Regular maintenance is essential to keep your carpets looking their best, and this includes London carpet cleaning. No one wants to keep changing carpets due to damage or wear and tear. However, cleaning a carpet is not a one-size-fits-all task. Different types of carpets require different cleaning methods, and using the wrong technique can lead to damage or even ruin your carpet altogether. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify the type of carpet you have before embarking on a cleaning mission.
In this article, we will explore the different types of carpets and provide tips on the most effective cleaning methods for each type. Whether you have a plush carpet in your living room, a low-pile carpet in your office, or a berber carpet in your bedroom, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how to keep your carpets looking clean and fresh with our useful tips.
Types of Carpets
Even though carpets might all look almost the same, they differ in materials and production methods. There are many types of carpets, but these are the few common types used in the home.
Nylon
Nylon carpets are one of the most popular types, falling under synthetic carpets. Nylon carpets, as you can guess, are made of nylon. They are comfortable and give a soft feel to the body.
Nylon carpets are highly durable and resistant to abrasion. They have good resistance to wear, stains, rot, mold, and milder. It holds its color well, does not wash off, and is easy to dye.
Its strong fiber makes it durable, maintaining its shape and thickness for about ten to fifteen years. And best of all, it is relatively less expensive.
Wool
Wool is a natural carpet made from the softest carpet fibers available. Wool is a luxurious carpet, making it relatively expensive. The high-grade wool carpet is more costly, but the less expensive low-grade wool stains easily.
To get a high-quality wool carpet at a moderate price, manufacturers combine synthetic fibers with wool; these types of rugs have the qualities of both natural and manufactured carpets. They are quite common in the market.
Pure wool carpets have no additives or chemicals, making them perfect for allergies or high sensitivity to chemicals.
Because of its natural material, it is susceptible to mold and mildew, which feed on it and damage it. Wool carpets are not the best if you have kids or pets or reside in a high-humidity area.
Acrylic
Acrylic is also a synthetic carpet, often called synthetic wool, because it feels and looks like wool. It is an alternative if you want a carpet that looks like wool but can not afford the high price tag.
It is relatively cheap, probably because of its short life span, so it is not advised for high-traffic areas.
An advantage of acrylic carpets is their hypoallergenic property, making them good for people with allergies.
You have to be careful while cleaning acrylics as they react with certain alkaline chemicals found in cleaning products and turn brown.
Polyester
Polyester carpet is also a synthetic carpet made from PET/polyester, which is obtained from recycled plastic bottles (this makes it eco-friendly).
But if you want a brightly-colored carpet that will not lose its vibrance or fade off, Polyester is the best for you.
Polyester carpet has the best hypoallergenic property of all types of carpets. However, it has a major drawback; it gets flat in high-traffic areas. It is also prone to oil stains, a problem because they are hard to remove from polyester fibers.
Polypropylene (Olefin)
Polypropylene carpets are made of synthetic carpet fibers from melted plastic materials. It has a nylon-like soft feel with similar properties to natural wool. It can be used as a substitute for synthetic wool.
Olefin carpets are also highly resistant to stains but are prone to collecting oil, leading to dust collection and soiling. It is resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture, making it perfect for high-humidity areas.
Polypropylene carpets are easy to clean and can handle different chemicals, including bleach. It is less resilient than nylon but more durable than acrylic and polyester carpets. It also has an average price, making it relatively affordable.
Best Cleaning Techniques for Each Type of Carpet
Here are the best cleaning methods and products for different carpets to avoid damaging them.
Synthetic Carpets
There are different types of synthetic carpets, as you have read above. The cleaning methods of these carpets fall under the same technique.
The major cleaning technique used for synthetic carpets is vacuum cleaning. With regular vacuum cleaning and dusting, there will be no need for rigorous cleaning all the time.
Synthetic carpets usually have specific requirements, making them need particular products for cleaning. So, you should read the label to avoid damaging the rug.
A general cleaning product for synthetic carpets is a mixture of baking soda and warm water. It is preferable to use this for small portions to dry out quickly and prevent coloration in some types of synthetic carpets.
Olefin carpets are highly durable and can accommodate any chemical without fear of damage—clean acrylic carpets with warm water and dish or laundry soap. Dish soap also works well for nylon carpets, provided you do it right (with warm water).
You can also try mild detergents, as they will be safe for any type of carpet. Let the solution sit for some minutes, then scrub with a soft brush.
Wool Carpets
Regular vacuum cleaning also works well for wool carpets. However, you will need to wash it thoroughly when it gets stained.
Wool carpets are made from natural fibers, so picking the right products for cleaning them is essential. Alkaline products are a no-no for wool carpets as they will seriously damage them.
Wool carpets absorb water greatly, which can attract mold and mildew, so you must ensure it dries quickly. Because of its water-absorbent property, it is often advised to use professional cleaning companies.
Use the soft brush and mild detergent solution to remove stains and dirt. You can also blot out stains with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper care and maintenance of your carpets and rugs are crucial for extending their lifespan and keeping them looking their best. Regular vacuuming, prompt stain removal, and following cleaning instructions are all important steps in keeping your carpets and rugs in good condition. However, if you want to ensure that your carpets and rugs are thoroughly and professionally cleaned, consider reaching out to a reputable company like Crystal Carpet Cleaners for their expert carpet and rug cleaning services.
With their years of experience and state-of-the-art equipment, Crystal Carpet Cleaners can help restore your carpets and rugs to their original state, leaving your home looking and smelling fresh and clean. Don’t hesitate to contact them at +44 7557 914387 or visit their address at 130 Cat Hill, London, Barnet EN4 8HU, United Kingdom, for a quote or to schedule an appointment. Trust us, your carpets and rugs will thank you!