Choosing the right carpet can be daunting. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know the difference between materials and pile types. This guide will help unpack the different options and help you make informed decisions about your carpets.
Carpets can be synthetic, natural, or a mix of the two. Synthetic carpets are generally mould resistant and cheaper, but don't last as long. Natural carpets tend to cost more and can attract insects, but are more hard-wearing.
By mixing these fibres, you can benefit from qualities of both kinds.
Polyester is popular because it looks and feels like wool. It can be a sustainable option, as it can be made from recycled plastic.
Also known as polyamide, nylon is robust and doesn't flatten easily. It's also easy to clean, because of how stain resistant it is.
Polypropylene fibre carpets are easy to maintain, making them the perfect choice in children’s rooms or dining rooms where the carpets may be subjected to unexpected spills.
Wool is a soft, sustainable option. It naturally insulates against cold and noise, while being resistant to fire. It can be pricey, but this cost can be reduced by buying a blend of wool and a synthetic fibre.
Sisal carpet can be recognised by its distinct rough texture. This plant-based carpet can be very robust.
Carpets can be woven or tufted. You may have your own preference about the aesthetic of each kind, but they have different features, too.
The most common kind of carpet in the UK, tufted carpet can be sorted into two main categories – cut carpets and loop carpets. Loop carpets have fibres that loop back into the backing material, but cut carpets have fibres that are cut at the top. You can also get cut and loop carpets, which are a combination of both types. The contrast between the two carpet types can be used to create patterns.
The twist in cut pile carpets hides dirt well and makes them very durable. Modern cut pile carpets are very soft and can be used throughout the house.
Loop pile is suited to heavy traffic areas, but not good for pets as their claws can snag in the loops. It can also be difficult to clean, as breaking a loop can cause a run.
Woven carpets tend to be more expensive as they require more work to make them. However, they are very durable and retain their colour well.
Wilton & Axminster carpets are woven on looms with both the face/pile fibres intertwined with their backing fibres.
Whichever carpet you choose, professional cleaning can keep it fresh, clean and looking at its best – not to mention maximising its lifespan.
The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners throughout the UK. Our members have to meet high standards of insurance and training, ensuring they're the best in the business.
Find carpet cleaners in your area through our online directory.
If carpet cleaning is your calling, you might be considering starting your own business. Starting up can be daunting, but as long as you follow the right steps, you'll be up and running in no time. Read on for tips on how to start a carpet cleaning business.
Whether you want to use your own name or something more creative, you'll want your business to have a memorable name. If you're setting up a limited company, this name will legally need to be unique. Including keywords related to carpets and cleaning will help people understand what you do straight away, and also make you easy to search for.
Similarly, you'll want to think about branding and a logo. A logo can be simply your business name, or get a bit more creative with graphics that relate to cleaning and carpets. If you include colours in your logo, you can use these throughout your website and social media to give your business distinct and consistent branding.
You'll need to register your business to make sure that you're paying the right taxes. The way that you register your business will depend on whether you're working as a limited company or sole trader.
Sole trader status is best suited to self-employed cleaners who are the only business owner. A limited company may be a better option if there are multiple people involved in the business. Either way, you'll need to register with the government.
Insurance is a key step in how to start a carpet cleaning business. There are two main kinds of insurance that you'll need:
It might be worth considering insuring any equipment you use, too, in case it gets stolen or damaged – along with comprehensive insurance for any company cars or vans.
Writing a business plan may sound daunting, but it's simply a statement of what you want your business to achieve. You should decide on your goals, whether it's a tangible goal like a number of jobs completed, or something like contributing to a cleaner community.
Think about where your initial funds will come from, and whether you're going to sort your own finances or hire an accountant.
Every professional cleaner will need to be an expert in their field. Some organisations and agencies have a minimum training requirement before you can join. For example, The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) requires members to pass an entry-level training course in professional carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Members of NCCA then gain access to exclusive and discounted training courses, to help you stay up to date with the latest technology and health and safety guidelines. Becoming accredited by an organisation like NCCA also gives your business a stamp of approval, and shows customers that you're highly capable.
While you don't need to splash out on an office space, equipment may be a little pricey. Make sure you have everything you need, from chemicals to steamers and hoses. You'll need basic machinery like vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaners, along with tools like a carpet rake and brushes. If you're on the go with bulky equipment, you may also need to buy a van.
Some cleaners find that it's useful to have a smartphone specifically for their business, to ensure a good work-life balance. If you want to give customers the option to pay by card, you can also invest in a mobile card machine.
This may be a steep cost to begin with, but tools are a vital part of how to start a carpet cleaning business.
Obviously, you'll offer carpet cleaning services, but it's good to be specific about the logistics. For example, if you are able to move furniture, you can include this as part of your service. However, if you aren't, you need to make this clear to your customers.
You also need to be clear about your area and hours of operation. You don't want calls from the other side of the country if you still want to be home for dinner!
These decisions will likely be impacted by your target market. To revisit the previous example, if you're planning to gear towards domestic customers, there will likely be less furniture to move than if you're going to target commercial business.
Your prices will influence how much money you make, but also how affordable your services are. Make sure that your prices cover your costs, but keep your customers in mind. Beware that high prices may drive them to other carpet cleaners.
Some cleaning businesses charge an hourly rate, while others charge based on the type of job. You might want to set different rates for cleaning, deep cleaning and stain removal. Other ways to charge are by room or by carpet type. There may also be some services that you charge a premium for, such as out of area calls or intense stain removal.
Every business needs customers. A key part of this process is setting up a website and social media, to ensure that there are key contact points for customers. There are multiple other ways to search for clients, such as through word of mouth, print advertising and flyers.
Once you have a portfolio of finished jobs, these testimonies can help gain further clients. In the meantime, advertising your services is the best way to gather attention.
For access to resources, advice and training, join the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA). We take the hassle out of how to start a carpet cleaning business. All of our members are listed on our directory of carpet cleaners, helping you connect with new customers in your area.
Become a member of the NCCA today!
Whether you've had your pup a long time or they're a new addition to the household, you'll have noticed that pet hair gets everywhere. Particularly in a carpeted home, dander can make your house feel dirty and aggravate allergy symptoms. However, with the right method, you can keep your carpet free from dog hair. Here’s how to get dog hair out of carpet with nine tried and tested methods:
The first line of defence against pet hair is regular vacuuming. It's recommended that pet owners hoover at least every 2-3 days, maybe more during moulting season. This helps prevent the hair getting ingrained in the carpet. Don't forget to vacuum underneath furniture, or fur will gather there.
Just as it helps to free stray hair from your dog’s coat, a dog brush can pull pet hair from the carpet. It may take quite a few strokes and a bit of welly, but this is a reusable method. At a pinch, your own hairbrush may work, too.
When you need to get debris out of fabric or carpet, a lint roller is a useful tool. The sticky paper gathers hair without having to pick it up with your hands.
Finding a lint roller with a long handle will help you get right under furniture. Make sure you pay attention to how full the sticky paper is, as you will need to peel to the next layer every so often.
The rubber bristles of a carpet rake avoid damaging most carpets. By running the rake over the carpet, you can remove dog hair easily. However, this won't be suitable for every carpet, so double check that yours has a high pile.
As with most messes, sprinkling baking soda on the area can work wonders. Leave it overnight, and by the morning it should have loosened enough to be brushed away.
The little bumps on washing up gloves help to agitate dog hair out of your carpet. They work even better if you wet the gloves first, then put them on and rub the affected area. You'll still need to collect it afterwards, but it should be much easier to pick up.
Perhaps the most unusual method on this list, but by far the most fun. Just like static produced by rubbing a balloon on your head can make your hair stand on end, it can attract pet hair. Blow up a balloon, rub it on your carpet and see if it pulls out or loosens those dog hairs.
While there are plenty of tips on how to get dog hair out of carpet, nothing beats a professional deep clean every once in a while. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) directory is full of accredited carpet cleaners throughout the UK. Even the most difficult of pet hair won't stand a chance.
Search by postcode to find carpet cleaners in your area.
Running a cleaning business is about more than just tackling grime. You're also responsible for your own goals, marketing and organisation. If cleaning is your forte, the business strategy side may not come easily to you. Fortunately, you don't need a degree in business studies to broach these principles. Read on for our guide to mastering your cleaning business strategy.
Every business has a group of people that their services are aimed at. Broadly speaking, this is likely to be tenants or owners of residential or commercial properties, but you might have a specific target market within these categories. For example, busy mums or retail businesses.
By keeping this audience in mind, you can tailor your business strategy to the people you want to attract. For example, if your business specialises in office cleaning, you can aim your marketing at office buildings. If you're more geared towards family homes, community spaces might be more helpful to you.
There are many elements that make up a brand. These include your business name, colours, values and voice. It's essentially how you want the world to see you. Whether you want to be thought of as a luxury brand who serves the elite or the best in town at deep cleaning rugs, you can express this through your branding. Consider the palette and images you use – the best branding communicates your mission at a quick glance.
People can only hire you if they know you're there. By making as much information readily available as possible, you make it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. However, that's no use if they can't figure out how to contact you. Make sure that any promotional material includes your phone number, email address, website and social media profiles. Remember that each customer will have a preferred method of communication – not everyone wants to call for a quote.
Chances are, you won't be the only cleaning business in your area. This means that you'll need an awareness of the other businesses as part of your cleaning business strategy, so that you can compete. Whether it's low prices, specialist skills or strong values, you'll need to find something that sets you apart from the rest of them.
Happy customers are more likely to recommend you to a friend. Excellent customer service can gain you organic referrals, but there's more you can do to make the most of positive feedback.
One of the best ways to sell your business is by showing off your good work. Ask your customers if you can use photos of the work you do for them. Even better, see if they will leave a review. These can be displayed on your promotional materials to provide credibility and show potential customers that you can be trusted.
Membership of The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) gets you a widely recognised seal of approval. Once you've proven that you meet our standards, you'll gain access to training, resources and advice. All of our members are also listed in our directory, helping you reach countless new customers.
Joining the NCCA could be a pivotal part of your cleaning business strategy. Find out more on our membership page.
So, what’s the best way to clean up pine needles from carpet? Read on as we take a closer look…
If you’re worried about the post-Christmas clean-up, you can minimise the number of needles that reach your carpet.
Tree skirts wrap around the base of your tree and cover the area underneath it. This means that the skirt collects the needles, instead of letting them fall to the floor. Alternatively, you can place a rug under your tree, which will do the same job.
You can also spray hairspray onto your tree, which will prevent the needles from drying and falling off.
However, if you didn’t do this in advance, here are some solutions to make sure your house isn't still covered in needles by next winter.
While it may be your instinct to vacuum, this could actually damage your vacuum. Using a dustpan and brush will prevent clogged machinery and allow you to dispose of the needles safely.
A rubber broom is one of the best tools to get pine needles out of carpet. The needles are less likely to get stuck to rubber than to regular bristles, making it easy to dispose of them afterwards.
The purpose of lint rollers is to collect debris, so they’re perfect for picking up pine needles. They're great for de-needling soft furnishings, clothing and of course carpet.
Wrap a loop of sticky tape around your hand, with the sticky side facing outwards, and use it to collect the needles. This works similarly to a lint roller, but without having to go out and buy one. To protect your hand from sharp needles, it’s a good idea to wear thick gloves when you do this.
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the problematic pine needles and then use a dustpan and brush to sweep them up. The powder will coat the needles, creating friction that keeps them from clinging to your carpet.
A dry foam carpet shampoo is an off-the-shelf solution to fallen pine needles. Make sure that the product you buy is suitable for your carpet, and always patch test on a hidden area first.
As with many carpet cleaning tasks, the best way to clean up pine needles from carpet is with the help of a professional carpet cleaner. If your pine needles are stubborn or you don’t have time to try different removal methods, booking an annual post-Christmas clean can refresh your carpets for the year ahead.
The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a database of accredited carpet cleaners that meet our high standards. Find a cleaner in your area with the reassurance that they’ve been thoroughly vetted for quality and reliability.
The term "hoovering" is a common colloquialism in the UK for vacuuming. It originates from the Hoover Company, a prominent manufacturer of vacuum cleaners in the early 20th century. Hoover became synonymous with vacuum cleaners in the UK due to the popularity of their products. Over time, the brand name "Hoover" was widely used as a verb to describe the act of using a vacuum cleaner, much like "to vacuum" in the United States. This linguistic phenomenon is similar to how brand names can become generic terms for their respective products, like "Kleenex" for tissues or "Xerox" for photocopying.
How often you should vacuum/ hoover your house will depend on many different factors, and they're not always the most obvious ones.
The inhabitants of your home can be a major factor in how often you should hoover. The more people in your house, the more traffic your carpets will get, and the more often you're likely to need to hoover.
Pets drop dander, which can become embedded in the fibres of carpets. They're also likely to bring dirt and debris from outside. This means that pet owners benefit from hoovering at least once every 2-3 days.
If you have babies at home, they are very vulnerable to illness and are also liable to put things in their mouths. As they spend a lot of their time crawling or rolling around on the floor, you'll want to keep it as clean as possible. For this reason, people with young babies should hoover at least every other day.
Similarly, if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, you may want to vacuum more often. Especially during hay fever season, all sorts of irritants and allergens get embedded in the carpet. Some people find that vacuuming as often as every day is helpful in reducing their symptoms.
Particularly messy household members also mean more frequent cleaning. If you live with small children, people who work outside or just messy eaters, you may see that your carpet visibly needs cleaning more often.
Different types of flooring need maintaining in different ways.
Carpets and rugs benefit from being hoovered at least once a week, as their fibres cling onto dust. It's also recommended that carpet owners wet vacuum once a month to clear out anything stuck deep in the fibres. Each carpet has its own needs – longer carpets may need more hoovering and may also need brushing to avoid matting and shedding.
Hardwood, laminate and tile will need less vacuuming, but also require mopping and sweeping. If you stay on top of these other tasks, hoovering once a week should be enough.
High-traffic rooms will need more attention than those not used often. Hallways, living rooms and playrooms are best hoovered twice a week, while bedrooms and studies may only need once a week.
Any room that people eat in will need the most hoovering, as food crumbs can attract pests.
If you've fallen behind on your hoovering or your carpet just needs a deep clean, it might be time to call in a professional. The National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners throughout the UK.
Search our directory to find a carpet cleaner near you.