carpets: Articles tagged with “carpets”

Specialty carpets need special care. Some rugs, such as those of Asian origin, can be constructed of everything from silk to nylon to wool. Special care must be taken when cleaning to avoid any damage. They may need to be drycleaned or cleaned by hand with special shampoos. Determining the origin and construction of the rug is important before choosing the best method of cleaning. It's important to create a consistent maintenance schedule, particularly if you have kitchen rugs which are often exposed to spills and crumbs.

Q: My puppy chewed a small hole at the edge of my carpet. This is where carpet and ceramic tile meet. I am wondering if it would be possible to repair this spot? Maybe I could do this myself. Any ideas?

Q: We have rented a carpet stretcher, but are having problems getting the wrinkles out. The carpet type is indoor/outdoor and is being placed on a concrete floor, using tacking strips.

Here are some common professional carpet repair techniques.

Most people make the mistake of choosing carpet only according to color. Before purchasing, you should take into consideration the basic characteristics of a carpet's fibers and construction, as well as the lifestyle of your family. Understanding the attributes and drawbacks of each product can help you choose the most appropriate flooring for your home with confidence.

One of the quickest ways to give your home a fresh new look is with new flooring and carpeting. However, there are so many different products available that homeowners are sometimes overwhelmed by their choices. Consulting with knowledgeable professionals will help you choose flooring materials that meet your needs and budget.

Q: I would like to know what kind of carpet is the best. Our floor is wooden and heated. I am concerned about the dust and small particles that may be coming from the carpet into the air when the floors gets hot.

Carpet is often discarded and replaced because of wear and tear, including discoloration, fading and stains. These problems can often be solved for a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Carpet Cleaning Basics

An average room takes about 1-2 hours. A whole house can take up to one day. You may use your carpet immediately, however, try to keep heavy traffic off damp carpet because it attracts dirt.

Proper cleaning is the best way to extend the life of your carpet. Dirt is abrasive, like sandpaper. Every time you step on the carpet, you grind dirt into the fibers, making tiny cuts in the fibers that cause the carpet to wear out faster. Remember the following three rules, and enjoy like-new carpet for longer.

Carpet adds comfort and warmth to almost any room in the house, and with modern stain-resistant finishes, carpeting is even showing up in more and more dining rooms and kitchens.

Q: We have wall-to-wall carpet throughout the house and I am going to install 18" x 18" vinyl tiles in my 12' x 10' dining room. I will be cutting and attaching a 15 foot area of carpeting with a slight curve to it. I want to free form the carpet at the end of the tiles without using one of those metal or plastic strips usually installed on ends of carpet. What would I use to tuck the carpet under and attach it to the new tile flooring? I had it done in a previous house we owned but didn't observe the installation. What would I use to keep the carpet down?

There are two primary methods of carpet cleaning, dry cleaning and hot water extraction. Consult with a reputable carpet cleaning company to determine which is the best method for your type of carpet. Some brands of carpet may also recommend the best or only method to be used.

Every time you step on your carpet, you grind dirt into the fibers and dirt is abrasive, like sandpaper. Dirt causes carpets to wear out faster. Proper cleaning is the best way to extend the life of your carpet.

Q: I would like to remodel the basement of my century-old house. I want to put a floor down but I am not sure what I should place on the concrete slab first, so the floor will not be so cold. Additionally, I want the walls to remain as is - that is, I want the bricks to show.

There are pipes everywhere, but I am not sure what they all go to. I would like to paint them but I am unsure what type of paint to cover them with. I am also unsure what type of paint I should use on the ceiling since I will not be putting a new ceiling in. Can you help?

Q: I'm planning to install carpet in my basement. We have finished it off with insulation, sheetrock, etc. The basement does not have a water problem, but it is humid. What is the best type of carpet and padding to install?