaner around the room.   We think this is caused by a vacuum being created as the fibres are so fine and then making it difficult to push the appliance rather than the pile actually being sucked up and snagging into the workings of the cleaner.  We have asked Dyson for their view! 

UPDATE - AUGUST 2016 - No word from Dyson but there is plenty of discussion on the internet and an interesting solution can be seen on this YouTube video - we would not recommend the solution as it modifies your Dyson but there is a comment that Dyson suggest removing a seal that possibly has the same effect.  Again we have contacted Dyson for comment.

As such we would always recommend a vacuum cleaner has an adjustable beater bar height rather than just the option to switch the beater bar off.  We have tried a Smart Upright by Hoover and a traditional Henry type and found these to work well.

It is important to make sure the height of the beater bar is adjusted or in the absence of this option to switch it off as a mis-adjusted beater bar might damage the carpet fibre or pull part of the pile out (sometimes known as "sprouting"!).  This is the fault of the vacuum and or the operator rather than a fault with the carpet as the anchoring of the pile can only sustain so much pulling before the bond gives way and a strand pulls out. ALWAY follow the vacuum cleaner manufacturers recommendations to ensure suitability.

Keep your iSense carpet looking like new

Maintenance and cleaning tips

Carpets, by their very nature, come in for a lot of heavy use, so it’s important to follow a few basic suggestions for keeping them in tip top order. Even though your 100% iSense carpet is designed to withstand many spillages, it will still get dirty. So, just follow this simple advice.

1. Vacuum regularly

• The more you vacuum your carpet, the longer it’ll stay looking good. 
• Try and do it often, to prevent build up of soil particles in the pile. 
• Pay particular attention to areas of heavy footfall such as doorways and at the foot of chairs or cupboards.

2. Periodical cleaning

It’s inevitable that dust and oil particles in the air will leave a dulling film on your carpet over time, and the best way to

overcome this is by employing a professional cleaning company that will use cleaning solutions recommended for iSense carpets.

Cleaning procedures

General advice

Other than vacuuming, your carpet needs to be wet cleaned if heavy soiling has occurred, or treated promptly in cases of spills or stains. Outlined below are emergency techniques for treating the most common kinds of staining.

Water-based stains

Causes

Things like beer, berries, coffee, cola, excrement, fruit juice, white glue, ice cream, washable ink, ketchup, sauce, soft drinks, tea and wine.

Treatment

Soak up immediately using an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll. If the stain persists use a solution of one teaspoon of neutral detergent such as washing-up liquid to half a pint of warm water. Dry with a hair dryer, continually moving to prevent watermarking.

Greasy stains

Causes

Things like baked beans, blood, butter, chocolate, cooking oil, crayons, gravy, grease, ketchup, mascara, mayonnaise, milk, mustard and petfood.

Treatment

Use methylated spirits, applying with cotton wool to the edges of the stain and work inwards. Don’t worry if colours darken during this treatment, just blot with kitchen roll to avoid excessive moisture. Then use a soap solution on cotton wool, dampen the area, blot with kitchen roll and dry with a hair dryer as above.

Dried-in stains

Causes

Any of the water-based foods or drinks as above.

Treatment

Use non-biological washing powder or mix two litres of tepid water with half a teaspoon of carpet shampoo. Re-wet the stain using the soap solution applied with cotton wool and blot with kitchen roll as above.

Other stains

Causes

Things like brown sauce, shoe polish, sherry, toothpaste, urine and vomit.

Treatment

Apply diluted detergent with a damp towel and leave for five minutes. Blot, then rinse with water, followed by a pad of weighted kitchen roll.

Specific stains

Chewing gum trodden into the carpet.

Treatment

Scrape away excess then freeze with ice cubes. Shatter with blunt object like the back of a spoon and quickly vacuum chips away. Causes

Hobby glue and nail polish.

Treatment

Apply nail polish remover sparingly with a cotton towel, pick up softened material and push kitchen roll towards centre of spot to avoid it spreading. Repeat this procedure until the stain is removed.

Candle wax.

Treatment

Scrape off as much wax as you can. Cover with a white cotton towel and apply a warm (not hot) iron. Repeat this procedure with a clean towel each time until the stain is removed.

Chalk and mud.

Treatment

Vacuum as much as possible. Loosen remaining material by tapping with a small brush, but don’t scrub. Vacuum again then use technique for water-based stains as above.

Lipstick.

Treatment

Scrape off excess lipstick and lightly rub the area with a slice of fresh white bread. Complete the removal as per the greasy stains technique above.

As with any maintenance of carpet if you are unsure you should consult a professional cleaning company.