Pets are important members of a household – though they’re certainly not low maintenance. Having an animal companion can be fulfilling, but also impact your living environment, including your carpets. Here are some tips for choosing the best carpets for your pets.
No matter how well-trained your pets are, they have several traits that make carpet shopping difficult.
Cats and dogs all have claws which can catch in carpets and damage them. Cats also like to scratch surfaces.
Pets that go outside can tread muck through the house. Particularly if you have dogs, you might find that after a long walk they run muddy footprints everywhere with no regard for your carpet.
Another hazard of pet ownership is pests. Ticks, fleas and other pests can travel inside on your pet, burrowing into the carpet.
Pets constantly lose hair and skin cells, which is even more noticeable if your pet has long hair. It can get stuck absolutely everywhere, especially the carpet. This can also make people with allergies ill.
When you get a new pet, there's often an awkward phase where they have to learn that the carpet isn't a toilet. Even once they learn where the litter tray or garden is, pets are liable to have accidents or vomit on carpets.
Cut pile carpets have no loops for claws to catch in. Low-pile carpets like saxony and twist carpets are the best option for pet owners.
In terms of materials, synthetic materials like polypropylene are resistant to dirt. They are also easier to clean, as you are less limited in the cleaning materials you can use.
Choosing dark colours is best to hide stains. However, some people like to choose colours similar to their pet’s fur to conceal it. Or you can choose contrasting colours to make it easier to clean fur up. This is all down to personal preference and how regularly you get a chance to clean them.
It's important to vacuum regularly when you have pets, to keep the amount of fur under control. Make sure that you pay attention to edges and corners, in case any pests have been carried through and laid eggs.
While most stains are best tackled early, muddy pawprints are actually better left to dry. Wet mud is very difficult to clean, but dry mud can be brushed and vacuumed away.
You can hire a professional carpet cleaner to deep clean your carpet and combat any lingering odours.
It's not always easy to remove stains left by pets. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) makes it simpler with a directory of UK carpet cleaners who can help clean pet-related dirt. All of our carpet cleaners are insured and accredited, so you don’t have to waste valuable time searching for the right contractors.
Search our carpet cleaner directory to get started.
Carpets are more than just floor coverings. They're integral parts of our homes, providing warmth, comfort and style. However, over time, carpets accumulate dirt, dust, allergens and stains, which not only diminish their appearance but can also pose health risks. As a consumer, investing in professional carpet cleaning services is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Here are five reasons we find customers want their carpets cleaned.
Many houses have light coloured carpets that are chosen to make the room appear bigger and brighter. But that also means they show the dirt just a little quicker than darker ones.
Track marks appear from the kitchen to the dining room and similarly they can come from the entrance hall to the lounge. It could be because the kitchen is tiled, and the carpet grabs the first dirty footsteps from the underside of shoes or even socks which leads to a build-up of dirt over time.
This can be due to wear and depositing dirt on the carpet and rubbing it in round the areas we sit. It's not about his and her seats but more about the wear in that area. The pile is compressed with extra “shuffle” marks. Remove the dirt and the pile then has a chance to recover.
These are usually sugar deposits from spills which dry into the carpet and attract dirt. The sugar content from drinks and food highlights the area of the spill. Remove the drink or food spill and the carpet colour is restored.
Dirt builds up in the carpet – it’s just a function of everyday living. Dirt comprises of many things from soiling through to pollens, dust mites and bacteria. They all act like sandpaper on the fibres and this in turn causes wear to the carpet pile.
The gradual build up can also create a musty smell. A professional clean can then reset the fibres and the carpet, so it’s clean and ready again for the household.
With a cost-of-living crisis affecting many households, it makes financial sense to clean your carpets rather than replace them. You will be surprised just how well they look after a professional clean, giving you peace of mind that all the stains, spills, and smells have been removed. The result is revitalised carpets ready for the next round of whatever gets thrown at them.
Carpets are a significant investment in any home, and proper maintenance is crucial to extending their lifespan. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate within carpet fibres, causing them to deteriorate and wear out prematurely. Professional cleaning removes embedded dirt and stains, preserving the integrity of the carpet and ensuring it looks newer for longer.
Regular carpet cleaning is essential for maintaining a clean, healthy and visually appealing home. By investing in professional cleaning services, you can improve indoor air quality, prolong the lifespan of your carpets, eliminate allergens and bacteria, maintain their appearance and hygiene, and save money in the long run.
Don't wait until your carpets show visible signs of wear and tear. Book in a professional carpet clean and reap the rewards it offers for your home, family, and your bank balance. If you’re wondering where to start, search the NCCA directory to find professional carpet cleaners in your area. The National Carpet Cleaning Association ensures all members are insured and trained to our high standards, so you know you’re getting the best for your carpets.
In the midst of a global climate crisis, we are starting to examine the environmental impact of everyday actions. Like any activity, carpet cleaning has an effect on the earth. These consequences can be both positive and negative, but it's important to consider them.
With such a high volume of products going to landfill every day, waste is a serious environmental issue. By cleaning your carpet, not only are you preventing it from going to landfill, but you save the materials that would be used to make a new carpet.
The inside of your house is a microclimate, and everything inside it impacts everything else there. Your carpet fibres can hold substances such as allergens, bacteria and mould spores, so it's important to clean it.
Carpets can even be known to have traces of lead or faeces that have been walked through. Every time you walk through your house, this is released into the air. By cleaning your carpet, you create cleaner air for your family.
Many cleaning products use harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. If not used or disposed of correctly, they can contaminate and harm the local area. Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce the impact of the chemicals that you use to clean your carpet.
For one, make sure that you don't dispose of chemicals or used water in street drains, as they often discharge water into the environment.
When buying carpet cleaning chemicals, you can also choose environmentally conscious brands. These will often have been made in greener ways and will have a minimal impact on the environment. However, you should still be careful when using them.
One of the key components of cleaning is water. It's important when washing away dirt and cleaning products. However, as a natural resource, it's important to preserve it as much as possible. To do this, ensure that you don't leave things like taps or hoses running unnecessarily. This will prevent waste, while still allowing you to use a vital resource.
If you're using machinery, this will consume electricity. Because of this, you should be mindful about how you use it. Turn off appliances when they aren't in use to reduce the amount of energy that you are using. Whenever possible, turn things off fully and don't leave them on standby. You could also consider using renewable energy to power your tools.
When possible, cleaning things like rugs outside will help make the most of natural ventilation, so you won't need to use electrical forms of ventilation.
Carpet cleaning businesses are required to know all the environmental regulations surrounding carpet care, whether it's using chemicals safely or disposing of waste responsibly. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners who are all insured and trained.
Search our directory for carpet cleaners in your area.
Calling in a carpet cleaner may feel like a luxury, but could actually greatly improve the health of your household. Even if you vacuum your carpet regularly, it will benefit from a professional clean every so often. Here are some of the many ways that expert carpet cleaning can boost your health.
Dust mites are commonly found in carpets. While they're a normal part of any home, their droppings and bodies can severely impact people with allergies. They aren't visible to the human eye, but the heat of a professional clean can kill them.
As well as removing dust mites, cleaning removes other allergens that have collected in the carpet. This includes dust, pet hair and pollen, which can get ground into your carpet and become difficult to remove. Deep cleaning can help allergy-prone people breathe easy and alleviate their symptoms, improving their quality of life.
Your carpet naturally collects all sorts of particles from the air and anyone who walks over it. These particles can be things like dirt, and even things as dangerous as lead. Every time you walk over your carpet, these particles can be spread all over your house. Professional cleaners can properly remove these substances and prevent the harm they could cause.
Cleaner air means better sleep. Polluted air can irritate our airways, cause snoring and obstruct deep breathing. This can lead to interrupted or poor-quality sleep, especially if your bedroom carpet is the source of pollution. Calling in a professional cleaner can help to improve the quality of your sleep.
A stinky home can impact your mental health. Smells cling to carpets and can be stubborn. Being hit by bad smells as soon as you get home can make you miserable and irritable. By asking a professional cleaner to remove these smells, you can make your home a happier place.
Not all carpet cleaning solutions are created equally. Professional cleaners know how to select the appropriate cleaning solutions for your carpets – to leave them smelling fresh with no harmful residues.
Search the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) directory to find carpet cleaners in your area. All of our members are insured and trained to our high standards, helping you find expert cleaners.
Search our carpet cleaner directory.
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!