Shedding in carpets, whether they are recently purchased or have been in use for years, can often raise concerns. Our team of carpet cleaning experts is here to explain the reasons behind this phenomenon, especially during the first few months following the installation of a new carpet, and provide guidance on how to prevent shedding moving forward.
When Can Carpet Shedding Be Considered Normal?
Newly-installed carpets, especially cut pile carpets with spun yarns, wool, and shag carpeting, may shed slightly during the first few months. While finding fibers around your home can be annoying, this initial shedding should not impact your carpet’s long-term performance or appearance. It should gradually decrease and ultimately cease after a couple of months.
If shedding continues or resumes later, there might be a problem with the carpet fibers or their quality. In such cases, contacting the manufacturer is crucial. Moreover, improper carpet care can also contribute to shedding, so consider this as a potential factor if you’re experiencing ongoing issues.
Tips to Prevent Carpet Shedding
To protect your carpet’s lifespan and prevent shedding, follow these care tips:
- Establish a regular carpet cleaning routine and be gentle while executing it. Avoid using the highest setting on the cleaning machine and apply a light touch.
- Vacuum in the direction of the carpet grain to minimize wear and tear.
- Use a throw rug in high-traffic areas to extend the carpet’s lifespan and prevent premature shedding.
- Hire professional carpet cleaners at least bi-annually to remove deep-set dirt that can cause friction on delicate fibers. They can also expedite the initial shedding process by eliminating loose fibers all at once.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain your carpet’s appearance and prevent shedding issues.
Shedding in Rugs
Besides wall-to-wall carpets, shedding can also affect rugs. This often results from the shearing process that takes place after wool and silk rugs are woven. Careful vacuuming and grooming with a beater brush or horsehair brush can remove these loose fibers. If shedding persists, specialized rug cleaning services from a carpet cleaner can extract loose fibers, leaving your rugs clean and ready for use
Whether you’re dealing with shedding in a new carpet or an older one, our carpet cleaners can help. Contact the carpet experts at Airport Chem-Dry today by calling (412) 262-2234.