5 Carpet Complaints That Can’t Be Rectified with Carpet Cleaning

As experienced professionals in the carpet cleaning industry, we’ve encountered a wide range of cleaning challenges. From everyday spills to more unusual carpet conundrums, we’ve honed our expertise in bringing carpets back to life. However, there are some carpet issues that, unfortunately, even the most skilled professional cleaners can’t fix. This can be frustrating, especially for tenants that are booking carpet cleaning to secure their deposit or homeowners hoping to restore their damaged carpets. That’s why we’ve put together this guide outlining five common carpet complaints that are beyond the scope of professional cleaning and offering preventative measures where possible to empower you in maintaining the fresh look of your carpets.

Check also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Carpet pile reversal is most noticeable in solid color carpets.

1. Carpet Pile Reversal

Pooling, pile reversal, watermarking, and shading all describe the same frustrating phenomenon. Pooling, sometimes called watermarking or shading, is a form of pile reversal that can affect both wool and synthetic carpets. It’s a particularly annoying issue because it can happen to brand-new carpets just as easily as to older ones, and even the most expensive ones aren’t immune. It occurs when the carpet yarns lie in different directions in adjacent areas, creating a visible distortion. One area will appear lighter, while the adjoining area appears darker, depending on the angle you view it. It’s an optical effect caused by how light reflects off the carpet fibres.

As an experiment, we’ve tried using the hottest water temperatures (the industry standard for removing “crush marks”) on these areas, but the pooling persists. And unfortunately, carpet cleaning does not cause this. It’s a characteristic of certain carpet types, most often dense, deep, cut-pile carpets, and particularly noticeable on solid-coloured carpets. While it might appear more prominently after a professional cleaning, this is usually because the removal of general soiling makes the existing issue more visible. It was likely there before but perhaps masked by dirt, furniture placement, or lighting. Notably, most carpet manufacturers do not consider pooling a manufacturing defect and won’t cover it under warranty.

How to Prevent Pooling

If you’re furnishing a new home, consider the flooring choices for different rooms. While carpets are cosy in bedrooms, they might not be the best choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms or dining rooms, where pooling would be more visible. Hardwood or laminate flooring could be a more practical option for these spaces. 

Alternatively, when choosing carpets, consider the pile type. Loop-pile styles are far less susceptible to pooling than cut piles. Loop-pile carpets are durable, resilient, fashionable, and stain-resistant, making them a superior choice for busy households.

Read also: How to Choose Carpets for Your New Home

What Can Be Done to Fix or Hide Pooling?

Sadly, there’s no permanent fix for pooling. While temporary solutions like steaming and grooming the affected area might offer limited and short-lived improvement, they won’t resolve the issue completely. The best way to deal with pooling is to conceal it. Placing rugs over the affected areas is a simple and effective way to hide the visual distortion.

If heavy furniture, like a dresser or bookcase, is placed on your carpet, deep, permanent indentations can form within a few months.

2. Carpet Indentations

Carpet indentations are those annoying marks left behind when furniture stands in the same spot for an extended period. While minor indentations can often be addressed with some simple DIY tricks or professional cleaning, deep, long-standing indentations are a different story. If a heavy piece of furniture has been pressing down on the carpet for years, it’s unlikely that any amount of cleaning will fully restore the pile. We frequently encounter clients, especially tenants moving out, who expect us to erase these deep indentations magically. We always strive to be upfront about what can and cannot be achieved through professional cleaning, to ensure you have realistic expectations.

How to Prevent Carpet Indentations

Prevention is key when it comes to carpet indentations. Regularly moving furniture, even slightly, can help distribute the pressure and prevent deep indentations from forming. Using furniture coasters and cups under the legs of heavy items can also help. Regular vacuuming and brushing of the carpet can also help maintain the pile and reduce the likelihood of indentations becoming permanent.

Check also: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

What Can Be Done to Fix Carpet Indentations?

For recent, less severe indentations, you can try putting ice cubes over the dents and letting them melt. Once the ice has melted, blot up the excess water with a sponge and gently lift the carpet fibres with a spoon or a dull knife. Another method involves using a steam iron. Place a clean cloth over the indentation and apply steam from the iron. However, for older, deeper indentations, these methods, and even professional cleaning, are unlikely to provide a complete solution.

We always advise treating carpet stains with any product before testing them first because doing so can lead to stain bleeding and permanent discolouration, as shown in the photo.

3. Carpet Discolouration: Bleaching and UV Damage

Carpet discolouration can occur due to several factors, including bleaching from harsh cleaning products, accidental spills, or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (UV damage). Unfortunately, discolouration is permanent and cannot be reversed by carpet cleaning. There’s no magic formula or technique that can restore the original colour of the carpet.

How to Prevent Carpet Discolouration

When using any cleaning products, always test them on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet first. This step will help you avoid accidentally bleaching or discolouring the carpet. For area rugs, rotate them periodically to prevent uneven fading from sunlight. Use thick curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight during peak hours for wall-to-wall carpets.

Read also: Successful Stain Removal Is a Matter of Chemistry

What Can Be Done to Fix Carpet Discolouration?

While professional cleaning can sometimes revive dull-looking carpets by removing embedded dirt, it cannot fix discolouration caused by bleaching or UV damage. If the colour loss is significant, the only option might be to replace the affected section of the carpet or, in extreme cases, the entire carpet. 

Another option to consider is re-dyeing the bleached area. However, this is an expensive and specialised service, and there’s no guarantee that the re-dyed colour will perfectly match the surrounding carpet. 

The sudden appearance of bald patches on your carpet is always alarming, and you should immediately call pest control specialists.

4. Moth Infestations

Moth infestations are a serious and persistent problem. These pests lay eggs in carpets and furnishings, and the hatching larvae feed on the carpet fibres, causing significant damage. While some DIY methods, including steam cleaning, are often suggested for moth removal, they are rarely effective on their own. Professional carpet cleaning alone will not eliminate a moth infestation.

How to Prevent Moth Infestations

Regular vacuuming, especially in less frequently accessed areas like under furniture and behind wardrobes, is crucial for preventing moth infestations. Moths thrive in dark, humid environments, so good ventilation is also important. Regularly inspect your carpets and furnishings for signs of moth activity.

Read also: How to Keep Your Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Long 

What Can Be Done to Deal with Moth Infestation?

If you suspect a moth infestation, immediately contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to recommend the most effective treatment for your specific situation. Only after the pest control treatment has been completed and confirmed a success should you consider having your carpets professionally cleaned to remove any remaining debris, dead moths, larvae, eggs, and residue from the pest control products. It’s a two-step process: pest control first, then carpet cleaning.

After a professional carpet cleaning, a long pile like this will look great; however, it will flatten again, especially in high-traffic areas.

5. Flattened Carpet Pile

In recent years, we’ve noticed a trend of people purchasing carpets that mimic the lush feel of more expensive options. These carpets, often with a long pile or certain fibres like Polypropylene or Polypropylene blends, for example, can initially feel incredibly soft and luxurious underfoot. However, over time, the pile can start to flatten, losing its volume and softness. Unfortunately, this is often an inherent characteristic of these types of carpets, and carpet cleaning alone won’t permanently restore the pile’s original loft.

How to Prevent Flattened Carpet Pile

You can’t entirely prevent the pile from flattening over time with certain carpet types. The initial softness is often due to the underlay, not the pile itself. If you prioritise a thick, plush feel, invest in a high-quality underlay, which is sold separately.

Check also: Pros and Cons of Getting a Viscose Rug

What Can Be Done to Fix a Flattened Carpet Pile?

While professional cleaning might temporarily improve the appearance of a flattened carpet pile, the effect is not permanent. The pile will likely flatten again over time. For long-pile carpets prone to flattening, replacing the carpet might be a more cost-effective solution in the long run than repeated professional cleanings. Consider choosing a short, dense, ideally loop-pile carpet for greater durability and less risk of flattening.

Honest Solutions for Your Carpet Care Needs

As you can see, there are some carpet issues that even the most skilled carpet cleaners can’t resolve. However, professional carpet cleaning can address many other problems, such as stains, embedded dirt and dust, and bacteria, restoring the beauty and freshness of your carpets. If you’re looking for experienced carpet cleaners in London who will provide a thorough clean without making false promises, don’t hesitate to contact Cleaner Cleaner Ltd. We’re here to help you keep your carpets looking their best.