Vacuum Recommendations for Lifeguard Carpets

The best way to reduce dirt accumulation and prolong the life of your carpet is to vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Most dirt, even dust, is in the form of hard particles. When left in the carpet, these gritty, sharp particles abrade the pile as effectively as sandpaper. How frequently should you vacuum? That depends on the amount of foot traffic and household soil to which your carpet is exposed. For rooms with light traffic, vacuum the traffic lanes twice weekly and the entire area once weekly. Those areas with heavier traffic require that the traffic lanes be vacuumed daily and the entire area twice weekly. Change the vacuuming direction occasionally to help stand the pile upright and reduce matting.

Be aware that some vacuums have overly aggressive action which may damage the surface of your carpet. Make sure that your vacuum is certified through the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval Program. Visit www.carpet-rug.org for details and listings.

Shaw recommends a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush or brush/beater bar to agitate the pile and mechanically loosen soil particles. Make sure the belt is in good condition and that the brush or beater bar rotates when in contact with the carpet. To adjust the vacuum to the correct height setting for the carpet, raise the beater/brush to the highest setting and vacuum an area. The vacuum should move smoothly over the carpet’s surface. You may try a lower setting if the vacuum moves easily over the surface. Do not use any vacuum that it does not move easily over the surface. Vacuums that do not have any height adjustments may not be suitable for Lifeguard carpets.

For technical support, contact the Information Center at 1.800.257.7429.