Carpet cleaning technicians and carpet cleaning professionals are often asked to advise their clients on the selection of new carpets. Because carpeting is a long-term investment, and often a costly one, selecting the right carpet is a crucial decision. To assist, Doug Berjer, manager for CFR, Continuous Flow Recycling extractors and Tornado Industries, offers the following suggestions that technicians and cleaning professionals can use to make the entire process a bit easier:
 
Colors and patterns: Unfortunately, this is often a subjective decision but selecting the right colors and patterns is a very serious consideration; in a heavily trafficked area or where there is plenty of light, a multicolored carpet will help hide inevitable stains and soils.
 
Backings: Some carpet manufacturers offer an extended, even lifetime performance warranty with their carpet backings; especially if the carpet is installed in a busy walkway, having this warranty can prove worthy.
 
Padding: Some carpets are now installed with no pad. Traditional roll carpeting should always be installed over a pad, approximately 1/4- to 1/2 - inch thick and designed to help support the carpet; thicker in areas that receive considerable foot traffic.
 
Installers: Often overlooked in the carpet selection process, purchasers should always question who will actually be installing the carpet: Are they experienced? Are they certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute? Improper carpet installation is the number one problem with new carpets.
 
Fewer VOCs: Low-gassing carpets release fewer volatile organic compounds into the air, an attractive feature that is beneficial to the environment and facility users
 
"It is often a good idea not to vacuum carpets right after installation," adds Berjer. "Give any adhesives used in the installation as well as carpet seams a little time to dry and harden before the first vacuuming."