Caring For The Wool Carpet In Your Business Aircraft

October 2021

Choosing wool carpet for the interior of your business aircraft is an investment that will keep your cabin interior looking pristine for years to come. In order to keep it looking and performing at its best, regular cleaning is necessary.

The following information is an informal guide to the maintenance of your wool carpet. It is by no means a comprehensive list of methods for cleaning. Always consult the manufacturer's guide to cleaning.

Cleaning Solutions For Spot Removal

 Ammonia Solution

Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% Solution) with ½ cup of water. Note: May remove color.

Detergent Solution

Mix one tablespoon of clear dishwashing liquid or detergent powder (no bleaches or strong alkalines) with one cup of warm (not hot) water.

Solvent

A dry-cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores) such as “Carbona,” “Energine” or “K2R.” (Chemically 1.1.1 Trichloroethane preferred.)

Vinegar Solution

 Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water. Note: Generally a very effective cleaner.

Hints For Carpet Stain Removal  

Dry Spills:

1. Vacuum the excess material or scrape dried soil with the blunt edge of a spoon. Always work from the outer edge of the spot toward the center.

Wet Spills:

1. Blot liquids by applying pressure with paper towels, tissues or dry absorbent white cotton cloths. Scoop up solids with a knife or spoon and brush burn or scorch marks from pile surfaces with a brush.
2. Wet the spot with cold water and blot it. Always blot by pressing downward. Never rub in a circular motion; this can spread the stain. Blot with a white, cotton towel.
3. Continue pressing down as spots penetrate toward the carpet backing. Lift the towel periodically to remove moisture. If the water cleaning method doesn’t work, proceed to step 4.
4. Use a small piece of sponge or clean white cloth to apply the first treatment from the stain removal chart, using a small amount of the cleaning agent. With a blotting or dabbing motion, work inward from the edge of the stain to prevent it from spreading. Do not over wet the carpet. Excessive soaking may cause rings on the surface, spreading the stain further and damaging the backing. Do not rub. Rubbing will spread the stain over a larger area and distort the pile.
5. If the cleaning agent has removed the stain, proceed to steps seven through eleven.
6. If the stain is still apparent, repeat step four. Be sure to blot out moisture prior to re-treatment.
7. Once the stain has been removed, blot out excess moisture with dry towels.
8. Rinse treated area by applying clear tepid water and blotting it out. Again, work from the outside of the stain inward and avoid rubbing.
9. Blot out excess moisture with dry towels.
10. Dry by placing a clean cloth over the area and blow drying with a fan, hair dryer or reverse cycle vacuum. You may also place a stack of clean, white towels over the area placing a weight on the towels overnight so they press firmly against the spot.
11. When the carpet is completely dry use a clothes brush to restore texture.

WARNING

Stain repellent treatments that contain silicones are not recommended because they tend to accelerate the appearance of soiling. (Some carpet manufactures do not accept responsibility for complaints when such treatment has been applied.)