Carpet Stain and Soil Warranty Guide
As with other warranties, the carpet stain and soil warranty may be for a certain number of years. The range is significant – 5, 10, 20 years. It may be a “lifetime” warranty for the life of the carpet.
Stain-resistant products are designed to resist stains from common food and beverages. They are generally warranted for this purpose when installed in owner-occupied residences. Stain Resist Warranties for olefin and polyester will often be more liberal. This is due to the differences in fiber characteristics compared to nylon.
Soil resist products are designed to resist abnormal color changes from normal foot traffic. They are generally warranted for carpets used indoors in residential settings. However, the carpet cannot be corrected.
Common Carpet Stain and Soil Warranty Exclusions
- Non-food and non-beverage substances.
- Foods and beverages that contain strongly colored natural disperse dyes as found in products like mustard and herbal tea.
- Substances can destroy or change the color of carpets. These include, but are not limited to, strong acids, strong alkalis, and bleaches. Other substances are acne medication, drain cleaners, plant food, and pesticides.
- Discolorations from grease, asphalt, tar, paints, ink, rust, blood, cement.
- Stains from vomit, urine and feces.
- Residual stains that occur in high traffic areas such as stairs are excluded. This is due to the natural loss of stain resistance from foot traffic in these areas.
- Carpet installed on stairs or in high traffic areas.
- Stains resulting from commercial use, i.e. contracted services, in-home businesses, etc.
- Abnormal use or conditions such as but not limited to, water damage from plumbing, storm or flood damage.
- Conditions resulting from improper cleaning methods or materials
- Improper care and maintenance.
Common Carpet Stain and Soil Warranty Requirements
- The fiber or carpet manufacturers recommended cleaning procedures and frequencies must be adhered to.
- The consumer will routinely be required to show that the carpet has been cleaned by a qualified professional cleaner according to the fiber or carpet manufacturer’s standards, no more than 30 days prior to the warranty service request.
- The fiber manufacturer may evaluate the carpet based on a standardized rating scale.
The carpet and/or fiber manufacturer will usually have clauses in the warranty. These set limits in certain areas, such as stairs and high-traffic areas. Under the terms of these warranties, you will also be required to use specified professional cleaning processes. To meet the requirements of carpet stain warranties and other carpet warranties, you will want to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keep your cleaning receipts in a place where you can easily find them. This is important if you need to file a claim.
Article adapted from Carpet Inspectors Handbook by Terry and Kevin Weinheimer
More on Carpet Warranties
Carpet Warranties
No Mat/No Crush Warranty
Carpet Texture Retention Warranty
Carpet Stain Warranty
Carpet Wear Warranty
Carpet Warranty Limitations
