Let's talk about "Life With Berber".

One of the most convenient characteristics of Berber carpet (or Polypropylene) is that it is particularly resistant to color staining (or accepting pigments). All synthetic carpet materials start their life as small beads of colorless resin. The resin beads are melted into a solution prior to being formed or extruded into thin strands of fiber. All polypropylene fiber used in most Berber carpets have the color (pigments) added to the melted solution before the fibers are formed.

The material that becomes Berber carpet fiber is dyed while in solution. Therefore, the color of your Berber carpet, even if it's white, is present throughout the entire carpet fiber - exactly like a carrot that has color throughout. Which in contrast is quite different from a radish which is colorless inside (you might say).

Solution dyed carpet material usually do not readily accept foreign pigments or secondary colors. On the other hand, non-solution dyed carpet material are formulated to better accept and hold colors thats generally introduced after the components are formed.

So, for people who have Berber Carpet that is constructed from Polypropylene material (or fiber) your Berber Carpet is not as likely to receive permanent color stains. That's very good news.

The less than good news is, Berber (Polypropylene) loves oil. Yeah, I know.

Berber is more inclined to sweep the oil right off your feet (or shoes). What oil? Glad you asked.

Petrolum oils from auto tires deposits on pavement; oil from asphalt residue; cooking oil deposits... shower jells. Oils and fats are everywhere - lotions, treatments, bath solutions and products. When you think about it - it's difficult to come up with anything that does involve some form of oil. Did you know Gummy Bears require a unique oil to makes them nice and gummy.

It is not unique for Berber darken because of this oil accepting property. Frequent cleaning can help lessen this affect. Of course, it is worthy to note that all unnatural carpeting fibers are petrochemicals. Therefore some oils can bind to the components over time (share electrons, produce bonds and have a good old time). Berber is particular susceptible to reaction with other oils / petrochemicals. This can cause cleaning to become increasingly difficult if left untreated (uncleaned).

When folks with Berber say they haven't cleaned their carpet in 3 or 4 years, you can be assured the oils which induces traffic patterns and foot placement soiling (in front of the sofa and easy chair) generally are not likely to be released totally without employing a mild eco-friendly solvent. 4-5 years is well enough time to consummate and solidify the petrochemical marriage.

At the same time, as you will assume, the presence of oil or an oily film on the carpet will increase other kinds of soiling.

The moral of the account is this. Berber perfect for environments where spills and staining can be expected - family rooms, playrooms, etc. Having said that, basic carpet cleaning frequency needs can increase slightly depending on the chances of soiling from exterior, indoor, and atmospheric oils - coupled with conventional soiling from daily use.

It is very important take note - carpet cleaning service and stain removable are two different tasks. For those who have or are thinking about Berber carpeting manufactured from Polypropylene carpet fiber, you can worry less about spills and accidents calling permenant color fast staining. However, you are likely to notice a small rise in the need to clean traffic areas and foot placement areas around that brand-new HDTV.