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	<title>Wall to Wall Carpet Resource Directory &#187; Articles</title>
	<atom:link href="http://carpetswalltowall.com/category/carpet-articles/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com</link>
	<description>Directory of Carpet and Rug Resources</description>
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		<title>Installing Carpet</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/installing-carpet/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/installing-carpet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:21:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet inspection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet inspector]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet wall to wall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[certified carpet installers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cfi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Installation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[installing carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wall to wall carpet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=1156</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For a long lasting, problem free installation care must be taken in the selection of a carpet installation contractor.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The look and feel of an interior is highly dependent upon the floor covering.  Poorly installed or shabbily appearing floors will have a profoundly negative effect on the overall interior. For the past several years Certified Carpet Inspectors on an industry wide basis have found improper carpet installation and installation error to be a leading cause of complaint. For a long lasting, problem free installation care must be taken in the selection of a carpet installation contractor.</p>
<p>A great appearing properly installed carpet catches ones eye tying together the other interior components. Unfortunately a sloppily installed carpet with seams that are not matched or poorly joined, has fuzzy edges, ripples or another problem also catches the eye and cheapens the look of what was supposed to have been a beautiful new interior.</p>
<p>Unlike other floor covering carpet gives off undeniable warmth, vibrancy, and an aesthetic appeal.  There is a wide range of colors, textures, materials, and designs available that can uniquely transform the interior of any room. Your carpet installation has a long term perspective, so it&#8217;s important that you select the best one for your needs and install it right the first time.</p>
<p>Once you have selected your wall to wall carpet, you&#8217;ll need to have it installed. 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&#8217;t recommended unless you have chosen a product such as carpet tile. Even with tiles the professional will have the knowledge and right tools to assure that the job is performed right.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>If the retailer doesn&#8217;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&#8217;ll come out better in the long run.  You can also approach them if you aren&#8217;t satisfied with anything they have done.</p>
<p>You should always remember to get references from the carpet contractor and inquire about their experience, where they received their training, and any certification they may have.  Two excellent trade organization where you can search for a carpet contractor or installer are,  CFI &#8211; Certified Floorcovering Installers. <a href="http://cfi-installers.org/consumers/recommendations.html">http://cfi-installers.org/consumers/recommendations.html</a> or FCICA &#8211; The Floor Contractor Association https://www.fcica.com/members/member-directory</p>
<p>You can also ask for references and call those that the installer has previously worked for, as this will give you an idea of their work before you hire them. If there are installations you can actually visit you may want to do so.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>How Carpet is Made</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/how-carpet-is-made/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/how-carpet-is-made/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:16:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[berber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet back]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet fiber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cut pile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manufacturer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nylon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patterned carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tufted carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tufting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tufting machine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weaving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[woven carpet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=1154</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today most carpets are made with synthetic fibers and still tufted. Unlike weaving which is a very slow manufacturing process tufting makes carpet at very high speeds.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>At one time the most popular method of carpet was weaving and the fiber was primarily wool. Over 50 years ago tufting a process once used to make bedspreads came into popularity for making carpet. Today most carpets are made with synthetic fibers and still tufted. Unlike weaving which is a very slow manufacturing process tufting makes carpet at very high speeds. A saying in the carpet industry is that carpet was once manufactured by the yard and is now manufactured by the mile.</p>
<p>For both weaving and tufting many of the procedures are similar while others differ significantly.</p>
<p>Woven Carpet: 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.</p>
<p>Tufted Carpet: Tufting machines sew the carpet yarn through a backing material leaving a loop. For cut pile carpet the looped is cut during tufting.  Patterned carpets can also be created on tufting machines. Computers are used 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.</p>
<p>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, in the final stage the pile is sheared to give the cut loops a level surface.</p>
<p>A secondary back is applied to the carpet 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.</p>
<p>The manufacturing method used will 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 colors and textures to select from were limited.</p>
<p>Today’s faster production level has helped to hold down costs for the end user. This has added to the popularity of carpet and enabled individuals the opportunity to redecorate more often than most of us would otherwise be able to do.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dry Foam Carpet Cleaning</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/dry-foam-carpet-cleaning/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/dry-foam-carpet-cleaning/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:09:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet protection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry foam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry soil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shampoo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spot cleaning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=1151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dry foam carpet cleaning is a very low moisture cleaning procedure consisting of about 90% air and 10% liquid.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dry foam carpet cleaning is a very low moisture cleaning procedure consisting of about 90% air and 10% liquid.</p>
<p>The dry foam machine is equipped with a pressure tank in which a mixture of water and shampoo is placed. A compressor on the machine converts the solution into foam which is then dispensed onto the carpet with a revolving cylindrical brush.  The brush works bubble of uniformed size foam into the pile of the carpet so that each individual fiber of the carpet is cleaned.  Once the foam has dried, the carpet needs to be thoroughly vacuumed to remove the dried crystals of dirt that have been left behind.</p>
<p>Steps of the dry foam procedure:</p>
<ol>
<li>Vacuum the carpet and spot clean to remove spots and stains.</li>
<li>Mix the dry foam solution following the directions of the manufacturer. Using too little or too much chemical can result in poor results so stick with the measurements stated in the directions.</li>
<li>Shampoo the carpet.</li>
<li>If the carpet is a cut pile or shag, groom the pile to speed the drying process and leave the pile running in the same direction.</li>
<li>Place aluminum foil or furniture blocks under the furniture legs to prevent wood stains or rust.</li>
<li>Once the carpet has dried thoroughly vacuum it.</li>
</ol>
<p>Advantages</p>
<ul>
<li>The process of dry foam cleaning is capable of covering a lot of area in a very short amount of time.</li>
<li>There is little danger of 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.</li>
<li>Dry foam is a good choice if you have older, more soiled carpet that you want to get as clean as possible.</li>
<li>You can rent a machine at many hardware or equipment rental stores.</li>
<li>They don&#8217;t cost that much to rent, which is great for those who just want to give it a shot and see what happens.</li>
<li>Dry foam carpet cleaning isn&#8217;t that hard to do, as you&#8217;ll be fine even if you have no experience with these types of machines.</li>
</ul>
<p>Disadvantages</p>
<ul>
<li>The dry foam method is capable of removing average levels of soil.</li>
<li>There is the possibility of excessive residue and soil build up if the machine you are using has inadequate extraction capabilities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Dry foam can make a carpet look really good as long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions on mixing the solution and take your time with each step of use.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Carpet Tiles</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-tiles/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-tiles/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:06:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet inspector]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet tile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpets.benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weinheimer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=1149</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When in the market for wall to wall carpeting keep in mind that carpet tile is another alternative to stretch in carpet. Carpet tiles are available in a wide variety of designs, colors and materials. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When in the market for wall to wall carpeting keep in mind that carpet tile is another alternative to stretch in carpet. Carpet tiles are available in a wide variety of designs, colors and materials.  Carpet tile is manufactured by many of the same companies that manufacturer wall to wall carpet such as Shaw Carpet, Mohawk Carpet, Interface Carpet, Milliken Carpet and others. They make commercial carpet tile, residential carpet tile and even outdoor carpet tile. With carpet tile you can also unleash your creative side.  You can mix and match different tiles, or use a different color for the border and even create a distinctive look using various patterns.  With possibilities from bordered, geometric, contemporary and more, your opportunities for design with carpet tile are almost limitless.</p>
<p>When shopping for carpet tile, you&#8217;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 offer greater cushioning making them a good choice for living areas such as a playroom or family room.  For rooms such as an office, gym, or other high traffic area the thinner carpet tile is usually best. Carpet tiles made from foam, rubber, linoleum, and vinyl are a good choice for children&#8217;s rooms, office spaces, or other high traffic areas. All carpet tile provides a degree of thermal insulation.</p>
<p>Carpet tile offers several advantages when compared to broad loom wall to wall carpet:</p>
<ul>
<li>A property owner can install carpet tile themselves. Unlike wall to wall carpet if you mess up a tile you do not mess up the whole roll of carpet. Tiles are easier to install then stretch in carpet and easier to transport.</li>
<li>Tiles are very durable as well, and will last longer than most types of carpet even when they are used in high traffic areas.</li>
<li>Carpet tile is easy to maintain and will last a long time. Carpet tile cleaning is just as easy as it is on other wall to wall carpet.</li>
<li>When an area becomes damaged it is easy to replace damaged tiles as long as you have kept a few extra carpet tiles on hand.</li>
<li>Unlike stretch in carpet, many tiles’ can be installed on hard surfaces, such as hardwood floor, stone, concrete, or ceramic tile without damage to the existing flooring as long as the surface is smooth and clean.</li>
<li>Carpet tiles will normally have cushion or padding attached, which will reduce the cost and extend the life of the carpet.</li>
</ul>
<p>There are carpet tiles available to fit each and every taste, budget and furnishings style as well.  As less expensive tiles are available they will offer you the opportunity to experiment with your interior. The cost for the tiles will depend on their thickness, density, material and backing, which means that the prices can range from a dollar per square foot to several dollars per square foot.</p>
<p>As you can see your choice with carpet tile is almost limitless giving you an attractive, easy to maintain, easy to install, long lasting floor covering for your home, office or most any type of business.</p>
<p>As wonderful as carpet tile is there may be a time that you experience a concern with an order of carpet tile just as you might with any other floor covering product. Should this situation ever occur, Certified Carpet Inspectors such as Kevin Weinheimer and Terry Weinheimer of The Weinheimer Group LLC are available to evaluate, identify and find resolutions for your carpet tile concerns!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Carpet Spot Removal</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-spot-removal/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-spot-removal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:01:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet spot cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recurring spots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spot cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spot removal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=1147</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The good news is that those disturbing spots from mud to milk or even blood are usually easier to clean from the carpet than you think.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Those unexpected accidents of life! As aggravating as they can be at times they are often easier to overcome than we would expect.  This is especially true when it comes to spots and spills on our carpet. Sure it is upsetting to install a new wall to wall carpet only to have your child or husband track in mud or spill a beverage they should not have had in your newly carpeted room in the first place. The good news is that those disturbing spots from mud to milk or even blood are usually easier to clean from the carpet than you think and even stubborn spots and spills can usually be removed.  Here are several spot removal tips that will help you keep your carpet looking great.</p>
<p>Spot removal products are available at the local hardware store, supermarket, big box store, department store or carpet store, the only problem is deciding which product you need for every type of conceivable spot that you may experience in the future. When looking for a product always read the labels thoroughly. Even with a thorough reading you may still find the information on the packaging vague and the stores salesperson only knows what they have heard others, information that is often wrong.</p>
<p>To help you prepare for those carpet spill accidents here are a few tips on both spot cleaning procedures and also the products you should keep on hand.</p>
<ol>
<li>Stains and spots are a carpet&#8217;s worst enemy, which is why you should always get them out as soon as you can &#8211; to prevent things from getting any worse. A wet area be-it water, beverage, etc needs to be blotted up immediately.  If left for an extended period of time, wet areas and the residues from almost any type of spill will pick up soil making it more difficult to clean.</li>
<li>Most spots can be removed with a water-dampened towel.</li>
<li>To help you clean the spots, the tips below may come in handy:</li>
</ol>
<p>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.</p>
<p>2.  You should always test your product of choice first on a hidden area to save yourself heartache and embarrassment in case things don&#8217;t turn out the way you hope.</p>
<p>3.  For information on removing a new spot or a spot that will not come out, the Carpet and Rug Institutes offers a toll-free information line for assistance.  The CRI can be reached at 1-800-882-8846.</p>
<p>4.  If you need the help of a professional, you shouldn&#8217;t hesitate to contact one.</p>
<p>If you have a red dye stain on your carpet such as those left by many beverages, you will probably want to call a professional carpet cleaning company.  When you call let them know what the spot is so that they can send out a cleaning professional that is prepared to clean this type of stain.</p>
<ol>
<li>Recurring Spots: In most situations recurring spots are a maintenance problem and not a carpet problem.  Often it is the spot cleaning that is causing the problem.  A spot removal product is used on the carpet and the spot returns.  The spot is again cleaned and returns.  The most common cause of this is the spot cleaning residues are not being removed and they are attracting soil.  Many detergent residues leave behind sticky residues that attract soil.</li>
</ol>
<p>Test your spot removal and other cleaning products to make sure that they are not leaving behind sticky residues.  This evaluation is accomplished my mixing the solution to the recommended dilution ratio.  Place an ounce or two of this solution in a petris dish, bowl, dish or another flat, clean, container.  Allow the solution to evaporate and examine the residue to determine if it is sticky, waxy or has turned to a hard crystal like or powder consistency.  You will want to stay away from products that dry to a waxy, sticky or oily residue.</p>
<p>Another common cause of recurring spots is the over use of a product.  All too often a person will believe that if a drop does a good job several drops will do a better job.  Detergents do not work that way.  They are formulated to work efficiently at specified concentrates.  While the correctly mixed product would have done a great job the higher concentrate will leave residues to attract soil.</p>
<p>ADD SPOT REMOVAL CHART</p>
<p>Tip</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Optical Brighteners</p>
<p>While optical brighteners can make a carpet appear cleaner, they have a harmful effect on carpet fibers. Technical people in the carpet industry have unanimously taken a stand against the use of brightening agents in the cleaning process. But, even with all of the adverse publicity, optical brighteners or color brighteners, as they are often called, are still used in some spot cleaning products, shampoo, dry-foam and extraction detergents.</p>
<p>Optical brighteners are actually dyes, which reflect the light and eventually cause yellowing in carpet fibers. For this reason alone, every legitimate carpet cleaning company should outlaw their use.</p>
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		<title>Carpet Repair</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-repair/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-repair/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:55:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=1144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Accidents occur and your wall to wall carpet can sustain damage. An ember flies out of the fireplace leaving a burn, stains, snags, crushing, fading, furniture legs leaving marks.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Accidents occur and your wall to wall carpet can sustain damage. An ember flies out of the fireplace leaving a burn, stains, snags, crushing, fading, furniture legs leaving marks, bleeding, sprouting, and even pesky carpet beetles are a few of things that may require a repair to your carpeting.  If you like taking on the challenge of do it yourself projects there are many carpet repairs that you will be able to make. If you are not handy or just don’t have the time, it may be advisable to hire a professional to handle your repair.</p>
<p>Burns</p>
<p>Small burns from a flying ember or cigarette butt may require no more than trimming with scissors.  Deeper burns up to the size of about a fifty cent piece can often be repaired by gluing in some new tufts with a bit of white waterproof glue. Larger burns will usually require cutting out a section and replacing it with a remnant piece or section of carpet cut from an area such as a closet. These larger types of repairs are usually best done by a professional carpet installer or carpet repair person.</p>
<p>Fuzzing</p>
<p>This occurs when loose fibers come out on the edges of the carpet.  To fix this, simply cut the fibers that are sticking out.</p>
<p>Furniture marks</p>
<p>Heavy furniture can result in indentations being left on the carpet.  To get rid of these nasty marks, you can steam them with a fabric steamer or sprinkle the area with a bit of club soda, place a towel over the area, then iron it.  Do this a couple of times and the pile will be rejuvenated.</p>
<p>Shading, crushing, and matting</p>
<p>With heavy traffic the surface of the carpet can flatten, giving it a shaded appearance.  This can be improved by brushing the pile up and vacuuming.  With use the area will likely continue to crush and shade. Frequent raking or brushing and very thorough vacuuming will help keep the pile standing more erect.</p>
<p>Shedding and snagging</p>
<p>Shedding is most common with carpets manufactured with spun (staple) yarn. This shedding is a characteristic and does not indicate excessive wear. Shedding is controlled by thorough vacuuming. While some carpet will shed for ever, with thorough vacuuming   a carpet will shed less.</p>
<p>Snags (Sprouting)</p>
<p>Snags 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.  On a looped carpet where a small row of tufts are pulled out you can reburl the area by carefully placing a bit of waterproof glue on the area and pushing the yarn back into place.</p>
<p>Static electricity</p>
<p>If you are experiencing nasty little shocks when you touch a door handle or another person while walking across your carpet you are experiencing the effects of static electricity.  The severity of static electricity 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 increase moisture will often take care of the problem. At janitorial or carpet cleaning supply houses you can also purchase static control treatments that you can spray on the surface of the carpet.</p>
<p>Carpet beetles</p>
<p>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 badly infested contact a professional carpet cleaner.</p>
<p>Bleeding or crocking</p>
<p>Bleeding of the carpet is the loss or transfer of the color from one section to another.  Crocking on the other hand is the loss of the carpets color when it is rubbed. If your carpet is crocking or bleeding contact the dealer you purchased it from and ask for an inspection and there may be a defect.</p>
<p>While you can certainly handle many small carpet repair jobs yourself, when you have damage that you cannot handle calling a pro is almost always worth the investment. Spending a bit of money on a professional repair can save you the cost of replacement.</p>
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		<title>Carpet Cleaning Tips</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-cleaning-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-cleaning-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:44:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet protection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spot cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steam carpet cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steam cleaning]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Keeping a carpet clean will extend its life while keep it looking new for a longer period of time. A clean carpet will also reduce household allergens and dust helping to protect the health of your family.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Around 80% of the soils that enter a building or home are dry.  The remaining 20% are greases, oils, and starches.  Keeping a carpet clean will extend its life while keep it looking new for a longer period of time. A clean carpet will also reduce household allergens and dust helping to protect the health of your family.  Following are a few tips that will help you care for your carpet.</p>
<p>Tip 1 Vacuuming</p>
<p>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. Regular thorough, deep vacuuming is surely the most important step when it comes to carpet care.  While non-traffic areas can be vacuumed quickly major traffic areas should be vacuumed in more than one direction as you run the vacuum slowly giving it time to pick up the deeper soil. Not all vacuum cleaners are equal and a good quality vacuum will do a better job of cleaning. A good quality vacuum is not necessarily the most expensive. Visit some of the websites at the Carpet and Rug Business Directory to learn more about vacuums that they have tested.</p>
<p>Tip 2 Walk Off Mats</p>
<p>Keep those dry and gritty outdoor soils from being tracked on to your wall to wall carpet. One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to use walk off mats and area rugs at entrances. 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. Where possible also use an area rug or walk off mat inside your door to help trap soil missed by the outside mats. All mats and rugs need to be vacuumed and cleaned regularly so that they are trapping dirt and not placing dirt on to your shoes.</p>
<p>Tip 3 Shoes</p>
<p>Many people prefer that their family and guest go shoeless on their carpet. This can be helpful, especially if you have slippers that are only worn indoors that you slip into upon entering.  The oils from oily bare feet will transfer from ones feet to the carpet.</p>
<p>Tip 4 Pets</p>
<p>If you have pets you need to understand that oil does transfer from pet hair to carpet. Placing an area rug in areas where your pets like to lay will provide excellent protection for your carpet.</p>
<p>Tip 5 Spots and Spills</p>
<p>Keep your eye out for spills and take care of them in a quick manner to keep your carpet clean.  Most spots and spills can be easily cleaned by blotting with no more than clean tap water and a towel. If water does not work you will need to use a cleaning product for the specific type of spot you are experiencing problems with.  See Spot Cleaning Chart.</p>
<p>Tip 6 Deep Cleaning</p>
<p>Have your carpet professionally deep cleaned before it becomes too soiled.  A good thorough cleaning for your higher traffic areas should be performed at least every 12 to 18 months. See More on Cleaning Methods</p>
<p>A well maintained home and clean carpet will not only add value to your home it will also extend the life of your carpet, protect your carpet warranty, reduce household and pet odors, assist you in keeping your family healthy and your friends and other visitors will be impressed at how nice your home looks.</p>
<p>Optical Brighteners</p>
<p>While optical brighteners can make a carpet appear cleaner, they have a harmful effect on carpet fibers. Technical people in the carpet industry have unanimously taken a stand against the use of brightening agents in the cleaning process. But, even with all of the adverse publicity, optical brighteners or color brighteners, as they are often called, are still used in some spot cleaning products, shampoo, dry-foam and extraction detergents.</p>
<p>Optical brighteners are actually dyes, which reflect the light and eventually cause yellowing in carpet fibers. For this reason alone, every legitimate carpet cleaning company should outlaw their use.</p>
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		<title>Carpet Cleaning</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-cleaning/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-cleaning/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:38:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[absorbent powder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bonnet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet protection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleaning carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry extraction cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry soil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hot water extraction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IICRC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rotary shampoo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spin pad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steam cleaning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=1135</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a false myth that cleaning a carpet before it is necessary will result in rapid resoiling. By cleaning a carpet before it becomes too soiled, the task of keeping it looking new will be much easier.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By cleaning a carpet before it becomes too soiled, the task of keeping it looking new will be much easier.  While the thorough routine vacuuming of carpet will remove the majority of dry soil, wall to wall carpet still needs to be cleaned to remove the oily, sticky soil that builds up in a carpets pile as the result of tracked in unwanted soil and odors.</p>
<p>There is a false myth that cleaning a carpet before it is necessary will result in rapid resoiling.  Many years ago coconut oil shampoos were used for cleaning carpet and some of them did leave residues that resulted in rapid resoiling. Today almost all carpet cleaning products leave very little residue. The fact is that carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 &#8211; 18 months depending on the number of people and pets living there and the amount of traffic. A good way to tell if a carpet is due for cleaning is by moving a chair or sofa so that the trafficked and non trafficked areas can be compared.</p>
<h3><strong>Professional Carpet Cleaners </strong></h3>
<p>While there are many do-it-your-self cleaning machines for purchase and rent, it is usually advisable to use a qualified professional carpet cleaner such as those Certified by the IICRC – Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. A professional cleaner will have the experience that enables 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.</p>
<h3><strong>Doing it Yourself</strong></h3>
<p>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&#8217;t clean well enough and may end up damaging your carpet.  Therefore, you should always consider the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>A number of rental companies offer cleaning equipment that is similar to what a professional will use.  You need equipment that has enough vacuum power to allow the carpet to dry rapidly, preferably in less than 12 hours.  It is best to avoid rental units found in many retail, hardware and grocery stores that don&#8217;t have the power to extract the cleaning solution from the carpet fast enough. Over wetting combined with slow drying can be damaging to a carpet.</li>
<li>Avoid over wetting the carpet.  Prolonged dampness combined with traffic can cause a separation of the backing.  When a carpet remains wet for an extended period of time, this can lead to mildew growth and bacteria in the carpet backing.</li>
<li>After cleaning your carpet place fans to increase air movement and speed the drying.</li>
<li>Today most carpet has stain resistant treatments. Make sure that the carpet cleaning products you purchase are designed for the type of fiber you are cleaning. Failure to properly clean a carpet is action to void a stain resistant or carpet performance warranty.</li>
<li>Never use cleaning or spotting solutions that contain bleaches as they can mess up the color of the carpet.</li>
<li>Never use any silicone based treatments on the carpet. Silicone treatments are not needed and not designed for most of the carpet that is manufactured today.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A Comparison of Carpet Cleaning Systems</h2>
<p>With all cleaning methods a wall to wall carpet needs to be thoroughly vacuumed prior to cleaning to remove any heavy soil such as silicates (the primary constituent of soil), without this pre-vacuuming, dirt and sand are forced to the backing of the carpet. It is highly recommended that you give your carpet a very thorough vacuuming prior to the arrival of the professional carpet cleaning company. While vacuuming make not of any special areas of concern and point these out to the cleaning crew upon its arrival.</p>
<h3>Absorbent Powder / Dry Extraction Cleaning</h3>
<p>An absorbent granular material that has been incorporated into a mixture of detergent, solvent and water is brushed into the carpet pile with a machine incorporating a double cylindrical brush.  Once the material has dried the carpet is vacuumed to remove the powder and the soil that it has captured. The best use for the absorbent powder cleaning method is the commercial installation where the carpet is cleaned regularly and requires quick drying.</p>
<h3>Bonnet/Spin Pad</h3>
<p>This method in appearance is similar to the rotary shampoo method. The machine used is essentially the same. A detergent is usually sprayed onto the carpet.  A rotating absorbent pad spins and agitates the carpet fibers as the soil is collected into the pad. This method improperly preferred on cut pile carpet can cause untwisting of the face pile. While this method is reasonably quick drying it must be done more often as it is more of a surface cleaning.  The best use for this method of cleaning is the commercial installation where they clean regularly and require quick drying.</p>
<h3>Cylindrical Foam Shampoo</h3>
<p>The cylindrical foam method uses a machine with an air compressor that whips the shampoo solution into heavy foam.  The foam is brushed into the carpet with a cylindrical brush. Once the carpet has dried it is vacuumed to remove the shampoo and the particles that have theoretically bonded to it. Not all of the shampoo and soil is actually captured but instead much of it is forced deeper into the pile. While this method is reasonably quick drying it must be done more often as it is more of a surface cleaning.  The best use for cylindrical foam cleaning is the commercial installation where they clean regularly and require quick drying.</p>
<h3>Rotary Shampoo</h3>
<p>The Rotary shampoo method uses chemicals similar to those used with cylindrical foam. The rotary floor machine usually has an attached solution tank for the shampoo solution.  The diluted solution is fed through a tub to a “shower-feed” where it is applied to the carpet.  While the shampoo is being applied a round brush on the machine is scrubbing the carpet.  This shampoo method uses more moisture than the cylindrical brush method. The rotary shampoo method is not recommended for use on cut pile carpet as it can cause untwisting of the face pile.</p>
<h3>Steam Cleaning or Hot Water Extraction</h3>
<p>With this method a non-foaming detergent is injected into the carpet fibers and is almost simultaneously vacuumed out of the carpet taking the dirt and soil with it. The extraction method when performed a skilled technician and quality chemicals will leave very little residue to attract to soil. You can use a truck mounted unit or a portable self contained unit as well. In the hands of an unskilled person a carpet can be over-wet during extraction cleaning so be sure to take extra dry passes when cleaning it yourself.</p>
<p>If you have concerns with the performance of your carpet it is suggested to have a thorough professional carpet cleaning prior to submitting a claim. While you cannot expect a 5 year old carpet to look brand new in traffic areas a Certified Carpet Inspector will be able to draw a fairer conclusion as to a carpets performance if they are inspecting a clean carpet.</p>
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		<title>Carpet Choice is Nearly Endless</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-choice-is-nearly-endless/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/carpet-choice-is-nearly-endless/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:29:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[berber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet chioice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpets.benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cut pile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[saxony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selecting carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[soil hiding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tufted]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Carpet is manufactured in a large variety of colors, styles, textures, fibers and qualities. These are all considerations that you will want to consider when selecting a carpet.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Carpet is manufactured in a large variety of colors, styles, textures, fibers and qualities. These are all considerations that you will want to make when considering the carpet options available to you.</p>
<p>Today’s most popular choices of carpet are tufted loop pile and tufted cut pile.  With a loop pile the yarn is tufted or pulled through the backing of the carpet creating a loop. With cut pile carpet the loop is tufted or pulled through the back and the loop is cut which leaves the cut ends standing erect.</p>
<p>Many people consider cut pile carpet to be more stylish and a looped carpet to be more casual.  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.</p>
<p>One of the factors with choosing your carpet is the cost.  For years wool carpet has been considered the hallmark for style. Unfortunately a good quality wool carpet is more expensive than most of us can afford. Manufactures have made it a practice to emulate wool in many of their synthetic products creating a good looking and good performing product an affordable costs.</p>
<p>Synthetic carpet yarns are available in continuous filament and spun yarns. While a spun yarn will look more like wool it will also shed more. Many people find their vacuum bags and canisters filling up with carpet fuzz. This is normally because the carpet is manufactured from a spun yarn and is a normal characteristic and not a defect.</p>
<p>If you are able to afford good quality wool carpeting you&#8217;ll find that even though it costs more to purchase and install, it will prove to be far more superior to any other type of carpeting.  While there is some wonderful man made carpet fiber that come close to the durability, rich look, or even the feel of wool they still have a ways to go before they are perfected to the quality of a wool carpet which can both last and look good for 30 years or more.</p>
<p>Acrylic carpeting is very similar in appearance to wool, and sometimes referred to as manmade wool.  It is resistant to moisture, fading, mildew, crushing, and staining, although it isn&#8217;t recommended for high traffic areas.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Another consideration you&#8217;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.  Since light color carpet reflects light it will show soil and foot prints easier than your darker colors.</p>
<p>When looking for soil hiding qualities for homes with pets and children your darker colors are usually a better choice. Fortunately there are many choices in dark colors, which is great for those interested in style.  Dark colors are ideal for stains or pets, as they don&#8217;t show soiled areas near as much as light colored carpets.</p>
<p>Don’t let the fact that a carpet has been treated for stain resistance make you comfortable in selecting a light colored carpet. If you have children and pets and must have a lighter colored carpet be prepared for the extra care when it comes to stains and spots.</p>
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		<title>Benefits of Carpet</title>
		<link>http://carpetswalltowall.com/benefits-of-carpet/</link>
		<comments>http://carpetswalltowall.com/benefits-of-carpet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:07:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TWG</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carpets.benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean air]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insulation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sound reduction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carpetswalltowall.com/?p=741</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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&#8217;t compete with.  Below, you will find many of the features that carpet will add to your home.</p>
<p>Warmth</p>
<p>Carpet is the best choice you can make for your bedroom, family room, and other areas where you need warmth underfoot.</p>
<p>Insulation</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Safety</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Reduction in sound</p>
<p>Carpet will also reduce noise better than any other type of flooring.  Carpet works to dampen noise in three ways:</p>
<p>1.  Reduces surface noise from foot traffic</p>
<p>2.  Absorbs airborne sound</p>
<p>3.  Blocks transmission of sound These qualities are valuable in apartments as well as semi-detached homes.</p>
<p>Surface</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Easy to care for</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Clean air</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Variety of use</p>
<p>Carpets aren&#8217;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.</p>
<p>Flexibility</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Low cost</p>
<p>Carpet doesn&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p>
<p>Life span</p>
<p>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 &#8211; 30 years or more, which is very common now days.</p>
<p>Warranty</p>
<p>With most manufacturers, you can get great warranties with your carpet purchase.  This way, you&#8217;ll be protected when you install your new carpet.  Once installed, all you have to do is enjoy it &#8211; as the warranty will ensure that you are very well protected.</p>
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