Whether it is a quick run on a muddy playground, or children engrossed in a group art project, everyday activities expose classroom carpets and rugs to wear, tears, and stains. By conducting regular cleanings, you improve the sanitation of your classroom environment and improve the longevity of your rugs and carpets.
However, not all carpets and rugs come clean in the same way.
If you recently purchased a Kaplan exclusive carpet or rug, you may have questions about appropriately cleaning and caring for this classroom essential. In this article, you'll find our recommendations for vacuuming, spot cleaning, and deep cleaning your Kaplan exclusive carpets and rugs, plus a few ways to improve their longevity.
How are Kaplan exclusive rugs and carpets made?
At Kaplan, our most popular floor coverings are designed and manufactured by us, and come with a lifetime warranty. These carpets create a home-like aesthetic in the classroom, enrich child development, and last for years to come, even in the most boisterous classrooms.
When designing and manufacturing classroom rugs and carpet squares, we always keep the classroom environment and children's development at the forefront of our minds. Made using 100% stain-resistant nylon, our carpets and rugs guard against odor, mildew, mold, and static shock. This prevents our carpets from staining or showing immediate wear and tear from the everyday activities in an early childhood classroom. Our rugs and carpets also feature surge stitching and tough action backing that ensure stability, durability and comfort for years to come.
How should you clean your Kaplan exclusive rugs and carpets?
No matter where you place rugs and carpets in your classroom, regular cleaning is a must! Regular cleaning is the only way to ensure your classrooms and early childhood facilities stay safe and sanitary. When it comes time to clean your Kaplan exclusive rugs, this is what we suggest:
Routine Vacuuming
At least once per week, vacuum your rugs to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. Disengage your vacuum beater bar to prevent damage to the carpet fibers while cleaning. Avoid running directly over the surged edges of your Kaplan exclusive rugs and carpets to prevent fraying and improve their longevity.
Most state rules and regulations regarding early childhood facility cleaning require children to be out of the room when a vacuum is in use, changing the vacuum bag, or emptying the canister. This prevents children from inhaling dust and dander that gets stirred up while the vacuum is in motion. There are exceptions to this rule if you use a vacuum with a High-Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filter. Please check your state's rules and regulations regarding vacuum use to ensure you meet their cleaning standards.
Spot Cleaning
Classrooms are a hub of playful activity, so it is safe to assume that spills will happen. Anything from a bottle of milk tipping over to a paint tray falling on the floor could leave a potential stain on classroom carpets. We manufacture our carpets and rugs with stain-resistant nylon, making spot cleaning quick and easy.
When you notice a fresh spill, use a clean cloth to absorb any excess liquid. Blot the area using another clean cloth, cold water, and mild soap until the spill is completely gone. Try not to rub on the spill area when cleaning, as this could damage the rug material or cause a stain to spread and set into the deeper fibers of your carpet or rug.
After spot cleaning, allow your rug or carpet to air dry.
Watch the video below to see how easy cleaning spills and stains from your Kaplan Exclusive carpets and rugs is:
Deep Cleaning
Most state guidelines require a deep cleaning of wall-to-wall carpets and rugs at least once every six months. The best way to deep clean your carpets and rugs is with a hot water extraction cleaning that does a great job of breaking up and removing dirt from the innermost fibers of your carpet. You can do this with an appropriate carpet shampoo system or by hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. Whichever option you choose, allow at least 12 hours for the rug or carpet to dry before using it again. If possible, schedule a deep cleaning during school breaks so that this lengthy process is less likely to interfere with daily routines.
Aside from cleaning, how else can you take care of your Kaplan exclusive rugs and carpets?
The most significant source of wear, tears, and stains for classroom carpets occurs around entry points and high-traffic areas. Shoe debris is often left behind to create stains, and constant foot traffic alters the carpeting pile and its durability. To reduce this problem, use entrance mats around classroom doorways for children, staff, and family members to wipe their shoes on before entering the room. Rotate your classrooms' rugs and carpets periodically to even out areas that receive heavy wear and tear.
Can you use cleaning solutions and eco-friendly products on Kaplan exclusive carpets?
We do not recommend using harsh chemicals, oil-based cleansers, or eco-friendly shampoos on our classroom carpets and rugs. Even though these products may be child-safe, they could alter the nylon fibers of our carpeting and rugs, making them easier to stain and show signs of wear and tear. The best way to care for your Kaplan exclusive carpets is with cold water and mild soap.
Final tips to help you care for your Kaplan exclusive carpets.
With a regular cleaning schedule and proper cleaning techniques, your Kaplan exclusive carpets and rugs will continue to provide comfort and warmth in your classrooms for years to come. If you have questions or concerns about the stain-resistant qualities and longevity of your Kaplan exclusive carpets and rugs at any time, please contact our customer service team. They can assist you with proper care techniques or with ordering replacement rugs and carpets if that is your preferred next step. 
