Useful Flooring Tips
How long should a family carpet last?
It all comes down to the traffic in the space and maintenance, but the majority
of Carpet Mill’s carpets come with a 15-year warranty. These are all heavy-duty carpets (4kg or 32oz, and higher). Their Heavy Duty carpet (3kg or 24oz) comes with a 10-year warranty.
Which carpet pile is best for kids and pets? (Cut pile vs Loop pile)
Loop pile and cut pile generally comes down to personal preference. While Loop pile avoids shading and creates a classic textured feel, and thousands of families do choose this as their carpet choice, there is the risk of the loop getting caught on sharp edges(toys or pet claws). Carpet Mill suggests going for a cut pile carpet that way you completely avoid the risk of potentially snagging a loop pile carpet
Why is solution-dyed nylon the best choice for families?
Because the colour is an inherent part of the fibres(the most common way to describe this is to think of a carrot that’s orange from the inside out), solution-dyed nylon carpets are also highly resistant to staining. Spills bead up on top of the fibre rather than the carpet absorbing the spill into the fibre, which provides more time for clean up.
Nylon fibres are known for their strength and resilience. Solution-dyed nylon maintains these characteristics, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and applications that require longevity. Even lighter-weight (lower budget) carpets have optimal performance and are very popular choices. Combined with the ideal construction of a 2-ply hard twist pile. Carpet Mill constructs the carpet in this way by tightly twisting together two individual yarns.to create a highly durable, dense cut-pile that resists tracking, shading, and wear.
Solution-dyed nylon is highly resistant to fading and discolouration caused by UV rays. The colour is embedded within the fibre itself, making it more durable than surface-dyed options.
Due to its stain- and soil-resistance, solution-dyed nylon is often easier to clean and maintain than other carpets. Regular vacuuming and occasional cleaning are sufficient to keep it looking good.
SDN materials are highly moisture-resistant and non-porous, making it difficult for mould, mildew, and dust mites to thrive. Unlike Natural Fibres, SDN doesn’t shed or become airborne when there is friction i.e rubbing. This isn’t just good for your lungs, but will also make your carpet last longer. Carpet Fibres should remain on the floor stuck on the carpet backing, not vacuumed up.
Not only is it good for your family but also better for the planet than most synthetic carpets and even some natural fibres! Carpet Mill strictly uses only two SDN fibres. A type 6 Solution Dyed Nylon or the ECONYL® Fibre. Both of these fibres have a molecular structure that can be regenerated an infinite number of times, meaning they can be made into carpet or other textiles an infinite number of times. See Econyl Regeneration for more details.
How to keep family carpet looking new.
Due to its stain- and soil-resistance, solution-dyed nylon is often easier to clean and maintain than other carpets. Regular vacuuming and occasional cleaning are sufficient to keep it looking good, but a few good habits will help it go the distance
Vacuum regularly, aim for at least once a week in low-traffic areas, and two to three times a week in high-traffic zones like hallways, living rooms, and in front of the couch. This lifts out the grit and dust that would otherwise work its way down into the pile and wear the fibres down from the inside.
Deal with spills straight away. Solution-dyed nylon has colour built right through the fibre rather than just on the surface, so it won't easily stain or fade the way older carpet types can. Blot (don't rub) spills with a clean cloth, working from the outside in so you're not spreading the mark further.
Give it a deeper clean every 12-18 months. Even with regular vacuuming, a professional hot water extraction clean (or a good DIY steam clean) will lift out the finer soil that builds up over time and refresh the pile.
Use doormats and take shoes off at the door. A simple habit, but most of the dirt that damages carpet over time is tracked in from outside. A good mat at each entry can catch a huge amount of it before it ever reaches the carpet.
Rotate furniture occasionally. Moving heavier pieces every so often stops permanent indentations and gives the pile a chance to spring back evenly across the room.
The Importance of Underlay.
Choosing good underlay will make a huge difference to the feel of your new carpet. The overall thickness of the underlay does not indicate quality. Anything between 10mm and 12mm is recommended for luxury and comfort. Not too thin and not too thick. But most critically, it’s the weight or density of the underlay that indicates its quality. 90kg is a good average grade, and 110-120kg (more foam than air) is a good-quality underlay. 130 kg is alright, but you don’t want to go too firm, or you'll lose the soft, luxurious feel that the underlay is designed for in the first place.
Carpet Mill recommends these products based on real experience.
We’re in the business of selling carpet that will leave customers feeling satisfied with their flooring for years to come.
Every year, we help thousands of Kiwi families choose carpet that suits their lifestyle. While every home is different, solution-dyed nylon continues to be one of our most recommended options because it consistently performs well in busy households with children and pets.
Here are some real-life examples of this from The Green Family and
Lorna Sandback
