Important information from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Frequently used carpet should be professionally cleaned by a qualified technician at least once a year - perhaps a little longer interval for infrequently used carpet and even sooner for carpet in homes occupied by respiratory sensitive or allergic persons or in homes with indoor pets.

Like carpets, rugs require proper maintenance to retain their appearance and durability.

Area rugs tend to be made of more delicate fibers, questionable dyes and woven constructions that can easily be damaged by do-it-yourself procedures or even professionals without adequate training and experience.

Certified technicians are trained to recognize different fibers, constructions and types of carpet and rugs, along with their potential problems. They have the equipment, training and experience to restore the beauty of carpet and rugs — improving the look of your home or business and protecting the indoor environment, as well as your investment.

To keep your furniture clean, it's necessary to conduct routine maintenance including vacuuming and immediate attention to spills, coupled with periodic cleaning by a certified technician every one to two years. Furniture and fabric manufacturers recommend that consumers not wait until severe soiling occurs before cleaning because the greater the soiling, the less the likelihood of restoring the fabric's original color, appearance and texture.

Regular cleaning of fabric and leather furnishings by a trained, certified technician can help restore your furniture's appearance, extend its life and keep it looking like new. Moreover, certified technicians can offer simple suggestions to maintain a clean and healthful home or business environment overall.