What are the different types of carpet, what should I buy for my home, and how should it be cleaned?©

Author: Vartan Khazadian, owner of CleenCarpet®
7/23/2007

You’ve browsed the net, looked at carpet cleaning sites, and stopped into your local carpet and rug store, in search of some new carpets. However, the choices seem endless, the prices vary, and salesmen confuse you. How do you choose what to purchase? This is dependent upon your living environment and budget. Whether you are carpeting your home for the first time, replacing your carpets, or trying to figure out the carpet cleaning method that is best suited for your investment, you will find this overview of carpeting useful in your decision making.
There are four main types of carpeting available on the market today: Textured, Saxony, Berber, and Commercial.

Textured
This type of carpeting is great at hiding footprints, indentations, and vacuum marks. This is a very general type of carpeting which happens to be the most popular for households today. It is a mid-priced product, and one in which you’ll see installed in most new construction in an off- white color pattern. Great for apartments and condos!
Carpet cleaning requirement: Heated steam cleaning

Saxony
Saxony carpeting tends to be more of a refined carpet fiber, rich and luxurious, and usually reserved for dining or living rooms. Priced on the higher end, this type is often used by interior decorators to highlight a room’s surroundings. Saxony is not recommended for rooms that see high foot traffic, pet loitering, or active children.
Carpet cleaning requirement: Heated steam cleaning

Berber
Whether it be loop or cut pile, this is a low to mid priced carpet fiber and style which is perfect for rugged environments that tend to see more foot traffic. An excellent choice for kid’s rooms, this “thick” looking carpeting hides dirt and debris better than Textured or Saxony carpeting, yet still retains decorating versatility.
Carpet cleaning requirement: Rotary shampoo bonnet method

Commercial Loop or “Glue Down”
Often found in retail or office environments, commercial “glue down” is the most rugged form of carpeting available. Often purchased in squares to be glued to the surface it is being laid on, this type of carpeting blends into almost any decorative environment. It is also designed for extreme traffic areas, is easy to clean, hides dirt well, and is moderately priced.
Carpet cleaning requirement: Rotary shampoo bonnet method for in- between cleanings, Heated steam cleaning for scheduled cleanings

Most people will make their carpet buying decision based on their living needs and budget. Home style, activity level, and décor are all very important factors to consider. Regardless of the type you choose, we hope that this information makes you a better informed and educated purchaser.