Kids at play, spills, pet hair ... heavy foot traffic and continuous wear and tear can cause potentially lasting damage to carpet. To meet consumers' flooring needs, 3M has introduced Scotchgard protector advanced repel technology for carpet, available exclusively through Mohawk Industries.

The patented application process provides enhanced deep-down protection from the top of the carpet fibers, including carpeting made with Solutia Wear Dated fiber, all the way to the backing. No other pretreated carpet boasts this formula offered by the Scotchgard brand.

For homeowners looking to protect their carpet from spills, stains and soil, Scotchgard protector advanced repel technology demonstrates superior resistance to stains and dirt, and is ideal in high-traffic areas such as entryways, stairwells and hallways. This revolutionary formula demonstrates improved repellency for easy removal of common household stains and grime, so carpet stays looking new longer. The stain protection is available in more than 80 Mohawk carpet styles and dozens of colors to enhance both traditional and contemporary decor.

"Performance and stain resistance are some of consumers' top considerations when purchasing carpet," said Steve Macalus, marketing and development manager for 3M Protective Materials and Consumer Health Care Division. "Bringing to bear the combined quality of 3M, Mohawk and Solutia Wear-Dated offers consumers a trusted solution for functional design. Whether it's a living room, bedroom or recreation room, consumers can feel confident that their carpet will look fresh and clean."

In addition to installing carpet with built-in stain protection, it is important to practice preventative maintenance to uphold the life and appearance of household carpets. Some helpful hints include:

• Removing spots and spills immediately.
• Vacuuming all carpeting on a weekly basis and more frequently for high-traffic areas.
• Using mats or runners at all home entrances.
• Closing drapes or blinds during hours of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Having carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.

Scotchgard protector advanced repel technology also will be featured on Mohawk's hardwood flooring, bringing the next generation of stain protection and easy-clean attributes to stylish hardwood.

To learn more, visit www.3m.com/scotchgard.

About Mohawk Industries

Mohawk is a leading supplier of flooring for both residential and commercial applications. Mohawk offers a complete selection of broadloom carpet, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone, vinyl, rugs and other home products. These products are marketed under the premier brands in the industry, which include Mohawk, Karastan, Ralph Lauren, Lees, Bigelow, Dal-Tile, American Olean and Quick-Step. Mohawk's unique merchandising and marketing assist our customers in creating the consumers' dream. Mohawk provides a premium level of service with its own trucking fleet and over 250 local distribution locations.

About Solutia Wear-Dated

Solutia (www.Solutia.com) uses world-class skills in applied chemistry to create value-added solutions for customers, whose products improve the lives of consumers every day. Solutia is a world leader in performance films for laminated safety glass and after-market applications; process development and scale-up services for pharmaceutical fine chemicals; specialties such as water treatment chemicals, heat transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluid and an integrated family of nylon products including high-performance polymers and fibers.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Other trademarks or names may be the property of their owners.

Cohn & WolfeJill Wallis, 212-798-9837jill_wallis@cohnwolfe.comor3M, St. PaulColleen Harris, 651-733-1566http://www.3m.com/PressContact