How do I identify my carpet?

There are three ways to identify carpet fibers:

1. Visual Identification- least accurate.
2. Burn Testing- more accurate than visual and most commonly used.
3. Chemical Testing- most accurate, but not practical.

What material is Berber carpet made out of?

Today, there are numerous types of modern Berber carpet made from a wide variety of materials, Nylon, Olefin fibre and wool are the most frequently used materials. Tunisian Berber carpets and rugs, usually called “Mergoum”, which still preserve techniques inherited from ancestral weaving methods.

Does Berber carpet come in nylon?

Nylon – Berber carpets made with nylon fibers are the most readily available type of Berber and offer a good balance between affordability, durability and versatility. Retailing at around $3-$4 per square foot, triexta is just as good (possibly better) than nylon and a good choice for families.

How do I know if my carpet is olefin?

Olefin will emit a tar-like smell similar to asphalt and leave behind a hard, round, brown or light tan bead. If still unclear, a chemical test can distinguish between olefin and nylon. Formic acid will dissolve a nylon fiber. An olefin fiber will float on water.

What is olefin carpet?

What is Olefin Carpet? Olefin is a synthetic (manufactured) material. It’s also known as polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic used to make a wide range of household products, medical devices and more. Because it’s derived from plastic, olefin carpet is best installed in places with the potential for water damage.

Can Berber carpet be shampooed?

From time to time, it may be necessary to shampoo your carpets. Fortunately, your berber carpet can be cleaned periodically with a steam cleaner, but it does retain water more than some other types of carpet fiber, and the tight loops of berber can become damaged if the carpet is not cleaned with proper care.

Can you use Rug Doctor on Berber carpet?

You can clean Berber carpet with Rug Doctor; however care must be taken not to over wet it. Berber carpeting’s tight, looped weave tends to hold much more moisture than cut pile carpets. It’s a good idea to go over Berber a second time without pressing the spray button to give it an extra vacuuming only pass.

Is berber carpet outdated?

While still produced, the Berber carpet that was such a hot item in the 1990s is indeed outdated. Berber has, instead, become a synonym for any looped-weave carpet. And the new Berber styles are anything but behind the times.

How do you identify carpet fibers?

If the strand arches away from the fire, it is synthetic (likely nylon, polyester, or olefin). If it does not move away from the flame, it is a natural fiber (likely wool). If after burning you are still unclear whether the fiber is synthetic or natural, attempt to crush the fiber between your fingers.

Is Berber carpet made of wool?

Carpet fiber: The highest-quality (and priciest) Berber carpets are made from wool and nylon. Berber carpets can also be made from less-expensive olefin (polypropylene), polyester or a mix of fiber blends.

What is Berber carpet without flecks?

In other words, it’s not uncommon to find solid-colored nylon looped carpet without flecks called “Berber” or see light-colored olefin carpet with flecks also referred to Berber. Regardless of the color, this material is distinct, whether it’s patterned loop Berber or Cut and Loop Berber.

How much does Berber carpet cost per square foot?

Berber carpet made of olefin costs as little as $5 to $6 per square foot, installed. That’s a bargain when you consider that hardwood flooring averages around $8 to $22 per square foot, installed. Stain resistant: Most Berber carpet has a tight weave that helps it resist stains.

How much does olefin carpet cost per square foot?

Inexpensive: Olefin carpet averages about $1.50 per square foot. That compares favorably to nylon, the most popular carpet material that averages between $3.25 and $7.50 per square foot. Water, mold and mildew resistant: Olefin carpet wicks away moisture, making it a great choice for basements, patios and anywhere else that could get damp.

Do cats and dogs get along with Berber carpet?

Carpet and pets don’t always get along, but sometimes it’s a match made in heaven. With Berber, it’s a bit of a mixed bag considering its looped style and the types of animals most homeowners let roam around their homes – cats and dogs. Claws can be an issue with other types of flooring, and it can be a problem with Berber if you have unruly pets.