3 Easy Ways to Care for Carpets this Winter

It?s that time of year again. The Christmas ornaments are back in the attic, the New Year?s Resolutions have already been forgotten, and even in Wilmington, NC the temperatures are plunging. You?ve probably noticed, especially on those mornings when you have to convince yourself to get out from under your warm blankets, already dreading the cold air waiting for you.

If, on the other hand, you?re lucky enough to have carpet floors, your mornings are much more pleasant. When you get out of bed and take those first steps, your feet are cradled by plush carpet, easing you into the day with comfort and warmth.

Because carpets take such great care of you during these long, dark, cold months, it?s only right to return the favor. Here are three ways to care for carpets in the winter, and reward them for a job well done.

1. Vacuum more, clean less! Sure, vacuuming is an easy way to pick up dust and dirt, but did you know it also keeps you healthy? Running your vacuum two or three times a week, especially in highly trafficked areas, will pick up dry soil, allergens, and dust. This is even more important in the winter, since the windows are often shut tight and ceiling fans are turned off. Think of vacuuming less as a chore, and more as an easy way to extract pollutants from your carpet and quickly enhance the quality of your environment. Plus who doesn?t love the look of fresh vacuum lines in their carpet?

2. Be strategic! The easiest way to keep your carpet clean is to minimize the amount of dirt and contaminants that make their way into your home. More than 80% of the soil and moisture in your carpet is tracked in from the outside, so make sure you have a sturdy welcome mat in front of your door. When you do get around to cleaning, begin with the lower floors first, to keep dirt, dander, and allergens from traveling upstairs. Finally, spot clean as needed. This will keep your carpet pristine, prevent stains from settling in, and maintain freshness between deep cleanings.

3. Speaking of deep cleanings: now is the time! Many people think summer is the best time to have their carpets cleaned, assuming that warm weather will help their carpet dry faster. In reality, the opposite is true?at least here in coastal North Carolina. Our summers are notoriously damp and humid, which means a freshly cleaned carpet will take twice as long to dry, putting your floors at risk for mildew and mold. Clean them in the winter instead, when the air is dry and the heater is on.

Flokati Rugs: Funky Fluke or Fabulous Find?

If you ever caught an episode of the 1980s game show Press Your Luck, you may remember one of the common prizes: flokati rugs. These Greek rugs began to earn a following in the ?60s and ?70s but, unlike some other styles of the era, they remain popular in magazines and households today. In fact, many contemporary designers would still consider these rugs a prize.

Known for a shaggy texture that resembles sheepskin, flokati rugs are actually made from handwoven wool. Traditionally, Greek rug-makers carry the flokatis to mountain waterfalls where they?re soaked for hours in cool water, a process which fluffs up the shag fibers. This method of rug-making is unique to flokati rugs, making them both functional and the result of distinct craftsmanship.

• Due to the soaking process that fluffs the fibers, flokati rugs are extra soft, making them a popular choice in bedrooms and spaces where plush flooring is appreciated. However, these rugs aren?t just luxurious?they?re tough, too. They keep their texture, shape, and sheen throughout the years and, because they?re made from wool, they?re also naturally static and flame resistant.
• Be aware that some manufacturers cut their costs by using artificial materials such as polyurethane. This not only makes the flokati rugs non-organic but it could also mean they?re a fire hazard too. True flokati rugs are 100% wool, from the distinctive shag to the backing.
• Flokati rugs are traditionally off-white but can be dyed, so you don?t need to worry about limiting your dcor palate. Similarly, you can find flokati rugs in the standard circular and rectangular sizes or free-form sizes.
  
• One of the things that designers love about flokati rugs is that they merge with many different styles. They can add a funky element to traditional homes or break up the precise lines of modern spaces.
• Cleaning flokati rugs is relatively straight-forward. They should be shaken outdoors regularly to avoid dust buildup. Mild wool soaps can be used but high water temperatures, chlorine bleach, and dry cleaning should be avoided. Small flokati rugs can be put in the washing machine on the Gentle cycle and be air-dried afterward, but keep in mind that direct sunlight can alter the color of the rug.
• If your flokati rug ever needs a quick pick-me-up, you can use a plastic or wooden garden rake to gently comb the wool.
• Flokati rugs are measured by the weight of wool per square meter. Thus, the heavier the flokati rug, the thicker and fluffier the shag.
• Flokatis have staying power. For centuries, they?ve been cherished as family heirlooms, included in inheritances and dowries, and used as bed covers and wall-hangings in addition to rugs.

What?s the Best Time of Year to Replace Flooring?

Customers often ask us: ?What?s the best time of year to replace flooring?? The best answer is: ?Whenever you want to!?, but there are a few considerations that can prove helpful:

Humidity: Hardwood flooring will imbue warmth, elegance, and beauty into any home. But you?ll want to be strategic about when you replace your floors, as weather is a huge factor in successful installation. Keep in mind that hardwood suffers when conditions are too humid?like any other organic or natural product, wood is highly porous; i.e. it absorbs moisture easily. This means that if you install hardwood flooring during the humid months, your floors may become vulnerable to distortion ,and swell. Swollen wood is more likely to pull apart.

Conversely, dry conditions can cause wood to dehydrate and shrink, crack, or pull apart. This damage is known as the cupping effect. If you must install hardwood floors during the winter, make sure your home is humidified. Installing in summer? Turn on a dehumifier and/or the A.C.!

Ventilation: It?s helpful to install during a time of year when you can leave your doors open to the outdoors. You and/or your hired professionals will be carrying a lot of old flooring out, and a lot of new flooring in. Plus, ventilation and fresh air are crucial when it comes to cutting fumes and odors. During the installation process, floor adhesive, adhesive removers, stains, and sealers could emit noxious fumes and odors.

Many experts point to spring and fall as the best times to install new flooring. If you live in a particularly humid climate (such as Wilmington, NC; Wrightsville Beach, NC; or Leland, NC, for instance), you might want to play it safe and plan for an spring or autumn installation.

The Best Carpets For Rental Properties

Get a Feel for Fiber: When choosing the best carpets for rental properties, first consider the carpet?s fiber. Nylon is often considered to be optimal for rental properties, due to its durability. Continuous Filament Nylon, sometimes labeled as BCF or Bulked Continuous Filament nylon, eliminates the short, shedding fibers that can be an issue with some carpet fibers. If cost is a key factor, consider Solution Dyed Polyester carpet. These carpets are incredibly colorfast, and can even be cleaned with bleach in case of spills or stains. Original Polyester carpet is also a great choice for those looking for a completely green option, as many of these carpets are crafted from recycled plastic materials.

Padding Is Paramount: Carpet padding provides a necessary under layer, protecting and giving a foundation to your floor covering. Neglecting to install quality carpet padding can lead to carpet that deteriorates rapidly and requires frequent replacement. Never use plain foam padding ? quality carpet padding is crafted from Rebond, a type of composite foam industrially recycled from automobile and furniture padding. Rebond is available in a variety of densities and thicknesses, and each carpet manufacturer typically includes a recommendation. However, it is also a smart idea to consider your tenants when purchasing padding. For example, tenants with pets will be more likely to require replacement padding, but if you do not allow renters with pets in your unit, you?re probably better off springing for the more expensive, longer-lasting carpet padding.

A Bonus Tip for Landlords: Take photographs of your flooring post-installation, but prior to your tenants? move-in date, for a visual record of how your floors should look. This will save you headaches when it comes to tenant claims down the line.