Do you want to clean your carpet at home or do you prefer to take it to a carpet cleaner service? Either way, knowing how to read the tag on your carpet can help you take better care of your rug. Moreover, reading a carpet label like a pro also helps you make wiser purchase decisions based on size, type of fibers, and care instructions. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about carpet labels!
Where are tags found on a carpet?
The first place where a smart consumer looks when choosing a carpet is on its back, where the label is located. Even if the store selling the carpet also has a commercial label displayed next to the carpet, we recommend that you look for additional information. By checking the label on the back of the rug you will find out important facts such as fiber, density, weight, certifications, and pattern.
What information does a carpet label include?
Carpet labels conveniently include all kinds of useful information. However, in order to make the most of the carpet tag and choose the right carpet cleaning solution, you need to get familiar with carpet jargon:
- Density and twist - These specifications are very strong indicators of carpet durability. Density refers to how close together strands of fiber are and is expressed in fibers per square inch. A denser carpet will withstand impact better and stay in good condition for longer. Dense carpets are easier to clean because dirt particles don’t sink in very deep and are removed with less effort. Twist is the number of times a strand of fiber is twisted per inch. A twist level of 4 or more shows that the carpet is more resilient and less likely to unravel. In order to choose a durable carpet, at least one of the two indicators (density and twist) needs to be high.
- Fiber type - When it comes to the material the carpet is made of, there is a wide range of available options. The most popular fiber types are nylon, polyester, wool, olefin, and acrylic. Nylon is preferred by a majority of consumers due to its moderate price, satisfactory stain resistance, and easy cleaning.
- R-value - One of the benefits of using carpets is making rooms warmer. Carpets not only make the interior look more inviting but help with insulation, too. The thermal resistance of a carpet is called R-value and can sometimes be mentioned on the carpet label.
- Care and cleaning - Most carpet labels recommend using a solution of carpet shampoo and water or professional carpet cleaning. Regular vacuuming is often mentioned as a way to keep carpets clean and attractive and reduce costs with carpet cleaner NYC services.
- Country of origin - Labels need to disclose the country where the rug was processed. So, a carpet made in the U.S.A. must authentically come from the U.S.A. This requirement is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
- Carpet cleaning codes - Carpets and upholstery have a series of standard cleaning codes that indicate the correct cleaning method: W, S, WS, X, and D.
What types of cleaning can be used with each cleaning code?
Each of the five cleaning codes indicates the correct cleaning technique. You need to follow these indications in order to keep your carpet in good shape and avoid deteriorating it:
· W - wet cleaning. This type of carpet requires spot clean with water only, preferably distilled water. It is also possible to steam clean a rug or use hot water extraction at a rug cleaner in NYC;
· S – solvent cleaning. Avoid water as it could damage the fabric and use a solvent-based cleaning product instead.;
· W and S – wet and solvent. You can use either water or solvent, depending on the type of stain you want to remove;
· X – vacuum only. The best is to avoid carpets with the X code as you can only safely vacuum them, leaving you with few options in case of a serious stain;
· D – dry cleaning only. A carpet labeled with the D code can only be cleaned professionally, at a rug cleaner in NYC, for instance.
What happens when there is no tag?
Have you looked everywhere and there is no tag on the carpet, indicating the type of fiber and the cleaning code?
One solution is to go online to the store where you purchased the rug and read the cleaning instructions. A reputable online store should display product information and cleaning instructions online for every rug they are selling.
If you don’t have access to the seller’s website or the carpet has been purchased offline, you can take it to the best carpet cleaning service in your area and ask for help. A professional cleaner should be able to tell what type of care your carpet needs, whether it’s dry cleaning only or washing with rug shampoo.
Dealing with deeply embedded dirt and stains? Does the carpet label is indicating dry cleaning only or do you prefer to save time and effort and use a carpet cleaning service? Pristine Green Cleaning is here to assist with keeping your home clean and hygienic. We help you enjoy every square inch of your carpets and get rid of harmful bacteria and fungi. Contact us at 347-871-6530! We are open 7 days 9 am – 9 pm!
