What are the various types of soils found in my rugs and carpet?
Soil found on a carpet can be classified as spots and stains; surface litter (paper, pet hair, lint, etc.); gritty unattached particles; and that which is adhering to the fibers. Surface litter can be picked up with a vacuum and typically does not stain or damage the rug or carpet. Most gritty, unattached soil is tracked in on the feet, and with time can cause damage to the rug or carpet. The gritty soil scratches and produces pits on fibers dulling them and shortening the life of the carpet. This type of soil should be vacuumed at least once a week to minimize damage. The third type of soil is adhering and is composed of sticky oils and greases containing tiny pieces of soil material. Professional cleaning can remove most of this type of soil, however, the longer oily soil remains on the fiber, the more difficult it is to remove. (ASCR, 1999).
