10-year-old carpet that looks brand new?

Is it possible? Across Northern Michigan, and most likely beyond, the #1 preventable issue with carpet is premature wear. This is also commonly referred to as “ugly out” and can be avoided with a few simple changes to maintenance behavior in your household. 

Here are the top 4 tips to keeping your carpet looking newer longer!

#1 Vacuuming:

Proper vacuum technique, frequency, and equipment all play a pivotal role in vacuuming success. Walking on a soiled carpet allows dust and dirt to work its way below the surface of the pile. Once there, it is far more difficult to remove and can damage the carpet fibers as dirt particles are extremely abrasive which causes the fibers to appear dull and lifeless. 

Frequent vacuuming removes particles from the surface of the carpet before they have a chance to work their way into the pile. Up to three passes of the vacuum will suffice for light soiling, but five to seven passes are necessary for heavily soiled areas. It is recommended to change the vacuuming direction occasionally to help the pile stand up and reduce matting. It is recommended that for rooms with light traffic patterns that you vacuum the carpet traffic lanes twice weekly and the entire area once a week. In areas with heavy traffic, vacuum the carpet traffic lanes daily and the entire area twice a week. 

Investing in the proper vacuum will prolong the beauty and life of your carpet.  A lower quality vacuum may remove surface dirt but will not effectively remove the hidden dirt and particles embedded in the pile. Be aware, expensive does not equal good, to ensure that your vacuum will conform to the highest industry standards, make sure that your vacuum cleaner is certified through the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval program available at www.carpet-rug.org.  Using an approved vacuum may protect you should any warranty claims arise. 

 

#2 Spots and Spills:

Check out our spot and spill guide for assistance by clicking HERE. Prompt attention and the correct product will make this cleanup a success. Using a product that will not damage the carpet or cause it to re-soil are key to prolonging the life of your flooring. Many chain store cleaning products often leave a residue behind that will attract soil and cause the spots to reappear. The soap residue is harder to remove and may cause more damage to the fibers. If spot cleaning is necessary be certain that the product used is approved by the manufacturer. 

 

#3 Professional deep cleaning:

It is recommended that every 12 to 18 months your carpet be professionally deep cleaned to remove the deep embedded dirt and grime (also necessary to maintaining your warranty). Often times

this step is put off until the carpet “looks” like it needs to be cleaned, at that point, the carpet fibers are already damaged and cannot be brought back to like-new condition. We cannot stress this enough, do not skip this step! This protects your investment!

 

#4 Protective Mats:

Lastly, stop dirt at the door! Walk off mats inside and out as well as taking your shoes off when you enter the home prolongs the life of your carpet substantially. This helps prevent that dirt from making its way into your carpet, causing the premature wear and soiling of your new floor.  Click here for one resource walk-off mats and google will show you many more. 

Each manufacturer has a preferred maintenance and cleaning procedure, be certain to follow the procedures for your particular brand of carpet. A little bit of maintenance will add years and sometimes a decade to the beauty of your carpet.

Your Floor-Covering Experts in Northern Michigan

Using our “Room Visualizer”  on your mobile device or computer you can see many of the hot floor-covering design trends in YOUR ROOM right now!  Check out the Room Visualizer here.

For over 34 years now, the floor-covering experts at the Kiss Carpet Design Center have been helping satisfied homeowners in Northern Michigan achieve their floor covering dreams. As a family-owned business, we build long-term relationships using an open and honest customer service approach that’s transparent and seamless.

We will guide you, not sell you, through the entire design and installation process.  To learn more about the Kiss Carpet Design Center today, stop by one of our convenient showrooms in Traverse City, Harbor Springs or Mancelona, or contact us now.

 

#1 Enhance your floors’ performance and function with heat!

Flooring provides a beautiful palette for the rest of your home and can also enhance its performance or even stand out as a statement piece on its own. Tile, vinyl and other options come in a variety of styles and designs that provide an invaluable aesthetic function to any home. In-floor heat can enhance this function by creating a warm and comfortable floor underfoot that adds a touch of luxury and comfort to any flooring surface.

#2 Heat where you want it with customization

A radiant floor heating system can use either a series of hot water tubes or wires under the floor to create a consistent heat.   This also allows heat to specific areas of your home with more warmth than your standard forced-air system. This means that homeowners can now customize areas which will receive heat, whether it be the full floor or specific zones. With the electric heat, a specialized thermostat is installed allowing the customization of timing and temperature.  A warm floor prior to entering the shower in the morning!  This enhances efficiency by minimizing the use of electricity in hours where the space is not being used.

#3 In-floor heat brings warmth, comfort, and value!

What does this mean to you as a homeowner? This additional heating system adds warmth and comfort to your home that you can enjoy all year. Picture getting out of your warm, cozy bed early in the morning only to step on your bathroom tile that feels like an icy frozen lake.  Now you could set your timer for one hour prior to waking up so instead of an ice-cold tile you’re stepping into a warm, inviting space.
Ceramic tile is the quintessential product for just about any style and budget. The variety of available colors, shapes, patterns, and sizes are unending, allowing you to create a look that fits your unique style whether it be traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between.

BONUS #4 Health Benefits

There are also certain health benefits that arise from the use of radiant heat. On cold days when we are more apt to turn up our furnaces, the dry warmer air has a tendency to leave our sinuses dried out.  With radiant heat only warming surfaces and not affecting the air, this problem then disappears. Radiant heat also does not rely on the use of fans, ducts and registers to distribute the air.  This can help reduce exposure to dust and seasonal allergies in the home.
Regardless of the style, you select to incorporate radiant heat, it is a worthwhile investment that will bring warmth, comfort, and value to your home for decades to come.

Your Floor-Covering Experts in Northern Michigan

Using our “Room Visualizer”  on your mobile device or computer you can see many of the hot floor-covering design trends in YOUR ROOM right now!  Check out the Room Visualizer here.

For over 34 years now, the floor-covering experts at the Kiss Carpet Design Center have been helping satisfied homeowners in Northern Michigan achieve their floor covering dreams. As a family-owned business, we build long-term relationships using an open and honest customer service approach that’s transparent and seamless.

We will guide you, not sell you, through the entire design and installation process.  To learn more about the Kiss Carpet Design Center today, stop by one of our convenient showrooms in Traverse City, Harbor Springs or Mancelona, or contact us now.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is replacing the tired and outdated floor covering in your Northern Michigan home, there are a lot of new and exciting floor covering options available. With all the choices out there, finding the right flooring look and material for your budget can seem overwhelming. We have simplified your search, here are 5 hot floor-covering design trends for 2020 as we enter the new year.

   1.Waterproof Flooring for 2020

This is a hot new floor-covering design trend for 2020 because the category has grown so much! Waterproof flooring is a very practical choice for busy families with pets and children that do not have time for flooring failures due to water or moisture.  Today’s hot waterproof floor-covering design trends include materials that come in all sorts of varieties and price ranges:

• Vinyl flooring
• Laminate flooring
• Ceramic tile
• Carpeting
• Engineered hardwood flooring

2. Eco-Friendly Floor Covering Design Trends

“Green”, or “eco-friendly”, flooring is so popular going into 2020 that almost all carpeting is now made from recycled materials. In fact, there are even recycled carpet tiles and area rugs!  And, many of the eco-conscious customers that we work with at the Kiss Carpet Design Center are now choosing to install floor-covering products made with recycled materials.

3. Wood-Look Flooring Designs

One of the hottest floor-covering design trends for 2020 is wood-look floors.  They have been gaining in popularity for several years now. That’s because the newer varieties look almost identical to natural wood, are moisture resistant and easier to care for. Whether your décor is traditional, modern, or something in between, you can now find wood-look flooring styles in ceramic, vinyl and laminate that tastefully introduce elegance and warmth into these rooms:

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Mudroom
• Dining room
• Laundry room
• Living room
• Office

4. Textured Floor-Covering Trends

A design trend that’s piqued the interest of interior designers.  It’s a versatile decorative element that mimics the luxurious look of classic hardwood without all the maintenance! Here are some creative ideas for using textured floors in your home:

Add a textured area rug to your space, they are an easy to change design element!
Porcelain tile is available in several patterns and textures to give your space an elegant feel.
Concrete-look laminate or ceramic flooring in an industrial décor is modern and bold!
Wire-brushed and hand-scraped flooring in various materials make your space look and feel rich.

Living “up north” surrounded by trees, combining textured wood-look flooring with large windows will breathtakingly pull in that natural beauty.

5. New Colors and Patterns for 2020

Adding colors and patterns to your room is one of the 5 hot floor-covering design trends for 2020. Although grey floor coverings are still quite popular, blonde and greige (grey + beige) are on the rise again.  Lighter colors that make your space appear larger and brighter continue to be very popular. Classic looks like herringbone carpet are still in vogue, but more modern styles and patterns like chevrons and hexagons are starting to replace those. Try mixing colors, patterns, and textures to create a space that is unique to you!

Schedule your consult, or contact us today to work with one of our flooring experts and experience the difference.

Using our “Room Visualizer“  on your mobile device or computer you can see many of the hot floor-covering design trends for 2020 in YOUR ROOM right now!  Check out the Room Visualizer here.

For over 34 years now, the floor-covering experts at the Kiss Carpet Design Center have been helping satisfied homeowners in Northern Michigan achieve their floor covering dreams. As a family-owned business, we build long-term relationships using an open and honest customer service approach that’s transparent and seamless.

We will guide you, not sell you, through the entire design and installation process.  To learn more about the Kiss Carpet Design Center today, stop by one of our convenient showrooms in Traverse City, Harbor Springs or Mancelona, or contact us now.

How should you take care of it?

We sell a lot of different types of floor covering at Kiss Carpet Design Center. Hardwood is one of the most popular. Wood flooring is a product of nature and needs to be maintained properly to ensure its beauty will last for decades. Here are a few tips;

Do you have proper environmental controls in your home?

In Northern Michigan, if you want your hardwood floor to perform at it best you should always use a humidifier in the winter and air conditioning or a dehumidifier in the summer months.

How are polyurethane or other surface finishes maintained?

Surface finishes like polyurethane require only simple care. Just dust mop, sweep or vacuum regularly. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations if known. When cleaning no longer restores shine, recoat the floor with a surface finish. The frequency of recoating depends on the amount of traffic. Never wax a surface-finished floor, and never use vinyl or tile floor care products on any hardwood floor.

Can cleaning products for vinyl or tile floors be used on wood floors as well?

No. Never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. And never use self-polishing acrylic waxes on wood floors. These waxes cause wood to become slippery and dull. In this case, the floor must be sanded and refinished.  Be very cautious of “Swiffer” style cleaners as they can easily scratch your hardwood and leave a residue behind making future cleanings difficult.

Can a hardwood floor be damp-mopped?

Never damp mop a waxed floor. When cleaning a surface-finished floor, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. You may generally use a dampened (near dry) mop to maintain a wood floor; however excessive moisture will cause damage. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood, and leave a discoloring residue. If water spills on a wood floor, immediately wipe it up with a clean cloth.

How can I prevent scratches on hardwood flooring?

Place floor mats and throw rugs at doorways to help protect wood floors from grit, dirt, and sand. Place felt pads under furniture legs and vacuum/dust your wood floor regularly.

Your Floor-Covering Experts in Northern Michigan

Using our “Room Visualizer”  on your mobile device or computer you can see many of the hot floor-covering design trends for 2020 in YOUR ROOM right now!  Check out the Room Visualizer here.

For over 34 years now, the floor-covering experts at the Kiss Carpet Design Center have been helping satisfied homeowners in Northern Michigan achieve their floor covering dreams. As a family-owned business, we build long-term relationships using an open and honest customer service approach that’s transparent and seamless.

We will guide you, not sell you, through the entire design and installation process.  To learn more about the Kiss Carpet Design Center today, stop by one of our convenient showrooms in Traverse City, Harbor Springs or Mancelona, or contact us now.

1. The oldest surviving carpet is the celebrated Pazyryk carpet, which is over 2,000 years old. It was found in the 1940s in a Scythian tomb in southern Siberia.

2. A person sheds about 1.5 million skin flakes an hour, most of which become embedded in our carpets.

3. Early Hoover vacuum cleaners were hard to sell because potential customers refused to believe (and were even insulted by the suggestion) that they could have that much dirt in their carpets.

4. There’s more red carpet rolled out in front of the Golden Globes ceremony (30,000 square feet) than any other awards show. That’s because the Beverly Hilton has such a huge, sprawling, U-shaped driveway.

5. Scientists believe that more than 43 million tons of dust falls over the U.S. every year. Indoor air usually contains about twice as much dust as the air outside. That’s a million microscopic particles in a cubic inch of air. Change your furnace filters and vacuum OFTEN!

Your Floor-Covering Experts in Northern Michigan

For over 34 years now, the floor-covering experts at the Kiss Carpet Design Center have been helping satisfied homeowners in Northern Michigan achieve their floor covering dreams. As a family-owned business, we build long-term relationships using an open and honest customer service approach that’s transparent and seamless.

We will guide you, not sell you, through the entire design and installation process.  To learn more about the Kiss Carpet Design Center today, stop by one of our convenient showrooms in Traverse City, Harbor Springs or Mancelona, or contact us now.

Myths Surrounding Carpet Are Dispelled by the Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the industry trade association, is committed to educating people about carpet and to dispel untruths and myths.

“The suggestion that carpet causes indoor air quality problems is a significant issue for the carpet industry to address,” said Werner Braun, president of CRI. “Through research, CRI offers information that is valuable to medical professionals and to anyone living with carpet.”

The following myths have been identified as the top ten most persistent misconceptions, according to Mr. Braun.

Myth No. 1: “There are health risks associated with carpet.”

Truth: An extensive toxicological assessment of components of carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health risks of public concern.

Reference: In 1994, Environ Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, prepared a study, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets. The conclusion was: “For the chemicals identified as being present in, but not emitted from carpet, there is no reason to believe that they present any health risk of public concern. For chemicals identified as being from carpet, no cancer risk of public health concern is predicted for any chemical individually, or when the predicted upper limit on risk is added for all potential carcinogens. Similarly, no non-carcinogenic effects of public health concern would be anticipated.”

Myth No. 2: “Mold and mildew can grow in carpet.”

Truth: Mold and mildew exist ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Mold growth can occur on any surface–from windowpanes to carpet–that is not properly maintained and when moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.

Reference: In a study conducted by HOST/Racine Industries, six Florida schools were checked for indoor air problems triggered by high humidity and reduced ventilation. Dust-lined, moldy ducts and plumbing leaks onto ceiling tiles allowed mold to grow and released millions of spores into the air. The research supported that mold and mildew are not associated with a particular surface, such as carpet.

Myth No. 3: “Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase.”

Truth: Comparison of data from Sweden supports that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. CRI is not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet and asthma or allergies.

Reference: A study, based on historical figures for ten years, was reported by scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research. They found that while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had increased.

Myth No. 4: “Carpet is a sink for allergy-causing substances.”

Truth: This is true as stated. The critical point, however, is often missed. Carpet holds allergen-causing substances tightly and, as a result, keeps allergens from becoming airborne, minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone. This translates to lower exposure potential. The allergens held by the carpet’s filter-like effect may be removed by vacuuming, refreshing the filter-like properties of the carpet to allow more material to be removed from the air. Vacuuming mattresses, carpet, and upholstery once or twice a week removed allergens, including dust mite feces–a known source of allergen. It is important to use the proper type of vacuum to minimize re-suspending allergens.

Reference: In Carpet and Airborne Allergens, A Literature Review, Dr. Alan Luedtke refers to the results of a study aimed at determining the effect of routine vacuuming cleaning that indicates frequent vacuum cleaning over a short time significantly reduces house dust and mite allergen levels in carpets.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate the effectiveness of carpet in reducing airborne particles. This data indicates that soil in carpet is significantly reduced following cleaning. Visit CRI’s web site to learn about the Green Label Vacuum Cleaner IAQ Testing Program that approves vacuum cleaner models that are most effective in soil removal and dust containment, while keeping carpet looking good.

Myth No. 5: “Carpet is a source of indoor quality (IAQ) problems.”

Truth: As noted previously, an extensive toxicological assessment of components of, and emissions from, carpet concluded that the chemicals in the carpet “present no health risks of public health concern.” Further, allergens in the carpet may be removed by vacuuming. Vacuum cleaner machines bearing the CRI IAQ Green Label meet scientifically established standards for soil removal and dust containment and help maintain good carpet appearance.

Reference: EPA/RTI Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study states, “Organized cleaning contributes to a reduction of particle VOCs and biological pollutants 50%+.” Contact the CRI to request both the Carpet and Your Indoor Environment and Clearing the Air in Your Home: A Guide to Safely Minimizing Allergens brochures. Also referenced is the previously mentioned 1994 report from the Environ Corporation, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets.

Myth No. 6: “Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain than hard-floor surfaces.”

Truth: Properly maintained carpet only needs vacuuming once or twice weekly and periodic extraction cleaning. The sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and buffing that hard surface floors demand are more laborious and costly.

Reference: A Building Office Managers Association (BOMA) study found hard-surface floors require two-and-a-half times more annual cleaning than carpet. Consumers may request CRI’s brochures “Carpet, the Educated Choice for Schools,” “Carpet Maintenance for School Facilities,” and “Use Life Cost Analysis for Commercial Facilities” to learn about the life-cycle cost analysis and the value carpet delivers through warmth, comfort, safety, and acoustics in the classroom and at home.

Myth No. 7: “Carpet is environmentally non-sustainable.”

Truth: CRI member companies, representing over 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers, have an excellent track record over the last dozen years of decreasing wastes produced and energy consumed, improving the industry’s sustainability.Reference: The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Sustainability Report, 2001 details the industry’s environmental efforts.

Myth No. 8: “Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”

Truth: Most new interior furnishings and building materials emit VOCs for a period of time. Emissions from new carpet are among the lowest of any household’s indoor furnishings, and most VOCs dissipate within 24 hours-even faster with good ventilation.

Reference: To further minimize other IAQ concerns, specify low-emitting products, including CRI Green Label carpet, cushion, and adhesive when selecting household products and furnishings.

Myth No. 9: “Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet.”

Truth: Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is not emitted from the new carpet.

Reference: An article published in 1989 in the American Textile Chemist and Colorists Journal stated that research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, under Dr. Wayne Tincher and other researchers dispelled this widely held myth. In addition, the CRI Indoor Air Quality Testing Programs specifically monitor for formaldehyde emission from new carpet, carpet cushion, and installation adhesives as part of the industry’s assurance to the public of the absence of this chemical in these products.

Myth No. 10: “Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions.”

Truth: The latex that holds the fibers and backing together in broadloom carpet is synthetic. Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions of natural latex, which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.

Reference: Carpet is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including polyester and nylon.

Contact the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) at (800) 882 8846 or visit the web sites at www.carpet-rug.org and www.carpet-schools.com for extensive information about carpet and rugs.

Your Floor-Covering Experts in Northern Michigan

For over 34 years now, the floor-covering experts at the Kiss Carpet Design Center have been helping satisfied homeowners in Northern Michigan achieve their floor covering dreams. As a family-owned business, we build long-term relationships using an open and honest customer service approach that’s transparent and seamless.

We will guide you, not sell you, through the entire design and installation process.  To learn more about the Kiss Carpet Design Center today, stop by one of our convenient showrooms in Traverse City, Harbor Springs or Mancelona, or contact us now.

SOURCE: Carpet and Rug Institute
WEB SITE: http://www.carpet-rug.org/
WEB SITE: http://www.carpet-schools.com/
ST: Georgia