Carpet continues to be popular, as it provides the underfoot with the almost cushion-like support without the need for footwear. It is an extremely nice feeling but at the same time, like any other material, it requires maintenance.
But before we talk about maintenance, let us look at the common types of carpets, where they are used, and what kind of maintenance is required.
Carpet Materials & Piles
There are some common materials that are used for carpets today; they are nylon, polyester, olefin, acrylic, wool, cotton, triexta and sisal. Carpets can be woven or tufted.
In woven carpets, the fibre yarns of these materials are looped through a woven backing material to create the carpet, while in tufted carpets, yarns of fibre are punched through a woven material by a needle to create a tufted look.
How the fibre is treated after looping creates the various kinds of carpet piles, based on whether the loops are kept intact, cut or a combination of both. This creates a different kind of feel for each carpet.
For example, cut pile carpets are more luxurious and formal looking, while loop piles have a softer, smoother feel with a wider range of distinctive patterns. The combination of cut and loop pile allows for creative patterns such as squares, swirls and other designs.
So while material plays a part in durability, the retention of colours and vibrancy, resistance to stains, hardness and form; pile types determines most of the carpet’s aesthetics such as patterns and textures. But a combination of both material and pile type may increase durability and softness.
For example, using nylon fibres with cut pile twist carpets may produce a luxurious and a more textured feel, that is also hardwearing and can maintain its finish – which is ideal for high foot traffic.
However, any pile type that uses wool may be more susceptible to mould and rot due to its organic properties; but wool carpet gives the sensation of luxury and fire retardant.
Which Carpet for Where?
Today we see traditional beige colour carpets being replaced with more trendy greys. But choosing a carpet for the first time goes beyond just aesthetics.
There are several things to consider. For example, costs of installation, location of carpet, density – is it a high traffic area? Will it be prone to spills and food? Will you be wearing footwear on the carpet?
Because there are different materials and different pile styles with different textures and durability indexes, you need to know where you will be installing the carpet.
For instance, if you are looking for an office carpet, you may want to consider something that is low profile, so that it is easier for movement and can accommodate heavy office furniture; one possible candidate is using looped Berber carpets.
For a home choice carpet, you could be using something more luxurious like wool or cotton, which is beautiful, eco-friendly and fire-resistant.
So choose the right carpet for the right space. If you are not sure, speak to your carpet specialist.
What else is there to consider?
Beyond the carpet, you also need to look at the carpet underlay. This is the layer below the carpet that acts as a shock absorber and adds cushioning to the feet – it also helps to extend the carpet’s life.
There are two families of underlays, mainly foam or rubber. In some cases, the underlay is a combination of both. Some common underlay types include polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), jute, waffle, sponge rubber and crumb rubber.
Case in point, crumb rubber is suitable for high traffic areas and heavy wear, while a felt & crumb rubber combination is good for sound and heat insulation.
Another thing to consider – MAINTENANCE
It takes a relative humidity (RH) of 60% or more for microorganisms to grow.
Singapore has an RH of between 60% in the mid-afternoon, to about 90% in the morning.
You can call it carpet cleaning, carpet shampoo, carpet washing or rug cleaning, it is essential that carpets are deep cleaned – given the very conducive environment for the growth of microorganisms on this island nation, not to mention the oil you excreted, dead skin and dirt that has found its way deep into the carpet fibres.
So, thinking that calling professional carpet cleaners only when carpets or rugs are heavily soiled, badly stained or when it gives off odour, is not encouraged.
What exactly is DEEP CLEANING?
Yes, office carpet cleaning will differ slightly from home carpet cleaning. But the principles of deep cleaning is the same – to go deep. You can search for “how to clean carpet yourself” and find a variety of home-based solutions, such as the use of vinegar, baking soda and so on.
But carpet cleaning goes beyond removing unsightly stains on the carpet because regular carpet cleaning helps to prolong a carpet’s lifespan and maintains the quality of the air you breathe.
While a simple vacuum is great at removing surface dirt and dust off your carpets, a deep clean goes into the fibres and removes microorganisms like dust mites, mould and fungi.
How does De Hygenique do it?
By using chemical safe, eco-friendly cleaning products, De Hygenique cleans office carpets, commercial carpets, residential carpets and even exquisite oriental, Persian and Iranian rugs in a safe and environmental friendly manner that does not damage the carpet or the environment.
We only use cleaning products certified safe by WoolSafe and IICRC, which are international carpet cleaning accreditation bodies. A specially designed carpet cleaning machine helps to open up carpet fibre, and brushes the biodegradable compound deep into the carpet; this compound acts like sponges to effectively deep clean the carpet.
There is no downtime, no drying time needed and it is very effective.
It is recommended, you clean your carpet two times a year, but if you have a very active family, or if the footfall in your office or commercial space is heavy, it is advised to deep clean your carpets every three months.
Contact us for more information or make an appointment to have your carpet deep cleaned.
