Wednesday, 18 August 2021

The benefits of wool carpets

Wool is one of the most luxurious carpet materials available, but there are many other benefits to this fibre.  Not only do you get to sink your feet into that gorgeous soft, springy floor but it is healthier for your home, safer and eco-friendly.

Why are wool carpets so popular?

Not only is a wool carpet indulgent and soft underfoot, it will last longer than many other carpet fibres when properly maintained.  One of the hardest wearing materials for carpet, wool can last for decades.

Durable The benefits of wool carpetsand versatile with a beautiful finish, wool carpets come in a wide range of styles and patterns. Also known for their appearance retention (as they have an elasticity that means they bounce back when crushed) and colour retention qualities, they keep their stunning look for years.

They absorb sound well, which is perfect for a busy family home.  They even make your home warmer, as wool is a natural insulator.  It is a perfect carpet material for the winter in cold countries.  In the summer months, it will absorb moisture so makes the air cooler, as well as preventing any heat from rising up through the floor.

Another significant feature is that wool has natural flame retardant qualities, which is why it is a popular safety choice for public, crowded indoor areas.  Unlike synthetic fibres, it does not melt, has a slow ignition rate and is actually capable of inhibiting fire.

It is easy to clean, as its structure means that water based spills and stains are trapped near the carpet surface, making them easier to deal with.  A regular schedule of vacuuming keeps wool well maintained.

Although a wool carpet may mean a slighter higher initial cost, it is worth the investment as it so hard-wearing, makes your home warmer (reducing heating bills) and provides great value for money.

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Wool is eco-friendly

If you are looking for a eco-friendly flooring for your home or workplace, wool is without doubt one of the best choices.  This sustainable, renewableThe benefits of wool carpets and biodegradable natural fibre offers so many advantages.  As it is recyclable, it won’t take centuries to break down in a landfill like some man-made, synthetic fibres do.

British wool is thick and strong, due to the environment and amount of rainfall in the UK.  There are over 60 breeds of sheep here, so there is a lot of choice to suit manufacturers.  New Zealand wool is also widely used, but does come with the disadvantage of having to be imported.

Herts Carpets work with a range of wool carpet specialists to bring you luxurious, eco-friendly carpets.  We stock Axminster Carpets who support The Campaign for Wool, raising the profile of wool as a natural, sustainable fibre.  They source local wool, thereby reducing any environmental impact.  We also stock Alternative Flooring, who have a hand woven collection of wool carpets which is both ethically and environmentally friendly.

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Allergies

Many people believe that carpet is not suitable for those who suffer badly from allergies and asthma, but that is not the case with wool carpet.

The benefits of wool carpetsWhen properly maintained with a regular schedule of vacuuming, it will continue to trap air-borne dust particles, making it a natural air filter that reduces the amount of dust floating in your home

It is also antibacterial, making it an ideal choice for any home.  Hygienic and non-allergenic, it is suitable for any busy family environment.  You can also choose a hypo-allergenic carpet underlay to further reduce the amount of allergens in your home.

As it lacks moisture, dust mites cannot thrive in wool.  It is not an irritant either, as most wool fibres are too long to be inhaled.  If you are looking for a super soft, natural choice that is the ultimate in luxury underfoot, a wool carpet or rug is a great, hard-wearing choice which looks stunning.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Wednesday, 11 August 2021

Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular?

Interior design is heavily based on neutral colours right now, so here’s why neutral coloured carpets are also proving so popular.

What are the neutral colours?

Technically, in design neutral colours are those ‘without colour’.  In reality, the term encompasses a large range; the basic neutral Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular?colours are black, brown, white, grey and beige, with a huge number of shades within these five. This expands neutrals to include off-white, cream, graphite, coffee and chocolate – the entire spectrum from light to dark within each.

Recently, neutral colours expanded even further, with what are termed the ‘new neutrals’.  These are warm, nature inspired colours like tea rose, lilac and mint.  They are great as pale, background hues and are just as versatile as the traditional neutrals.

The important thing when choosing neutrals is to be aware of any undertones.  This is a colour underneath that you don’t actually see, but if you end up with clashing undertones in a room it will be visible.  Undertones can be warm, cool or neutral.  Many shades now have undertones, for example beige often has pink or tan ones.  To make sure your carpet, paint or wallpaper and furniture will complement each other in a room, use a colour wheel (there are many available free online) to check the colours and undertones are either in the same colour family, or opposite each other on the wheel.

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What works with neutrals?

The reason that neutral coloured carpets are so popular is that they will work with anything in the home.  Whether you are picking the carpet first or last, you can easily make sure that it has undertones that will complement your decor. Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular? General rules are to have a wall colour that is two tones lighter than your carpet, or for very dark walls, have carpet that is two tones lighter.

With a neutral carpet, it is much easier to change the colour scheme of walls and/or furniture in future, as it will complement so many different colours.  There is more than enough choice in neutrals to get a colour that you love and that makes your home unique.  They have an elegant, timeless look and are perfect for a calm and homely atmosphere.  Neutrals are ideal for the New Nordic look as it is the aesthetic of a simple colour palette, inspired by nature.

Texture works really well with neutral carpets to bring in some interest, so there is no need to pick any carpet that you feel is dull and uninspiring.  This texture is created in a cut pile carpet by twisting the yarn into shapes.  Great for a busy family home, this style maintains its appearance well, hides shading and is easy to clean.

Neutral carpets are available in all materials, from luxurious wool to practical, durable man-made fibres such as polypropylene, (a very family friendly fibre as it’s highly stain-resistant) so you can have the carpet you want in the perfect shade.

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What is the most popular neutral?

Grey is by far the most in demand neutral at the moment for carpets.  Calm and sophisticated, it is versatile and ideal with pale walls, Why are neutral coloured carpets so popular?such as an ivory shade, or with more vibrant paint or wallpaper.  Grey can adapt to almost any style of decor.

Popular grey hues include silver and taupe, which have a contemporary look.  For a family home that has high foot traffic, a specked or medium to dark grey carpet is a good choice for the living room as it will hide dirt and stains well.

Grey flooring is also in demand, like luxury vinyl tile (LVT).  For gorgeous flooring and carpet that flows well throughout the house, grey is a perfect choice that looks stunning in a range of materials.

Lighter shades of grey go well with pastels and light colours, whilst darker shades complement bright and bold colours.  It’s always a good idea to try a sample of the carpet in your home first, to see how it changes with natural and artificial light.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Thursday, 5 August 2021

What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?

What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?  Around one in three of us in the UK, 21 million people, live with allergies and 8 million with asthma. If you are a sufferer, or live with one, you want your home to be as healthy as possible in order to reduce allergens.

What to consider

In the home, there are three common triggers to be aware of.  Firstly, there is the house dust mite which thrives in humid conditions.  It is their droppings which can cause reactions in those who suffer from asthma, eczema and hay fever.  Whilst you cannot entirely get What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?rid of them, you can easily reduce the risks by regular ventilation of rooms and washing all bedding at a high temperature.  If you have carpet in your house, it is essential that you have a regular schedule of vacuuming (twice a week at least) with the right vacuum.  It is also a good idea to have them cleaned on a regular basis as well.

You want to avoid having any mould in the house, which can be common in damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens.  It produces tiny spores which are a trigger for asthma and eczema.  Again, ventilation is key and keeping the rooms as dry and clean as possible, including hard to reach areas like behind cupboards.

Household pets are the third common trigger, and they can also carry airborne allergens.  Regular and very thorough cleaning is the best defense, from vacuuming to dusting.  It is best to choose carpet carefully if you have pets and suffer badly from allergies, and consider keeping them out of any rooms that do have it.

Regular and rigorous cleaning is so important, but also consider the cleaning products that you are using.  Non-toxic ones are the best for anyone who sufferers from allergens, and you should also request non-toxic if you are having your carpet professionally cleaned.

The flooring that you choose makes a huge difference, and there is a good range of hypoallergenic options to pick from that are easy to keep clean and as free of allergens as possible.

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What is the best flooring to choose?

Solid wood is one of the top flooring choices for allergy sufferers as it does not harbour dirt, dust mites or otherWhat is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers? allergens. It is natural, eco-friendly and easy to keep clean.  It is important to also keep it as dry as possible so that mould does not have a chance to grow.  Many types of hardwood are compatible with underfloor heating if temperature is an issue, and a wool area rug is perfect for added warmth.  For a timelessly elegant floor that is hypoallergenic, wood is a popular, long lasting choice.

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There are also many other options for a hypoallergenic floor if you don’t want wood or if you want a more budget friendly option.  Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) with a built in anti-bacterial surface is a great alternative and easy to clean.  This durable flooring is also slip and spill resistant, has excellent soundproofing qualities and has warmth, making it a great choice for family homes.  An added benefit is the wide range of design options so you can have a realistic look of natural stone or wood in an affordable price range.

Laminate flooring is another option, the best type for allergy sufferers is the higher end anti-bacterial laminate.  Easily maintained, hypoallergenic and stain resistant, it is also comfortable underfoot as it has shock absorbent qualities.  It does not absorb moisture which means no mold or bacteria can grow.  Scratch and dent resistant, this is also ideal for busy family homes and for achieving a realistic wood, ceramic, or stone look.

Can I still have carpet?

Carpet is still a good option if you suffer from allergies or asthma, but it is wise to be more careful when choosing the material it is made from, as you want it to be What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?hypoallergenic.

Wool is a natural, (and also eco-friendly) option, which has hypoallergenic properties.  In addition, it absorbs common pollutants which improves air quality in the home, and is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew.  When properly maintained, it is beneficial to a healthy home.  As it lacks moisture, dust mites cannot thrive in it and as most wool fibres are too long to be inhaled, it is not an irritant.  For a soft, natural choice which always feels luxurious underfoot, a wool carpet or rug is a great choice and looks stunning.

Synthetic carpets, which use man-made fibres, are also good. Short cut pile is the best as allergens will not be able to build up in the carpet as much.  Nylon is a common fibre used to manufacture synthetic carpets, which has mould, mildew and dirt resistant qualities.  It is easy to clean, so irritants can be quickly removed by vacuuming.

Hypo-allergenic carpet underlays are worth investing in, as they reduce the amount of allergens.  These are also available with moisture resistant qualities.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

 

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Thursday, 29 July 2021

Make Your Flooring Flow

A sense of continuity throughout the home will always give a stunning effect, but how do you make your flooring flow?  If it sounds like a challenge, the good news is that it’s actually not.  Using complementary materials and colours will give that feeling of flowing from one room to another.

The benefits of creating flow with flooring

A house that has a visual flow between rooms feels curated and is visually stunning.  It is easy to end up with a patchwork effect over Make Your Flooring Flowtime but if you keep thinking of the house as a whole, you can create a feeling of continuity, and flooring is a big part of this.  Using two or three paint colours from the same family throughout the house will also achieve this, but if the flooring materials do not complement each other it will still give a jarring effect.  Our eyes are drawn quickly to things we see as disjointed or odd and this is same when moving through a house.

If you are renovating or moving into a new build, it is simple to create flow as you choose all the materials.  When it is a home that you have lived in for years, it may be that the flooring doesn’t flow, so bear in mind the house as a whole as it comes to replacing the flooring over the years.

Having a house that flows organically from room to room may also be advantageous if you are looking to sell in the future.  When a buyer walks into the house and the first impression is of a house that is beautifully decorated, rather than a patchwork, it’s a lot more likely that they will consider buying it.

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Can I use different materials in different areas?

Yes, absolutely – in fact, it’s best to use different materials in different areas as some will have higher foot traffic, or be more prone to moisture, and you want the flooring to be durableMake Your Flooring Flow enough to withstand its environment.  When choosing flooring, you always want to pick the most appropriate material for the area.

For example, hardwood flooring is gorgeous but may not be durable enough for the kitchen area in a busy family home, but there are other materials such as LVT and engineered hardwood that look very similar and are more suited to heavy foot traffic.  Using this in the kitchen and hardwood elsewhere will still give a sense of flow as long as you pick from the same colour family.

If you are using the same material in a few rooms, you can still play around with patterns and textures to make the rooms different.  For example, style of natural stone and tile can be mixed together easily and different patterns in the kitchen to the laundry.  Just make sure that the undertones of the materials will blend together.

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What to consider

To create a flow through your home, you want to make the flooring as continuous as possible. Using the same flooring throughout a large open plan space is essential for this and also makes the space appear even bigger.  Area rugs in the same colour family are great for adding a cosy feel where necessary.

When it comes to wood flooring, have Make Your Flooring Flowit all run the same way, especially in an open plan house.  Whilst there are of course exceptions, this will give the best sense of flow.

With carpet, it is a good idea (and easy) to use the same carpet from room to room to give you that sense of flow.  It is also easy to find a beautiful carpet that is durable enough for all rooms and still soft underfoot.

If you are using different flooring materials in different rooms, you can still make it flow with a smooth transition.  Choose materials with a low contrast to each other to keep the flooring consistent.  If the materials are of a different thickness, use level changes to bring them in, like steps, edging detail or doorways.

Keep the same colour family to ensure there are no visual jolts between rooms.  Use a colour wheel (there are many free online) to help with this.  Using the same flooring tones will make sure the rooms flow naturally into each other.  An easy way to do this is to stick with neutrals and use a lot of texture for visual interest.

For the transition to a newer part of the house, ie an extension, consider wood or wood effect flooring to a natural stone tile for a stunning effect.  Use shades that complement each other for a clean, flowing change.

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Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

 

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Tuesday, 27 July 2021

What is the best flooring for bedrooms?

Your bedroom is where you really want comfort underfoot, either first thing in the morning or last thing at night, so what is the best flooring to choose?  There are a number of options to pick from, so you can have both the look and feel that you want.

Carpeting

Carpet will always be a popular choice in the UK as it gives warmth and a cosy feel to any room.  It is a great thermal insulator so does What is the best flooring for bedrooms?actually keep the heat in, as well as being warmer underfoot than many other options.  It also keeps the room quieter as it absorbs noise very well.  This is a great option for anyone who is not as firm on their feet like children or older adults, as carpet is much softer to land on, so cushions falls.  A regular schedule of vacuuming will keep carpet clean.

Carpet can be a very economical option as there is a wide price range to choose from; from budget carpet tiles to luxury velvet pile, there is an option for every wallet.  Plus there is an almost endless choice of colours, patterns and finishes to choose from to get the perfect look and feel underfoot for your bedroom.

If you are looking for eco friendly flooring, wool carpet is a great choice as it is sustainable, renewable and biodegradable and also looks and feels luxurious in the home.  In addition, it is naturally flame retardant and significantly improves indoor air quality, by absorbing common pollutants.

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Wood

There is nothing that quite rivals the elegant look of a wood floor.  The two main types for flooring are solid and engineered; solid is just wood whilst engineered wood is manufactured using layers of different wood veneers.  What is the best flooring for bedrooms?

Solid wood has a classic look with depth and warmth.  If you find it a bit cold underfoot, many types of hardwood are compatible with underfloor heating, and you can always add an area rug if you want extra warmth and comfort.  When cared for properly, hardwood will last for decades and is environmentally friendly, as it is long lasting and recyclable.  For allergy sufferers, wood is the best choice as it is easy to keep clean of dust, pollen, and other allergens.

If you want the look of real wood flooring but at a lower cost, engineered wood still gives that stunning finish as it has a veneer of actual hardwood.  It is more stable and can withstand heat fluctuations better than real wood.  This highly durable flooring can also be refinished over the years and you have the option to change the look of it.  There are many grades and species available and as it is so easy to install, you can have a style like a chevron floor laid very quickly.

Strip, plank and parquet are the common styles of wood flooring, with plank and strip the most popular for bedroom floors (plank is wider than strip).  Keeping wood flooring clean is simple, regular sweeping and mopping is all you need to do.

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Laminate

Laminate flooring is made of a core of fiber board materials with a thin layer of plastic laminate with a design layer and a clear wear layer on top.

It is an economical way to have the look of wood, stone or ceramic What is the best flooring for bedrooms?flooring.  This practical, hard-wearing flooring is scratch and dent-resistant as it has a high quality wear layer. Many new varieties are also water resistant thanks to a protective layer.

It is also hypo-allergenic, so as good as solid wood for allergy sufferers, and easy to maintain by wiping clean.

Laminate flooring is shock absorbent, making it comfortable underfoot and using a quality underlay with it will give you extra sound insulation, which is useful for a quiet environment in the bedroom.

It is also easy to install and comes in a wide variety of styles and designs.

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Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is available in sheet, plank and tile formats.   These different sizes andWhat is the best flooring for bedrooms? widths allow you to create the perfect design and there is a huge range of colours, styles and patterns available.  For a wood or stone effect, plank or tile are the best choices.  This versatile flooring is water proof (handy if you have an ensuite bathroom) and easy to keep clean by sweeping and occasional mopping.  Vinyl also has a softness underfoot which is ideal for the bedroom.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring has a stunning finish and is highly durable.  It boasts both superior acoustics and excellent soundproofing qualities.  It is easy to maintain, slip and spill resistant and robust enough to stand the test of time while maintaining its luxurious look.

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Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Luxury carpets

There are a variety of luxury carpets available to suit your needs, with a choice of styles, materials and colours.  For the ultimate in style and opulence beneath your feet, you can’t beat a gorgeous, super soft carpet.

Which room is best for a luxury carpet?

Luxury carpetsThe best room to have a luxury carpet in will depend entirely on your household.  They will need a bit more maintenance to keep that beautiful look and feel, so you may want to have them in the rooms with the least footfall and chance of spills.

If you have small children, it is probably best to have a hard-wearing carpet in their bedroom and the living room, and to have the luxury option in your own bedroom.  This will make it easier to maintain the carpet, as you won’t have to worry so much about stains and accidents.

Pets are something else to consider, as you don’t claws snagging in the carpet and you may well want to keep the carpet free from hair and dirt.

Often the bedroom is the best choice, so you can have that wonderful sense of indulgence when you put your bare feet on a luxury carpet first thing in the morning.  However, if you like to treat yourself and cost is not a concern, it’s a gorgeous addition to any room.

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Which carpet styles are luxury?

Usually, woven carpets (as opposed to tufted – these are the two styles of manufacturing) are luxury as more time and care is put into making them.

Luxury carpets

Elements London Wall Street carpe

The pile (or construction) of luxury carpets is cut; this refers to the surface of the carpet, the loops of the fibre which are attached to the backing are cut at a length and/or angle.  Looped, or uncut, gives a much more robust carpet which is ideal for high traffic areas and commercial usage. When the loop is cut it leaves an upright pile that is softer and denser, therefore more luxurious.

The most popular styles in opulent carpets are velvet and Saxony.  Velvet (also known as plush) pile, has a smooth appearance almost like suede and is incredibly soft to the touch.  Saxony is another favoured luxury choice as it has a deep and lavish pile, which is the ultimate in comfort underfoot.  For a textured finish, twist pile is ideal as the cut loops are twisted and lie in different directions

See image for the Elements London Wall Street luxury super soft cut pile carpet, in the colourway Whisky Sour, installed by Herts Carpets.

Which material is the most luxurious?

Luxury carpetsWool will always be the leader in the luxury market, as this natural fibre comes with so many benefits.  Soft to the touch and resilient, it has excellent appearance retention and does not easily flatten.  It is a natural insulator so keeps the warmth in, is naturally flame retardant and even improves your indoor air quality by absorbing common pollutants.

It is environmentally friendly as well, due to it’s sustainable and biodegradable qualities.  This indulgent, strong and tough fibre is the ultimate in luxury for carpets.

Many carpet manufactures offer a mix of wool with a man-made fibre, to give added benefits.  Nylon is often used due to its softness, durability and resilience.  It is not prone to flattening, is resistant to wear and mold and holds colour very well.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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Tuesday, 22 June 2021

Why commercial carpet cleaning is essential

Commercial carpet cleaning is essential, whether you have an office, school, restaurant, shop or cafe.  A clean, healthy environment is so important for both your staff and guests, and your carpet plays a big part in that.

The benefits of commercial carpet cleaning

Why commercial carpet cleaning is essentialYou may well already have a cleaner who regularly vacuums the carpet, which is of course essential.  However, it will need a deeper clean at least one a year, preferably more.  The higher the footfall, the more dirt and debris is being trampled into your carpets on a daily basis.

When you invest in commercial carpet cleaning, your carpet will look and smell cleaner for longer.  The experts can also deal with all those stubborn stains that are inevitable in a commercial space, from coffee spills to mud.  We all know first impressions count, and a fresh, well maintained carpet with a uniform appearance makes all the difference to any commercial space.

Commercial carpet cleaning will also contribute to better air quality as all the deeply ingrained dirt and debris will be removed.  A thorough, professional clean reduces the mold, germs and bacteria circulating in the air, creating a much healthier environment.

Another benefit is that commercial carpet cleaning will actually prolong the life of your carpet, saving you money in the long run.  Plus it will give the carpet a new lease of life right now.

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Can I hire a machine to do it myself?

In all honesty, this isn’t the place to try and save money with a DIY job as it is unlikely you can get anywhere near the same results, and you could potentially damage your carpet.  Although you can rent carpet cleaning machines, they are notWhy commercial carpet cleaning is essential the best solution as they are not always very effective.  They may have been used previously with harsh chemicals, which can lead to unpleasant odours and a detergent residue in the carpet itself.  Professional equipment is much more efficient and powerful.  The experts have everything they need already and know which products to use.

Without expert knowledge and tools, it is difficult to impossible to get rid of all the stubborn stains on your carpet.  It really is amazing what the professionals are able to achieve with even the most neglected carpets.

A DIY job will not be able to remove as much ingrained dirt, dust and mold, which means your air quality will suffer.  This can lead to germs and bacteria spreading in the office, which in turn leads to sick days.

Another down side is the time it takes for the carpet to dry after you have cleaned it.  The last thing you want is staff and visitors walking on a damp carpet.  When you hire a commercial service, they will have the whole carpet clean and dried during your closing hours so you return to a finished job.

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How long does it take and what does it cost?

The time it takes and the total cost of the job all depends on the size of your carpets.  Most companies charge per square foot for commercial jobs, whilst homes are usually calculated by the room.

A professional firm will work with you to estimate the length and cost of the job, and the best time to complete it outside of your opening hours.  Then you can rest assured that your carpets will be clean and germ free!

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Herts Carpets offer a wide range of commercial carpets and flooring alongside commercial carpet cleaning services.  Contact us here to book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

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