Carpet Fibre Identification: Why It’s Crucial for Carpet Cleaners

Carpet fibre identification is crucial for professional carpet cleaners to ensure the correct cleaning methods and chemicals are used. Carpet fibres can be natural or synthetic, and misidentifying them can lead to damage like discolouration, shrinkage, or texture alteration. Accurate identification helps avoid these issues and achieves optimal results.
The Importance of Identifying Carpet Fibres
Knowing the type of carpet fibre is essential for effective cleaning. Using incorrect methods can cause irreversible damage. Identifying natural or synthetic fibres ensures the right approach is applied.
Methods for Carpet Fibre Identification
One of the most effective ways to identify fibres is through physical testing, which provides clear results.
The Burn Test
The burn test is a simple technique used to identify carpet fibres. By observing the flame’s colour, smoke, odour, and the texture of the ash, you can determine whether the fibre is natural or synthetic.
Burn Test Chart:
Fibre Type | Flame | Odour | Ash |
---|---|---|---|
Wool | Orange, sputters out | Burning hair | Irregular black, crumbles to powder |
Nylon | Blue base, orange tip | Celery/sealing wax | Hard round bead, grey or brown |
Polypropylene | Blue base, orange tip | Asphalt/tar | Hard round bead, tan or brown |
Cotton | Orange, burns evenly | Burning paper | Grey or black, crumbles to fine powder |
Acrylic | White/orange, sputters, black smoke | Acrid/burnt meat | Irregular black hard crust |
Polyester | Orange, sputters, sooty black smoke | Sweet/fruity | Round shiny black, hard bead |
The Clean Finger/Dirty Finger Test
This variation on the burn test helps differentiate between fibre types based on whether the ash dirties your fingers. Clean fingers indicate synthetic fibres, while dirty fingers indicate natural fibres.
What Happens When the Wrong Cleaning Process is Used
Using the wrong cleaning method can result in shrinkage, discolouration, or texture damage. It’s particularly problematic for natural fibres like wool, which are more delicate than synthetic fibres.
How to Fix Carpets Damaged by Incorrect Cleaning Methods
Fixing damaged carpets depends on the extent of the issue:
- Re-washing can correct minor issues.
- Re-dyeing may help with discolouration.
- Restretching can solve shrinkage problems.
- For severe damage, replacement may be necessary.
By correctly identifying carpet fibres and using appropriate cleaning techniques, professional cleaners can avoid costly mistakes and ensure the longevity of the carpet.