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Fluffing
Also
know as "shedding" or "fuzzing," this occurs when bits of fiber are left
on the carpet surface during manufacturing. Regular vacuuming will take
care of these loose bits of fuzz.
Sprouting
Occasionally, a carpet tuft may appear above the carpet pile surface. A
sharp object, such as a pet claw, high heel, or toy, also can snag a
carpet tuft. Use scissors to clip the sprout or snagged tuft even with
the pile surface — do not pull it out by hand.
Pilling
Tiny "balls" of fiber may appear on your carpet's surface. Carefully
snip them away with scissors, and vacuum lightly.
Depressions
It's a good idea to routinely move furniture around on any carpeted area
to relieve the pressures caused by heavy pieces. Rubber or metal glides,
placed under the furniture legs, also can help lessen the pressure. To
restore depressed areas, use a hand steamer or cover the area with damp
cloth and apply heat with an electric iron on a low setting. Remove the
cloth and lightly smooth the fiber into an upward position while it's
still warm.
Rippling
Excessive humidity or damp weather may cuase a temporary rippling in
your carpet. Drier weather or restreching should correct this.
Matting and Crushing
All carpet fibers crush and mat to some extent depending upon
construction, length of service, traffic, and cleaning schedules. It is
important to keep the carpet fibers clean, as dirty fibers become
entangled, resulting in a matted appearance. Be sure the carpet style
selected for your home can handle its estimated traffic.
Pooling
Also know as watermarking, this characteristic occurs in plush type
construction within a short period of time after installation. This is
not a defect — normal houshold traffic causes light to reflect off the
carpet yarn at different angles.
Tuft Blooming
Individual tufts of plush carpet become untwisted, "blooming" at the
tips of the surface fibers. A 10% yarn tip bloom should be considered
normal. Since this condition is often associated with matting,
professional cleaning and pile brushing should improve the carpet's
appearance.
Chevroning
Some level-loop tweed carpets may have lines or "chevrons" to some
degree in the style's pattern. These are more evident in large carpeted
areas.
Static Electricity
Everyone has experienced the annoying shock caused by static
electricity. The degree of static electricity buildup varies with the
type of carpet fiber. It is usually less in carpets made of
poly-propylene and polyester, and more so in nylon constructions. To
reduce static buildup, add moisture to the air, or treat the carpet with
an anti-static chemical agent.
Shrinkage
If your carpet has a jute backing, use special care in cleaning it. Such
carpets may shrink if exposed to excessive moisture.
Pile Distortion
Your carpet may be rolled and unrolled many times during manufacturing,
inspection, and handling before reaching your home. If the surface pile
is crushed during the process, vacuum the carpet immediately after
installation and increase the relative humidity to 50%. Vacuum daily,
allowing two to four weeks in humid conditions, and four to eight weeks
in less humid areas, to aid recovery. If marks are still apparent, use a
steam iron in the affected area, making sure not to touch the fiber with
the hot iron. Lightly brush the pile in an upright position with a
clean, soft bristle brush while the fiber is still warm. |
