Carpets are, in one word, great. Not only do they serve as an anchor for different design elements, transforming everything into a cohesive style, but they also soften loud sounds.

Speaking of softening effects, carpets can also temper harsh lines. Imagine an industrial-inspired or minimalistic decor, with sleek edges and sharp angles. They look good, for sure, but they can also feel a little severe; adding even a simple area rug will lend the space a touch of cosiness.

If you want to enjoy all of these benefits—and more—for a long time, then you definitely should learn how to care for your carpets. Below is a list of different types of carpets and the ideal cleaning products and/or processes to use for them.

Cleaning Different Carpets Based on Pile

Berber

Berber is arguably the most popular type of loop pile carpet. It’s durable and stain-resistant, with dense, short loops that are easy to clean. The downsides of berber include its vulnerability to tearing and lesser cushioning capability.

To keep a berber carpet in good shape, all you need to do is to vacuum it at least twice a week using a cylinder cleaner with a suction head (a brush’s bristles can get caught in the loops). Then, have it deep cleaned by professional carpet cleaners every three months.

For stain removal, you can use most cleaning solutions on berber carpet. However, don’t scrub the stain off because doing so will result in snags and make the carpet uneven. The best thing to do is blot the stain, starting from the outside edges, to prevent it from spreading.

The same cleaning principles apply to level loop and multi-level loop carpets.

Saxony

A saxony carpet is a type of cut pile carpet in which the fibres are arranged tightly together and are of even lengths. This creates the smooth appearance and texture, which is the reason why a saxony carpet is also called a plush carpet.

To clean a plush carpet, you need a vacuum cleaner with big wheels so that you can easily move it around. Like berber carpets, you should use a suction-only vacuum to prevent ruining the material. If your vacuum has a beater bar or brush, check if the height can be adjusted so that the brush doesn’t touch the fibres.

Frieze

A frieze carpet features short curling fibres, which is why it’s also called a shag pile carpet. It has a soft, luxurious look, but can be difficult to clean. For regular maintenance, you can use dry carpet shampoo and vacuum it up after the recommended time. For more stubborn stains, steam cleaning is your best bet for frieze carpets.

Mixed or Patterned

A mixed pile carpet has features both cut and looped yarn to form a pattern (as opposed to using dye to colour certain segments). As such, cleaning it also requires a combination of techniques and products. A suction instead of a brush vacuum would be ideal for regular maintenance.

Cleaning Different Carpets Based on the Material

Acrylic

Some carpets are made using acrylic fibres, resulting in a wool-like body that is much more resistant to fading, stains, and static. What’s great is that acrylic carpets are quite hardy. You can clean them using soap and water, then use a wet vacuum to suck up the water and foam after rinsing. If there are any warped sections, using a hair dryer can fluff the pile back up.

Nylon

If you want something long-lasting, nylon carpets are the way to go. They’re incredibly durable and can stay in shape for years. This durability also makes them easy to clean. With regular vacuuming and steam cleaning, a nylon carpet will last for years.

The downside is that the colour may fade quickly; in addition, nylon carpets are prone to static but this can easily be countered by an anti-static spray.

Olefin

Olefin is a polypropylene compound with impressive moisture and stain resistance. Like those made from acrylic, olefin carpets look wool-like but are much easier to maintain. What’s especially good about olefin is that they dry quickly due to the low absorbency of the fibres. On the other hand, sunlight can fade the colours quickly. Thus, it’s best to place olefin carpets in bedrooms and other spaces that don’t get a lot of sun exposure.

Triexta

One of the more popular carpet options for pet owners nowadays is triexta, a synthetic carpet with extra-strong fibres. However, triexta can be somewhat expensive so be prepared to shell out a bit of cash if you want one.

With regard to maintenance, you can use carpet shampoo for deep cleaning; don’t be afraid to scrub to get out the grime! Then, use your vacuum cleaner’s wet setting to remove excess moisture before air drying. Make sure to vacuum in the direction of the pile so it will dry uniformly.

Wool

Last but certainly not least, wool carpet is a luxurious and dirt-resistant option. Like triexta, wool can be expensive but also hassle-free to maintain. With some water and spot-cleaning spray, you can get rid of most stains easily. For deep cleaning, it’s best to call professional carpet cleaners to remove accumulated dirt and residue.

 

With these tips, you can keep your carpets and rugs at home or the office in good shape for years to come!