Matted carpet in high traffic areas, Carpets have played a paramount role in the aesthetics of every home since immemorial time. The correct carpet contributes to the overall ambiance and tone of your space. Over time, carpets can begin to look messy and dirty, thus destroying the entire place’s appearance.
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Why Matting on your Carpet?
Matting occurs because of different reasons leaving the carpet hard instead of being fluffy as it should be. It looks old and worn out. Below are the factors that cause the matting.
Constant foot traffic
In a high traffic area, it is obvious that many people are passing through the carpet, thus, altering the carpet. High levels of foot activity leave unsightly marks on the carpet, although dust causes erosion.
Heavy furniture
When furniture is left in one place for a long time, the compact carpet beneath it causes matting. The pressure from the heavy furniture like recliners leaves a deep indentation on the carpet.
Dirt and Debris
There is a lot of dirt and debris that regularly gets carried onto the carpet. The collective residue into the carpet triggers its fibers to lock together or weigh them down, leading to matting.
Material
The material your carpet is made of is another primary factor in matting. Polyester carpets are more predisposed to matting than wool carpets, especially when in high traffic.
How to Fix Matted Carpet in High Traffic Areas
Of course, replacing the matted carpet can be costly, especially in high-traffic areas. What are some things you can do then to revive its fluffiness? You can ease your worries for the next section offering you solutions on how you can fix the matted carpet for a new look.
Vacuuming
The matted areas are easily noticed as they seem dirtier than other areas. Regular cleaning of the matted carpet is one of the best ways you can revive its fluffiness.
Heavy-duty vacuum cleaners give the best results due to their strong impact on the matted areas causing a fast restoration through any vacuum that can work.
In high traffic areas vacuuming every week is recommendable. Though this will help loosen the mat slightly, it will eliminate any ingrained dirt, loose dirt, debris, mud, and dust contributing to fiber locking.
Carpet Rake
This method is an effective method after vacuuming to detangle the compressed fibers. A carpet rake aids in reviving the matted carpet while keeping the pile new and fresh. Its loosens the fibers making them more flexible to stand up straight.
It brings the ingrained surface dirt, debris, pet hair, mud, human hair, etc., to the surface for easy cleaning. It is perfect because it picks even the tiny dust that the vacuum won’t capture.
A carpet rake loosens up the embedded dirt on heavily soiled areas on your carpet.
A carpet rake is easy to use, for you are required to push it back and forth on the matted area of the carpet until the fibers stand upright, and it is affordable.
It is important to note that combining this with the vacuum cleaning method for the best results. Rake your carpet before vacuuming to loosen debris and the fibers for better vacuuming results. Then you can also rake the carpet after vacuuming to give it a brand new look and touch.
Moisture Application
Apply just enough moisture, and gently yet firmly scrub using a brush to straighten the fibers.
Spray using lukewarm to wet the area if the matted area is big. Direct water pouring can penetrate the carpet, damaging the floor beneath or causing the carpet to rot.
Next, run through the carpet fibers using a nylon brush till they are straight.
Deep indentations caused by the heavy furniture feet can receive a fresh new look by placing a block of ice on it. Once it melts, straighten the fibers by combing the matted area with a nylon brush.
Keep rotating the position of the heavy furniture to prevent matting of the carpet though cumbersome. The good news is that all these are to be avoided by putting the felt furniture pads, which will keep them in position while protecting your carpet from wear and tear.
Use Clothes Iron/Pressing iron
The use of iron clothes is one of the most effective for fixing matted carpets since immemorial. With the method, be rest assured of a fresh new look. Follow these steps for that perfect look:
- Wet a white, lint-free piece of cloth and remove the excess water by wringing.
- Secondly, set the clothes iron to medium-hot
- Thirdly, spread the wet cloth on the matted area.
- Fourthly, iron the cloth to soften and loosen up the fibers, thus eliminating the matted appearance due to the heat and moisture.
- If some fibers still look matted, use a nylon brush to fluff them up.
For a larger area, use a large white lint-free cloth.
Vinegar and Baking Application
The method calls for a combo-move and does a bit of home remedy to achieve the best results. Follow the three quick steps below:
- Apply baking powder across the matted area, gently crushing the rug area with the powder for thorough fluffing.
- Wait for a day, and then vacuum the entire area.
- After vacuuming, mix equal portions of water and vinegar, then spray the matted areas to bring the crushed fibers back to life gradually.
Using a matted carpet can be frustrating. Not only does it put you off by its appearance, but it feels tough underfoot. Fortunately, there is no need to throw it away, for there are various ways to fix that matted carpet in high traffic areas for a brand fluffy look.
Incorporate professional cleaning for a long-lasting carpet result and keep it in the best condition possible.
The process may seem a hassle at first but with long-lasting effects. Get your carpet in that beautiful condition with the solutions above. You cannot undermine the value of a well-maintained carpet as it will always turn heads and get you compliments. Ensure your carpet is kept rejuvenated with the guidelines shared in the article.
