Wool, silk and machine-made carpets, sofa labels and first response to stains.
Carpet, sofa and mattress washing varies by surface material. The wrong method can cause colour bleeding, shrinking or wear of the fabric. Below we summarise the right methods for the most common fabric types.
Method by carpet type
- Machine-made carpet (polypropylene): Can be washed with water and detergent; wrung by centrifuge, dried for 24 hours.
- Wool carpet: Neutral-pH detergent, lukewarm water and a soft brush; hot water and hard wringing cause shrinking.
- Silk and hand-woven carpet: Usually washed by dry-cleaning or special techniques; so a fabric test is done beforehand.
- Shaggy (long pile): Washed by hand, combed and dried at low heat.
Sofa washing
The symbols on the label of the sofa fabric (W, S, WS, X) determine the washing method. “W” means water-based, “S” solvent-based, “WS” either and “X” vacuum and brush only. On-site extraction washing suits fabrics labelled W and WS.
Mattress care
The mite density in a mattress can roughly double in 6 months. Cleaning with steam and UV light can reduce mites by 95%; because the mattress is not soaked it can be used the same day.
First response by stain type
- Coffee and tea: Cold water and neutral detergent; never hot water
- Wine: Blot and sprinkle salt, then cold water
- Grease: Sprinkle talcum powder and wait for it to absorb
- Blood: Cold water only
When to get professional help?
If a stain remains on any fabric after the first response, or if the fabric has no label, it is safer to get professional help rather than experiment at home.
In our carpet and sofa washing packages the fabric test is free and door collection is free on orders above 500 TRY.
Home care tips
Weekly vacuuming extends the life of carpets and sofas. Rotate the carpet regularly so that sun fading and wear even out. Blot liquid spilled on a sofa immediately with paper towel; rubbing works the stain into the fabric. A rubber brush is effective for pet hair.
Washing frequency
We suggest washing the carpet once a year, the sofa once or twice a year and the mattress every six months. In homes with children and pets this interval can be halved. Taking photos before and after washing eases the process in case of a complaint.