SAGA — Doing things properly

Good quality floor coverings are a major investment these days. Yet carpets take a beating every day, with dirt steadily becoming engrained deep into the pile with each foot that treads on them. In addition, no matter how careful we try to be, accidents do happen. For example, red wine can be spilled on a carpet, or the family pet can bring mud into the house on its paws. However, all is not lost. Saga, in conjunction with Rainbow International, a leading restoration and cleaning company, have developed this guide to help you look after your carpets and show you how to treat common stains.

General advice on caring for your carpets

Following these three simple steps will help to keep your carpets looking their best and last for many years:

1. Vacuum your carpets

Frequently vacuuming your carpets daily – or at least weekly – will pick up dirt and loose soils and ensure your carpets look cleaner for longer.

2. Clean your carpets

Some carpet warranties require you to have your carpet professionally cleaned at least every 18 months to keep your carpet’s warranty in effect. Cleaning can also help if you have a large family, or a pet, when additional dirt can build up on the carpet.

3. Treat spills and stains immediately

It is best to treat spills and stains straight away. Early treatment may make all the difference in removing a stain successfully.

Essential supplies for removing spills and stains

It is always best to be prepared. Having the necessary tools and materials will allow the spill or stain to be treated immediately. We suggest the use of the following:

• Neutralising solution, for example, distilled white vinegar
• Neutral liquid detergent, for example, Woolite or Stergene
• Water washable paintbrush restorer

These items can be purchased from many supermarkets or hardware stores.

Top tips for spills and stains

Do

• Act immediately before the spill or stain spreads too far or penetrates the fibres.
• Scrape up as much as possible with a spoon, palette knife or an item with a blunt edge, always working towards the centre of the spillage to avoid spreading the stain.
• Blot up liquids with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Never use coloured cloths or tissues.
• Use plain warm water to dampen and blot the spill, without rubbing.
• Keep the spill/stain moist with a little plain water and a damp cloth.
• Cover gloss paint with polythene or cling film to prevent drying.

Don’t

• Lift carpets or roll them up.
• Rub or brush the stain.
• Try to dry the stain out by applying heat.

All spills and stains should be treated as quickly as possible to help prevent staining. The longer a spot or stain remains on the carpet or fabric, the more difficult it will be to remove.

The following gives advice on how to treat some common household spills and stains.

Alcohol, beer, fruit juices, blood, tea, coffee, wine spills and stains

• Scrape up any excess and blot with a white tissue or cloth until no more can be absorbed.
• Pour 250ml or 1/2 pint of lukewarm water onto the spillage area and blot again until no more can be absorbed.
• Mix an egg cup of neutral liquid detergent with 250ml or ½ pint of lukewarm water and pour onto the area. Blot until no more can be absorbed.
• Mix an egg cup of neutralising solution with an egg cup of lukewarm water and pour onto the area. Blot until no more can be absorbed.

Food, emulsion paint spills and vomit stains

• Scrape up excess and blot with a white tissue or cloth until no more can be absorbed.
• Mix an egg cup of neutral liquid detergent with 250ml or 1/2 pint lukewarm water (for emulsion paint use hot water) and pour onto the area. Blot until no more can be absorbed.
• Mix an egg cup of neutralising solution with an egg cup of lukewarm water and pour onto the area. Blot until no more can be absorbed.

Gloss paint spills

• Scrape up excess and blot with a white tissue or cloth until no more can be absorbed.
• Apply paintbrush restorer to a cloth and, working in from edge of the stain, blot with the cloth. Use only gentle pressure/ movement.
• Mix an egg cup of neutral liquid detergent with 250ml or 1/2 pint of lukewarm water and pour onto the area. Blot until no more can be absorbed.
• Mix an egg cup of neutralising solution with an egg cup of lukewarm water and pour onto the area. Blot until no more can be absorbed.

Flood and water damage

Do

• Turn off the water and try to prevent any further damage.
• Mop up as much as you can, using a wet pick up vacuum, if possible.
• Open windows and ventilate the room as much as possible.
• If you have a fan, blow cold air through the room.

Don’t

• Lift or remove the carpets.
• Apply heat either directly or indirectly in an attempt to dry the area out (this can cause shrinkage and possible structural damage).
• Use any bleaches, detergents, disinfectants or cleaning solutions.

Peace of mind with Saga Home Insurance

The property and possessions of over one million people are now insured with Saga. We continually work to provide the right cover for you at a value-for-money price and now offer a choice of two policies – the Saga Home Insurance Policy and our new Saga Home Insurance TailorMade Policy.

Saga Home Insurance Policy

This policy offers three levels of cover:

1. Standard Accidental Damage includes up to £500,000 buildings cover and up to £50,000 contents cover as standard. It features ‘new for old’ replacement of items (excluding clothing and linen) when repair is not feasible – for example, a broken mirror.
2. Extended Accidental Damage is our most popular level, adding extra cover for many common mishaps such as spilling red wine on a sofa, breaking spectacles or hammering a nail through a pipe.
3. Cover Plus provides especially wide cover, including the replacement of matching pairs or sets of items, such as jewellery or a three-piece suite, when individual items are damaged or lost and cannot be repaired or replaced to match. It also includes a No Claim Discount.

Domestic Emergency Cover can be added to your Saga Home Insurance Policy. It provides cover for unexpected emergencies involving heating, electricity failure within the home, plumbing and drainage, as well as the removal of rats or mice within the home. It also includes protection for permanently installed cookers, ovens and hobs, and cover for alternative accommodation necessitated by a domestic emergency. One telephone call will see an approved tradesman dispatched to take care of the emergency quickly and efficiently.

Terms and conditions apply.

Saga Home Insurance TailorMade Policy

Our top-of-the-range policy is suitable for people who require higher levels of buildings and contents cover than that provided by our Saga Home Insurance Policy. It includes many of the features offered as additional options with that policy, as well as high levels of cover for valuables and antiques, and it can be individually structured to suit your personal requirements. Call for more information on 0800 015 1863 quoting reference FL3702.

Keep this leaflet handy for future use

Important

This guide has been produced to provide handy hints and tips to help remove many common stains from your carpets and upholstery. However, you should always read and follow any carpet care instructions provided by your carpet manufacturer. If you are in any doubt about the types of carpet in your home, cleaning methods or a particular stain, you should always call a professional carpet cleaning service.

Rainbow International

This guide has been developed in conjunction with Rainbow International. Rainbow International is the UK’s leading carpet cleaning and restoration company. For further information call 01623 422 488 or visit www.rainbow-int.co.uk

Please see saga.co.uk/house for details of other Saga guides available.

For full details of Saga Home Insurance and the policies available, or for a quotation, call 0800 068 8412 stating reference FL3702.

Lines are open 8.30am-7pm weekdays, 9am-3pm Saturday and 10am-2pm Sunday.

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