Carpets 101

The Online Etymology Dictionary states that the term "carpet" was first used in English in the late 13th century, with the meaning "coarse cloth".

1. How it's made
Knowing how carpet is made can be very advantageous. Knowing the different materials that make up various carpets also helps you understand and evaluate their performance aspects: why certain carpets are easier to install, why some wear better, longer, and why others are easier to care for and clean. It can also make you a smarter shopper. Have you ever wondered how carpet is made?
There are basically three steps to manufacturing carpet. The first step is tufting. Generally speaking, low profile loop carpet stands up to heavy traffic best.

2. Carpet type

Carpet is made from various synthetic and natural fibers. Each has different characteristics.

Nylon is the most popular. It's durable and resistant to wear. It's not good at fighting stains, so some varieties include a stain-resistant treatment.
Olefin is resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew and makes a good carpet for basements and outdoors. It's tougher than nylon, but not as comfortable to walk on.
Acrylic is often used as an inexpensive alternative to wool. It's not widely available.
Wool is the premier carpeting and the only natural fiber made into carpets. It's durable and stain-resistant, and it's considered an ecofriendly floor covering.
Better quality materials are maintained more easily. So, if your budget allows, you should purchase a high quality carpet -the price is a good indicator, but if you are want more in-depth advice, one pro tip is that you should always check the density of the fibers: they should be dense enough that the backing is not seen when you bend the fibers back. High density is the key feature of "stain-resistant" carpets. It basically means the carpet will more easily repel dirt, particles and liquid due to having so many strands of fiber.

3. Carpet color

The Color: Sunny Yellow
Where to Use It: Hello, yellow! This bright, happy color can't help but bring a smile to your face. Artwork and accent pillows are two simple ways to let the "sunshine" in to your room. To make the color pop even more, pair it with a soft neutral, such as gray or white.
The Color: Soft Gray
Where to Use It: Interior designer Anastasia Faiella deems this dreamy shade of gray both classic and versatile. Bathe your kitchen or living room in the hue, or create a bedroom retreat with the calm, breezy color. "I love that so many other colors work perfectly with gray and how it can go cool or warm," Anastasia says. Its fresh feel and look make it an easy choice for summer.
The Color: Candy Apple Red
Where to Use It: Sparking memories of freshly-candied apples at old-fashioned fairs, this shade of red is perfect for a dining room. "Choosing a non-primary red is much more attractive to our eyes, as it is complex," explains architect and designer Alan Metcalfe. Alan says the powerful hue stimulates appetite, productivity and passion.

4. Maintenance

Maintenance also helps carpet last longer and cost less! Proactive, regularly scheduled maintenance removes soil before it can build up and damage carpet fibers. This can actually extend the life of the carpet, reducing the costs of restoration, replacement and disposal. Reactive maintenance cannot fully restore a carpet to a like-new appearance. This results in shorter carpet life and higher carpet life cycle costs.
Better quality materials are maintained more easily. So, if your budget allows, you should purchase a high quality carpet -the price is a good indicator, but if you are want more in-depth advice, one pro tip is that you should always check the density of the fibers: they should be dense enough that the backing is not seen when you bend the fibers back. High density is the key feature of "stain-resistant" carpets. It basically means the carpet will more easily repel dirt, particles and liquid due to having so many strands of fiber.

Source commercial upholstery cleaning TAMPA BAY / diynetwork