Buying New Carpets and Maintaining Your Carpet

Shampoo Your Carpets

Noah C. Rinkle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:32:31 +0000

Having your carpets professionally cleaned may be seen as an expensive and needless burden by some homeowners, but it really should be looked at a necessary, regular maintenance task. By employing a carpet shampooer once a year as a maintenance priority you not only make your carpets look pretty, regular carpet shampooing comes with a long list of other valuable benefits as well.

Carpet cleaning not only improves the appearance of your carpets, it also drastically extends their life as well. This means big savings on replacement costs, and it means you are being more environmentally responsible too. All that dirt and grime not only looks bad, it also wears and tears at your carpet fibers over the years. The more it that this dirt and debris works its way into your carpet, the more damage it’s going to do. If you schedule a thorough carpet cleaning once a year, you can rest easy that damaging dirt and debris buildup will be kept to a minimum. In fact many new carpet manufacturers require regular cleanings if you want your warranty to remain valid. They’ve caught on as well. The cleaner your carpet stays the less they’ll have to pay out for carpeting that doesn’t live up their bidding.

Another important, and often overlooked benefit of regularly calling in a carpet shampooer is the hidden health benefits. Remember, 90% of the dust in your home is dander, a fancy word for human skin flakes, and parasites like dust mites live in paradise in a home that neglects picking up their primary food source. A dirty carpet full of skin flakes is like a Thanksgiving feast for dust mites. Other nasty and unhealthy pests, such as bed bugs and fleas also have a harder time taking root in the face of regular visits by a carpet shampooer.

Hot Water Extraction

Noah C. Rinkle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:30:51 +0000

Many people have never heard of hot water extraction when it comes to carpet cleaning methods. This is primarily due to the fact that companies such as Stanley Steemer have propagated the more popular term of “steam cleaning” to describe this method instead. The bottom line is it doesn’t matter what you call it. What is important for you as a homeowner to understand is that hot water extraction is by far the preferable carpet cleaning method on the market, superior to all other methods.

There are some other, less expensive methods that are used for carpet cleaning, but there is really only one way to get the carpets satisfactorily cleaned, and that is hot water extraction. For proof of this fact, one need only look to the carpet industry itself for clues as to which method is the best for your carpets and upholstery. Virtually every major carpet manufacturer recommends and often requires for warranty reasons that you use hot water extraction to maintain the cleanliness of your home carpeting. Another indication of the superiority of this method is that practically every major carpet cleaning company, from Stanley Steemer on down the line, employs hot water extraction as their method of choice.

The term “steam cleaning” is somewhat of a erronous label when it comes to describing how hot water extraction works. The fact is there is little or no steam involved as a primary cleaning component. Instead of actual steam, hot water and cleaning agents are propelled into your carpet pile at high pressure to where they loosen up the dirt, soil, and grime embedded in the carpet fibers. Immediatley following this a high powered vacuum removes the hot water, and all the dirt, grime and stains in your carpet right along with it.

Different Berber Carpet Types

Noah C. Rinkle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:29:29 +0000

Berber carpet is a popular style because of its astonishing similarity in appearance to wool, its durability, and its relatively low price when compared to real wool carpet. Berber, also called high level loop, is a weave of tight yarn loops that stand upright in a nubby texture. Looped carpets like the Berber weave help hide footprints and vacuum marks and are easier to clean than cut pile or plush carpet types where the loops are cut and exposed to accumulate more dirt. Berber carpets come in a wide variation of quality, style, and performance and so they naturally vary considerably in price.

The Berber style comes in many different carpet fibers, including the higher end wool or nylon, polyester, and the less expensive and more commonplace Olefin polypropylene based type. Originally, Berber carpets were constructed of either nylon fiber or wool, but with the increased quality and lifespan of stain resistant synthetics, fibers like Olefin have become the most popular as well as the most cost effective alternative to expensive wool. These fibers are great products and have been improved dramatically over the years, it must be said that they are not without flaw. They demonstrate a propensity to crush over time and can slowly become gray or faded. For this reason, it is good to select a Berber carpet that is created from high density construction material, perhaps even one with a crushing warranty. Money saved by opting for a cheap, low quality carpet will soon be spent in replacing or repairing the substandard carpet.

Cleaning Wool Berber Carpet

Noah C. Rinkle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:28:26 +0000

Cleaning wool Berber carpet is trickier than you might think. Almost no Berber carpets are made of wool anymore, most are constructed of nylon or olefin fibers. Since each fiber has its own peculiarities when it comes to proper cleaning practices, your first step is to identify which type of carpet you’re dealing with. Once you do that, you can move on to determining the best cleaning method possible.

If you do have genuine wool Berber carpets, then you need to be aware of the extra precautions that cleaning wool demands. Wool is largely regarded as the elite fiber among all fibers, and almost all other carpeting fibers are compared to it. It is soft, durable, and naturally repels soil and other contaminants. It’s also a very water absorbent, natural fiber, both of which are attributes that can present problems in the cleaning process.

One of the first things you need to keep in mind is that wool won’t hold up well to excessive agitation, and another important fact is that you should never clean it with water temperatures over 150 degrees. Wool carpet reacts exactly like a wool sweater when it is exposed to excessively hot water, it shrinks incredibly, and irreversibly. The last thing you want is your expensive, beautiful wool Berber carpet pulling away from the wall as it dries because you used water that was too hot. One more thing to remember when cleaning wool Berber carpet is to avoid using excessive moisture. Wool is famous for its ability to absorb and retain water, making wool carpets tricky to dry out if they’ve been over saturated. This can lead to a number of other problems, including the development of unpleasant odors, further carpet shrinkage, and growth of unsightly and potentially hazardous molds.

Area Rugs

Noah C. Rinkle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:22:43 +0000

Virtually any interior decorator you should ask will tell you that there are few design additions that do more for a room, with less expense, than adding an area rug. An area rug, placed alongside stone, hardwood, tile or laminate flooring is great for creating contrasts in color and texture in your living spaces. In addition, adding an area rug also cuts down on the wear and tear on your original flooring, especially in high traffic areas. This is why adding area rugs to your design scheme can often be a tremendously cost effective method of perfecting the look and feel of your interior design project.

The multitude of options available when choosing an area rug component to your design scheme can often make it difficult to decide on just what options to choose. The fact is that there are so many rug materials and styles on the market that it typically comes down to individual taste and need.

Sisal is a natural fiber derived from the sisal plant. It’s stronger and more durable than flax, jute, and even hemp, making it an ideal rug material. Owing to these facts it’s been used for just such a purpose for thousands of years. Sisal rugs have been found in the ancient pyramids of Egypt. A sisal rug is a woven style area rug and is usually a natural, light brown or greenish hue in color. They can be bleached or dyed, however, and are often fitted with a canvas or leather border, and rubber or other type of skid resistant backing.

Oriental area rugs are a very popular choice too. The term Oriental rug generally refers to thick, ornate wool rugs with intricate dyed designs. This type of area rug ranges in cost from very inexpensive to artful masterpieces costing tens of thousands of dollars. Persian rugs are perhaps the most popular Oriental rug style, sporting flowing, mid-eastern designs and a thick, warm feel. When properly cared for, these rugs can provide generations of usefulness and beauty.

Advantages of Carpets

Noah C. Rinkle — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:20:12 +0000

Carpets play an important role in the interior decoration. A carpet is useful in many ways. Carpet is available in a wide range of colors, varieties and designs. So it can attract everyone.

Carpets protect as from dusty and allergic air particles. It keeps the room warm. Carpet won’t allow a glass object to break when it falls from a height. It protects them from the slippery tile floors. Carpet is also used as a covering for unfinished floors.

Carpet is good for small kids to play with.Carpet protects from slips and hitting your head in a hard floor or tiles. A carpet plays an acoustic role too. It prevents noises entering the room which spoils our peaceful minds. Carpet acts as a natural insulator which insulates the price of heat the room and air conditioning. Because in colder regions or in winter season the floor become cool but the carpet absorbs the chillness and make it heat and vice versa.

Carpets are available in many styles, patterns and colors so that it can reduce the amount of money we used to decorate our houses or offices at the time of special occasions. It also helps to keep our floor neat without dust and dirt marks. It is easily washable. Carpet maintenance is also very easy.

An effective way to prolong the life of carpet: Carpet Washer

Noah C. Rinkle — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:31:29 +0000

Your carpets may look tired and faded in course of time even if you vacuum it regularly. Loose dirt and dust present in the upper layer of carpet can only be removed through vacuuming. A vacuum machine cannot remove the sticky stains or particles and the deeply ingrained oil and dirt.

Carpets heavy traffic areas are easily prone to dirt and grime. Dirt gets further embedded into carpet with the increase in number of footsteps in the regular usage area. Muddy shoes as well as pets can make worse the carpet and it gets a worn out look.

Vacuuming frequently the heavy traffic areas of carpet can help to remove the loose dirt and dust, but dirt’s that are deeply embedded into the carpet cannot be removed with regular vacuuming and it needs carpet washer to deep clean it.

A mixture of water and detergent is used by carpet washers to suck out and loosen the hardened dirt present inside the carpet. These carpet washers look alike an ordinary vacuum and are simple to use. They are available in both canister and upright models; it has to be passed over the carpet or floor that has to be cleaned. One pass cleans the carpet with detergent and water while the other sucks it back with dirt out of the carpet.

Carpet washers are a worthwhile investment and cost almost equal to the price of a traditional vacuum cleaner; you can easily clean it once a week or as per your need. The money you invest on a carpet washer prolongs the life of your carpet and saves money from buying a new carpet. If you’re not interested in buying a carpet washer, you can contract or hire a professional cleaner so as to maintain your carpet as good as new forever.

Tips to maintain your Old Carpet as good as new

Noah C. Rinkle — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:39:54 +0000

It is necessary to maintain your old carpets daily to make it look as good as new. Naturally carpets get soiled and worn out in course of time, but well maintained carpets provide hygiene as well as remain good for a longer duration of time. Here are few tips to maintain your carpet as good as new.

Entry mat to avoid loose dirt

Entry mat is necessary to avoid loose dirt and mud from entering into the room. This helps to maintain a cleaner carpet; also it protects the fibers from dulling and abrasion which are usually caused by loose soil or mud. The appearance and value of the carpet can be preserved if dirt is kept away regularly.

Modify Traffic patterns

Modify the arrangement of furniture pattern periodically and this change in traffic pattern can prolong the life of carpet. Furniture of heavy weight such as settee and sofas can crush or damage the carpet pile. You could find deep indentations in carpet where heavy furniture legs were resting; by spraying little water on the affected area you can solve out this problem. Always use a pile grooming brush to raise or lift the compressed pile.

Keep away color destroying products from carpets

Medications such as syrup when spilled on carpet may stain the carpet and form as spots, so it is better to keep them at bay from carpet. Also chemicals and cosmetic can cause discoloration to the carpet. These products doesn’t show any color change immediately, but can change the color of carpet in course of time ranging from weeks to months.

Vacuum Frequently

More than 80% of the dirt is dry type and regular vacuuming helps to remove it completely. Starting from entry mats to carpets, regular vacuuming can help your old carpet to be as good as new one. Grit and dirt get embedded into your carpet’s pile daily, so vacuuming regularly helps to remove this from carpet. Daily vacuuming is necessary in highly dusty or traffic areas, also check the vacuum bags for dirt and dispose it regularly. Change the vacuum bag when it becomes worn out.

Maintaining your carpet regularly helps you to preserve your carpet as good as new for long time. Moreover it also helps to sustain the hygiene in home or at office.

Carpet can add elegance to your home

Noah C. Rinkle — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:40:34 +0000

Decorating home in the right way is not as easy as some of you may have assumed. You need to consider some important factors before selecting the items for decoration. Selecting the right carpet for the right area is very important. You need to check out the quality of the carpet. Budget is also an important issue. So, you should do proper research on the carpets and compare the prices. Maintenance factor should also be considered while selecting a carpet. A beautiful and stylish carpet can really add some elegance to your house thereby increasing its aesthetic value. You can give a fresh look to the décor of your house by placing an attractive carpet.

The color of the carpet is a crucial issue. You need to select it wisely. It should match well with the color coding of the interior. Carpet comes in different colors, designs, patterns, shapes and sizes. You need to choose the one that is compatible with the décor of your house. Most of the carpet stores have varieties of carpet style and texture to choose from. Patterned, frieze, Berber, cute pile, luxurious carpet are some of the common options. You can go through the samples before selecting one carpet.

You need to think what function the carpet will provide. A durable and tougher carpet is required for a heavy traffic area. For a bedroom, you can opt for a less tough material. It is better to opt for a luxurious carpet in the bedroom. Apart from that, you also need to consider the maintenance issue. You will surely prefer to use the material that is easy to maintain and clear.

Selecting the Right Carpet

Noah C. Rinkle — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:36:58 +0000

Decorating the home has plenty of different aspects and carpet is certainly the one. It is one beautiful way to decorate your floor which is one of the most noticed areas in your house. Naturally, you have to be very careful while choosing the right type of carpet.

Remember, the texture and the color of the carpet will influence the overall look of the room. At the same time, the lighting conditions of the room will affect the look of the carpet. You can use the velvety carpets in the dining room. The tapestry weaves or oriental carpets can lend a formal look in any part of your house.

If you want to make your room brighter, choose the lustrous carpet fibers. However, the smooth carpets will likely to have vacuum marks on it. So, decide first whether you want to have the look or not.

Carpets can be laid on uneven surfaces as well. However, for that purpose, the look of the carpet should be tailored. You can combine different pile in different height to get a sculptured look. Naturally, the lights strike on such carpets from different angles. It shows no footprint.

However, if you are looking for carpets to lay in the high traffic areas, it is important that you choose from the low loop or basic piles. These are largely used in the offices. The maintenance is easy here and he wear factor is impressive as well.

Make sure that you don’t compromise with the quality. After all, you get in return of what you paid. So, be careful about that. Also, pay heed to the guarantee.