Carpets are supposed to feel soft and comfy under your feet. But once it turns crunchy, is there something you can do to bring back its fluffy texture? That's what we'll talk about in this article. We've asked our carpet experts on how you can revive your crunchy carpet and here's what they shared with us.
A crunchy carpet is the result of the accumulation of dirt, grime, shampoo residue, molds, and mildew on its surface. To bring back your carpet's soft texture, you need to:
- Vacuum your carpet thoroughly to get rid of dirt.
- Clean the spills right away, and don't leave any soap residue.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
- Ensure that your vacuum is in good working condition.
Keep on reading so that we can tell you more about what you can do to restore your carpet's fluffy texture. We'll also answer if carpet dents are permanent and how you'll know when your carpet flooring needs a replacement already. Let's get down to business.
How to fix a crunchy carpet
There's something about a crunchy carpet that makes walking over it feel awkward and unpleasant to one's touch. One of the reasons why homeowners prefer to use carpet on their floor is the comfort that it provides whenever they walk or sit on its surface. So when the carpet turns crunchy, it defeats that purpose.
There are many reasons why the carpet's texture changes from soft to crunchy. And the good news is that there's something that you can do to restore its original texture so you don't have to spend on the installation of a new carpet just yet.
Dirt and spills
Dirt and debris can accumulate on the carpet fibers and settle on the padding over time. Similarly, spills that aren't tidied up right away would stick to the surface and make the fibers hard. They can make your carpet feel crunchy to the touch.
That's why it's important to clean your carpet regularly. Vacuum it at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris. Once there are spills, spot clean right away. Use soapy water and rinse with a damp towel before vacuuming to remove the stains and residues.
Shampoo residue
It's not just dirt that can make your carpet crunchy but soap residue as well. The leftover shampoo is sticky and will attract more dirt and grime to settle on your carpet fibers. Make sure that you vacuum your carpet thoroughly such that there isn't any soap residue left on its surface.
Defective vacuum
The vacuum may be filled with dirt that's why it can't clean your carpet properly. Check the filters for clogs and have them cleaned or replaced. Check if the vacuum brush is still working fine. If it's worn out already, it won't be able to remove the dirt from the carpet. You can have your vacuum checked so that it can function effectively and efficiently.
Too much moisture
High humidity in the room is conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. They can affect not just the texture of the carpet but also its smell and appearance. You can use a dehumidifier in the room to reduce the moisture level and make sure you have the carpet treated to remove mold and mildew.
When your efforts don't seem enough, you can have your carpet cleaned by professional carpet cleaners to bring back its original texture.
Are carpet dents permanent?
When you have to move furniture from one part of the room to another, you will notice that they leave behind indentations on the carpet flooring. This may make you hesitant to proceed with moving the said furniture since the marks will be obvious on the surface and can be quite distracting.
Don't worry because these dents aren't permanent. There's something you can do to make them go away. These indentations are just carpet fibers that have flattened over time given the weight of the furniture over its surface.
You can bring back the softness and fluffiness of the fibers by steam cleaning the affected surface. If you don't own a steam cleaner, some shops have them for rent. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.
There's also a manual way of doing this. You put ice cubes over the flattened fibers then vacuum the carpet. Or you can put a damp towel over the area and then run an iron over it several times. Put the iron on the cotton setting. You can leave the towel on the surface for around 15 minutes after ironing to help refresh the fibers.
These moisture-based solutions are effective in giving life back to the fibers. Once they're plump again, the indentations will be gone.
How do you know when the carpet needs to be replaced?
Your carpet flooring can last between 5 and 15 years. But some carpet materials can last more than two decades. It really depends on how you use and maintain your carpet.
There are usually tell-tale signs that your carpet needs replacing. Here are some of them:
Damage
When your carpet incurs visible damage that is difficult to hide, you might need to replace your carpet with a new one. These could be frays, large tears, or significant water damages after flooding.
Allergies
Dust, dirt, and other allergens can accumulate on the carpet's surface that'll affect the quality of your indoor air. When this happens, you may find that your allergies are triggered more often.
Health and comfort should always be your priority. When you or members of your family are experiencing increased allergy symptoms, change your carpet flooring to relieve yourselves from this suffering.
Stubborn stains
Stains can make your carpet unsightly; that's why it's recommended that you remove them right away. However, the time will come when the stains will become more stubborn requiring so much effort from you to make your carpet presentable. If you can't hide these marks, then it might be time to replace your carpet rather than be bothered all the time by the way it looks.
Foul odors
Carpets aren't supposed to smell. But they absorb the different odors in the room and the smells linger on the carpet material over time. If you can't get rid of the foul odors anymore despite the amount of cleaning that you do, it is a sign that you should have your carpet replaced.
If the carpet smells musty, it might indicate mold problems. You can have a specialist take a look at it to see what can be done regarding the issue.
Fading
When the carpet is worn out and looks old, it isn't visually appealing anymore. It loses its ability to add value to your room's style and aesthetics. It is a sign that it's time to let go of your old carpet flooring and get a new one that'll make your room look more pleasing.
Just always remember that carpet flooring should provide you with comfort and style. When it no longer serves these purposes, it is time to replace your old carpet with a new one.
Final Thoughts
With proper cleaning and maintenance of your carpet flooring, you can bring back the softness and fluffiness of your carpet fibers.
For more carpet cleaning resources, you may visit the following links: