How to Clean a Berber Carpet

Carpets have become an integral part of home decor, and berber carpets are a preferred option for this. They are made from handspun natural fibers, and are known for their elegance and rich texture. These carpets were traditionally made in the regions of Northern Africa. Wool has been a preferred material for manufacturing these carpets for a long time.

But nowadays, they are also made of synthetic fibers, like nylon and olefin. Initially, only light and natural shades were used in making them, which required high maintenance. Today, these carpets come in a wide range of colors, and are preferred by many for their durability and rugged look. However, they need frequent cleaning, as compared to other types of carpets.

It is possible to clean and maintain the look of your berber carpet, though this task can become a bit difficult and tiresome at times. The product that can be used for cleaning this carpet depends on the type of material used, i.e., whether natural or synthetic fibers are used in manufacturing the carpet. For example, if you use harsh chemicals to clean a carpet made of natural fibers, it can damage the fibers and the texture of your carpet.

Berber carpets are usually so thick that they can prevent the frequent accumulation of dirt, as dirt can't easily penetrate the carpet fibers. But if dirt gets trapped within the fibers, then these carpets can be really difficult to clean.

Therefore, frequent vacuum cleaning using a suction vacuum cleaner, is a must for the maintenance of these carpets. But do not use brushing or a beater bar attachment, as it can tear the loops, leading to fuzzing and shedding.

If your carpet is made of olefin fibers, then it should be resistant to moisture and stains. This type of carpet can easily release dirt from the surface. So, you can opt for steam cleaning. Carpets made of nylon are relatively less expensive, and can retain the same bright color and texture even after several wash cycles.

Nylon carpets can also resist stains, molds, and mildews. For cleaning such carpets, you can use low moisture cleaning methods like dry foam. For woolen carpets, a low moisture cleaning method, like dry cleaning is ideal, as these carpets take a very long time to dry out completely.

For removing stains from your carpet, you should clean them as soon as possible before the stains set on the fabric. But do not use excess water, and never scrub the stains, as scrubbing can make them more stubborn. Instead, use an absorbent cloth to absorb the stain, and then sprinkle some water on the area. But do not use harsh detergents or chemicals for cleaning your berber carpet.

So, vacuum cleaning along with steam cleaning (for nylon and olefin carpets) at least once a year, are sufficient to keep your berber carpet spick and span. Finally, always follow the instructions mentioned in the user manual, and adhere to the advice of the manufacturer or experts.