Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Francis
When to Hoover New Carpet
The old wives’ tale about vacuuming new carpet suggests that it can damage the fibres, but this isn’t the case! It’s actually a great way to remove any loose strands or fuzz, and will help keep it in good condition for years.
Vacuum thoroughly at least one a week and more often in areas that experience heavy foot traffic. This will remove soil & dirt particles before they become embedded in the carpet pile up. An upright vacuum cleaner with a rotating beater bar & brush or canister type with sufficient suction is the most effective for cleaning your carpets.
Occasionally steam clean your carpets to get rid of lingering odors that may be caused by mold and mildew growth. For particularly tough odors, you can also steam clean with a solution of vinegar.
- It is very important to clean up spillages as soon as they occur.
- Do not rub as this will roughen and untwist the pile.
- Solid residues should be gently removed by scraping with a knife, and greasy residues can be treated with an oil/grease remover sprayed onto an absorbent cloth.
- Blot frequently but do not rub. Liquid spillages should be blotted up as far as possible with a clean, white cloth or absorbent tissue.
Loop pile carpets, particularly Wool Berbers, should not be cleaned with a vacuum which has a beater attachment – this can cause excessive fluffing and matting – this type of carpet should be vacuumed with the suction head only.
As long as that vacuum cleaner has a spinning beater brush, then you’re ready to go. If you can get a vacuum cleaner that allows you to control the amount of power it has it will make cleaning a little bit easier.
Stains and Spills
Whether your kids are playing with toys on your carpet or you have spilled red wine, stains can be a pain. They can clog your vacuum cleaner and leave behind unpleasant odors that will stick around for years.
When it comes to stains, it’s best to work quickly and always apply the cleaning solution from the outside edge of the stain. Blot up any excess with paper towels or a clean cloth, and do not rub.
If a stain persists, call in a professional for assistance. Many stains will need to be treated with chemicals that can discolour your carpet or cause other problems, so make sure you test the product in a small area first.
Grease Or Oil to Clean Your Carpet
One of the most stubborn stains on your carpet is grease. It can be caused by a variety of things including charred food, grease from machinery and more. In addition to being unsightly, it can also be difficult to remove if left on your carpet.
To prevent this from happening, do your best to keep the surface dirt your carpet free from spills or tracked in messes. When they do occur, be sure to spot clean the stain immediately.
The most effective way to spot-clean a grease or oil stain is with liquid soap and water. This will help to break up the oils or grease, and allow it to easily be rinsed away by your vacuum.
For larger stains, you can use a sponge or utility brush to rub the solution into the carpet. Don’t scrub too harshly, as it will damage the carpet fibres.
Once the stain is removed, vacuum it thoroughly to ensure that any residual grease has been completely eliminated from the surface dirt your carpet. Then, you can move on to the next step.
Another effective and non-toxic stain removal method is to sprinkle baking soda over the spot. Baking soda is a great absorbent and will help to soak up the grease that has been absorbed into the carpet fibres.
When the baking soda has soaked up all of the liquid grease, it is time to vacuum up the excess powder. Don’t worry if it creates a little bit of soap suds – these will just disappear with the vacuuming process.
Never Use Hot Water to Clean Your Carpet
Many people think that using too much heat can cause damage to a carpet. This is actually incorrect as it will only make the stain more difficult to remove and can also lead to a build-up of dirt that can be difficult to get out.
It is not safe to use harsh chemicals on a wool carpet as they will disintegrate it, leaving you with a ruined and stained carpet. It is also not recommended to use bleach as it can discolor a wool carpet.
The best way to clean a rug or carpet is to vacuum regularly and to always use warm water and soap when stains appear on them. This will help the stain to be absorbed into the fibers and if treated immediately will reduce the chance of it being permanent or hard to remove.
A common pet pee stain is very tricky to get out unless it is treated right away. Luckily you can make a solution with baking soda and vinegar which can be very effective for removing this type of stain from your carpet.
Blood stains are also a bit harder to remove, so be sure to treat them as soon as possible with salt and then vinegar. You can also make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda that can be very effective in removing these types of stains.
Whether your carpet is made of wool, nylon, or any other kind of fiber it is always important to seek the advice of professionals to ensure that all stains are removed. Besides preventing a lot of stains from becoming permanent it will also help you to keep your carpets looking their best and in good condition for longer.
Floor Covering Advice From the Experts
When choosing a new floor, there are a number of things to keep in mind. A flooring expert can help you make informed decisions that best fit your needs and budget.
Big-picture Style Goals
When it comes to flooring, your design vision is a key factor in selecting the right material for your home. It’s important to consider the look you want to achieve, as well as how you use the room.
For example, if you’re going for a light, airy feeling environment, choose a lighter colored floor. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something cozy and warm, you might prefer a darker option.
Lifestyle Choices
Whether you have children or pets, hardwood floors are an excellent choice because they’re durable and resistant to stains. They’re also very easy to clean and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
Warranty Options
There are a lot of different warranties on the market for various flooring products. They offer peace of mind and reassurance that your investment will last for years to come.
Low VOC Materials
Choosing a low-VOC product is particularly important for those with respiratory conditions or who are sensitive to allergens and chemicals. Carpet can contain a significant amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the lungs and can cause asthma symptoms in people with these conditions.
A flooring expert can recommend a low-VOC product that meets your specific needs and is the right fit for your home. They’ll also take the time to educate you on all of the benefits that a low-VOC product has to offer.
Prevent a Spill From Become a Stain
A spill can quickly become a stain, especially when it’s liquid like wine, mustard or coffee. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent these messes from becoming stains and some of them require no more than a few basic steps.
Preventing a spill from becoming a stain is essential in many situations, as the longer you wait to treat it, the more difficult it will be to remove. Some stains, however, just don’t have the time to set and will need treatment immediately.
Knee jerk responses to a new spill include splashing it with water or club soda, but it often doesn’t work well on a lot of stains. While the water might spread it a bit, it won’t pull it away from the fabric and can actually set it in.
Salt can help, too. Sprinkle the stained area with some salt, let it sit for a few minutes, and then dab the stain with a soft cloth or napkin.
Another standby is a mixture of rubbing alcohol and dry cleaning solvent (such as Picrin), which works well on upholstery and carpet. Be sure to blot up as much excess as possible before applying the solvent, and rinse thoroughly afterward.
Avoid using bar or flake soaps on these stains, as they can actually encourage them to set.
Unlike liquids, solid foods do not have to be removed from a garment; they can simply be scraped off. If you want to save yourself some laundry time, keep a spoon and butter knife on hand for this purpose.
Is Carpet Shedding a Manufacturing Defect Or Characteristic?
Carpet Shedding and Fuzz
When you purchase new used carpeting most consumers are not informed of the products most common characteristics. Many cut pile carpets manufactured with spun (staple) yarn will shed a fair amount of fiber during the early months of use in the home.
Generally speaking it is a normal characteristic of new carpets and should diminish with a few months of routine vacuuming. It will then continue to shed a little less for the lifetime of the carpet in your home.
Shedding does not affect the quality or performance of a new carpet and should not be regarded as a serious manufacturing fault or defect. The amount of fiber that will shed will depend on the type of fiber, the way it is bound and the length of staple yarn used in the construction.
A rug that is made of brittle or low-quality materials will shed more than a higher quality, better-crafted one. This is because the brittle fibers are more prone to breaking down by foot traffic and vacuuming over time.
Another cause of shedding can be the use of poor-quality vacuum cleaners which can exacerbate the shedding. These vacuum cleaners may not be able to get under the tufts and pull out all the dirt, grit and dust that can be hiding in the pile of your carpet.
The best solution to this issue is a better vacuum cleaner that can pick up the loose particles of dirt, grit and dust from your carpet without tearing it apart. Additionally, it is important to keep up a good carpet maintenance routine by hiring a professional carpet cleaner or cleaning services that are experienced in removing deep-set dirt and grime from carpet fibers.
Shedding is Not the Same as Carpet Fuzzing
A common issue homeowners face when buying new carpet is excessive shedding. Usually, the problem is associated with a new carpet style that is manufactured using a staple yarn/turned yarn pile system.
Shedding is a normal condition and will typically subside within a few months of vacuuming your carpet. However, it should never completely go away and there will always be a small amount of loose fiber in your vacuum cleaner canister; so don’t panic!
It’s Not the Same as Shedding is It’s Just a Natural Part of Life
Most new carpets will shed some level of strands due to foot traffic and vacuuming. This shedding typically occurs for the first few months of your carpet’s lifespan and will diminish with regular vacuuming.
It’s Not the Same as Carpet Fuzzing is Just a Natural Part of Life
The majority of residential carpets are made with a variety of natural and synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers, such as acrylic, nylon or viscose, are less likely to shed than natural fibers like wool or jute.
They’re also more durable and easier to clean.
A lot of people are hesitant to purchase a carpet made from a synthetic fiber such as acrylic or nylon because they feel it will not last as long as a carpet made from a natural fiber. The truth is, however, that synthetic fibers have many advantages over natural fibers. They are inexpensive, easy to care for and will not eventually wear you down as quickly. They are also very durable and will last for years to come.
Why Should You Not Hoover a New Carpet?
Investing in a new carpet is a great way to brighten up your home and give it an added element of comfort. However, it is important to know how to care for your new carpet so that it looks its best and lasts for years to come!
A common myth is that you should wait a week or so before vacuuming a new carpet. But the truth is that virtually all new carpets will shed some loose fibres during manufacture and should be vacuumed as soon as possible!
Shedding is normal and will decrease over time with regular vacuuming.
It’s also important to vacuum regularly so that you can avoid clumping, which will make your carpet look matted or flat. The extra material will stick to other dirt and clog your vacuum quickly!
You should always vacuum most carpets with a strong, well-functioning vacuum cleaner. These machines should feature a powerful motor or dual motors, powerful airflow, high-efficiency filtration and an internally housed vacuum bag with height adjustment capabilities.
When vacuuming, you should keep the machine set at its highest setting and use it in both forward and reverse motions. This will help to get all the debris out of your carpet. In high-traffic areas, it’s also important to change the angle of your vacuum and run over your carpet a few times. This will ensure that all the dust, soil and grit is taken out of your carpet. This will improve the look of your carpet and reduce its wear.
Using Rugs to Protect Your New Carpet
Whether you’re moving into a new home, or have just installed your new carpet, rugs can be a great way to add texture and character to your flooring. They’re also an easy way to cover up stains and worn-out areas on your floor.
Rugs can help absorb sound in large open spaces and reduce noise transfer between units or rooms. This is especially important in rental homes and apartments where it’s often hard to control sound levels in shared rooms.
They can also add a soft, cozy feel to your space and increase the comfort of your furniture. Plus, they can be easily moved around to different rooms in family home or even taken with you when you move into a new house.
Protecting Your Floors
Having floors that have stains or imperfections can be very irritating, especially if you live in a rental unit and want to show off your property. Putting rugs over them helps to hide these imperfections and make the room feel more attractive.
Limiting Bacteria in Your Carpets
One of the most annoying things about your carpet is the amount of dirt and bacteria that’s tracked in by people walking through your entryway. Having an area rug in the entryway helps trap these particles until you can vacuum them out later.
Protect Your Carpet From Stains
Having a rug over your carpet can be a great way to hide stains that may occur on it from pets, liquid spills and other common spills in the home. A rug also protects your carpet from damage, allowing it to look better for longer.
Should You Hoover a Brand New Carpet?
Many people believe that you should wait a week or two after the installation of a brand new carpet before vacuuming it. This is actually not true, and you should get into the habit of vacuuming your carpet as soon as possible, to prevent the appearance of a matted looking carpet surface.
The amount of short fibres that will be shed from a brand new carpet can look very dramatic, but the majority of these will be only a small percentage of the total weight of the carpet’s performance and pile, and are in no way detrimental to the performance or lifespan of the carpet. Regular vacuuming will remove this excess and keep your carpet looking its best for years to come.
Shedding From Spinnable Yarn Products
If your new carpet is manufactured with a spun (staple) yarn system, expect it to shed heavily for the first several months. This will taper off and eventually begin to shed in a more moderate manner as the carpet ages.
When a spun product is not cleaned regularly vacuumed, some of these shedding filaments will be pulled out from between the tufts, resulting in areas of fuzz on the face of the carpet. If you have a carpet with this type of yarn, avoid using a vacuum cleaner that has a spinning brush as it will actually make the situation worse by pulling up the loose strands of your carpet and fraying them.
Putting Furniture On New Carpet
If you are putting heavy furniture on a brand new carpet, this may cause indentations in short fibers of the adhesive that holds loose fibers of the carpet to the floor. This can be difficult to remedy and will take a lot of time to fix.
How to Care For a Brand New Carpet
Carpet is a beautiful flooring option that adds to the charm of your home. But, like other types of flooring, it will only look its best if you take care of it properly.
New Carpets & How to Protect Them
It’s not always easy to keep up with new carpeting. But if you follow these simple maintenance tips, your new carpet will stay clean and fresh for years to come!
Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine
The most important thing to do to keep your carpet looking great is to vacuum it regularly. This will remove dirt that has been ground into the carpet by foot traffic. It’s also a good idea to vacuum in different directions to get rid of stubborn spots.
Pet Stains and Urine
Spills are inevitable, but you can minimize the amount of damage they do to your carpet by taking quick action. If your pet does have an accident, Tarbox recommends using a non-toxic cleaner such as Eco-88 or ZorbX to help remove the stain and odor from your carpet.
Blot the stain quickly with a paper towel or clean cloth, and make sure to blot from the outside in the same spot. This will prevent the spill from spreading to other areas of your carpet.
Prevent High Foot Traffic Areas from Crushing the Fibers
If you live in a busy neighborhood, it’s especially important to ensure your carpet is well-maintained in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and front rooms. It can be tough to keep up with the amount of dirt and debris in these areas, but a little extra care will go a long way toward keeping your carpet clean.
Carpet Shedding and Fuzzing
Shedding is one of the most common problems consumers experience with new carpeting. It is normal and does not affect the performance or appearance of the carpet, though it will often cause a lot of frustration for owners.
Newly installed carpets will shed for a few weeks to several months depending on the type of fiber used, the frequency of vacuuming and the general housekeeping habits of the owners. It is not uncommon for a new carpet to shed up to 40% of its total weight.
The shedding will usually reduce dramatically after the the first few weeks or months in your home. This is typical for cut pile carpet made from spun yarns.
Wool, wool blends, and some synthetic carpets like viscose can also be prone to shedding. This is due to many variables in the nature of the fiber and how it is spun and woven into the carpets.
If the shedding is not resolved by regular vacuuming you may want to consider professional cleaning. This will not only help the shedding to go away but will also help your carpet look and feel cleaner and fresher.
Rugs manufactured from natural plant fibers like jute, sisal, and nettle will usually not shed as much as more synthetic materials. However, some rugs that are manufactured from synthetic materials such as artificial silk and bamboo silk are also susceptible to shedding, especially when they are used in high traffic areas.
Generally, fuzzing can be removed by simply using a vacuum cleaner that has enough suction power to remove the fuzzes from the carpet. The more powerful the vacuum is, the better it will be able to lift the fuzzes out of the carpet.
