Sometimes, carpet cleaners face blame for issues unrelated to their cleaning efforts. Often, it’s only after a thorough cleaning that customers notice these underlying problems. Let’s explore some of the most common carpet issues, their causes, and how to solve them.

Buckles or Ripples

When exposed to moisture, carpets react differently depending on their backing material. For instance, natural jute backings may shrink, while synthetic ones might expand. Buckling or rippling is a common issue with synthetic carpets, especially after a “wet clean.” If this happens during a professional cleaning, it’s typically not the cleaner’s fault unless there’s over-wetting involved.

Solution: Once the carpet dries completely, the buckling or rippling should diminish as the fibres contract. If the problem persists, carpet re-stretching may be necessary. Contact a carpet repair expert in this case.

Browning

Browning is a term for the slight yellowish discoloration that can appear after a carpet has been overly wet during cleaning or has experienced water damage. This is a natural reaction due to the cellulosic matter (derived from plants) in the carpet oxidizing and breaking down, which releases a natural dye causing the yellow or amber stain.

Solution: Opt for professional carpet cleaning, ensuring they use fast-drying procedures to prevent this issue.

Wicking

Wicking occurs when a substance seeps deep into the carpet backing or underpad and gets trapped. Cleaning the surface of the carpet won’t remove the entire spill, and during the drying process, the stain may reappear as it moves back up the fibres.

Solution: Professional carpet cleaning using localized hot water extraction, followed by specialized chemical solutions to prevent re-soiling. In severe cases, underpad replacement may be needed.

Shedding and Fluffing

New carpets may shed small balls of fibre due to the manufacturing process, which can appear on the floor or in the vacuum cleaner.

Solution: This harmless process can be resolved with gentle vacuuming. The shedding should stop within 1-2 months.

Pile Reversal

Pressing a carpet in different directions can cause pile shifts, making certain areas look darker or lighter. This pile distortion can happen to all carpet types over time.

Solution: There’s no true cure for pile reversal; it’s often seen as a natural evolution of the carpet.

Split Seam and Tears

Carpet seams in high-traffic areas may separate and begin to fray. While a temporary fix involves gluing down the frayed edges, the seam will likely open again.

Solution: Call a carpet repair professional to address the issue promptly, minimizing damage.

Matting and Crushing

Foot traffic can cause carpet fibres to untwist and tangle, resulting in depressed areas that look crushed. This is a natural occurrence in most carpet types due to foot traffic, improper care, or material failure.

Solution: Professional carpet cleaning using the hot water extraction method can improve (though not completely fix) the appearance of matted or crushed carpet.

Depressions and Indentations

Heavy furniture can leave indentations on your carpet. Moving your furniture occasionally, even a few inches, can help prevent these marks.

Solution: Moistening the indented areas can help some resilient carpet types bounce back, although success varies by carpet type.

Draught Marking and Filtration Soiling

These issues appear as darkened edges of the room, doorways, and air vents due to airflow dropping airborne dirt. Inadequate edge sealing of the carpet can also contribute to filtration soiling.

Solution: Professional carpet cleaning using an anti-filtration line solution. While not 100% effective on all carpet types, significant improvement is possible.

Colour Fading

Carpet dyes can fade when exposed to direct sunlight, pollutants, or chemicals. This colour fading might not be noticeable until the carpet undergoes cleaning.

Solution: This is best left to a professional familiar with the carpet re-dyeing process.