Whether you have newly installed carpeting or carpeting you’ve had for years, carpet shedding can be concerning. Luckily, the carpet cleaning pros at Elmer’s Chem-Dry are here to help you understand why this may happen, especially in the first few months of a new carpet, and provide you with tips on how to prevent shedding from occurring in the future.
When is Carpet Shedding Normal?
Carpet shedding is a common occurrence that happens when the fibers of the carpet loosen and come off. There are several reasons why this may happen, such as the natural wear and tear of the carpet over time, the type of fiber used in the carpet, the quality of the manufacturing process, and the way the carpet is cared for.
While it may be frustrating to see fibers around your home, this initial shedding should not affect the long-term performance or appearance of your carpet. It should start to slow down and eventually stop after a couple of months of use.
If shedding persists or starts again later on, there may be an issue with the carpet fibers or the quality of the fibers. It’s important to contact the manufacturer to discuss this. In addition, improper care of the carpet can also contribute to shedding. Make sure to consider this as a potential factor if you’re concerned about ongoing shedding issues.
How to Prevent Shedding
Here are some tips for caring for your carpet to prevent shedding and protect its lifespan:
- Maintain a regular carpet cleaning routine and be gentle when performing it. Use a light touch and avoid using the highest setting on the cleaning machine.
- Vacuum with the grain of the carpet to avoid excessive wear and tear.
- Consider using a throw rug in areas of high traffic to extend the lifespan of the carpet and prevent premature shedding.
- Hire professional carpet cleaners at least twice a year to remove deep-set dirt that can cause friction on delicate fibers. They can also help speed up the initial shedding process by removing loose fibers all at once.
By following these steps, you can help keep your carpet looking its best and prevent shedding from becoming a problem.
How Shedding Affects Rugs
In addition to wall-to-wall carpets, fibers can also shed from rugs, particularly those made of wool or silk. This shedding is typically due to the shearing process that takes place after weaving. Fortunately, these loose fibers can be eliminated by thorough vacuuming and grooming with a beater brush or horsehair brush. If the shedding persists, a professional carpet cleaner can provide specialized rug cleaning services to remove the loose fibers and restore your rug.
Whether you have a new carpet that is shedding or an older carpet or rug that is starting to show signs of wear, our carpet cleaners can help. Get in touch with the carpet experts at Elmer’s Chem-Dry today! Call (479) 646-8800 or text (479) 392-7504.
Elmer’s Chem-Dry services the greater Fort Smith area including Greenwood, Mountainburg, and Van Buren.