For several decades now, scientists and health officials have been concerned about the impact of wall-to-wall carpeting on the environment. This 1995 Building Green article sheds light on the deterioration of indoor air quality due to fumes and toxins released by chemicals in carpeting materials.
Since then, though the majority of carpeting is still not environmentally sophisticated, many technological advancements were made so that those who enjoy a plush floor surface as well as a greener footprint no longer have to compromise. If you’re concerned about mother nature’s good green earth as well as a comfortable, warm surface to walk upon at home, you have likely chosen a green carpet option like the one’s described at GreenAmerica.org. This is a step in the right direction as far as the environment and your health is concerned, but how do you maintain your less synthetic carpeting? The following are 3 tips on what to do when your carpet starts to show inevitable signs of wear.
Dealing With Stains and Burns
Rest assured, you are not the only one who has ever spilled something on your brand-new carpet. You’re also not alone if you’ve sheepishly burned a hole in the otherwise-perfect pile of woven fiber. Caring for recyclable carpets made of natural fibers is slightly tricky when such mishaps occur, however, because the chemical cleaners and repair procedures so prevalent today are more appropriate for use on synthetic fibers.
Bleach, for instance, cannot be used on a woolen carpet because the chemicals will cause the protein fiber to deteriorate, according to this ICS Mag segment on care and maintenance of wool carpets. Moreover, stains tend to set in deeper and much quicker into a natural fiber like wool, so the urge to treat it with aggressive stain removers is often strong.
You can do your eco-friendly carpet – as well as your wallet – a favor by treating yourself to a crash course on carpet and rug fiber chemistry. This will provide you with more concrete ideas on what cleaning procedures your particular carpet can withstand.
Fixing Frays and Patches
Though recycled or natural fibers used for carpeting are usually very durable, they are still susceptible to frays or rips. Unlike with synthetic carpeting, tears that occur in eco-friendly carpets tend to expand more quickly. This creates an urgent need for professional carpet repair.
In an effort to prevent frequent emergency repairs, you can further maintain your carpet by having it professionally stretched. A carpet needs stretching when small creases, wrinkles or bulges form in the pile. Though the creases themselves are only mildly disruptive, they can turn into tears if snagged by a foot or claw. The more taught the carpet, the more durable it is. Wool has the capacity to stretch exceptionally well, so if you own a woolen carpet, you may want to prepare for periodic restretching.
Recycling and Replacing
Eco-friendly carpets do not last forever. Like any other floor surface, your carpet’s functionality will likely run its course in a decade or two. When the time to replace it comes, what will you do with the worn-out flooring? Dumping it in a landfill might cross your mind, but try to refrain from taking that route. Entertain the idea of recycling your carpet instead. According to the Mother Nature Network, even carpets made of synthetic fibers are valuable as recycled products. You can find out how to recycle your carpet by visiting carpetrecovery.org.
Installing eco-friendly carpeting in your home is not only good for the environment but your health as well. If you stick to the above tips on caring for your more organic carpet, you will be rewarded with a beautiful, sustainable floor surface as well.
Photo Source: courtesy of Stuart Miles / Free Digital Photos
