The following are only some of the recurring questions we get from floor covering dealers on a regular basis. Air filtration soiling and carpet odor are two issues asked about most frequently.

Air filtration soiling

This is a dark discoloration around perimeter areas, under doors, at the edges of stairs and other locations. It is reported as a carpet concern when, in fact, it is an environmental and home issue. Light colored broadloom will show the condition, but it does exist with dark carpets as well, though not always visible.

Air filtration soiling is caused by air in a home passing through the carpet as it circulates from a low-pressure to a high-pressure area. Simply explained, the air in a room (low-pressure) will be drawn to the furnace fan (high-pressure) or other force, through a constricted space- baseboard, under a door, etc. As the air passes through the broadloom it deposits airborne particulate soils, which actually impregnate the carpet fiber leaving a dark, soiled discoloration, most often looking black and sooty.

A consumer may think this soiling is due to a problem with the carpet, when in fact it is due to the air movement in her home. Areas or rooms with closer proximity to the furnace or drawing force may have a darker deposit. Burning a lot of candles or using an unbalanced or poorly working furnace can make the condition worse.

Air filtration soiling is difficult if not impossible to clean or remove. It is not a carpet problem. It can be prevented by filling the space at the base of the walls where air can pass through with insulation- polyethylene plastic sheeting or a spray foam insulation material.

Carpet odor

All new materials and products have an odor; carpet is no different. Normally new-carpet odor will dissipate in a very short period of time, a few days or so. There is nothing in the scent of a new carpet that is harmful.

The carpet industry is very sensitive to this issue and has conscientiously lead the way in making sure its products are safe and as odor-free as possible. If a consumer feels a carpet has an offensive odor there may be surrounding issues causing the concern. If there is new construction it may be other materials at fault. There may be a number of new products in a space contributing to a bothersome odor.

In very rare instances there may be a component in the carpet at fault- PVC or sour latex. These odors are very distinct and detectable for what they are. If this is the case the carpet manufacturer should be notified immediately so it can take the appropriate action.

Scarring

Another question that came up this week was a scarring or line in a carpet caused by dragging something across it. This happens most with broadloom constructed of polypropylene (olefin) fiber. Polypropylene has the lowest melting point of any synthetic fiber used in carpet. Dragging an object on top of the broadloom generates heat from friction.

The heat generated by this action is enough to melt or fuse the tips of the yarn, leaving a line or scar in the carpet. This is very common. Even a fast stop on the carpet with a soft-soled shoe may be enough to melt the tips. The evidence left by whatever affected the carpet is irrefutable. There is no denying the cause.

This brief information should help you answer customer questions as to what causes some of the more common conditions and concerns she experiences.

If you have a question on a floor covering product or issue, call us. We'll have an answer when no one else does- this is what we do.