Cleaning Berber Carpets

Using Berber carpets in your home is a fantastic way to decorate your rooms. It not only softens the atmosphere, but it also exudes a warm glow and a warm feeling, especially on your feet.

To keep your Berber carpet looking good for years to come, it is recommended that you clean it regularly with the right tools and proper techniques. In the aspect of cleaning Berber carpets, many owners experience anxiety as they think that Berber carpets are difficult to clean. It may be so if you don’t vacuum it regularly; remember that Berber carpets are very thick so that dirt cannot reach the bottom layer of the carpet easily. If you let the dirt stand on your Berber for a long time unattended, it will then penetrate the deeper layers of your carpet. Of course, the deeper the dirt, the harder it is to clean.

Berber Carpet Fibers

The first thing that you may want to know about your Berber carpet is the type of carpet fiber it was made with. One secret to cleaning Berber is that the different fibers made to create it require different cleaning techniques. Traditional Berber is made up of wool, that although is very beautiful and long lasting, is very difficult to clean as dirt and grime gets embedded into the delicate weave. Today, most commercial Berber carpets are made up of two popular materials: nylon and olefin.

Nylon Berber

Nylon fiber, a high-end choice for Berber carpeting, is abrasion resistant and maintains a glossy appearance. It is a bit dense and can be difficult to vacuum or shampoo without professional help.

Olefin Berber

Olefin is made from a polypropylene material that is usually less expensive than nylon fiber. It is easy to clean, shampoo, and wash, as it is less densely packed. Olefin has a stain-resistant property as well as a quick-drying characteristic. In general, it is a smart inexpensive way of decorating with Berber although it is not recommended for use in areas of high traffic as it tends to wear out more quickly than wool or nylon.

Berber Cleaning Tips

• Vacuum your Berber often before the dirt gets embedded into the bottom layer of the carpet. Do this preferably 3-4 times a week.
• Use the ‘suction only’ mechanism of your vacuum. Never vacuum with a brush and beater bar as the vigorous brushing can cause unraveling and fuzzing of your Berber carpet.
• Vacuum your Berber first immediately before you deep clean it.
• If you really need to wash your Berber, do not over-wet it. It tends to absorb more moisture and water because of its characteristic weave and construction.
• The best way to clean your wool Berber is to have it dry-cleaned. Water, liquid, and other detergents can damage the wool fibers of your Berber. There are dry cleaning kits available for you to use for your carpet. Just be sure that the cleansing materials or chemicals in the kit are safe for your Berber.
• Nylon and olefin can be cleaned with steam or liquid cleaners. The disadvantage of liquid cleaners is that if you use it, your Berber will not dry quickly because a lot of water tends to get absorbed into it. Steam cleaners can do the same job of cleaning as your liquid cleaners without a long drying time.
• If your Berber gets spilled or stained, immediately blot it with an absorbent cloth until the carpet is dry. Never scrub while blotting as it can only worsen the stain on your carpet.
• Use an appropriate cleaning solution and a soft, absorbent cloth to clean stubborn spots. Remember that gentle rubbing is the better choice over scrubbing.
• Have a professional clean your Berber carpet occasionally. Like you, these delicate carpets need some ‘pampering’ too once in a while. Professionals can apply ‘anti-stain’ formulas to your Berber carpets.

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