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Twist is the number of turns put in the carpet fiber or yarn. Almost all carpets have twisted yarns. As a general rule, the more twist or turns on a fiber, the better performance you can expect. Yarns that are twisted tighter have a different "feel" than those that are less tight.

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A rating system developed by a manufacturer is their own evaluation of products based on their set of standards and "testing" methods. These Rating Systems cannot be compared across manufacturers since most are based on people's opinion and not strict testing methods.

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Using technical specifications of a product can give you a guide, but there are many other factors that can alter the comparison. For example, two carpets made to the same specifications but made with different fibers will perform, look, and feel differently in the same environment.

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No. All carpets, except woven carpets, are made with spaces between the tufts (ends). Remember, except for stairs, carpet is flat on the floor. You can feel the thickness or density of different carpets by sticking your fingers in the pile, but do it on a flat surface. As a general rule, thicker, tighter, denser carpets perform better.

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Both BCF and Staple yarns are used to tuft carpets. BCF stands for "bulked continuous filament" yarn and consists of a given number of continuous strands that have been extruded and pulled together into yarn bundles. Staple refers to a fiber in a natural, unprocessed state that has not yet been turned into yarn. Bales of Staple fibers, each about eight inches long, are shipped to carpet mills where they are processed into spun yarns. Both yarn types will perform extremely well if a carpet is properly constructed with regard to pile height and density, twist and twist stability.

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As a rule, similar products with unbranded yarns can be less expensive but that does not mean you get the same thing. Just like the difference between buying a Mohawk branded carpet and an unbranded carpet, branded fiber brands and treatments such as Invista Stainmaster®, Anso CrushResister®, Solutia WearDated®, and 3M Scotchgard® are manufactured to strict standards set by the company. Using branded fibers can also give you extended warranties backed by the fiber company and the carpet manufacturer. By using both branded fiber and unbranded fiber, we can offer you a wide variety of styles, colorations, and price points.

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There is no question that a good cushion is critical to carpet performance, but remember that you walk directly on the carpet so you want carpet constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If you buy a cheaper carpet that doesn't meet your needs, you'll have a cushion that feels great, but you may not be satisfied with the look or wear of your carpet.

How important is choosing a quality carpet pad in preserving my carpet investment?

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Aside from picking the ideal carpet fiber for your home, choosing an excellent carpet pad is one of the most important decisions you will make in the carpet buying process. A thick, dense carpet pad will enhance the resilience and performance of your carpet and prevent the premature appearance of wear. Because of this integral role, most warranties are contingent upon you choosing a carpet pad with a certain level of thickness and density.

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I don't have the time to develop and maintain a cleaning regimen for my carpet. Do you have any helpful hints for my home's carpet care?

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Now that people are very busy and engage in more active, outdoor activities, establishing and maintaining a carpet care plan is more important than ever. Maintaining a carpet care regimen can be the challenging part. Try to schedule these activities so that they become a regular part of your week and delegate tasks to other family members as needed. When pressed for time, make sure you at least vacuum the most frequently used areas of your home; it will give your carpet the most immediate and long-lasting benefits.

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What is the best cleaning procedure for removing liquid stains?

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As a general rule, first remove all excess liquid with several layers of clean, white paper towels. Apply a diluted hand washing detergent to a clean cloth and gently blot the stain until it is removed. While this technique is effective, the specific type of stain you have will determine the best way to treat it. Review your carpets specific website for detailed stain removal procedures.

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Vacuum! Regular vacuuming will remove particles of dirt and soil, that can not only leave your carpet looking dingy over time, but can even abrade the nylon, shortening its lifespan. And don't forget to schedule regular professional cleanings to remove dirt accumulation that your household vacuum cleaner cannot reach.

What type of vacuum cleaner do you recommend to remove the most dirt from my carpet?

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Use a vacuum that has a rotating brush or beater bar, which will vigorously stimulate the carpet tufts to loosen caked on dirt and soil. To remove tough stains, the hot water extraction method is most effective - schedule a professional carpet cleaning to have this done.

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Use area rugs in high traffic areas.

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Always remove spills promptly. While small drips of water may not harm the floor, be sure not to let excess amounts of water sit on the floor.

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Find out cleaning and care requirements for your specific floor from the manufacturer.