Carpeting Frequently Asked Questions

Use a vacuum that has been tested and approved under CRI’s Seal of Approval / Green Label program for vacuums. The SOA/GL program tests for soil removal, dust containment and carpet appearance retention.

Regardless of which fiber you choose, the construction of the carpet is what makes carpet durable. For durable, heavy traffic carpet you want to look for a dense construction (you don’t want to be able to easily see, or feel the backing of the carpet through the fiber). Shorter pile heights perform better in heavy traffic areas (like entryways, stairs, halls, playrooms) so choosing a pile height with a ½ of an inch or less will be more durable. If choosing a cut pile carpet, a tighter twist will be more durable than a looser twist. If choosing a Berber carpet, the smaller tighter loops will be more durable than the larger looser loop.

If ventilating and vacuuming doesn't help try to have a hot water extraction done on the new carpet.

With all the odors of a new construction, it’s hard to tell what is specifically causing a reaction. The best way to eliminate all the new odors is to open the windows and ventilate for approximately 48 to 72 hours.

Carpet that is wet cleaned should be dry within 12 hours. Carpet that is properly extraction-cleaned should not be wet long enough to mold.

Maintenance adds to the life of your carpet. Carpet should always be cleaned the way the manufacturer specifies approximately every 12 to 18 months.

It’s best to vacuum your carpet at least twice a week.  If you can’t vacuum your entire house this often, at least vacuum the high traffic areas twice a week.

Request that the adhesive being used be tested and comply with CRI Green Label Plus testing program, meaning that the adhesive has the lowest possible emissions. Ventilation and good air exchange for approximately 48 to 72 hours should alleviate most odors.

Significant scientific and medical research demonstrates that well-maintained carpet is a suitable flooring choice for people with asthma. Choose Green Label Plus carpets and cushions, plan for good ventilation during the installation process and practice routine vacuuming with a Seal of Approval / Green Label vacuum.

Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before the installers take up the old carpet, rolling up the old carpet when at all possible. After the carpet and pad have been taken up, vacuum the floor again before the new pad is put down. Extremely sensitive individuals may choose to leave the house for the first 24 hours and ventilate the first 48 to 72 hours.

It is recommended for wool carpets to use a vacuum cleaner that has suction only.

Not necessarily. Look for vacuums carrying the CRI Seal of Approval/Green Label vacuum cleaner testing program label. Many vacuums in the CRI SOA/GL program are not HEPA filter units, yet are very effective at dust containment. HEPA filters may add additional cost to the overall operational cost of the vacuum.

No seam is completely invisible. Seams should be kept to a minimum, running the length of the area and making sure that natural light will not hit across the seam.

It’s possible that the seams weren’t sealed. All cut edges of the two pieces used to make the seam should be sealed to prevent problems like this.

Several things can cause buckling, including improper installation, the wrong cushion, moving furniture or high humidity. When having your carpet re-stretched, be sure all the furniture is removed from the room and the carpet is power stretched very tightly in all four directions. There are technical bulletins available on this website that address both carpet wrinkling and restretching.

Carpet cushion is the life of the carpet. Except for direct glue-down carpet, we recommend always using carpet cushion. Be sure and check with the carpet manufacturer to find out what their cushion requirements are.

It is recommend to use either a flat rubber or synthetic cushion that is no thicker than 3/8 of an inch.

Extract the water professionally and have drying fans set up and operating, ideally, within 24 hours. It’s best to use a professional that is trained in water restoration in order to ensure carpet, pad & sub-floor are completely dried. If the carpet is contaminated with mud, sewage, or other contaminants, it is recommended to properly dispose of carpet and pad.

Generally yes; although, some newly developed restoration procedures may be able to salvage the cushion. Wet carpet cushion is very difficult to adequately dry quickly.

Have your carpet professionally cleaned. Mold does not grow on the carpet, but rather on the dirt on the carpet. Additionally, locate and repair the source of the moisture. It is best to call a professional water restoration cleaner in order to ensure all mold is eliminated.

We don’t recommend trying to save sewage contaminated carpet. Highly absorbent materials such as carpet and pad cannot be washed in hot (130 degrees F) for at least 10 minutes. This contaminated material should be properly disposed of by a trained restoration professional.