Common carpet issues

Common carpet issues

Choosing your new carpet can be a tedious task. You should consider the colour, fibre, and construction of your carpet, not to mention vetting reliable carpet layers to install it.

The story does not stop there, however. There are a number of common issues that can befall carpets young and old, and it is in your best interest to be aware of them too.  The following list details some of the biggest problems that carpet owners encounter. 

Common carpet issues

Shedding: Shedding is a common issue that occurs in new carpets. Some types of carpets will begin to shed balls of fluff throughout their first year, this is called shedding. This process is normal and is not cause for concern since these balls are generally too large to become airborne. Shedding occurs when a tuft happens to rise above the pile of carpet. Sprouting is also common during the first year but can occur throughout the entire life of the carpet as well. 

Solution: Your carpet will naturally stop shedding after one year and regular vacuuming can speed this process up. If you happen to find a sprouting carpet tuft, it is important that you cut it to size with a pair of scissors. You could damage your carpet it you try to vacuum or pull at the tuft. 

Wrinkles and Buckles: If your carpet is improperly installed, it may begin to ripple, buckle or wrinkle. This is not normal and should immediately be corrected. 

Solution: Contact your installer and have them fix your carpet by using a power stretcher. It is best to check for any defects before the installer leaves your home as this will make any corrections easier. Wrinkles and buckles are not normal, so it is important that they are fixed. 

Long-term carpet issues

Crushing:  Over time, foot traffic and heavy furniture can crush carpet fibres. While a certain amount of crushing is normal for all types of carpets, some carpets, like acrylic are more prone to crushing. 

Solution: Carpet crushing can be reduced by vacuuming heavy traffic areas often. Additionally, moving heavy furniture just a few inches on a regular basis. Adding protective tabs and foam blocks can also reduce crushing. 

Colour Loss: Colour loss, fading, and yellowing can be caused by many factors. These include sunlight, cleaning chemicals and gases passing over the surface of the carpet. 

Solution: Colour loss is usually impossible to reverse, therefore it is important to protect your carpet from fading and yellowing. This can be done by keeping your carpet away from dangerous chemicals and shielding it from UV radiation. Some common ways to prevent UV radiation damage is to invest in window drapes, colourfast carpet, and UV window protection.

Staining: Staining can occur on carpet even if it is made from a fabric that is generally resistant to staining and soiling. It is important to treat all stains as quickly as possible for the best results.

Solution: Act quickly to soak up as much of the spill as possible and make sure you read the care instructions for your specific carpets. Some products from your local supermarket can damage your carpet if they contain the wrong chemicals. A precaution to staining is fabric protection. Most carpets will be installed with some form of carpet protection but it usually needs to be reapplied every 6-12 months. If you need stain removal assistance, call AllAces Cleaning & Restoration on 1800 00 1010.

All our staff are trained through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration, so we can identify your carpet fibre, remediate the stains, and do an expert stain removal. If you have any questions or concerns about your carpet, call one of our friendly staff on 1800 00 1010.