Picking Out A Carpet

Carpets are available in many different styles and colors, although when you
shop for your carpet, you should try to buy the best quality carpet you can get
for the money. Even if you happen to be on a very strict budget, you shouldn't
skimp on your carpeting or your carpet pad, as quality products will tend to
last longer, wear better, and even save you quite a bit of money in the long
run.

Almost all modern carpets are made from either nylon, polyester, or olefin.
Nylon is the strongest type of material and also the most widely used. Even
though nylon will never wear down to the treads, it can fade and get very
scrubby in appearance. Buying the proper padding for your carpet and having it
treated with a stain resistant treatment will help to make it last a lot longer.

When you pick out a carpet, you need to know how to tell if carpet is good
enough quality. One easy way to test is by looking at the density of the
carpet. This means the thickness and closeness of the pile, or each specific
strand of fiber.

The closer the fibers are to each other, the better the overall quality will be.
You should stick your fingers into the rub or bend it to see if you can feel or
see the mesh. The less you feel or see, the better the quality of the carpet.
Another factor with quality carpet is the twist level or the number of twists in
1 inch length of fiber -- as the more twists you see, the better.

The density of the pile will affect how the carpet will wear, while the cut of
the pile will affect how the carpet looks. A plush cut carpet looks like a
field of velvet with even color and it's great for a formal look.

The saxony cut carpet has irregular cuts of pile, and provides a great everyday
look. Frieze is a very nubby twisted pile, with a less formal look although the
wear it offers is very good.

When you buy carpet, you shouldn't ignore the carpet pad. Along with going for
the best quality of carpet you can afford, you should also buy the best quality
of pad as well. The padding will cut down on noise, and also help to act as a
cushion so it's very important -- almost as important as the carpet.

By taking your time and knowing what to look for, you won't have any problems
picking out your next carpet. Quality and durability are the keys to great
carpet and pad, which is why you don't want to rush this process.

Natural Fiber Carpet

Natural fibers used with carpet are produced either by insects, animals, or even
plants. The fibers that are produced by insects or animals are known as protein
fibers. Those that are made by plants are known as vegetable fibers. Vegetable
and protein fibers share the common disadvantage that they are both very
absorbent and will have extended drying times when wet cleaned -- which can lead
to mildew, shrinkage, and even dry rot.

Wool:  Wool fiber is produced from the fleece of lambs or sheep. Wool of carpet
is imported from countries such as England, Australia, and New Zealand. Wool is
the oldest and considered to be the finest of all carpet material.

The ability of wool to stretch up to 40% of its original length and the fact
that it can be bent back and forth more than 180,000 times without breaking
makes it very resilient. Wool is the most expensive material for carpet,
although it is also the best you can buy.

Silk:  The fiber of silk is produced by the larva of various insects known as silk
worms. The silk, in continuous lengths from 300 to 1600 yards is spun to produce
the cocoons. As a fiber, silk is naturally non flammable, strong, and not
affected by static charge problems -- even at low humidity.

Cellulose fiber:  This type of fiber is produced by plants and normally not used
as face yarns. These types will however, show up as backing materials of tufted
as as well as carpets that have been woven.

Cotton:  Cotton is a vegetable seed fiber that is produced from the cotton plant.
The primary use for this fiber is yarns woven in carpet or rugs. Cotton is
resistant to alkaline solutions and becomes stronger when it is wet.

The biggest disadvantages to cotton is the fact that is the most absorbent of
all fibers and requires extended drying times after being wet cleaned. It is
also easily damaged by acids, stains easily, mats down, soils quickly, and is
subject to mildew, dry rot, and shrinkage.

Jute:  The fiber of jute is produced by the jute plant which grows in South
America, Pakistan, and even in India. The stalk of the jute plant is where the
longer coarse fibers are obtained, located between the outer bark and within the
inner pulp.

Jute is normally used as weft yarns, across the width, in woven carpets and as a
backing material in the construction of tufted carpets. Jute is an inexpensive
material that also serves other uses than just carpet. Like all other fibers,
this one has disadvantages as well. The fiber is weak when it becomes wet and is
also subject to dry rot, shrinkage, and mildew.

Sisal:  The fiber of sisal is produced by the leaves of the agave plant. Sisal is
very strong and primarily used for making rugs, sacking, rope, and even carpet.
The fiber stains easily and is also very difficult to clean. Wet cleaning can
also cause shrinkage so its best to use low moisture methods.

Rayon:  There is quite a bit of confusion about rayon and it is easy to understand
why. Rayon is a synthetic fiber that is produced from natural cellulosic fibers
of wood pulp or cotton. The material is put through several chemical treatments
which help to turn it into a synthetic fiber.

Primarily, rayon is used for area rugs because of its silk like appearance. It
can be damaged by acids, has low resistance to abrasion and is also prone to
cellulose browning.

Synthetic Fiber Carpet

Nylon:  The fiber nylon was introduced first by the DuPont Chemical Company in
1938. Several years later, after a great deal of development, nylon became the
first synthetic fiber to be used in the entire carpeting industry.

The first 3 generations of fiber experienced many problems with the worst being
staining. The 4th generation fiber of nylon had a mill applied coating that
solved a majority of the staining problems. The ability of the fiber to repel
water and oil based spills as well as soil helped to propel nylon into the top
selling carpet fibers out there.

After several other changes, the DuPont company introduced the fifth generation
nylon fiber. This stain resistant fiber would repel most dye stains if treated
in a reasonable time. This fiber is more accurately called an acid dye blocker
in that it doesn't allow acid dyes to penetrate and stain the fiber.

The protective coating mill is applied and fills the dye sites with anionic
molecules.

Tip:  An easy way to test fiber for the presence of a fluorochemical is to cut a
couple of fibers from a non traffic area and apply a few drops of oil and water
mixture. If it beads up, then there is an active fluorochemical present.

Whenever testing for the presence of the acid dye blocker, you should again cut
a couple of fibers from a non traffic area, then immerse the fibers in a red
kool-aid mixture and wait for 5 minutes or so. Remove the fiber from the liquid
and flush with neutral detergent solution. If the acid blockers are present and
active, there will be no discoloration.

Polyester:  The fiber of polyester was first introduced into the garment industry
around in the 1950s. By the late 1960s, polyester was introduced into the carpet
industry as a face yarn. In hand, feel, and appearance it is similar to nylon,
although it doesn't possess that same resiliency.

Polyester doesn't absorb water based spills, isn't affected by urine or
kool-aid, but it will absorb oil based spills. Polyester is non allergenic and
mildew resistant.

Acrylic/modacrylic:  Both of these fibers were first used as carpet yarns around
the late 1940s. They disappeared around 1988 due to the competition from other
fibers. In was reintroduced to the market around 1990 in Berber styling.

This was done so that people could take advantage of the wool like appearance,
hand feel, and the fact that its more spot resistant, much easier to clean, and
not damaged in the ways that wool is.

Olefin:  Olefin is the latest of the synthetic fibers to be adopted to carpets.
Once only available in continous filament, it is now produced in staple form as
well. Olefin has a wide variety of uses that include primary and secondary
backing of tufted carpets, warp yarns, and other uses as well.

Right Carpet For Your Home

If you walk into any carpeting store, you'll find yourself amazed at all of the
choices that are there for you to pick from. You'll find textured plush
carpets, saxony carpets, berber carpets, and even commercial grade carpets.
There are carpets that can be installed wall to wall, and carpets that can be
cut to size with bound edges and carpet squares.

Your first consideration when purchasing a new carpet should not be color, even
though it is important. Your first consideration should be how much traffic you
are going to have on the carpet. If you plan to put carpet in the bedroom, then
it won't have as much traffic as carpet in the living room.

Stain resistance will also be important. This is something to think about with
any carpet, especially carpet that is going to be used in a dining room or play
room area where there will be a stready stream of food or possibilities for
spills.

You'll also want to inquire about the rating of the carpet as well. Indoor
carpeting is normally rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest
rating. Carpets with a 5 rating are considered the best for heavy traffic
areas. Rating of 4 are considered outstanding and r ecommended for heavy
traffic areas of your home.

Ratings of 2.5 to 4 would provide normal durability for your home. Carpets that
rate 2.5 or lower should only be used with light traffic areas, such as
bedrooms. Choosing carpet based on the type of traffic it will receive can help
you save a lot of money down the road, although you should buy carpet suited to
your needs and requirements.

The highest quality of carpet you can buy is carpet made of wool. Wool carpets
are very expensive, although you'll reap the benefits over years of use as wool
will easily out perform any man made carpet. Two of the best benefits of wool
carpet include its natural soil resistance and it's ability to retain
appearance, meaning it won't crush or wear down like other carpets.

The downside to wool carpet, is the fact that it is out of reach for most of us.
If you can't afford to have woold carpet installed throughout your entire
house, then you should instead have it installed in the room that receives the
highest amount of traffic.

There are several different man made carpets that you can choose from as well.
If you have a high traffic area, then nylon would be an ideal choice due to the
durability. Nylon is stain resistant as well, and repels mildew.

Carpets made of olefin is also a great choice for high traffic areas as it is
very strong and easy to clean. Polyester is another good carpet as it is easy
to clean and repels water based stains. Polyester is known for the look and feel
of wool, although it is much less expensive.

The color consideration is also important. Light colored carpets create an
effect of a larger space, although they do tend to show stains more easily.
Dark carpets on the other hand tend to absorb light, giving a room what many
know as the "cozy feeling".

When you find a carpet that appeals to you, you should ask to take a piece of it
home. Look at it during natural daylight and at night under an artificial light
to see if the color changes at all.

Steam Carpet Cleaning

The process of steam cleaning your carpet involves hot water being fed to a
spray extraction tool or wand, coupled to a pump vacuum power unit. The
cleaning solution is injected under pressure deep into the carpet through water
jet nozzles.

The water will then penetrate the fiber all the way down to the backing. This
action will loosen any embedded soil, remove oil and grease deposits, and get
your carpet cleaner than it has ever been.

There are many types and makes of steam carpet cleaners available on the market,
ranging from small portables to the large and very powerful truck mounted units.
The principle is the same no matter what model you pick.

The models that are truck mounted are designed so that only the hose and the
wand are taken into the area being cleaned. These units are very powerful,
delivering hot water and generating a high vacuum recovery that can be powered
by diesel fuel, gas, propane, or even by the motor of the truck.

Most carpet manufacturers, fiber producers, and professional cleaners endorse
this process for achieving soil removal efficiency. With the present state of
art equipment and technology, we are more than capable of high production and
cleaning of carpet.

The real disadvantage to steam carpet cleaning are the problems that are
associated with over wetting and longer drying times. These can be eliminated
however, by a skilled operator who uses equipment that is well maintained and in
good overall operating condition.

Currently, there are two methods being used with steam carpet cleaning.

1. This method involves a traffic lane cleaner being sprayed onto the traffic
   lanes and then agitated into the fibers. The entire area is then cleaned by
   using a hot water extractor that has a cleaning solution being injected into the
   fibers through the wand.

2. The second method involves a free rinse emulsifying pre-spray being sprayed
   onto the entire carpet, then agitated into the fibers.

Steam cleaning procedures

1. Prepare the equipment and supplies. In a pump or power sprayer you should
   mix the free rinsing pre-spray. In the solution tank of the extractor, mix the
   rinsing agent.

2. If you have a lot of furniture to move, make yourself a floor plan.

3. If the area being cleaned has furniture, you should remove as much as
   possible.

4. Thoroughly vacuum the carpet. If the pile is crushed or matted, use a pile
   brush to loosen the soils which will make vacuuming more effective.

5. Pre-spray a good amount of the pre-spray.

6. Using a grooming tool, agitate the pre spray deep into the fibers then let
   it sit for 10 -- 15 minutes, making sure that it doesn't dry out.

7. Extract the area using a portable, truck mounted, or automatic carpet
   cleaner.

8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 until the entire area has been cleaned.

9. Groom the cleaned area, replace all furniture that was removed, then clean
   all equipment that you used.

Shopping For Carpet

Shopping for carpet is something that has never been an easy task. To most
people, it is more of a chore than fun. For most people, shopping for carpet is
a dreaded experience that should be avoided at all possible costs -- although
they aren't in this alone.

Once you realize that others feel the same way, its time to go shopping. Frieze
is an excellent choice of carpet, one of the most popular types that you can
purchase even today. Frieze offers you a lot of benefits without having to
compromise anything.

The following are points that you'll want to consider when you evaluate the
durability of the carpet:

1. 75% twist
2. 15% fiber type
3. 10% density

Twist:  The twist type of carpet has a spiral shape. It is used via heat method
that twists the yarn into its permanent shape. The fibers can have up to seven
twists per yarn, as the more twists you have the better. The result in the end
is a rustic knotted look that is very appealing.

Fiber type:  Frieze carpets are normally made with high quality nylon yarn. Nylon
is one of the most popular and most widely used fiber types for wall to wall
carpets.

Density:  It is very interesting that several people use the density of carpet as
their primary factor in judging quality.

As you may know, carpet can be too dense. The denser a carpet is, the harder it
will feel, as the fibers are compacted. The fibers were meant to wear on their
sides rather than on the tops, as they need their room to move.

To help you get a better idea of carpets and the types that stand out, we'll
take a look at several of them below.

Gulistan:  Gulistan is actually one of the top manufacturing companies of frieze
carpets. The company was a trendsetter early on with innovate styles and a very
impressive selection of colors and easy care. Even though the company is one of
the smallest in the world, it has proven it has what it takes to compete, with
it's high quality nylon frieze that is popular even today.

Laura Ashley:  The Laura Ashley company is a name that sports an elegant English
country look that continues to grow and inspire. The company brings a lot to
the table, from impressive carpets to bed linens, paint, and upholstery fabrics.

Beaulieu Industries:  This company licensed the Laura Ashley name and premiered
close to two dozen products, wh ich included a cool frieze carpet. The company
has been very successful with their carpets, managing to compete for several
years.

The bottom line

Anytime you shop for carpet, no matter what the style may be, you should always 
know what you want and how it will fit in with your home. Along with frieze 
carpet, there are many other types such as Berber, loops, high pile, and others 
that will add quite a bit to your home. Your carpet is very important, and 
therefore you shouldn't rush buying it.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get assistance from a professional,
friend, or a member of your family. Those that have experience with carpet can
be a great help when you purchase your own, especially if you don't have a lot
of experience.

By getting help when you need it, researching, and just taking your time, you'll
have no problems at all shopping for a carpet. Carpets can make or break a
home, which is why it is very important that you know what you are buying before
you make that critical purchase.

Kitchen Carpet Spill

A spill on the kitchen carpet can be anything from a child's cup falling off the
table to muddy footprints around the room. Properly dealing with the kitchen
spill is what seperates the professionals from everyone else.

With a little bit of common knowledge, many of the spills that occur can be
cleaned up and corrected fast and easily. Knowing how to react to spills in the
kitchen are what makes things easier than ever.

The first thing to do, is use a bit of common sense. Its important for you to
take very quick action and be smart about the first steps you take in cleaning
up your kitchen carpet spill. To put it in other terms -- don't let the spill
sit.

The longer the spill or product sits on your carpet, the deeper in it will go.
A larger spill that has time to seep into the carpet and into the padding and
reaches the floor boards is one type of spill that will need extensive cleaning.
Therefore, you'll need to move quickly and effectively.

You can take different steps to remove spills from your kitchen carpet. One
thing that remains the same throughout every spill you encounter is that you
shouldn't rub them. Most often, rubbing the spill will rub them into the fibers
of the carpet. This will make them less likely to come off. Instead of rubbing,
you should conside r blotting. Blotting puts small amounts of pressure on the
stain to allow the cloth or paper towels to soak it up. This doesn't work the
stain deeper into the carpet.

As far as getting the spill out of the carpet, you can use several methods.
First, you should try and remove as much debris from the floor as possible,
wiping as much as you can up. Then, there are several routes that you can take.

If you own a carpet cleaner, this will be your best option. Last, there are
several products on the market that you can use. This will help when it comes
to difficult spills. Unless you have them on hand, waiting isn't an option.
Spills in the kitchen needs to be handled in a quick and timely manner.

Since the kitchen spill happens in one of the most used rooms of the home,
you'll need to make sure that you do a great job in cleaning it up. Because
spills can happen frequently, it is important that you do a complete cleaning of
the carpet on a regular basis.

Even though kitchen carpet spills are nearly impossible to prevent, you can
protect yourself and your carpet by knowing what to do. If you keep your carpet
clean, you'll have no problems cleaning up spills as they occur.

Types of Carpet

The carpet market is a vast market, with many types to choose from. Below,
you'll find the several different types of carpet and what they will offer you
and your home.

Woven:  Woven carpet is produced on a loom that is very similar to woven cloth,
being cut pile. There are many different colored yarns being used and the
entire process is capable of producing very intricate patterns from designs that
are pre-determined. Normally, woven is the highest quality of carpet on the
market.

Tufted: This type of carpet is produced on a tufting machine by using either a
single colored or sometimes a non colored yarn. If non colored is being used,
then the carpet will be dyed or printed with a design as a separate process.
Carpets that are tufted can either be cut pile, loop pile, or a combination of
both. Machines can produce a lot more meters of carpet than weaving, and they
are normally at the lower end of the market.

Needlefelt:  The needlefelt type of carpet is a bit more technologically 
advanced. They are produced by electrostatic attraction of individual fibers 
that form a unique carpet with extremely high durability. You can normally find 
needlefelt carpet in the contract market such as in hotels or other places where 
there is always going to be a lot of traffic.

Flatweave:  The flatweave carpet is created by interlocking warp and weft threads.
The types of oriental flatwoven carpet include soumak, plain weave, and
tapestry weave. This type is not well known in the North American region,
although it is very popular in the orient and Japan.

Hooked rug:  This is a simple construction of rug that is handmade by pulling
strips of cloth such as wool or cotton through the meshes of a very sturdy
fabric. Now, this type of rug is generally known as a handicraft.

Knotted pile:  With knotted pile carpets, the structural weft threads will
alternate with a supplementary weft that will rise from the surface of the weave
at a perpendicular angle.

Cut and loop piles:  The cut and loop pile combines both looped and cut fibers.
They provide a variety of surface textures for medium durability. Cut and loop
carpets are available in either solid or different colors. The several
different layers in this carpet can hide dirt and footprints in formal and
informal areas.

Saxony:  Saxony consists of tightly twisted cut piles that are heat set straight.
They consist of two or more fibers that have been twisted together in a yarn,
and they provide a very soft texture for informal as well as formal areas. They
will show each and every footprint and even marks from vacuum cleaners.

Textured saxony:  Textured carpet is the best selling and it works well in
informal areas due to the very soft feel. They are tightly twisted and texture
headset for medium durability. They also offer a multi colored look that will
hide tracks and footprints.

Plush/velvet:  Both plush and velvet are lightly twisted and offer a uniform
color. They are very soft and offer more level than textures. This type of
carpet is ideal for formal areas due to it's luxurious appearance.

Frieze:  Frieze is a highly twisted cut pile type of carpet that is suited for
high traffic areas. It has short fibers that will tend to curl in different
directions at the surface to hide footprints and vacuum marks.

Level loop pile:  The level loop pile is constructed by weaving even loops of yarn
into carpet backing at both ends. This type of carpet is durable as well as
track resistant, due to the strong loops. Higher loops in the carpet will
create a more luxurious look. They are also great because they will prevent
dirt from filtering on into the carpet.

Today's Carpet Trends

Going beyond beige Long ago, when the choices of carpet were limited to basic
beige, the designers tended to treat it more often than not as a neutral
background for rooms. These days, with numerous patterns, textures, and colors
to choose from, the carpet is quickly emerging as the focal point in many
interior designs.

Although you may think the need for neutral carpet has faded away, it hasn't, as
Berber is still an excellent choice. Unlike the plain choices of the early
1990s, the versions of today offer more pattern and texture. Even the
traditional types of Berber carpet offer more visual interest with more extreme
differences in pile being cut thicker, with deeper loop textures.

Color being sprinkled against a neutral background will add interest and
dimension while helping to mask spots and spills. The flecks of color are now
appearing against tan, beige, and cream type backgrounds as well as in other
neutrals as well.

Colors and textures:  The major shift in new products is going towards layered
color and softer texture in carpet. The combination of pattern and texture will
always be a popular choice simply because it minimizes soil and vacuum marks.
The other advantage here is that the color and texture offer a more distinct
styling and plenty of fashion appeal as well.

The new products are rapidly changing the perception of carpet as not only being
a background to showcase other furnishings to the possibility that the carpet
can become a focus for design as well.

Construction:  The new manufacturing capabilities have produced several new looks
with carpets that are constructed with cut and loop yarns. Some examples
include bows, swirls, lattices, plaids, pin dots, and several others.

By taking advantage of these choices, you can add a great deal of interest to
the room and in sequence with the florals, stripes, and other patterns on
windows and furniture. The carpet pattern and texture will also increase the
perception of quality and value in the carpet, and will add a much broader
element to the surroundings as well.

These days, carpets can do more than just protect your sub floor. They can add
a new level of comfort and warmth to your home, with literally thousands of
choices available. Carpet is easier than ever to clean as well, making it more
than worth worthy of being in your home.

With several different trends and new and exciting colors to choose from, the
carpets of today can make your house come alive. The carpets will add new
meaning to your rooms, making you appreciate your home even more. If you have
older carpet in your home now, you shouldn't wait another minute to upgrade.
Once you take a look at all of the choices you have, you'll want to get that new
carpet in now -- as your floor with want to thank you as well!

Carpet Spot Removal

Anyone who has experience with carpet knows the types of accidents that can
happen. Carpet is very common with most houses these days, making the risk for
accidents and spills higher than ever. No matter what the spill may be, mud,
blood, or milk -- there are ways to clean everything.

At your local department store or grocery store, there are several products that
you can pick up that will work great. The only problem with these products is
the fact that they are normally very vague with how you should use them.

The first thing you should know is that if you have a red stain on your carpet,
you shouldn't try to get this out yourself, but instead leave it to a pro.
There are certain procedures and very effective methods that your local carpet
cleaning company can do to save you from ruining your carpet.

Keep in mind that red is the toughest stain to get out. A professional carpet
cleaner is the way to go, as he is properly trained and equipped to handle them.

For everything else, there is always an effective and cheap way to clean spots
on both your carpet and the upholstery. If you are only buying the products
that work for you, then you aren't paying much attention to the label or the
technique in getting the stains out.

The first thing to do is go to your local Auto Zone or auto parts store and pick
up the auto upholstery and carpet cleaner in the can. Tuff Stuff is one of the
best you can get. Almost all cleaners that come in a can are foaming cleaners,
which will make your work a lot easier.

The foam in these canned cleaners will penetrate the fibers upon contact and as
it foams, it will release and suspend the stains and soils. You may need to
lightly scrub the areas with a towel or soft bristled brush.

To help you clean the spots, the tips below may come in handy:

1. You should only use white rags or towels when you clean carpet and
   upholstery to reduce the risk of ruining colors or color transfer.

2. You should use foaming cleaners to clean your entire upholstery, even though 
   it may state to dry clean only.

3. You should always test your product of choice first on a hidden area to
   save yourself heartache and embarrassment in case things don't turn out the 
   way you hope.

4. If you need the help of a professional, you shouldn't hesitate to contact
   one.

As long as you don't have a red stain in the carpet, you shouldn't have any
problems getting it out. Stains and spots are a carpet's worst enemy, which is
why you should always get them out as soon as you can -- to prevent things from
getting any worse.

Carpet Repair

How often you need to repair your carpet depends on you. There are instances
such as burns, crushing, fading, furniture, bleeding, sprouting, and carpet
beetles where you'll want to take action. Most of the time, you can finish a
repair job without needing a professional, although there will be times when you
will need professional assistance.

Burns:  Burns occur when a cigarette butt or flame comes in contact with the 
carpet. If the burn is small, the burnt fibers of the carpet can be cut out
with scissors. If the burn is large, you'll need to replace the area with a new
piece of carpet. You can do this yourself if you know how, or have an installer
do it.

Fuzzing:  This occurs when loose fibers come out on the edges of the carpet. To
fix this, simply cut the fibers that are sticking out.

Furniture marks:  Heavy furniture can result in indentations being left on the
carpet. To get rid of these nasty marks, you should sprinkle your carpet with
some club soda, place a towel over the area, then iron it. Do this a couple of
times and you will see your carpet begin to re-fluff.

Shading, crushing, and matting:  A lot of traffic on the surface of the carpet
will cause it to flatten, which may give some types of carpet a shaded
appearance. If this happens, you should brush and vacuum the area. If you
can't fix the problem, you may need to hire a professional, as this can
sometimes be very tricky.

Shedding and snagging:  Shedding is a problem of usage, as the fibers will 
surface on the carpet. This isn't a defect in manufacturing, but a normal 
problem. To fix it, you'll need to vacuum the area. The snags on the other hand 
are tufts that have pulled out of the surface of the carpet. They will occur more 
often with loop pile than cut pile carpets. You should never pull them off, but
instead cut them off neatly with a pair of scissors.

Sprouting:  A carpet is known to have sprouts only when there are tufts on it,
which are longer than the rest. As pulling on them will only damage the carpet
more, you should trim them off with scissors and level them down to the rest of
the pile.

Static electricity:  This depends on the carpet material, construction, and
padding. Humidity will play an important role as the moisture in the air is
absorbed by the carpet fibers. A humidifier will help to retain moisture, and
you can also spray the surface of the carpet with an anti static agent.

Carpet beetles:  The best way to deal with carpet beetles is with a strong vacuum
suction. You should always avoid spillage and keep the surface of the carpet
clean of food. The carpet beetles are quite annoying, as they feed on wool,
hair, hides, fur, grain, seeds, and flour. If the carpet is infested bad, you
professional cleaner is the way to go.

Bleeding or crocking:  Bleeding of the carpet is the loss or transfer of the color
from one section to another. Good underlayments can help to prevent bleeding to
a certain degree. Crocking on the other hand is the loss of the carpets color
when it is rubbed. To avoid this, simply avoid getting your carpet wet.

A carpet installation job that is one right can help you reduce your repair
worries to quite an amazing degree. You can always call a pro as well, as their
services will often end up being much cheaper than if you were to go ahead and
replace the entire carpet.

Carpet Cleaning

Although vacuum cleaning can remove a majority of the dry soil, it is also
necessary to clean your carpet on a frequent basis to remove the oily, sticky
soil that builds up in the pile as a result of odors and dirt that is tracked in
from outside.

If you can clean the carpet before it becomes too bad, the cleaning chore will
be easier to do and a lot more successful. There is a myth that is totally
false, which states that cleaning the carpet before it is necessary will get it
dirtier faster. The carpet with the typical household should be cleaned every
12 -- 18 months depending on the number of people living there and the amount of
traffic that walks on the carpet.

The choice of the right vacuum is important as well. There are some vacuums
that will leave residues behind, which will promote re-soiling and basically
defeat the whole purpose of household cleaning.

Professional carpet cleaners It is in your best interest to use professional
cleaners simply because their experience will enable them to do a much better
job than you can do yourself. The equipment they use has more extraction power
than the units available to you, and the carpet will dry faster as well. They
know the cleaning agents to use, and they know the differences in carpet
construction and fibers.

Doing it yourself If you have made the decision to rent a steam cleaning machine
and do the job yourself, you should check on several systems before you make a
selection. Most of the units available for rent don't clean well enough and may
end up damaging your carpet. Therefore, you should always consider the
following:

-  Several rental companies offer cleaning equipment that is similar to what
the professionals use. The equipment should have enough vacuum power to allow
the carpet to dry within 12 hours of cleaning. You should always avoid rental
units found in retail and grocery stores that don't have the power to extract
the cleaning solution from the carpet fast enough, as it can actually damage the
carpet due to over wetting.

-  Make sure you avoid over wetting the carpet. Any prolonged dampness can
lead to mildew growth and bacteria in the carpet, or cause a seperation of the
backing. A wet carpet that stays this way for longer than 24 hours can develop
problems. You can control this by using proper equipment and the right
training.

-  Carpets that have stain resistant treatments have to be cleaned with
products that are formulated for this very purpose, or the stain resistance will
be impaired and the warranty will be voided. Never use cleaning or spotting
solutions that contain bleaches as they can mess up the color of the carpet.

-  Never use any silicone based treatments on the carpet.

-  You can help to reduce the drying time by using several fans to move the air
around the carpet. You can use a dehumidifier as well, as it will pull moisture
from the air.

Hot water extraction The hot water extraction system is highly recommended, as
it considered to be one of the best methods for carpet cleaning. Also known as
steam cleaning, the process consists of spraying a mixture of water and
detergent into the pile and recovering the water and soil with a powerful vacuum
that puts it into a holding tank. You can use a truck mounted unit or a
portable self contained unit as well. This method is easily one of the best,
and is ideal for soiled carpets or pet stains that you have yet to get out of
the fibers.

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Tip 1:  Make sure that you get a deep cleaning of the carpet as often as it is
needed. To achieve a clean carpet, you'll need to have it cleaned by a
professional or you'll need to use a deep cleaning machine. There are
advantages and disadvantages to this method, although a thorough cleaning is
needed every six months or so.

Tip 2:  Keep your eye out for spills and take care of them in a quick manner to
keep your carpet clean. Simply using water on a spill will help most of them.
If that doesn't work, simply expand your search. You'll find several products
out there on the market that can help you get rid of spills quick.

The products range in use and can be helpful when matching them with the
different types of spills. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar to
help you keep stains out. By taking immediate action you can prevent spills
from becoming stains that leave you with a dirty and messy carpet.

Tip 3:  A clean carpet is a carpet that has been taken care of very well. You
should always take the time to vacuum your carpet often and make sure you do a
good job. This means going over the floor in several directions to allow the
vaccum time to pick up all it can. High quality vacuums are the best choice, as
they get up the most debris.

Tip 4:  The proper use of entrance will greatly help to clean off people's shoes
and keep most of the tracked soils off the surface of the carpet. You should
always use entrance mats outside of your doors and make sure that anyone who
enters your home use the mats to help get debris and dirt off of their shoes
before they enter. You can also take off your shoes and request that guests do
the same, prior to entering your home.

Around 80% of the soils that enter a building or home are dry. The remaining
20% are greases, oils, and starches. The dry soil types are easily removed by
vacuuming. As long as they are removed on a daily basis, it will help to
minimize the damage to the carpet.

Maintaining and keeping a clean carpet is more than just healthy, as it can also
help to prolong the life of the carpet. If you have just laid the carpet, you
are already aware of the expenses involved with doing so.

Even if you haven't had this done, you probably know the benefits of keeping a
clean carpet. A clean carpet will add value to the home if it is maintained
well. It will also help to keep the home free from odors as well. Also, it
will help to make a comfortable living area for your friends and your family.

Selecting Carpet For Your Lifestyle

Whenever you select carpet, you have to consider many aesthetic as well as
technical areas. With well over a hundred thousands styles and colors being
released every year, selecting the right carpet to match your needs can be a
very challenging task indeed.

Carpet is available in several different textures, constructions, colors, and
designs -- which will open the doors to virtually any interior design that you
can imagine. The combination of texture and color will complement the look of
both formal and casual environments, while helping to bring continuity to the
overall room designs.

The most important thing to consider when you shop for carpet is the amount of
traffic that will be on the carpet that is going to be installed as well as the
area you hope to use it in. The construction and the texture are both key
aspects when you select a carpet for a specified area and use.

Nylon, polyester, and olefin are the mosty widely used fibers with carpet
manufacturing, with each one displaying qualities that make themselves great
with specific applications and uses. Even though nylon is the most expensive
type of fiber, it is also the softest and most resilient, which makes it great
for any room in your home, including those areas that have a high level of
traffic.

Polyester fabric is less resilient than nylon, although it more cost efficient
and offers a high level of resistance to stains, which makes it a great choice
for areas such as bedrooms or dining rooms that are not subjet to a lot of
traffic.

The fiber olefin is solution dyed, which results in a highly resistant stain
carpet that can be cleaned easily using a water and beach solution -- without any
loss to the color.

Unlike the other types of fibers, olefin is fade, mildew, and mold resistant,
which results in a carpet that performs well indoors and outdoors. Keep in mind
however, that olefin isn't very resilient and as a result, it should only be
considered with berber construction.

You can get carpets in either plush or berber construction. The berber type of
carpets are well constructed with a continuous level loop, while plush carpets
are constructed of loops that have been sheared, which results in the strands
standing upright.

Berber construction carpets don't crush or matt, due to their high level loops.
They are however harder underfoot, uncomfortable to sit on or lay down on, and
they can easily become damaged by pets with long nails. Berber carpets are well
suited for high traffic areas, which include walk ways, living rooms, and
entrance areas. They aren't popular with bedrooms, as their hard texture makes
them a less than attractive option.

The plush type carpets are much softer to walk or lay on and they offer better
sound and thermal insulation. They tend to crush and matt though when they are
subjected to high levels of foot traffic.

The use of nylon fiber paired with a tight low pile construction will help to
limit the amount of pile and matt crushing, due to the high resilient nature of
the nylon fiber and the added support that is gained from tight construction.

The warranties for carpet ranges from 5 -- 30 years, with the general rule being
that you don't cover the stairs. Most carpet warranties will require the
installation of new carpet padding as well at the time of installation in order
for the warranty to become valid.

Removing Pet Stains

There are many different products available on the market that will help you to
remove almost all types of stains. The ideal solution in minimizing or totally
removing stains is by simply cleaning the spills and dirt the moment they crop
up. Cleaning them up won't even require you to leave your home just to rush out
and buy the expensive types of cleaning products.

There are several ways to clean up stains simply by using products already
available in your home which you use on a regular basis, such as detergents,
rubbing alcohol, vinegar, lemon juice, etc. Its simply a matter of knowing how
to use these common household products and the procedures involved to clean up
stains. Below, you'll find some tips on how to clean up pet stains and some
other types of common carpet stains.

Pet stain For your first option you can use one teaspoon of clear, household
type ammonia to a half cup of cold water. You can use this solution in a spray
bottle or apply it to the carpet directly. It is very important not to wet the
carpets backing when you apply the solution. After you have applied the
solution, use paper towels to blot then allow it to dry completely.

For a second option, you can use detergent solution made of hand soap or dish
soap. The combination is one quarter of a teaspoon detergent to one quart of
water. You should always make sure the soap doesn't contain bleach or lanolin.

The third and best option, is to use water, it can re-hydrate the stain to help
with removal. Most types of pet stains can be cleaned up by using a steam
cleaner. Once you have finished, be sure to dry the area as thoroughly as
possible.

Ink stains

1. You can purchase isopropyl rubbing alcohol at your local department or
   grocery store.

2. You can apply it by pouring some onto a clean white towel or cloth. You
   can use paper towels as well, as long as they are white.

3. Blot the stain as much as possible until it is removed.

4. Make sure you be careful, because if the stain is small, you need to blot
   in one direction only so you don't spread the stain.

Beer and wine stains

1. Mix a solution with one part white vinegar and one part water.

2. Apply the mixture to the stain using a spray bottle to saturate.

3. You should allow the stain to sit around ten to fifteen minutes.

4. Use a sponge and clean in a rubbing motion.

5. Rinse the area with warm water.

6. Brush the carpet pile back into the natural direction it has.

7. By using layers of white paper towels, place paper towels on top of the
   area, then something with weight on the paper towels. Allow everything time 
   to sit like this until the area has dried.

Reasons To Buy Berber Carpet

Everyone hears about Berber carpet, and just how great it can be. The carpet
was named after a hand made bulky wool that was textured and used by a tribe in
North Africa, the Berber tribe. The Berber carpet that is used even today
follows the same tradition of the tribe by using flecked bulky yarns to create a
beautiful carpet.

Below, you'll find several reasons why you should choice Berber carpet over all
others.

The carpet is unique:  The flecked looped yarns that are used to make Berber
carpets provide a very unique yet stylish carpet that makes Berber easily to
identify.

Choice in loop sizes:  There are several loop sizes with Berber carpets, so there
is always going to be a size for any room or decoration, from the large knobby
loops to the small and tight loops. There are several choices as well, that
include cut and loop designs, multiple level loops, and even level loops.

Hypo allergenic:  Berber is the ideal choice for anyone who has allergis or
younger children. The carpet is made from wool so it's non toxic and non
allergenic, and it will stop bacterial growth on the spot.

Very comfortable:  The manufacturing process that created the loops of wool have
millions of air pockets in them so the carpet has a nice and cushioned feel when
you walk across it. It also offers an insulation factor due to the weaving
which helps to regulate the temperature of the room as well.

Durability:  Berber carpet is one of the most durable types and also one of the
easiest to clean. The stains are easily lifted from the carpet and it takes a
lot of miles on the carpet before it will even begin to show any signs of wear.

Berber is also well known for longevity, as it always seems to look like it was
installed yesterday. It rarely ever shows footprints, and it doesn't even show
the lines from vacuuming. The only thing you have to watch out for is snagging,
as you don't want to snag the loops and damage the carpet.

Affordable:  This is actually a mystery, as Berber is pure wool and still cheaper
than nylon, olefin, or any other type of man made carpet, even though it
outlasts the rest and maintains a newer look over a longer period of time.
Berber is one of the most affordable choices you can make and it still looks
richer than any other available choices.

Choices of colors:  The color choices with Berber carpet are varied and include
earthen or neutral colors, dark colors, and pastel colors as well. There are
plenty of colors to choose from as well as patterns. Berber carpet offers more
choices than any other carpet type.

Hiding the sub floor:  Because the density of Berber carpet is so thick, you can
easily hide anything wrong in the sub floor without having to spend a lot of
money having the sub floor repaired of replaced. This helps to make Berber
carpet very cost efficient in older homes that need to have the carpet redone.

Grade variety:  Just like with other carpets, you can choose from a variety of
grades that will determine just how plush the carpet is. Berber is available in
several different grades, even a product grade that is designed to go on over
top of concrete.

Besides the fact that Berber is one of the most economical carpets to buy, it is
also one of the most economical to install. The carpet is easy to lay, which
will save you time and effort, making it a truly excellent choice when it comes
to carpet for your
 home.

Carpet Choices

When you select carpet for your home, you have many things to consider and many
different options to weigh as well. Carpets come in many different colors and
styles, textures and fibers, and there are many different qualities to choose
from as well.

The two most popular choices of carpet today are the loop pile and cut pile.
Loop pile has individual strands of yarn pulled through the backing of the
carpet twice, which creates a small loop.

The cut pile has the loop cut at the top, leaving tufts of yarn that stand
straight up. Cut pile is normally more durable than looped pile. Cut piles come
in many styles, such as shag, textured, saxony, and velvet. Loop pile choices
include berber, cable, or sisal. For high traffic areas, loop pile is an
excellent choice.

One of the factors with choosing your carpet is the cost. Even though there is
nothing more luxurious than having wool carpeting in your home, most of us can't
afford wool. If you are able to afford wool carpeting you'll find that even
though it costs more to install, it will prove to be far more superior than any
other type of carpeting. There is no man made carpet fiber that come close to
the durability, rich look, or even the feel of wool -- which can also last for 30
years or more.

Acrylic carpeting is very similar to wool, and sometimes referred to as man made
wool. It is resistant to moisture, fading, mildew, crushing, and staining,
although it isn't recommended for high traffic areas.

Nylon carpeting is also popular, as it is recommended for high traffic areas.
Nylon is one of the most expensive types of synthetic fibers, although it is
still cheaper than wool.

Olefin is a low cost carpet material, often used for indoor or outdoor
carpeting. Olefin is colorfast and strong, very easy to clean. One of the draw
backs to olefin is that it can easily be crushed.

Another consideration you'll have is the color and patterns of the carpet.
Light carpeting colors help to create a spacious effect, making the room appear
to be larger. Light color carpets will of course, show much more soil than dark
colors.

If you have pets around the house or little kids, dark colors may be your best
bet. There are many different varieties of dark colors, which is great for
those interested in style. Dark colors are ideal for stains or pets, as they
don't show soiled areas near as much as light colored carpets.

If you end up selecting light colors around pets or little kids, you'll find
yourself having to work twice as hard to make stains less noticeable. It would
be easier and also smarter to select a dark color and make it easier on
yourself.

Benefits Of Carpet

In the past and even today, carpet is very popular with home owners all across
the U.S. Carpet is the most practical, fashionable, and versatile choice of
flooring out there, as it also accounts for more than half of all flooring
purchases that are made each and every year. The fact is, carpet has outsold
every other type of flooring for more than 60 years.

Carpet offers you several advantages that other flooring options can't compete
with. Below, you will find many of the features that carpet will add to your
home.

Warmth:  Carpet is the best choice you can make for your bedroom, family room, and
other areas where you need warmth underfoot.

Insulation:  Both carpet and carpet padding will provide an extra layer of much
needed insulation between the floors of your home. Depending on the density and
weight of the carpet, it contributes to the R-value of your home, which adds to
the energy efficiency as well.

Safety:  Carpet offers a slip resistant surface that will prevent accidents along
with a natural cushion in the event of someone falling. For young children and
the elderly, this is very important.

Reduction in sound:  Carpet will also reduce noise better than any other type of
flooring. Carpet works to dampen noise in three ways:

1. Reduces surface noise from foot traffic

2. Absorbs airborne sound

3. Blocks transmission of sound These qualities are valuable in apartments as
   well as semi-detached homes.

Surface:  Adding carpet to a room can also disguise any existing damage to the
floor and also hide any other problems such as warped floors. The thicker
density the carpet is, the more problems it will be able to hide.

Easy to care for:  The carpets of today are more stain resistant than they have
ever been in the past, which makes cleaning even the worst possible spills
easier than ever. No matter type of spill it may be, there is always a way to
clean it up.

Clean air:  Research has proven that carpet can indeed improve the quality of air
by trapping allergy causing dust and allergens if it is properly cleaned and
maintained.

Variety of use:  Carpets aren't only for floors anymore, which is a really great
thing. You can easily add carpet to steps, stairs, walls, posts, and other non
level surfaces, without having to worry about it slipping, lifting, or buckling.

Flexibility:  Carpet is the primary foundation in almost any room. Because it is
available in a variety of different colors and textures, it helps to create an
unlimited number of possibilities for decorating. From the neutral tones to
rich solids, carpet is the first step you can take to make your home look better
than ever.

Low cost:  Carpet doesn't cost a lot of money, as it offers an economical
alternative to the other types of expensive flooring. Even with professional
installation, you won't pay near as much as you would for hard surfaces. Unlike
hard surfaces, carpet can keep you comfortable if you decide to lay down on it.

Life span:  The carpets of today are very durable and can outlast most other types
of flooring available on the market. All you have to do is select a type of
carpet that has a life span of 5 -- 30 years or more, which is very common now
days.

Warranty:  With most manufacturers, you can get great warranties with your carpet
purchase. This way, you'll be protected when you install your new carpet. Once
installed, all you have to do is enjoy it -- as the warranty will ensure that you
are very well protected.

Antique Carpet

Antique type carpets help to add a touch of grandeur and glamour to your home or
office, speaking greatly about your rich and extravagant tastes. Antique
carpets are beautiful home furnishings and solid art investments. They aren't
just decorative items, but pieces of tradition, ethniticity, and true class that
dates back thousands of years.

Antique carpets represent enormous range in motifs and color harmonies and
you'll simply lose yourself seeing the diverse combinations of rich antique
colors and heavy intricate weaving.

The diverse range of antique carpet pieces that you'll encounter while shopping
for them are mostly Oriental carpets and rugs that portray the mystery and
legend of the far off lands of the Orient.

Antique carpets and rugs are imported mostly from China, Persia, India,
Afghanistan, Caucasus, and Turkey. Some of the famous weaving areas of such
antique carpets include Kashan, Agra, and many other locations.

Antique carpets have a more artistic integrity, as they are exclusively hand
woven. They are sold all over the world, with clients more than willing to pay
whatever they have to in order to redefine their home and decorate in style.

If you are looking to add luster and glamour to your home or office and are
ready to spend a fortune on the exquisite pieces of art, then you shouldn't wait
a single minute.

The first thing to do, is contact one of the several reliable, knowledgeable,
and genuine art dealers and galleries who deal in antique carpets and have
profound knowledge about the various aspects of a good and genuine antique
carpet. They can guide you in selecting the best one per your budget and
tastes.

You've got a bit of work to do as well. You should visit a lot of dealers and
educate yourself about dyes, wools, design quality, and the many styles of
weaving as well. Touch the carpet and scrutinize them carefully. Beware of the
machine made synthetic carpets that some dealers will tell you are antique
carpets.

Below, are some tips to help you when buying antique carpet.

1. You have to remain careful and thoughtful while analyzing each piece of
   antique carpet.

2. You'll also need to try and understand the age and origin of the carpet
   that will in turn give you a much better insight about the overall quality 
   of the carpet.

3. You'll also need to look and see if the edge and borders are there in the
   antique carpet you intend to buy, as the end and edge borders are sometimes 
   lost or even cut out on purpose. Keep in mind that the borders will determine 
   the overall value of your carpet.

4. Keep an eye out for holes and moth attacks that are both common when
   dealing with antique carpets. These problems must be attended to before you 
   buy the carpet.

5. You should always deal with dealers who have the prices marked on the carpet. 
   See to it that your dealer sticks to that price.

Installing Carpet

A majority of how your interior looks and feels will depend on your floors.
Houses that have carpet give off an undeniable warmth, vibrancy, and an
aesthetic appeal. There is a wide range of colors, textures, materials, and
designs available that can transform your home and give every room a chance to
be unique. Your carpet installation has a long term perspective, so it's
important that you select the best one for your needs and install it right the
first time.

Once you have picked out your material and design, you'll need to it install it.
Professional carpet installers can do the job for you, or you can choose to do
it yourself. Even though doing it yourself is cheaper than hiring a
professional, it isn't recommended if you don't have the right tools, lack time,
or have no experience.

A great way to ensure a professional installation of your carpet is to buy from
an authorized carpet retailer or dealer. Most of the time, your carpet retailer
will have an installation staff that is very experienced with installing carpet.

If the retailer doesn't offer an installation service, they can still guide you
to a reputable and experienced installer. Even though installation by a
retailer is a bit more expensive, it offers several advantages. The experience
will show in their work and you'll come out better in the long run. You can
also approach them if you aren't satisfied with anything they have done.

However, if you are looking for low budget carpet installation services, you'll
also have the option of hiring independent contractors, architects, builders, or
interior designers. You should always remember to get their references and
inquire about their experience, where they received their training, and any
certification they may have.

You can also visit homes that the installer has previously worked on, as this
will give you an idea of their work before you hire them. If it isn't possible,
you should at least make it a point to see some pictures of their work.

Even though private contractors may offer a lower rate for carpet installation
than your retailer, the services of post installation may be very poor. If you
encounter a problem, you'll find that your options are limited. No matter what
happens, if you choose an independent carpet installer, you should always make
sure that the installer follows the standard for installation of residential
carpet CRI 105.

Choosing the right installer for your carpet will entirely depend on your
specific needs. If you like to change your carpet type every few years, you may
be better off to choose an independent carpet installer. If you want carpet
that will last for a long time, you should get a follow up from a retailer, as
this will ensure that you have a trouble free experience with installation.

No matter who you choose, you should ensure prior to installation the carpet is
power stretched so wrinkling and rippling will be minimized. It is also
important that your rooms are measured before laying any of them and the sub
floor has been cleaned.

You should also vacuum the old carpet good before it is removed, to help
eliminate dust. Once the new carpet is down, the edges should be trimmed and
sealed with hardwood. You should always inspect the carpet, and make sure that
nothing looks out of the ordinary and that everything pleases you before you
finish the deal.

You should always keep in mind that no matter how expensive or exotic your
carpets may be, it is the installation process that makes or breaks the look of
your home. Therefore, it pays off to invest a bit of time, money, and effort
when you choose the right installer for your carpet.

How Carpet Is Made

The carpet that is made today is a mix of old world craftsmanship and a touch of
21st century innovation. By combining the two, carpet is able to become the
household feature that we all know and love -- and get tired of cleaning.

Carpet can be manufactured in one of two ways; weaving or tufting. Carpets that
are woven are primarily wool and are very durable, and very expensive as well.
The woven carpet types can be hand produced, as it has been for centuries, or by
machine. No matter what method is chosen, the same procedures are followed.

The yarn for the carpet is woven through or around vertical fibers known as
warps, and then locked into place with horizontal strands known as wefts. The
woven carpets can utilize a variety of colors as well to create intricate
patterns in the highest quality of carpets.

Tufting machines can also be utilized as well, as they use computers to
determine the patterns, styles, construction, and density. No longer does
someone have to do everything by hand or mentally, as the tufting machines will
take all of the guesswork out and make things easy on the operator.

Once the fibers have been locked into place, the carpet is dyed using a variety
of methods that will create patterns or effects. For cut pile carpets, the
final stage is stretched, cutting the pile loops. This is an important stage,
as it will determine the softness and feel of the carpet.

The carpet will also receive a secondary stretch backing as well to give it
stability and allow it to be stretched during the installation process. Most of
the carpets of this day and age will receive stain protection as well, which
happens during the manufacturing phase.

The way that a carpet is made will greatly affect how the carpet is installed.
In the past, the creation of carpet was a very complicated process, as there
were no computers or technology to do most of the work. Back then, it was all
done by hand. The carpets were great, although there wasn't any colors or
textures that we have to choose from today.

The carpet manufacturers of today have a lot of technology at their disposal,
which makes life at the plants easy. Operators can watch and operate machines
to do a lot of the work, which makes their job a lot easier.

The continuous fibers found with carpet are heat set and twisted at the mill to
give a tightly twisted product that is commonly found with frieze carpets. This
type of yarn is less bulky although it will hold its shape for a long period of
time, which is great for those who don't like to replace their carpet every
couple of years.

Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning

The dry foam procedure is mostly rather than dry as the name infers, although
the content of moisture is so low that it can actually be referred to as dry
foam (90% air -- 10% liquid). The dry foam machine is equipped with a pressure
tank, which you will pour a solution of water and shampoo into.

A compressor will work to convert the solution into foam which is then dispensed
all over the carpet using a revolving cylindrical brush. The brush will work to
comb the foam through the piles of the carpet so that each individual fiber of
the carpet is cleaned.

To achieve success, you must make sure that the bubbles being produced are of
uniformed size so the foam can complete the cleaning process before it is
dispersed. Once it has dried, the carpet is then thoroughl y vacuumed to remove
the dried crystals of dirt that have been left behind.

Below, are the steps to the dry foam procedure:

1. First of all, vacuum the carpet and remove all the stains that you possibly
   can.

2. Mix the dry foam solution according to the directions of the manufacturer.

3. Shampoo the carpet then once it has dried, vacuum the carpet.

4. Depending on the type of carpet you have, groom the pile to speed the
   drying process.

5. Complete the work by using a furniture leg pad or block to eliminate
   furniture stains or rust.

Advantages:  The process of dry foam cleaning is capable of covering a lot of area
in a very short amount of time. There isn't really any danger involved in
saturating the carpet simply because the moisture content is low. This will
also help you to minimize the problems that are commonly associated with over
wetting.

Disadvantages:  The dry foam method is capable of removing average levels of soil.
There is however a possibility of excessive residue and soil build up if the
machine you are using has inadequate extraction capabilities.

Dry foam is the ideal method of choice if you have older carpet if you want to
get your carpet as clean as possible. You can rent a machine at your local
department or carpet store if you don't think you'll use it enough to buy it.
They don't cost that much to rent, which is great for those who just want to
give it a shot and see what happens.

Dry foam carpet cleaning isn't that hard to do, as you'll be fine even if you
have no experience with these types of machines. The above information will
help you greatly, and if you follow it, you shouldn't have any problems. Dry
foam can make a carpet look spectacular, as long as you follow the manufacturers
directions on mixing the dry foam solution. Once you've finished cleaning your
carpet with dry foam, you'll probably find yourself falling in love with the
results.

Choosing The Right Carpet Cleaner

Choosing an effective carpet cleaner is easier said than done. There are many
carpet cleaning companies out there, each one claiming to be the best. With
each one claiming to be the best, it can be very hard deciding which one is the
best for you. If follow the tips below, you'll have no problems finding your
ideal carpet cleaner.

First of all, you should know what your choices are in cleaning methods and you
should also know which one is the one you'll want to choose, as there are
several available to choose from. A dry extraction type of cleaning will use a
compound that contains detergents what will free stains and dirt which will then
allow them to be vacuumed up.

Dry foam on the other hand may be used by applying foam to the carpet and then
vacuuming it up with a wet vacuum. You can also choose a vacuum that uses
stronger chemicals and a stronger suction to get dirt up. For your needs, you
should choose the vacuum accordingly.

Once you know your options, talk to family and friends for their
recommendations. There are several places on the internet that offer reviews
for local as well as nationwide carpet cleaners.

You can also get estimates as well. Find out what the professionals charge and
what is considered to be extra. You should also find out what chemicals are
going to be used, how long the process will take, and whether or not they plan
to move any furniture.

You'll want to make sure that chemicals used are going to be safe for you, your
children, and also your pets. If you are using a professional company, you'll
want to let them know what type of carpet you have. If you don't let them know
and you have a type of carpet that will shrink or change color during cleaning,
you'll probably be in trouble.

Probably the most important thing, is to know who is coming to your home. You
should always make sure that you know the history of the carpet cleaner as well
as inquire if background checks are performed by the company. These steps will
help to keep you and those you love safe.

Follow the above tips, and you'll have no problems with finding the right carpet
cleaner. There are many types to choose from, as well as professional cleaning
companies.

If you are considering whether or not to use a professional carpet cleaner, you
should consider the alternatives as well. First, spot removal isn't the only
necessary carpet cleaning that you need to do, nor is the vacuuming.

Even home carpet cleaning machines won't do as good of a job as a pro can do.
When you use these types of carpet cleaners, you can help to preserve your
carpeting for years and years to come.

Last, professional cleaning can help many people who have allergies to feel
better once they have clean carpet. If you have allergies, a professional
cleaning may be the ideal way to solve just about all of your carpet problems.

In a nutshell, it makes the most sense to have your carpet professionally
cleaned. It doesn't really cost a lot of money, yet it will give you the peace
of mind in knowing that your carpet is very clean.

If you've been looking to clean your carpet or have it cleaned, professional is
without a doubt the way to go. You don't have to bother with it yourself, yet
you'll know that your carpet is going to be cleaned right -- by someone who knows
exactly what they are doing.

Cheap Carpeting

When it comes to carpet for your home, you may want carpet that you install
yourself. There are ways that you can carpet a room very cheaply, without
having to spend a lot of money. Carpet can get very expensive in a hurry, which
is why saving money is so very important to those on a tight budget.

One very cheap way you can carpet a room is by using carpet samples. This is
actually considered new carpet, as samples aren't considered to be used.

You can buy samples of carpet for .25 cents a piece at closeout sales or at your
local hardware or carpet store. Depending on the size of the room you are
looking to carpet, how many samples you'll need will vary. You'll also need
staples as well, which cost around a dollar or so. Most of the time, you can
expect to pay a dollar or so for each square of carpet, which is still
considered to be cheap carpet.

Keep in mind that using samples or square is a very unusual style and you have
to think about the resale value of your home. If you have a trailer or mobile
home, then the style is probably going to be unusual and cheap to start with.
If you have an expensive or mid priced home, then you may decide to use cheap
carpeting in the basement, playroom, or in a children's playhouse.

If you are doing a children's playroom, using multi-colored carpet is perfect.
It is very colorful and if a spill stains one of the squares of carpet, you can
quickly and easily pull it back up and install a new one. This is a great
advantage to doing a playroom this way.

Installing your cheap carpet The only things you'll actually need when you
install carpet samples or squares in a room is a carpet knife and a staple gun.
The 5/8" staples seem to work the best for squares and samples.

All you need to do is put the carpet peice in place and staple in two or three
staples along each side. Make sure you wiggle the head of the stapler down deep
between the fibers, or between the border and the fibers, so you can hide the
staples as much as possible.

If you are carpeting a basement floor, you can use carpet tape instead of
staples. With either case, this is best to do when padding isn't that
important. You can use padding as well if you don't mind the complications,
although without it, its pure simplicity.

You may also choose to lay out your pieces of carpet first, then decide where
each individual piece will go. When you reach walls, heating sources, or other
obstacles, you can quickly and easily cut the pieces to fit. If you happen to
make a mistake, it will cost you around a dollar, instead of costing you a
fortune. When you make a mistake, all you have to do is start over a new piece
of carpet.

Before you begin to put the carpet down, you should always estimate how many
pieces you will need , and then call around to find a store that has enough
samples for the room.

Although the samples will range in size at different stores, the average is 18 X
18 inches. If you use pieces that are the same size, you'll find things to be
much easier. Even though you may be paying a dollar a piece, it rounds out to
less than .50 cents per square foot to carpet your room of choice -- which is
really cheap carpet!

Carpet Tiles

Anytime it involves your floors, you shouldn't limit yourself to just carpet,
but try the newer carpet tiles instead. Carpet tiles are available in an array
of designs and a great choice of materials as well. Bordered, geometric,
contemporary, or bamboo -- will give your floors a complete makeover and a great
look as well.

When you go out to buy carpet tiles, you'll need to think about where you plan
to install them. The tiles will vary in density as well as thickness. Carpet
tiles with more thickness have a cushion so that it's soft on the surface,
making them ideal for homes. They will also provide a degree of thermal
insulation as well. The thinner types of tiles are best for offices, gyms, and
other high traffic areas. All carpet tiles are easy to maintain and will last
you for a long time.

The tiles will come in a variety of materials and patterns. If you choose, you
can make your home a greenhouse by using bamboo carpet tiles, or you can choose
terracotta carpet tiles that will give your interior an earthly feel.

You may just want to liven things up a bit or play down your floor, depending on
the look you are going for. Carpet tiles that are made from foam, rubber,
linoleum, and vinyl are best for children's rooms, office spaces, or other high
traffic areas. The cost for the tiles will depend on their thickness and
density, which means that the prices can range from 1$ per square foot up to 40$
per square foot.

Tiles for carpet will offer you several advantages when you compare them to wall
to wall carpets. They are easy to install and easy to transport, as you can
install them without having to move any furniture!  They are very durable as
well, and will last longer than most types of carpet even when they are used in
high traffic areas.

You can also unleash your creative side as well with carpet tiles. You can mix
and match different tiles, or use a color for the border and even create a
distinctive look using various patterns. Unlike wall to wall carpet, you don't
need any professional help in case of tear, wear, or staining. If they become
torn or stained, just replace that tile with a new one.

There are carpet tiles available to fit each and every taste, even budget and
furnishings style as well. As they are less expensive, they will offer you the
chance to experiment with your interior. Pretty much the same with carpets, the
installation of tiles is very important.

They must be installed on hard surfaces, such as stone, cement, or ceramic tile.
The surface has to be smooth and clean, so the adhesives will last and your
floor will have a well finished look. The carpet tiles will normally have
cushion or padding already installed, which will reduce the cost and extend the
life of the carpet.

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