Tufted rugs are different in construction from a woven rug. Each knot on a woven rug is hand tied where on a tufted rug each loop is created using a tufting gun. The backing is then coated with a latex glue to hold the carpet material in place and then usually a cloth backing is sewn onto that to cover up the glue. Most tufted rugs are very high end. However, there are many tufted rugs that are mass produced and lower in cost. However, these lower end rugs have a shorter lifespan and there are many cleaning and usage problems associated with them.
Common tufted rug issues are:
- Latex Fillers- latex fillers are mixed into the latex used on the backing and weaken the latex glue used and cause premature failure of the rug.
- Stencil Marks- the person operating the tufting gun often follows a pattern placed on the rug with a stencil. Often the dye used for the stencil marks will bleed through into the fibers of the rug if the rug gets wet.
- Sour Glue- sometimes glue is used that is found to over time, break down and release a bad odor. Sometimes this odor is noticed when the rug is new and other times it will appear over time. This is a manufacturing flaw.
- Pet Odor- if your pet has an accident, the urine can combine with the latex in the glue and be virtually impossible to remove.
- Mildew Growth- in humid areas mildew can grow on the back of the rug. This will cause an odor and can alto contribute to allergies.
- Buckling- over time the latex can break down and cause a lumpy appearance in your rug.
- Flooring Discoloration- latex will break down over time and can lead to permanent discoloration. A good pad will help avoid this problem.
Immersion washing is the only way to get a tufted rug truly clean through the foundation. Sometimes repairs to the latex backing must be done in order to maintain the integrity of your tufted rug.
If you need advise on how to care for your tufted rug or are ready to have yours immersion washed contact us today!