The Queen’s speech

On Tuesday 25 May the Queen formally opened Parliament and in her speech set out the Government’s proposals for the next year. The traditions surrounding the state opening of parliament date back at least to the 16th century.

This week’s ceremony was therefore particularly poignant, celebrating not only the first coalition government since the war but also coming almost exactly 350 years after the restoration of the monarchy on 29 May 1650.

From the moment her carriage leaves Buckingham palace for the short drive to the Palace of Westminster, the Queen is in the hands of tradition and ritual and when ritual is involved everything has to be spotlessly clean. The horse escort have been groomed until their coats shine in the sun; the guards have brushed and polished their uniforms until no speck of dirt can be seen and the Houses of Parliament have been cleaned to within an inch of their lives.

When the Queen enters the House of Lords she walks over a carpet of blue and white, whilst the carpet surrounding her throne is patterned in gold and deep crimson. Keeping any carpet in immaculate condition is a challenge at the best of times but when the Queen is involved, extra care has to be taken. With this in mind we thought we would pass on a few carpet cleaning and carpet care tips just in case Her Majesty visits your neighbourhood.

Let’s start with vacuuming. Most modern carpet cleaners have settings that allow the amount of suction used to be varied. When you get your carpet, check the recommendations for the amount of suction to be used. Depending on the fibre mix this will vary. Use the wrong setting, for example full suction on a wool carpet, and you can damage the carpet. Unless it receives very heavy use there is no need to vacuum your carpet daily. Too much cleaning can be as bad as too little. Spot vacuum the regular pathways or use a non electric brush cleaner as necessary.

When things are spilt on your carpet, clean them up as soon as possible. Blot up the spill with an absorbent cloth or towel and then clean the residue with appropriate cleaners. Always work from the outside of the stain inwards and never over wet your carpet as this will just spread the stain and can lead to rot and damage of carpet backs. Your carpet will come with cleaning recommendations and you should follow these wherever possible.

Finally, every six months or a year give your carpet a good steam clean. This will not only remove deep dirt and dust mites but also refresh the fibres and leave your carpet looking and smelling fresh and new.