Did you know there are many different types of carpet on the market? With that being said, there are also proper ways to clean and care for each. Without the adequate knowledge and understanding of the type of carpet you are dealing will, you could cause significant damage if you do not care for it properly. It is essential to understand the kind of carpet affects its overall durability and performance in your home. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common types of carpet:
Berber Carpet
Typically, the bigger the carpet loop, the easier it tends to be to clean. Dirt, debris, or other pollutants are not able to penetrate further than the loops they touch, making Berber carpet with large loops the easiest to care for. Berber carpets are known to show wear and tear more quickly, especially if you have kids or pets that may pick or pull at the loops. Stains may reappear after cleaning. Your best bet is to call the professionals at Steamex Eastern to ensure your Berber carpet is adequately cleaned and maintained.
Frieze Carpet
Frieze carpet is made up of small, twisted fibers that tend to lie in every direction. It doesn’t tend to look as dirty as Berber carpet, but it can easily absorb more dirt. The twisted carpet fibers help it appear cleaner than it is, but not all types of frieze carpet are good at concealing stains. For instance, polyethylene terephthalate and polyester fiber do a poor job and won’t last as long. Vacuuming will help, but it will not be a long term solution to removing the dirt, dust, and debris. Wool carpets are always tricky to clean – if you’re not careful and use the wrong chemical solution, they tend to shrink. When you buy a carpet, choose nylon. A dry or steam clean done by Steamex Eastern may be the only way to remove the large term carpet stains.
Consider the Carpet Pad
The carpet pad plays a considerable role in keeping your carpet looking and smelling its best. Over time, stains, dirt, and debris can make it wear out faster than usual, affecting the life and overall appearance of your carpet.
Carpet pads come in a variety of weights – heavy to light. More massive carpet pads tend to provide a softer feel and will wear less over time. A lighter, five-pound underlay, will likely be cheaper, but it will not last long. A heavier, ten-pound underlayment, can significantly extend the life of your carpet and is more effective with stains and high traffic areas.
Carpet padding plays a significant role in your carpet’s appearance. A lightweight, foam-based underlay will easily absorb stains making the carpet appear dirty even if it is not. A denser, higher quality carpet padding made of foam chips and recycled rubber, can make sure any stain stains within reach.
Stain-Resistant Carpet
Some carpets claim to be stain resistant, but that is not always the case. Nylon frieze carpet has tightly packed fibers that naturally fend off stains, but it is not entirely stain-resistant. If you do not clean up the stain immediately, it will sink into the carpet fibers. Other carpets may be sprayed with a chemical compound that helps make them resistant to stains, but it is only effective for so long.
Please note, no carpet is 100 perfect stain resistant. All spills, dirt, and debris must be cleaned up immediately. If they sit too long, the stain will settle within the carpet no matter what type of material it is made up of. Stain-resistant carpets are often cost-effective and long-lasting, but they are by no means carefree.
To learn more about any of the carpet types above or to schedule carpet cleaning, call the professionals at Steamex at 419-382-1973.