Regardless of which fiber you choose, the construction of the carpet is what makes carpet durable. For durable, heavy traffic carpet you want to look for a dense construction (you don’t want to be able to easily see or feel the backing of the carpet through the fiber). Shorter pile heights perform better in heavy traffic areas (like entryways, stairs, halls, playrooms) so choosing a pile height with a ½” or less will be more durable. If choosing a cut pile carpet, a tighter twist will be more durable than a looser twist. If choosing a Berber carpet, the smaller tighter loops will be more durable than the larger looser loop.
Carpet pad is the life of the carpet. Except for direct glue-down commercial carpet, we recommend always using carpet cushion. Be sure and check with the carpet manufacturer to find out what their cushion requirements are.
It’s best to vacuum your carpet at least twice a week. If you can’t vacuum your entire house this often, at least vacuum the high traffic areas twice a week.
Use a vacuum that has been tested and approved under CRI’s Seal of Approval / Green Label program for vacuums. The SOA/GL program tests for soil removal, dust containment and carpet appearance retention.
For wool and all other fiber carpets, Floors Etc. recommends using a vacuum cleaner that has suction only (no beater bar) in order to prevent snags, tears, and other potential damage.
Not necessarily.
Look for vacuums carrying the CRI Seal of Approval/Green Label vacuum cleaner testing program label. Many vacuums in the CRI SOA/GL program are not HEPA filter units yet are very effective at dust containment. HEPA filters may add additional cost to the overall operational cost of the vacuum.
If the flood was due to a natural disaster, it is likely that the carpet is contaminated with mud, sewage, or other contaminants – it is recommended to properly dispose of carpet and pad.
For other flooding scenarios:
Extract the water professionally and have drying fans set up and operating, ideally, within 24 hours if possible.
It’s best to use a professional that is trained in water restoration in order to ensure carpet, pad & sub-floor are completely dried.
If the materials are contaminated, it is recommended to properly dispose of carpet and pad.
In most cases, YES – wet carpet cushion is very difficult to adequately dry quickly.
Before you do anything else, locate and repair the source of the moisture – this will likely require a professional.
If the water that damaged your carpet originated from another problem that needs repair, Floors Etc. recommends you attend to this issue prior to making any flooring repairs / replacements – if you do not, it is likely you will face the same problem with your cleaned or replaced floors in the future.
It is also recommended to enlist a professional water restoration cleaner in order to ensure all mold is eliminated and to determine whether or not your carpet can be salvaged.
No seam is completely invisible. Seams should be kept to a minimum, running the length of the area and making sure that natural light will not hit across the seam.
Maintenance adds to the life of your carpet.
Carpet should always be cleaned the way the manufacturer specifies approximately every 12 to 18 months.
Carpet that is wet cleaned should be dry within 12 hours. Carpet that is properly extraction-cleaned should not be wet long enough to mold.
We doNOT recommend trying to save sewage contaminated carpet.
Significant scientific and medical research demonstrates that well-maintained carpet is a suitable flooring choice for people with asthma. Choose Green Label Plus carpets and cushions, plan for good ventilation during the installation process and practice routine vacuuming with a Seal of Approval / Green Label vacuum.
DISCLAIMER: Floors Etc. is only sharing information and is in no way making medical recommendations or dispensing medical advice. Your flooring choice is a personal decision that must be made by you.
If ventilating and vacuuming doesn’t help, try to having a hot water extraction done on the new carpet.
With all the odors of a new construction, it’s hard to tell what is specifically causing a reaction. The best way to eliminate all the new odors is to open the windows and ventilate for approximately 48 to 72 hours.