Types of carpet - tufted or woven?

There are two types of carpet available in the UK, Tufted carpet and Woven carpet.  There are then a number of types of pile that distinguish the finish of the rug (see blog on Types of Carpet Pile here)

Tufted Carpet:

This type of carpet is mass machine-made for a value carpet product, often created using a man-made fiber such as nylon or polypropylene.  The carpet making making machine threads carpet fibers through a backing where the thread is caught on a loop before the needle descends.  The top loops of fibers are either left to create a Loop Pile (also known as a Berber Pile) or cut down to create an even leveled pile called a Cut Pile.  The reverse of the carpet is glued to hold the fibers in place, and a secondary layer of backing is attached to cover this.

Foam Backed carpets are produced to eliminate the need to put down underlay first, this makes laying carpet much easier for DIY home improvements.  A layer of foam is either attached as well as or instead of the secondary backing fabric.

Woven Carpet:

Woven carpet is a high quality product that it is produced in large part from wool or a predominantly wool blend.  The carpets are produced in a similar way to the traditional carpet producing method using a loom.  The carpet fibers are woven into the backing, this creates a strong durable product that doesn't require gluing or secondary backing.  Woven carpet is said to last up to 3 times longer than tufted carpet due to the strength of it's construction.

There are two types of woven carpet:

Axminster

The Axminster carpet is a woven carpet produced of high quality wool, they are known for their detailed designs and large array of colours.  Because they use the durable woven method to produce their carpets they are able to use finer yarns, and create finer details to their designs.  They can use up to 12 colours in a carpet making them a very desirable statement floor choice often found in hotels.  The desired yarn colour is woven into the weft and cut to the desired pile as the carpet is constructed.

Wilton

Wilton are also recognised for being high quality woven carpets, however they are created in a different way to the Axminster.  They have a more limited colour range because the carpet is woven with a continuous strand of yarn all the way through, allowing them only 5 colours per carpet.  This production method creates an extremely hard wearing carpet that is favored by many contractors.

If you need your carpets cleaned contact us at Art of Clean.  We are proud to be WoolSafe and IICRC trained and registered.  

For more information about our services please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

Art of Clean are specialists in: 

Carpet Cleaning,
Rug Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning 

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Hardwood Floor Cleaning, 

Stone floor Cleaning,

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information about our services please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

'Bait & Switch' technique of dodgy carpet cleaner caught on camera by Rogue Traders

As with alIf it seems to good to be true..then it is! 'Bait & Switch' technique of dodgy carpet cleaner caught on camera by Rogue Tradersl industries there are some dodgy geezers out there that will try to scam the customer.  Unfortunately carpet cleaning is no different, and the best way to protect yourself is remember - "If it seems too good to be true.... then it probably is!"

In this video the Rogue Traders set up a "Client" to receive the unbelievable deal of having 2 rooms cleaned for £8.99!

How does Bate & Switch work?

The Bate - it's the unbelievable offer that lures you in, in this case it's the deal of £8.99 for two rooms to have their carpets cleaned.  The customer jumps at the offer and books in the technicain.

The Switch - the carpet cleaner arrives and tries their hardest to get you to switch from the original Bate offer to a more expensive offer by offering a list of reasons why you need or want to have the new offer.

Think you wouldn't fall for it? Well many people do! These people can be very convincing and come up with very sound reasons as to the advantages of making the Switch.

The Bait & Switch scam has been made an illegal code of practice since 2008

How do you know who to trust?

Most industries have associations that technicians will register and train with.  The associations regulate their members and ensure they are working to a high technical and ethical standard.

To find a trained and certified carpet cleaner in your area simply visit the NCCA (National Cleaners Association) website http://www.ncca.co.uk , or the IICRC (Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Association) on http://www.iicrc.org/ .

Art of Clean are specialists in: 

Carpet Cleaning,
Rug Cleaning,

Hardwood Floor Cleaning, 

Stone floor Cleaning,  

Upholstery Cleaning

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.  We are proud members of both the NCCA and IICRC

For more information about our services please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

Perfect work for a winters day

Some days the job can be great....where better to spend a cold winters day than in front of a beautiful roaring fire!  Whilst doing your work of course!

Art of Clean are specialists in: 

Rug Cleaning,

Hardwood Floor Cleaning, 

Stone floor Cleaning,  

Carpet Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information about our services please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

When vacuum cleaners were the new technology....

It's hard to imagine life without a vacuum cleaner!

 Thanks for posting this great image on the NCCA site Keith Robertson

Art of Clean are specialists in: 

Rug Cleaning,

Hardwood Floor Cleaning, 

Stone floor Cleaning,  

Carpet Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information about our services please contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

 

Anthea Turner asks if the old wife's tale is true: "If you get your carpet cleaned it's never the same again"

Do I need to get my carpet cleaned again after it has been cleaned?

If you would like assistance with your carpet clean contact Art of Clean, a highly trained IICRC member. Call our friendly team on 01223 863632 or visit www.artofclean.co.uk.

We are a professional cleaning company who specialise in Carpet Cleaning, Rug Cleaning, Hardwood Floor Cleaning, Stone floor Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning and Leather Furniture Cleaning for domestic an commercial clients through out Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

We are proud to be trained and accredited by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)

But why should you care? Well, here it is from the horses mouth....

Cleaning Carpet Can Be a Dirty Business” “Not All Scum Is In the Carpet” “Don’t Let them Pull The Rug Out From Under You” “Clean Your Carpets Without Cleaning Out Your Wallet” “Don’t Get Taken To The Cleaners.”  These clever phrases have appeared recently in newspaper articles and televised news programs across the nation warning consumers about carpet cleaning scam operations. The media has related horror stories of trusting consumers who have responded to low-price carpet cleaning specials only to become victims of unethical cleaners who refuse to honor the advertised price, intimidate the consumers and do poor quality work.

Bait-and-switch operators are prevalent in many industries, and the carpet cleaning industry is no exception. This does not mean that all carpet cleaners are rip-off artists. How do you know who is and who is not? The professional carpet cleaning industry has cited these scam activities as a major industry concern and is taking action to help eliminate unprofessional workmanship and unethical tactics. One of the leaders in this campaign is the IICRC, an international, non-profit organization that certifies cleaners who meet prescribed levels of technical proficiency and pledge to operate by a Code of Ethics.

To help educate consumers so they will not become victims of fraudulent practices within the cleaning industry, the IICRC has released a list of guidelines to consider when selecting a carpet cleaner.

    Price – If an advertised price sounds too good to be true – it is! Often carpet cleaners advertise a low price just to get their foot in the door. Use common sense; a low price usually equates to low quality for any product or service. Legitimate business people have expenses they must cover, including license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, and benefits, and quality tools of the trade. A professional carpet cleaner who must cover all of these business expenses and make a profit to stay in the business cannot afford to drive to your house for $5.95, much less clean a room of carpet when there.

    Quality – Never should the price of cleaning services be the sole criterion for selecting a carpet cleaner. A price that sounds high may not be a signal of a rip-off. In all professions, quality work deserves a quality price.

    Truth in Advertising – Read the fine print in advertised specials to find out exactly what the price includes, and request a firm price in writing before the work begins.

    Training – Professional cleaning firms require management and employees to engage in formal training in a variety of cleaning disciplines, and these educational efforts will be ongoing.  Consumers should ask about the formal training background of technicians who will be cleaning their carpet.

    Certification – Professional firms require technicians who have certification from organizations like the IICRC or through comparable franchise or independent training and testing organizations.

    Experience – The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, contribute significantly to the experience and proficiency of its employees.

    Knowledgeable – Professional firms employ and train technicians who have the ability to answer basic questions regarding carpet performance and maintenance, as well as spotting and cleaning.

    References – Consumers should ask for references from previous customers, and they should consult friends and business acquaintances about the reputation of the cleaning firm they are considering. Do not hesitate to call the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.

    Trade Associations – Professional cleaning firms are members of regional or national trade associations or other organizations that promote high ethical standards and continuing education. Look for trade association logos in advertising.

    Credibility – Community involvement through the Chamber of Commerce and/or professional business, charitable or similar organizations will be undertaken by concerned, caring professionals. Look for logos indicating involvement in these organizations.

    Method – Ask the cleaner which method of cleaning will be used and the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to other methods.

    Proof – Never hesitate to ask for proof. Ask to see the cleaner’s certification card, business license and insurance certificate.

    No Pressure – Technicians must be courteous and willing to take the time to thoroughly explain the cleaning and to answer all questions. The consumer should never feel pressured.

There is no single criterion for selecting a carpet cleaning service. Several combined factors must be considered in the selection decision.

Sourced from: http://www.iicrc.org/consumers/care/carpet-cleaning/

We are a professional cleaning company who specialise in Carpet, Rug, Hardwood floor, Stone floor, Upholstery and Leather cleaning for domestic an commercial clients.

 For more information about our services contact the team on 01223 863632 or at www.artofclean.co.uk to find out more.