Some types of carpet stains are easier to remove than others. Wine, coffee and blood can all cause tough stains that normal cleaners and cleaning techniques won’t remove. When dealing with these types of stains, you have to be extremely careful, as you could accidentally damage your carpet.
Below, we provide information on tough carpets stains and the best ways of removing them.
Bloodstains
A small cut could result in a bloodstain on your carpet. These stains are usually difficult to remove, though a little cold water and dish soap might do the trick. As opposed to warm water, cold water keeps blood from solidifying. Simply fill a bottle with cold water, and add 2 tablespoons of mild dish soap. Thoroughly spray the stain, and dry with a soft paper towel or rag.
The best way to remove a bloodstain is by tackling it as soon as possible. If the bloodstain has had time to set, you’ll likely need a professional cleaning service to remove it.
Pet stains
It’s hard to find your pets cute when one of them makes a mess on the carpet. It’s especially annoying when said mess leaves a tough stain. As with blood, it’s important to attack the stain as soon as you notice it. Pick up any solid waste, and blot any urine spots. This could take care of the stains; however, urine that has already had a chance to dry will be much harder to remove.
To remove set-in pet stains, you’ll need to moisten the carpet and apply a specialized cleaning product. You can also try spraying the area with a white vinegar solution. After spraying, blot the area, and allow it to dry. Once dry, apply a little baking soda to the area, and leave it for 24 hours. After that, simply vacuum the area.
Ink stains
Ink stains are one of the most difficult to remove from carpets. Try dabbing the stain with a clean cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Nail polish removers and certain hairsprays can sometimes remove ink stains as well; however, it’s important to be cautious when using either product, as they could damage your carpet. Be sure to avoid leaving alcohol, nail polish remover or hairspray on your carpet for very long.
Kool-Aid stains
Kool-Aid is a popular treat for children of all ages. It’s easy for a child to trip and cause a bright red stain on your carpet. If this happens, don’t panic. Soak up the excess Kool-Aid with a clean towel, and spray with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of dish soap and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture soak into the carpet for about 10 minutes; then dry the area with a clean towel.
Contact the right carpet cleaning service
No matter how hard you try, it can seem almost impossible to remove tough stains—that’s when it’s best to contact a professional carpet cleaning service. A professional cleaning service knows how to remove the toughest stains without causing damage to your carpet.
If you’re in need of top-quality carpet cleaning services at fair prices, contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center today.
Oriental rugs are beautiful, high-quality works of art—but are they a good investment? That depends on why you’re buying the rug. If you’re buying it because you love it and want to enjoy it for years to come, then yes, oriental rugs are a good investment. However, if you’re hoping that your investment will appreciate over time, you’re unlikely to see any financial gains from the purchase.
If your only reason to buy the rug is to see a return later, you should skip it. Oriental rugs can appreciate in value, but it’s too difficult to estimate the rug’s value in a decade or two. While they typically hold their value, restoration of an old, worn rug can cost almost as much as what you paid for the rug itself. You’ll need to weigh the value of restoration against what you paid for it and what you could possibly hope to recoup. On top of that, only exceptionally high-quality rugs tend to appreciate in value.
In short, buy the rug because you love it—if it appreciates in value later, that’s just a bonus.
Here’s an overview of what constitutes an oriental rug and how to care for one.
What is an oriental rug?
An oriental rug is any carpet that’s hand-knotted in Asia. They may come from China, India, Russia, Iran, Tibet, Turkey or Pakistan. High-quality oriental rugs are hand-knotted on a loom, using a symmetrical Turkish knot.
Typically, the rugs are made from wool. The highest-quality rugs feature hand-dyed yarn and contrasting colors. You might see geometric or floral shapes in the design, but they generally use traditional designs and motifs from the area in which they were produced.
True, hand-knotted oriental rugs can cost thousands of dollars, which means you should consider this purchase carefully.
Caring for and cleaning an oriental rug
Here’s how to care for your rug:
Avoid sunlight: Sunlight can damage and fade your oriental rug, so be sure to place it in an area that doesn’t get a lot of direct sun. Not only will it fade the colors, but it will dry the fibers in the rug and make them more brittle.
Rotate often: Be sure to rotate your rug frequently, so that it wears evenly. You’d be surprised at how quickly you can see the wear and tear. Make sure to flip them occasionally, too.
Gently vacuum: Never beat or shake your oriental rugs. Instead, gently vacuum or sweep them to remove dust and debris. Do not use vacuums with roller brushes—they can pull out fibers.
Get professional cleaning: When you need to clean your rugs, opt for professional cleaning. Oriental rugs are more delicate than regular carpeting, and they need to be treated with care.
When you need oriental rug cleaning, Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center is here to help. You can trust us with your prized oriental rugs. We’ll restore them to beautiful condition and can offer additional tips to keep them looking their best. Get in touch with us today to get started.
Carpeting is a versatile and cozy floor covering—but once the weather gets wet and rainy, you’re more likely to experience carpet mold. Do you know the common mold warning signs? The sooner you find the problem, the easier it will be to take care of the problem.
Mold grows quickly, and you might not notice it unless you know what to look for. Some homeowners are dismayed to find out that their carpets are beyond saving. That’s why it’s so important to perform regular inspections throughout your home.
Here’s a closer look at some of the major warning signs that your carpet has mold:
Damp carpet: Mold doesn’t need much to grow. The spores float through the air. When it meets water and a food source (e.g., wood, carpeting, drywall, etc.), mold can develop and grow rapidly. If your carpet is damp for more than a day, you may discover mold underneath. Do your best to blot up water, and dry the carpet as fast as possible. If a certain area of your carpet is constantly damp, you may have a leak. Try to address that before the water damage and mold spread throughout your home.
Musty odor: If a room smells musty and moldy, there’s a good chance that mold is lurking in your carpet. Unfortunately, the more time you spend at home, the less likely you are to notice the smell. Pay attention if a visitor tells you that there’s a musty odor, and investigate to see whether you notice any other signs of carpet mold.
Discoloration: Whether water or the mold itself, discoloration and stains on your carpet can indicate that you have a mold infestation. Keep an eye on your carpet, and look for any new or unusual stains. Not only will you stay on top of any potential mold problem, but you’ll also be able to blot up and treat any stains you discover.
Unexplained allergies: If your allergies are sensitive to mold, pay attention. Unexplained allergy symptoms can indicate that mold is growing somewhere in your home. While it could just be an unusual amount of pollen or dust coming in from outside, there’s a good chance that you have a mold infestation somewhere, especially if you notice any of the other signs.
Mold testing kits: Finally, a positive result from a home mold testing kit can indicate an issue. It doesn’t always mean the mold is growing in your carpet, of course. Mold can grow anywhere it’s damp, such as under your sinks and in your bathrooms. If you get a positive result, it’s worth investigating your home’s carpeted areas to see if there are other signs of mold growth.
Carpet mold is a health hazard, as well as just plain unpleasant to deal with. To ensure your carpeting stays clean, pristine and allergen-free, reach out to the team at Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center today to schedule a service appointment. We’ll help you clean and restore your carpets to like-new condition.
Interior design trends are always changing, and it’s not uncommon for previously popular styles to come back into fashion in unexpected ways.
If you’re ready to invest in new carpet for your home, but you’re unsure of what’s currently on trend, here’s a brief introduction to what types of carpets are popular in 2021:
Nylon
What are the top kinds of carpets to get in 2021? First, nylon is an excellent choice due to its exceptional durability. Nylon carpet is generally considered as the most durable option on the market. It’s fade resistant and easy to maintain, all without sacrificing plush softness. If you live with kids or pets, nylon is a great choice since it offers superior stain resistance compared to other carpets, so you won’t have to worry too much about accidental spills, tracked-in mud or other elements that can take a toll on the appearance of carpeted floors.
Twist pile
Twist pile carpeting is similar to the shag carpeting of the 1970s, but advances in technology have made it one of the types of carpets that are popular in 2021. Twist pile features tightly-twisted loops that are then cut, resulting in exceptional plushness. The tight twists are what distinguish twist pile carpets from the shag rugs of yesteryear; they also make them easier to clean and less apt to collect dirt and other particles. The twists also provide an added benefit in terms of appearance, making the carpet appear multicolored and adding visual interest to any room of the house.
Wool
If plush, soft carpet is what you’re after, wool is always on trend. It’s generally the plushest, softest carpet on the market, but it’s also one of the most expensive. The price you pay for wool carpet is well worth it, though, when you consider its durability. Although not as durable as nylon, wool offers exceptional durability, and you won’t have to replace carpets for several years with proper care. Wool carpeting also has an insulating value due to its thickness, making it an environmentally friendly choice for homes in all areas of the country.
Sisal
With sustainability being a primary concern for many homeowners, sisal carpeting is one of the top kinds of carpets in 2021. Sisal carpeting is biodegradable and made from woven plant fibers—there’s truly no better eco-friendly option. It’s also highly durable and perfect for high-traffic areas like entryways, walkways and living rooms.
Jute
Much like sisal, jute carpeting is an eco-friendly, non-toxic option that looks great, too. Many homeowners love jute due to its natural variation and imperfect texture that adds a natural, earthy beauty to any room of the house. Its exceptional durability also makes it a perfect choice for areas that experience heavy foot traffic.
Investing in new carpeting for your home is a big deal, and you want to choose a style and material that you’ll love to live with for years to come. Use this list of the top kinds of carpets in 2021 to guide you as you make your choice, and reach out to Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center for expert assistance. We’ll help you choose the style and material that’s right for your home.
As fall gets in full swing, you can count on wet weather and lots of leaves, both of which can easily be tracked inside the house and take a toll on your carpets. By being proactive about carpet cleaning and maintenance during the fall, you can preserve the appearance and plush comfort of the flooring throughout your home.
Here’s what you need to do to make your carpets ready for fall:
Invest in a shoe rack
One of the best ways to prepare your carpets for fall (and for any season, really) is to enforce a no-shoes policy in the house. It’s all too easy to track in dirt, mud, leaves and other landscaping debris during the fall, so getting your kids or guests to kick off their shoes the moment they enter the house can save your carpets from extensive damage. Buying a shoe rack can help you enforce your no-shoes policy, acting as a silent reminder that shoes come off as soon as you enter the house.
Vacuum regularly
When fall arrives, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and vacuum carpets more regularly than usual. As a general rule, vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a weekly and all other carpeted spaces at least once weekly. Frequent vacuuming reduces soil buildup, preserving the appearance of your carpet. When vacuuming, always start with a clean bag or filter, and make sure to vacuum slowly enough to suck up all dirt that may have been tracked into the house.
Invest in protective rugs
Carpeting is meant to be walked on, but fall weather conditions often make it a challenge to keep carpets clean. Consider purchasing some protective rugs to cover high-traffic areas like foyers, living rooms, dining rooms and hallways. Many homeowners find that it’s wise to leave the rugs in place even after the fall season to protect carpet from showing wear patterns from heavy foot traffic.
Rotate furniture
Every time the seasons change, it’s a great opportunity to rotate furniture and prevent premature wear areas. Even the highest-quality carpets can wear at confined areas of the carpet pile, and it’s easy for dirt to work its way into both the pile and backing. Move the furniture around if your room layout allows to preserve your flooring.
Consider professional carpet cleaning
Sometimes all it takes is a deep cleaning to get your carpets looking their best for the fall season and beyond. Professional carpet cleaning not only gets your floors in better visual condition, but it also makes them plusher and softer, providing long-lasting comfort underfoot. Carpet cleaning in the fall ensures that your home is well prepared for upcoming holiday gatherings with family and friends, instantly making your home more inviting and welcoming.
Now that you know exactly how to prepare your carpets for fall, take some time to implement the steps listed above, and reach out to your local carpet cleaning experts for a deep, thorough clean. Contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center to discover more carpet care tips and to schedule your cleaning before the holiday rush.
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