In addition to its esthetic virtues, Berber carpeting is one of the most durable and versatile of a homeowner's carpeting choices. Still, it is not impervious to stains if improperly treated. These stains may come from a specific incident or from day-to-day traffic. The following is a basic guide to cleaning these traffic stains from your Berber carpeting.
Types of Berbers
Berber carpets come in two standard varieties – the more economical olefin-made and the higher grade ones made of nylon. Olefin carpets are notorious among carpet cleaning professionals for their ability to tenaciously retain almost any oil-based stain. The pros use some very powerful cleaners- such as heat-transfer stain-reducing chemicals to get the job done. The DIYer must resort to cleaning the affected area twice. Nylon carpets, on the other hand, respond well to standard carpet detergents and deep-cleaning machines that can be rented at the local “big box" retailers.
The Weave
Another issue with Berber carpets is their tight weave. This fact means that they can potentially retain any water used in the cleaning process for far too long. The result is an environment primed for mold and mildew. For this reason, many professionals resort to dry cleaning solvents when dealing with Berber carpets. These chemicals are somewhat pricey, but evaporate at a much higher rate than water.
Stain Prevention
The best weapon in the average homeowner's arsenal for cleaning stains in Berber carpeting is immediate action. Almost every Berber carpet has a protective coating and most liquids will simply run off the fibers and onto the backing. By simply blotting the stain with a dry towel, you will eliminate most of the problem. If you notice a spill or nascent stain, deal with it ASAP. Lastly, do not drag furniture or heavy objects across your Berber carpet. It has a very low flash point and can “burn" quite easily. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for this issue other than replacement.
As you can see, cleaning a Berber carpet need not be a daunting task. It merely takes some time and attention to detail. For additional information on cleaning Berber carpeting in particular or on flooring maintenance in general, please contact us at [COMPANY NAME]. You'll will find us online at [COMPANY URL] or you can reach us directly at [PHONE NUMBER].
