There are generally three types of tufted carpet construction: cut pile, loop
pile, and cut and loop pile. In a cut pile style, the
carpet loops have been cut to create individual tips. Examples of this style include
velvets and textured saxonies. In a loop pile style, the carpet loops are not
cut or sheared. Instead, the intact loops form the surface of the carpet. Examples include
multi-level loops and berbers. In a cut and loop pile style, as the name
suggests, you will see a combination of the previous two styles. This type of carpet can
range from very striking patterns to subtle tracery designs. Advantages of each: Cut pile
styles come in a tremendous variety, making them suitable for virtually any area of the
house; some of the textured types do well at minimizing footprints. Loop pile carpets are
very durable, making them well-suited for high-traffic areas. Cut and loop styles come in
mul! ! ! ti-colorations and random patterns and have excellent soil-hiding properties.
When selecting a cut pile carpet, you may want to look at the twist, which
refers to the number of times the fiber is twisted together in each individual carpet
yarn. The tighter the twist, the more durable the carpet will be. For loop pile styles,
the measure of quality is the tuft bind, which refers to the relative
strength of the attachment of yarn loops to the carpet backing. Higher quality carpets
have a denser tuft bind.
Another factor to consider is type of fiber. Most residential carpet is made from four
types of fibers or blends of those fibers: nylon, polyester, polypropylene
or wool. Nylon is the most common fiber because of its
durability, resiliency and soil resistance. Polyester is a soft fiber that
provides great color clarity; it is stain- and fade-resistant and less expensive than
nylon. Polypropylene, also known as olefin, is gaining in popularity due to
its stain-, fade- and moisture-resistance as well as its low cost. Wool, the
original carpet fiber, is more expensive and less stain-resistant than the newer
synthetics. Yet, it is still sought-after because of its luxury and beauty.
Many carpets today come with superior stain protection, soil protection and static
resistance. Most homeowners clean their carpets about once a year. So, in the interim, you
want the carpet to perform as well as possible in these three areas. While no carpet is
completely protected, today's products are better than ever. Check the labels on the
carpet samples and ask your dealer how the carpet you've chosen will perform overall.
Also, be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions when cleaning any stains that find
their way onto your carpet via the three kids, two dogs and one cat. Remember: Any carpet
will take a beating from children, pets, spills and day-to-day foot traffic. But a good
carpet can withstand the abuse and typically outlast many other household items.
Your course of action depends upon the type of stain and the type of carpet you
purchased. Manufacturers have their own specific instructions, and it is best to follow
those. However, a typical set of procedures will provide the following general guidelines.
First of all, a few general tips: Remove stains as quickly as possible to ensure
optimum success. Absorb wet spills by blotting-never rubbing or scrubbing-repeatedly with
white paper or cloth towels. Work from the outer edge into the center of the stain to
avoid spreading. Also rinse thoroughly with soap and water after applying any cleaner to
your carpet. Avoid using any harsh chemicals that may permanently damage your carpet.
- For water-soluble stains, such as alcoholic beverages, milk, mustard, greasy food or
latex paint:
- Absorb as much of the stain as possible with white towels. If any of the stain remains,
spray a solution of clear, mild liquid detergent and water onto the stain (use one-quarter
teaspoon of detergent to 32 ounces of water). For tougher stains, such as those caused by
urine or coffee, use a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water before
applying the detergent. For dried blood or wine, use a household solution of one
tablespoon ammonia to one cup of water (except in the case of wool or wool-blend carpet)
prior to the detergent. In all cases, rinse with clean water to remove the detergent
residue.
- For oil-based stains, such as crayon, ink, oil-based paint or auto grease:
- Absorb as much as possible with white towels. Using protective gloves, apply an oil and
grease spot remover for carpets to a paper towel and continue to blot. Do not pour or
spray this product directly on the carpet, since it could cause damage. Repeat as
necessary. Follow with the steps for water-soluble stains to completely remove the stain.
- For such stains as chewing gum and candle wax:
- Freeze the stain with ice or a commercially available product in an aeresol can. Shatter
the ice with a blunt object and vacuum immediately. Follow this procedure with the oil and
grease spot remover.
Many difficult stains - such as asphalt, coffee, grease, ink and urine - may require
professional cleaning.
Always buy from a reputable dealer. If in doubt, contact the Better Business Bureau.
Independent dealers are a good bet. They usually have a wide selection of custom goods at
their disposal, plus better-grade carpet pads and qualified installers. Many also have
decorators who will come into your home to help coordinate the carpet with the rest of the
decor. Independent dealers also have the product knowledge to help you match the right
carpet to your particular needs.
If you do check out the prices at a discount store, be sure to compare apples with
apples. Many of these operations promise low, low prices but don't always include the
costs of installation, pad or tack strips in the cost. Also compare the quality of the the
product you're considering, including the pad.
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, new carpet - like a new car - can have an
odor for a short period of time after installation, yet it does not contribute to indoor
air pollution. New carpet can emit low levels of chemicals, but they are extremely small
when compared to other products used indoors. The vast majority of consumers are not
affected by carpet odors or carpet chemicals. However, CRI recommends ventilating newly
carpeted areas by opening up the windows and doors to let fresh air in. Also consider
using fans and air conditioning for ventilation.
Current trends can be summed up with three words: pattern, color and texture. Today's
carpets and rugs come in a wide range of options, from rich cut piles and patterned
berbers to fabric-inspired braids, that work well with today's favorite looks. Berbers are
especially popular, since they can be kept virtually footprint-free and are easy to care
for. This carpet is suitable wherever a casual look is desired.
Area rugs, meanwhile, feature a blending of fabrics to create interesting styles. For
instance, braided rugs today employ a variety of different fabrics-from wools to cottons
to blends. They come in patterns and colors to coordinate with any decor.
Check with your local independent floor covering dealer for the best selection and
latest trends.
The choices in resilient flooring are greater than ever. Many times, resilient flooring
reproduces Mother Nature with deeply veined marble, granite and stone looks,
"plank-wood" flooring and other natural-appearing styles.
Resilient sheet flooring with inlaid color offers a handcrafted look of extraordinary
depth and richness. The designs are made from millions of tiny color granules laid into
hand-cut stencils, which create the pattern color by color, shade by shade. The entire
structure is fused into a solid sheet under intense heat and pressure. These floors are
scuff-, damage- and indentation-resistant. Designs today clearly show a combination of
objects, prints, colors and textures that reflect a mingling of cultures from around the
world.
Wood flooring also is gaining as a popular choice, as people strive to bring the beauty
of nature inside their homes. Wood entryways and family rooms add tremendous drama and
open-ness to a home. Add a dramatic area rug as an accent, and you have a classic, but
timeless look.
Many people select their floor covering first and then coordinate other products with
that selection. The reason: It covers such a large expanse of the room and draws the eye.
Frequently, the carpet is done in a neutral color that will work with a variety of paint
colors, wallcovering patterns and furnishing styles. But that doesn't have to be the case.
Bolder use of pattern on the floor can set the tone for a room and help set your overall
decorating direction. Independent decorating centers have a full range of products-not
only flooring, but also paint, wallcoverings and window treatments. With their help and
guidance, you can put together a complete look for your room or home that coordinates from
floor to ceiling.
That depends on many factors, including the makeup of your household and how much foot
traffic traverses across a particular room. The average resilient floor covering is down
anywhere from 10 to 15 years, industry experts say. Today's vinyl flooring is very durable
and easy to maintain. In many cases, the likelihood is that the homeowner will want to
change the flooring for decorating purposes rather than because it has worn out. Carpet,
meanwhile, is usually kept in a home for seven to 10 years, but many variables exist-not
the least of which is the quality of the carpet you choose. Ask your floor covering dealer
about longevity expectations and warranties whenever you buy floor covering. |
