Expectations of your carpet 

Colour matching – carpet is produced in batches which all match back to the original master sample to ensure the colour is within a commercial tolerence.

Samples – use samples held by retailers as a guide for colour, as they may not be from the same batch as current production.

Shedding – during the tufting process excess fibres become trapped in the pile. After laying these may appear as fluff on the surface of the carpet, but they can be removed by regular vacuuming.

Sprouting – an odd tuft works loose, use scissors to trim the tuft to the same level as the rest of the pile. NB. Never pull the tuft out.

Shading – light reflects in different angles as a result of the pile becoming crushed or flattened, causing the appearance of dark and light patches on the carpet check this. This is more noticeable on plain carpets.

Static – Usually associated with synthetic materials may occur in wool in very dry room conditions. Introduction of moisture into the room or on site carpet treatment may reduce occurence.

Fading – carpets made from wool will fade over time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight resulting in a lightening of the colour.

Pile reversal – this occurs when the pile of the carpet changes direction, showing the effects of shading which may become permanent. It can happen with all types of carpet construction but may be more noticeable on plain carpets.

Indentations – when there is a heavy point load, such as furniture legs, on the carpet. The longer the load is in place, the longer it takes for the pile, backing and underlay to recover. Use of cups below furniture legs will spread the load resulting in shallower indentation.

Flattening – traffic in main areas of use eventually flattens the pile. The extent of the flattening depends on the amount of traffic.

• Soiling – usually as a result of spillage or poor maintenance programme.
• Spillages – soft drinks, cordials, etc and particular hot drinks are likely to leave a stain. 
• Shampoo – can leave sticky residues in the carpet fibres if applied incorrectly, rapid reappearance of soiling.
• Dust – can result in soiled edges at poorly fitted skirting boards, dark lines on surface from dust drawn through poorly fitting floorboards. 

Abrasion – Pet paws, claws, rubber soled shoes and heels can be abrasive on carpets, particularly where use is constantly concentrated to small areas (i.e. in front of armchairs). Move furniture occasionally to avoid any distortion to the carpet pile.