Carpet Problems and Solutions

Following the procedures below will help prolong the life your carpet.
Word or Phrase Definition
Burns Accidental burns should be repaired immediately by snipping off the damaged fibers, then use a soapless cleaner on the spot. For extensive damage consult a professional.
Carpet Odor Many new carpets and paddings have a distinct odor that some find offensive. This should disappear within a few days, and can be hastened away with frequent vacuuming and ventilating.
Crushing Depressions in the carpet caused by furniture and heavy objects that remain in one place long enough to compact the carpet is called crushing. Using wide style furniture pads or glides, a plastic carpet rake, and rearranging furniture can help reduce crushing.
Denting Denting can occur when a heavy object is dropped onto the carpet. Try rubbing the dent with the edge of a coin to return to shape. If this doesn't work, use a hair dryer to blow hot air onto the dent while gently tugging up on the dented tufts. For stubborn dents, you may try using a steam iron to lightly steam the dent as you tug up on the dented tufts. Be careful not to burn your fingers and do not let the iron surface touch the carpet.
Footprints Footprints are normal in cut pile carpeting. You can remove footprints by using a plastic carpet rake. To minimize footprints with a new carpet, shop for a carpet with a low, dense pile.
Fuzzing When yarn twists loosen and become slack, the fabric can develop a hairy look caused by snagging, breaking, and fibers slipping from the yarn. This can be somewhat alleviated by professional cleaning.
Pilling Similar to sweaters, small balls of fiber, or pilling, can occur on the carpet surface. Snip or pull off the pills in small areas. For larger areas of pilling you may want to call in a professional.
Rippling High heat and humidity can cause a rippling effect in wall-to-wall carpeting, which appears as loose pockets or ridges of carpet. If it becomes excessive or remains during low humidity, you may need to have the carpet restretched.
Shading Shading, or pile angling, is a characteristic of many cut pile carpets. It appears as lighter and darker shades of carpet. This is caused by the pile laying at different angles, usually due to foot traffic patterns. Vacuuming or carpet raking can restore the pile so it lays in one direction.
Shedding Many new carpets will shed little pieces of fiber for a few weeks. This is normal and generally not a cause for concern. Normal vacuuming will take care of the loose fiber and the problem should go away on its own.
Snags Snags are caused by sharp edged objects and objects that hook the carpet fiber. Do not try to pull the snag out as you may loosen other fibers. Simply snip the snag off with sharp scissors.
Soiling Soiling is an accumulation of dirt and other particles that cling to the carpet fiber. Frequent vacuuming will help prevent soiling build up, and professional cleaning should be performed when you notice soiling taking place.
Sprouting Sprouts are not confined to Brussels, they can grow in your carpet as well. Sprouting is when small tufts of fiber appear above the normal surface of the carpet. Do not pull the sprouts to remove them and you may pull up good fiber, simply cut them off with sharp scissors.
Stains Stains and spills should be removed immediately. See our Carpet Stain Cleaning Guide for more details.
Static Static is caused by temperatures warmer inside than outside with accompanying low humidity. A humidifier can help reduce static electricity. If purchasing new carpeting and static is frequent problem in your home, look for a carpet with built-in anti-static protection.
Texture Degrading The ability of a carpet to maintain its visual texture shape is called texture retention. Degrading naturally occurs as the carpet wears down. Texture retention can be prolonged with regular vacuuming and using a plastic carpet rake to fluff compacted areas.