Carpet Shedding: Understanding, Prevention, and Maintenance
Shedding is a normal occurrence for newly-installed carpets, particularly cut pile carpets with spun yarns, wool, and shag carpeting. While it can be discouraging to find fibers around your home, rest assured that this initial shedding should not impact the long-term performance or appearance of your carpet. Typically, shedding slows down and eventually stops after a few months of use.
If shedding continues or recurs later on, it may indicate issues with the carpet fibers or their quality. In such cases, it is crucial to contact the manufacturer for further assistance. Additionally, improper carpet care techniques can contribute to shedding. Therefore, it’s essential to consider this aspect if you are concerned about ongoing shedding issues.
Preventing Shedding: Effective Care Tips
To maintain your carpet’s lifespan and prevent shedding, consider the following care tips:
- Establish a regular carpet cleaning routine that involves using a gentle touch. Avoid using the highest settings on cleaning machines to minimize wear and tear.
- Vacuum your carpet following the grain to minimize excessive strain on the fibers.
- Utilize throw rugs in high-traffic areas to protect your carpet and prevent premature shedding.
- Engage professional carpet cleaners at least twice a year to remove deeply embedded dirt, which can lead to friction and damage delicate fibers. Professional cleaning can also expedite the initial shedding process by eliminating loose fibers all at once.
By following these steps, you can maintain the optimal appearance of your carpet and prevent shedding from becoming a persistent issue.
Shedding and its Impact on Rugs
Aside from wall-to-wall carpeting, rugs may also experience the shedding of fibers. This is often a byproduct of the shearing process post the weaving of wool and silk rugs. To effectively address this issue, regular vacuuming and grooming using a beater brush or horse hair brush are recommended. In cases where shedding persists, professional rug cleaning services can efficiently eliminate loose fibers, leaving your rugs clean and ready for use.
Whether you’re dealing with a new carpet that sheds or an older one displaying signs of wear, our team of carpet experts at Apex Chem-Dry is here to assist you. For further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (717) 261-1086.