Troubleshooting Common Carpet Issues

Information for Maintaining Carpet Appearance...

>Texture surface retention:

Carpet in heavily traveled areas receives the most wear. For better appearance and longer carpet life, try to reduce the amount of traffic on these areas or use small rugs in front of heavily used chairs or furniture. Remove and clean these rugs while vacuuming the primary carpet or rug. You should occasionally move furniture and reverse area rugs. Although some change will eventually occur in the texture of your carpet, reducing the wear on paths and in front of furniture will slow this change.

>Crushing:

Crushing is the loss of pile thickness because of foot traffic. Crushing is not considered a manufacturing defect unless it is specifically cited in the manufacturer’s warranty. Regular vacuuming may help reduce crushing that results from traffic. Manufacturers’ definitions of crushing may vary.

>Depressions or indentations:

The weight of heavy pieces of furniture can cause indentations in carpet. Some depressions may be permanent. Use furniture glides or cups under the legs of heavy pieces, or move your furniture a few inches backward or sideways so that the weight is not concentrated in one place. To remedy depressions, work the carpet pile back into place with your fingertips or the edge of a spoon, then, dampen the area and heat it with a hair dryer, working the fibers with your fingers or a spoon.

>Fading or color loss:

Give your carpet the normal protection from direct sunlight that you would give to any colored fabric. Emissions from heating systems or chemicals, such as pesticides, household cleaning agents and other household items, can also result in color loss.

>Filtration soil:

Filtration soil may appear as dark or grayish lines on carpet along walls, stairways and under doors. It is caused by airflow over and through carpet, allowing fine soils to settle on the surface. It is often caused by an improperly balanced ventilation system, when the volume of air entering a room exceeds the system’s capacity to remove air from the room. Excess air then seeks exit sources in gaps along walls and stairways. Prevent the airflow through carpet and carpet edges by sealing openings through the carpet and under doors and baseboards. Keeping the air in the area clean and using good filtration in your heating and cooling systems and vacuum cleaners can help. Filtration soils may require special cleaning treatment for effective removal. Contact a carpet-cleaning professional for assistance.
                                                                 

> Courtesy of The Carpet and Cleaning Institute

Clearing The Air

Asthma and allergies: Although we might not normally associate carpet with improved indoor air quality, it does have a very positive effect. Gravity causes common household particles, such as dust, pollen and pet and insect dander, to fall to the floor. Carpet fibers trap the particles, reducing their continued circulation in the air. Proper cleaning with CRI-approved vacuums effectively removes dust and allergens from the carpet, locks them in the machine and helps keep them out of the air we breathe.

A misperception is that people with asthma and allergies should avoid carpet in the home. But much of today’s carpet is made from harmless materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, triexta, and olefin fibers, which don’t trouble most people.

Mold and VOC misperceptions: Other misperceptions about carpet involve mold and the emission of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. In fact, it is very hard to grow mold on carpet. Mold grows in any moist environment where dirt and dust provide nutrients. When carpet is kept clean and dry, mold simply cannot grow on synthetic fibers.

Carpet is also wrongly linked to high VOC levels. Scientific studies show that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs into the indoor environment, and that these emissions dissipate very quickly. The low-level VOC emissions and the harmless odor from new carpet disappear within the first 48 to 72 hours after installation and even sooner with open windows or doors.

The Carpet and Rug Institute offers Green Label testing and certification to indicate carpet, carpet backings, cushions and adhesives that emit low VOCs.

                                                                         ~ Courtsey of The Carpet and Rug Institute

Caring For Your Carpet

1. The Virtues of Vacuuming:

The carpeting in your home is the perfect place for dirt, dust and other potentially harmful particles to hide. Vacuum the carpet in your home at least once per week, more frequently in high traffic areas like your family room or entrance way. By vacuuming on a regular basis, the life of your carpet is extended by preventing the dirt and particle build-up that wears down carpet fibers. For hard to reach places like underneath furniture and around baseboards, use your vacuum’s attachments every few weeks.

 

2. Slow Down and Sweep it All Out:

Even though your carpeting may not appear to be dirty, remember that millions of dirt and dust particles can be hiding deep within the carpet fibers. Many people vacuum too fast to really collect all of the dirt collected in their carpeting. Slow down a bit, and you’ll be able to sweep up a lot more of the particles that are hidden from the naked eye. It won’t take much extra time, but your carpets will look better and wear longer.

 

3. Crisscross Your Way to Cleaner Carpeting

High traffic areas where people sit and move their feet are some of the most important places to vacuum thoroughly. Go over these places a few times using a crisscross pattern to ensure that your carpet is really getting clean.

 

4. Fight the Dirt Before it Starts:

Whether you’re getting new carpet or just had your existing carpets cleaned, consider using soil retardants to keep your entire home looking pristine. While this can be done on your own, we recommend using professional equipment or having a qualified company apply the soil retardants for you. Soil retardants act like a shield against dirt and dust particles that will protect them for years to come.

Courtesy of: Clean Home Ideas