Category: Carpet Cleaning

Indoor-outdoor rugs have become more and more popular in recent years, offering a versatile flooring solution for both indoor and outdoor spaces. These rugs are made to withstand various weather conditions while maintaining a stylish appearance. However, like any product, they come with their own set of pros and cons that you should consider before incorporating them into your home or outdoor area.

Pros of Indoor-Outdoor Rugs:

1. Durability: One of the most significant advantages of indoor-outdoor rugs is their durability. They are typically made from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyester, which are resistant to moisture, UV rays, and mildew. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas, such as patios, decks, and entryways, as they can withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements.
2. Low Maintenance: Indoor-outdoor rugs are incredibly easy to clean and maintain. They can be hosed down, swept, or even vacuumed to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Stains are also less likely to penetrate the rug’s surface, making it easier to spot clean and maintain their appearance over time. This quality makes them good for homes with small children and/or pets.
3. Affordability: Indoor-outdoor rugs are generally more budget-friendly than traditional indoor rugs made from natural fibers like wool or silk. This affordability allows homeowners to experiment with different styles and patterns without breaking the bank or wrecking the family budget.
4. Fade Resistance: UV-resistant materials used in indoor-outdoor rugs help prevent fading caused by prolonged sun exposure. This means that even after years of outdoor use, the rug’s colors are likely to remain vibrant and true to their original appearance.
5. Allergy-Friendly: Unlike some traditional rugs that can trap allergens like dust mites and pet dander, indoor-outdoor rugs are typically hypoallergenic and easy to clean. This makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

Cons of Indoor-Outdoor Rugs:

1. 1. Texture: While indoor-outdoor rugs have come a long way in terms of style and looks, they may not offer the same plush and soft texture as traditional indoor rugs. Some people may find them less comfortable to walk or sit on for extended periods.
   2. Limited Style Options: Although the variety of patterns and designs for indoor-outdoor rugs has improved, they may not offer the same level of customization and luxury as natural fiber rugs. If you’re looking for a specific texture or pattern, you may have to compromise when choosing an indoor-outdoor option.
   3. Environmental Concerns: Most indoor-outdoor rugs are made from synthetic materials, which are not biodegradable. This raises concerns about their environmental impact, especially when they reach the end of their lifespan. However, some manufacturers are working to create more sustainable options using recycled materials.
   4. Slippage: Indoor-outdoor rugs can sometimes be prone to slipping on smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood floors. To prevent accidents, you may need to invest in rug pads or anti-slip mats.

Indoor-outdoor rugs offer several advantages, including durability, easy maintenance, and versatility, making them a practical choice for many homeowners. However, they may not be the ideal option for those seeking luxury and comfort. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and where you intend to use the rug.

---

By Sharon Koehler. This is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.

There has been a lot of talk lately about washable rugs. Are they good? Are they bad? Can you really wash them? Are they worth it? Can they go in a regular washing machine? How do you dry them? Here we will answer some questions and examine the pros and cons of washable rugs to learn more about them.

FAQs about washable rugs:

Does a washable rug really fit in my washing machine?

Maybe, maybe not. Most size washable rugs require at least a 4-cu ft. capacity washer. Some larger sizes even need 5 – 7 cu ft. Check the capacity of your washer. If it isn’t big enough, consider having your rug cleaned in your home by a professional.

What is the care and maintenance of washable rugs?

• Vacuum the rug regularly in between washings.
• Treat spills both liquid and non-liquid right away.
• Rotate the rug periodically to prevent wear patterns.
• Read the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Can you wash all rugs in a washing machine?

No, not all rugs are machine washable. Silk should never be put in a washing machine. Neither should wool, jute, sisal, seagrass, coir, or any rug with a rubber backing. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your rug.

How can I dry my washable rug?

Most manufacturers recommend either air drying or drying in a dryer with low or no heat. (If the dryer is big enough). The manufacturer’s instructions will best recommend how to dry your rug.

How often should I wash my rug?

Most manufacturers recommend it every 4-6 months but read the care instructions for your particular rug.

What happens if my rug gets a stain in between washing?

If you spill something on your rug, treat the spill right away. If a stain occurs and you can’t wash the rug right away, click on the resources tab of our website and consult the Carpet and Interior Textiles care Guide.

Pros of Washable Rugs:

• Easy to keep clean – You can (most of the time) just throw them in the washing machine and they come out clean.
• Environmentally friendly – Some washable rugs are made from recycled polyester or some type of natural fiber.
• Cost effectiveness – Most washable rugs are treated to be stain resistant or are created from stain resistant materials, giving them a long-life span and the need to be replaced less often.
• Allergy friendly – Most of these rugs are low pile, so they don’t hold dirt, mites, dust, and other allergens like higher pile rugs do.
• Versatile – Washable rugs come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes.

Cons of Washable Rugs:

• Durability – Washing can cause wear and tear on the fibers in your rug, shortening its life span over more conventional rugs.
• Resale/Trade value – Washable rugs are often thought of as less expensive or luxurious in comparison to rugs made of wool or silk.
• Curling or Poofing- Sometimes, after washing and drying, the edges may curl up or the seams along the side may gather and not lay flat.
• Washer Issues – Not all washable rugs will fit in all washing machines. If you have a smaller capacity washer, or a very large rug, you may not be able to throw it in the washing machine. If it doesn’t fit in your washer or is extremely heavily soiled, calling a reputable carpet cleaning professional will solve your problems.
• Too Lightweight – Many washable rugs are low pile and lightweight, which means they can bunch, slide, and move, creating a fall hazard. Make sure you have a pad underneath your rug.

Washable rugs, in spite of their recent notoriety, have been around for quite some time. They can be beautiful, economical, and quite a sensible option in home décor. Just be sure to do the research on the one you want to make sure it is a good fit for you and your environment.

---

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.

Why Should I Clean My Carpet?

Carpet, like everything else, gets dirty. Clothes, shoes, dishes, cars, all get dirty. So do the carpets and rugs in your home. They need to be cleaned and maintained just like everything else.

Can I Clean My Own Carpet?

Spot cleaning an area that is soiled or stained is a great way to help your carpet look good, but cleaning a whole carpet yourself can be a daunting task. Let’s look at the pros and cons of professional carpet cleaning versus DIY cleaning.

Professional Cleaning:

Pros:

• Experts – Did you know that not all carpets can be steam cleaned? A professional carpet cleaning technician does know that not all carpet material is the same. Carpet cleaning technicians know how to clean all types of carpet materials.
• Equipment – Professional carpet cleaning equipment is much more powerful and heats water to a much higher temperature than DIY rental equipment which creates a much cleaner end result.
• Convenience – Hiring a professional saves a lot of your time. By the time you go to the store, rent the equipment, load it in your vehicle, move the furniture, clean the carpet, clean the machine, and go back to the store to return it, you have invested quite a bit of your time.
• Drying – Since professional equipment is so much more powerful, it extracts much more water, so your carpet takes much less time to dry.

Cons:

• Expense: It does cost more money to hire a professional than if you go the DIY route.
• Timing – You may not be able to get an appointment time that is convenient for you. You may have to rearrange your schedule a bit to fit it in.

DIY Carpet Cleaning:

Pros:

• Scheduling – Since you are doing it yourself, you can schedule the cleaning for a time and date that is most convenient for you.
• Expense – It does save money to DIY carpet cleaning. At least initially.
• Satisfaction – When the carpet is dry, the furniture is back in place and the machine is back at the store, you can enjoy your sense of accomplishment.

Cons:

• Drying – Since DIY equipment is not as powerful, it leaves more water in the carpet, making for a longer drying time.
• Cleanliness – As previously mentioned, DIY equipment is not as powerful as professional equipment. It leaves more water and cleaning solution in the carpet which will eventually trap and hold more dirt, causing your carpet to look dirtier quicker.
• Equipment – Professional carpet technicians maintain their equipment. DIY equipment may not be as well maintained. Some people, unfamiliar with the machines, may accidently damage the equipment. Being afraid of extra charges, they may not say anything, leaving the malfunctioning machine on the shelf for the next person to rent.

Routine carpet cleaning is a must to extend the life and beauty of your carpets and rugs. However, incorrect cleaning can cost you time, and more importantly, money. Plus, incorrect cleaning can shorten the life of your carpets and rugs. Spot cleaning your spills and stains is important, but professional carpet cleaning is the best way to protect your investment.

---

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

What are carpet tiles?

Carpet tiles are exactly what they sound like. Pieces of carpet, cut into tile shapes. Some carpet tiles comes with a self-stick backing while others need mastic or other adhesive to be installed.

Pros of Carpet Tiles:

• Cost – While the square foot price is almost the same as wall-to-wall carpet, the savings come from installation. It is easier and quicker for a carpet installer to install carpet tile thus reducing the cost.
• Ease of installation – Carpet tiles are easier to install, making the installation quicker, so there is less disruption to your living space.
• DIY friendly – Since carpet tiles are considered rather easy to install, they can be a great DIY project.
• Versatility – Colors and styles and shapes can be mixed and matched for unique designs.
• Reusable – Carpet tiles, if installed and uninstalled properly, can be used for another project.
• Maintenance – They should be vacuumed regularly like other types of carpets or rugs. When it comes to regular professional cleaning, just let your service technician know beforehand that you have carpet tile. If you have one area that is heavily stained, you can just replace those areas with new tiles.

Cons of Carpet Tiles:

• Seams – Carpet tiles are installed as individual pieces, so there are multiple seams that will show.
• Fraying – Since there are more seams, there are more edges to fray or produce loose fiber bits.
• Acclimation – Carpet tiles (like hardwood) need to acclimate to their environment. Most manufacturers advise 24-48 hours. This is the most commonly skipped step in carpet tile installation. Failure to acclimate to their environment may affect the integrity of the installed project.
• Color uniformity – As with anything sold in lots, shades can vary between lots of the same color, as well as varying shades within the same lot. When shopping for carpet tile, try to choose tiles all from the same lot for the best color uniformity.
• Perception – Even though carpet tiles come with a cushion backing that enhances their anti-fatigue benefits and increases comfort levels, they are still thought by some to be less comfortable and less luxurious feeling underfoot.

Carpet tiles are a great alternative to wall-to-wall applications. However, just because they are installed differently does not mean that you can forgo regular carpet maintenance. Carpet tiles are still carpet material and need to be treated as any other carpet project in your home. Regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning will extend the life of your carpet tiles and keep them looking good for years to come.

---

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

Do I need to have my carpet professionally cleaned?

The short answer is yes. Carpet manufacturers all recommend that you have your carpets professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Regular cleaning helps to prolong the look and life of your carpets. Regular cleaning doesn’t mean weekly or even monthly. Depending on the type of carpet you have, wear and tear, foot traffic and if you have children or pets, regular cleaning is recommended every 6-18 months.

Is basic carpet cleaning service good enough?

Again, the short answer is yes. However, there may be circumstances where you need some “extra services” that the carpet cleaner can provide.

What are some of the extra services my carpet cleaner may provide?

• Furniture moving – Some carpet cleaners charge for this service, some do not. Check with your cleaner to see how they handle it. There may also be a limit to how much and what they will move.
• Stain removal – Some stains you can handle yourself, some you can’t. If you happen to have a stubborn stain that you can’t get out yourself, let your carpet cleaner know. Be prepared by knowing what the stain is (coffee, pet accident, etc.), how old it is, what you tried to clean it with and what your carpet type is. This information will help your service provider to bring the right cleaning materials for your situation.
• Step or staircase cleaning – Obviously, steps and staircases aren’t flat, so they do require more work to clean them. Also, staircases are not always lit the same way a room is, so you may not realize how dirty your steps are. If you know you need this service, inform your cleaner from the start. It may be part of a service package they offer, or there may be an extra charge. If you are unsure, talk to your service provider when they are in your home.
• Deodorizing – Deodorizing is meant to eliminate odor. This added step will have your carpet or rug smelling good, to go along with looking good after the cleaning. You might wonder if you really need it since you are having your carpet cleaned anyway. Keep in mind that no process is 100%. This is especially true if you have pets or small children, there is a smoker in the home, or if it has been a while since you last had your carpet cleaned. These circumstances may dictate a deodorizing procedure.
• Sanitizing – If you are having your carpet steam cleaned, this added step may not be necessary since the hot water will kill most germs and bacteria. However, again, keep in mind that no process is 100%. If you have young pets or children prone to accidents, or if someone with allergies or breathing issues is in the home, you should discuss this with your service provider.
• Stain repellent – There are products your service provider can put on your carpet that will help prevent staining. This application is usually recommended for high traffic or high use areas where accidents and spills are more likely to occur.

Regular carpet cleaning is a great way to enhance the beauty of your carpeted areas, plus it helps to minimize the damage regular wear and tear can create. Extra services provided by your carpet cleaning professional can boost the effect of carpet cleaning and help to prolong the life and beauty of your carpets. Just be sure to discuss your budget, circumstances, and concerns with your service provider so they can best assist you with your concerns and expectations.

---

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner

It’s common knowledge that having your carpet and floors professionally cleaned regularly extends their life and keeps them looking newer longer. Yet, there needs to be some routine cleaning done in-between professional cleanings. Spills and stains need to be addressed as soon as possible and routine vacuuming is essential to keeping your carpets and floors clean in between professional cleanings. However, what you vacuum with is just as important as the vacuuming itself. Here we are going to look at the pros and cons of the 2 most commonly used types of vacuums: upright and cannister vacuums.

Pros of Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Ease of Use: Due to the all-in-one design, an upright is easier to move. It can be pushed easily from room to room with little effort.

Wide Footprint: The vacuum head of an upright is usually bigger than a canister making it quicker to vacuum even the largest of areas.

Emptying Debris: Most modern uprights have plastic containers that collect the debris. These containers snap in and out quickly and easily, plus they have a one touch button making emptying easy.

Storage: Their design makes it possible for uprights to stand alone in corners or closets without taking up much space.

Pros of Cannister Vacuum Cleaners

Noise: Cannister vacuums are a bit quieter than uprights. Their decibel level is about the same as a washing machine. This may be a factor if you have babies, dogs or someone in your home that has sensitive hearing.

Suction: Generally, cannister vacuums have more suction power. They are great at cleaning bare floors and can clean carpets effectively.

Cords: Retractable cords are stored inside a cannister vacuum. This reduces the chance of a trip and fall accident while it is in use or in storage.

Weight: Cannister vacuums usually weigh less. The difference in pounds may not be much, but their design makes them seem less cumbersome and heavy.

Cons of Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Noise: Their nose level is louder than cannister vacuums. It is something close to a coffee grinder. If you have babies or dogs, they may find it uncomfortable.

Weight: Uprights can weigh 20 pounds or more. While they push fairly easily, if you have stairs, lugging 20+ pounds up and down can get tiresome. You might want to consider a hand-held or stick vac for stairs.

Maneuverability: The vacuum head is bigger and wider on an upright so it doesn’t get into all the little corners and may require balancing on stairs if the head is wider than the stair itself.

Cords: Cords are stored on the outside of the vacuum and frequently lay on the floor while in use. This presents a trip and fall hazard.

Cons of Cannister Vacuums

Storage: Due to their design, cannister vacuums along with their cords and attachments take up much more space than an upright. If you have limited storage space, that may be a consideration.

Effectiveness: Even though they generally have more suction power than an upright, uprights are routinely rated to clean carpets more effectively. Take into consideration what types of flooring surfaces you have in your home when making a vacuum decision.

Maneuverability: A cannister vacuum rolls on wheels as you pull it from room to room. If you have thick carpet or rugs, the smaller wheels may get bogged down or stuck in the carpet.

Emptying Debris: Bagged cannister vacuums are more efficient at picking up dirt and debris. However, throwing away a dirty bag filled with debris and dust can be a hassle. Those vacuum bags need to be replaced every month or two, so you are continuously having to buy new bags. That can become costly over time. There are bagless models available, but they tend to be more expensive.

A vacuum clearer should be considered an investment in helping to extend the life of your flooring surfaces. Price should not be the only consideration.

• What types of surfaces do you have?
• Are there stairs involved?
• Do you have pets?
• Are there people or animals that may be bothered by noise?
• Does anyone have a respiratory problem?

All these things need to be taken into consideration when purchasing a vacuum cleaner. In this particular situation, if all you consider is price, you may end up not getting what you need.

---

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

What is carpet padding?

Carpet padding is a separate piece of underlayment that you put down between the floor and the bottom of your carpet or area rug. It can be made of a variety of different materials, such as rubber, fiber, or foam. Carpet padding can normally be purchased as a pad or a roll and if needed, it can be cut, usually with scissors, to fit your space

Why do I need carpet padding?

There are several reasons you should always get carpet padding under your carpet or area rug.

• Makes walking easier – Carpet padding absorbs the shock and impact of your footsteps, helping to alleviate walking fatigue. It also makes walking softer and more comfortable.
  Absorbs sounds- Studies show that carpet padding actually absorbs sound, making your footsteps quieter and less likely to disturb other people. This is especially important in multi-story homes.
• Carpet Life – Having a carpet pad under your carpet or area rug helps to extend the life of your carpet. A carpet pad helps to reduce fiber crushing and keeps your carpet looking and feeling softer for much longer than a carpet without a pad underneath. It also absorbs the impact of everyday wear and tear, which also extends the life of your carpet.
• Insulation – Carpet padding helps to insulate your home. It helps with heat retention in the winter and cool air retention in the summer, in turn helping to reduce your heating and cooling bills.
• Protection – A carpet pad underneath your carpet or rug helps to protect your original floor from damage. Sometimes the backing on a carpet can scratch your original floor. Plus, any spills or pet stains that seep through the carpet itself, will also have to go through the pad before it reaches the original floor.
• Safety – This is important with area rugs. Padding can keep area rugs from slipping and sliding, reducing slip and fall accidents

Does thickness matter?

The thickness of carpet padding actually does matter. The thickness of the pad should range somewhere between ¼ inch and 7/16 of an inch, although some experts say ½ inch is fine. Thickness should depend on the type of carpet fiber and the location where the carpet is being put.

• If your padding is too thin, it will not absorb the shocks, and wear and tear needed to extend the life of your carpet or area rug. Plus, it will not cushion your footsteps or absorb sounds as well.
• If your padding is too thick, it can cause uneven wear on your carpet, as well as promote seam splitting.
• Talk to your carpet specialist about the thickness that is best for the carpet or rug you have.

Can carpet padding be cleaned?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. The trick to cleaning the pad is to remove the carpet on top. With wall-to-wall carpet, that is not so easy. With area rugs, that process is much easier. However, if you can’t remove the carpet or if the stain is very bad, the best thing to do is to consult your carpet cleaning specialists. They can guide you on the best course of action for cleaning your pad.

You wouldn’t wash dishes without detergent or get a new computer without virus software. You shouldn’t get new carpet or rugs without the correct padding underneath. Consider the padding to be a helper in your carpet or rug investment. It will help to extend the life of your carpet or rug and make you more comfortable at the same time. Remember, always get the padding with the carpet.

---

This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.