Understanding Traffic Lanes And Traffic Patterns And What Can Be Done About Them
Often, we forget
that carpeting is a textile, just like our upholstery, linens and clothing.
When we pay $50 for jeans, we are not upset when the seat and knees become
threadbare. Why, on the other hand, do we feel that carpet should last a
lifetime? After all, it is a fabric, similar to other products made from
textiles.
The main reason a
carpet shows signs of premature wear is because of improper maintenance. If
major traffic lanes were vacuumed more frequently and spots and spills were
cleaned properly, carpeting would look better and last longer.
Traffic lanes and
patterns are usually caused by the following factors: Traffic lane gray,
soiling, matting and wear. We will review each problem, how it is caused and
what can be done to prevent it.
Traffic Lane Gray
Carpets are known
to eventually show signs of wear. This wear creates an illusion of soiling,
which often causes frustration and misunderstanding between homeowners and
carpet care experts. Even though a carpet has been cleaned, it doesn’t mean
that it will look the same as the rest of the carpet. Wear often causes what is
known as traffic lane gray, a condition that has been nicknamed “ugly out.”
There is not a lot
that a carpet care expert can do with “ugly out.” If a 10-year-old carpet is
cleaned, you have a clean 10-year-old carpet. Just as a clean pair of
old jeans will show wear and discoloration around the knees, a clean old carpet
will show signs of wear in the traffic lanes.
Soiling
The main cause of
traffic lane soiling is tracking in soil, dust, airborne pollutants, and food
and beverages spilled on the carpet.
Soil damages a
carpet as well as making it look dirty. The main problem caused by soil is called
fiber abrasion. Fiber abrasion is created by dirt particles scratching and
scraping the fiber surface. Scratches and scrapes block light reflection
causing these areas to look even dirtier and gray. The easiest way to prevent
soil from damaging the fiber is to vacuum regularly.
Matting
There comes a point
when carpet fibers no longer return to their original shape. As fibers lose
their shape, they begin to look twisted, frayed or distorted, causing the
carpet to look dirtier and gray. The easiest way to avoid matting is to vacuum
and rake the carpet often. Rearranging furniture also helps to prevent traffic
lanes and patterns.
Wear
Wear is a combination of several things. Soil, heavy
traffic, loss of fibers, improper vacuuming, improper cleaning and time… all
contribute to a worn carpet.
Regular Maintenance
The best way to
prevent excessive wear is to properly maintain your carpet. Vacuum every day if
possible. Vacuuming removes loose soil before it becomes embedded in the fiber.
Removal of abrasive soils from the carpet helps extend its life.
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