The Carpet And Rug Institute Blog

Heritage: Jewish-American Entrepreneurs in the Early Carpet Industry

2013-05-21T06:30:00.001-04:00

Julian Saul, son of Harry Saul.
Image Credit: www.gtalumni.org

May is Jewish-American Heritage Month and as the descendant of a Jewish immigrant, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me, as a new resident of Dalton, Georgia, the Carpet Capital of the World, to take a look back at some of the early Jewish-American carpet entrepreneurs.

Harry Saul

One of the more prominent Jewish-American carpet entrepreneurs was Harry Saul and his company Queen Carpet. Saul came to Dalton and opened a department store in 1939. Through this seemingly small venture he gained the notice and respect of many in the community.

“He was in the dry goods business, and he had the local Boy Scouts department,” said carpet industry pioneer R.E. “Bob” Shaw in an interview for the book Shaw Industries: A History. “If we couldn’t pay for merit badges, Harry would give them to us and tell us to bring a quarter later on.”

It was through this community-based vision that Saul’s business and reputation grew, before he bought a small chenille business in 1946 from Reverend C.T. Pratt. Saul quickly renamed the business Queen Chenille, because they felt their products were fit for a queen, and it specialized in tufted chenille bathrobes.

Not long after that, Queen moved to a more diverse production line that included toilet “tank sets,” replacement carpet for cars, and throw rugs. Queen transitioned into tufted carpet when Harry’s son Julian complained of allergies from the cotton lint at the rug plant. Queen Carpet Co. flourished, and eventually merged with Shaw Industries in late 1998. Julian Shaw served as Shaw Industries president until he retired in 2006.

Alan and Shirley Lorberbaum

Another story of Jewish-American entrepreneurs in the early years of carpet is that of Alan and Shirley Lorberbaum. The Lorberbaums moved to Dalton in 1948, for Alan to take a job at Lawtex, his family’s home textiles business. In 1957, they opened their own business, Aladdin Mills.

Despite the success that was to come for Aladdin Mills, the Lorberbaums initially had trouble getting it off the ground.

“At one point, I pawned my engagement ring to provide us with cash,” Shirley Lorberbaum said in a 1997 interview. “We secured a small business loan, and then, with a great deal of hard work, we were able to grow.”

Alan Lorberbaum
Image Credit: www.floorbiz.com

And grow they did.

Starting as a bath mat manufacturer in an abandoned roller skating rink, Aladdin grew to be the largest facility in the industry at 2.45 million-square-feet by 1968.

Shirley Lorberbaum was the first female president of the Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce. As a tireless community volunteer, she and her husband were generous supporters of issues related to education, children, and minorities.

Aladdin Mills continued to grow into the 1990s when a merger was arranged with Calhoun, Georgia-based Mohawk Industries Alan and Shirley’s son, Jeffrey Lorberbaum was named CEO of Mohawk Industries in 2001. A Bloomberg News report stated that the company’s shares have risen 77 percent under his leadership, and calls Mohawk the world’s largest maker of flooring products.

There are lots of interesting stories on the history of Dalton and the tufted carpet industry that you can find from books such as Shaw Industries: A History and Bedspreads to Broadloom: The Story of the Tufted Carpet Industry.

I did not grow up knowing I had a Jewish heritage, but when I found out, I was proud, and especially so during this special month of commemoration.

- Paul

2013 CARE Conference Recap

2013-05-21T06:30:00.000-04:00

Dr. Robert Peoples addresses the
audience at the
2013 CARE Conference.

April 24-26 was a great few days for CARE, Carpet America Recovery Effort, along with its members as they made their way to the Saddlebrook Resort of Wesley Chapel, FL for the 2013 CARE Conference.

The industry decided to take a few days in the sun to honor some of the outstanding work that is done by individuals and organizations throughout the previous year.

The two biggest commendations that CARE awards are Person of the Year, for the individual who is leading the way in carpet recovery, and Recycler of the Year, which honors a corporation doing pioneering work within the carpet diversion industry.

Sean Ragiel of CarpetCycle was named Person of the Year for his work in carpet recycling and diversion. Ragiel founded CarpetCycle in 1999 and it is dedicated to collecting and recycling post-consumer carpet and padding.

Sean Ragiel (right) accepts the CARE Person of
the Year Award from Dr. Peoples (left).

Dr. Robert Peoples, Executive Director of CARE, had nothing but praise for Ragiel and his work.

“I can’t think of anyone who exhibits more enthusiasm for this industry and entrepreneurial spirit than Sean,” said Dr. Peoples. “He has been one of our staunchest supporters.”

CarpetCycle does most of its work in the Northeast United States, although its operations continue to expand.

The other major award for the 2013 CARE Conference was for Recycler of the Year which goes to an outstanding business for their work.

Rocky Ponders accepting the award for Recycler
of the Year for Columbia Recycling

This year that business was Columbia Recycling of Dalton, GA.

"They have been enormously successful, growing their business, expanding their technology and making a big impact in keeping post-consumer carpet out of landfills across the U.S.," said Dr. Peoples. "It is very fitting that [Columbia] be recognized by their peers."

Other honors and commendations were distributed to those whose hard work is invaluable to the carpet diversion industry and CARE.

Susan Lewis of Interface and Dr. Peoples.

2012 was not only a big year for those recieving awards as CARE welcomed Robert Peoples as the new Executive Director and CARE continued to be a major part of diverting and recycling carpet by diverting more than 350 million pounds of carpet from U.S. landfills, up five percent from 2011.

Carpet-to-carpet recycling has seen major gains in the past year as well and nearly one-third of all recycled carpet goes back into carpet and that is something Dr. Peoples is very pleased with.

"When we started in 2002 there was virtually no carpet-to-carpet recycling, but today almost 30% of recycled carpet goes back into carpet itself."

Congratulations to all awards recipients and keep up the good work.

- Paul

Schools Carpet Maintenance Program Technical Bulletin from Carpet and Rug Institute

2013-05-17T06:30:00.000-04:00

New! Updated Technical Bulletins from the Carpet and Rug Institute: Schools Carpet Maintenance Program Technical Bulletin

Did you know that the Carpet and Rug Institute has a whole library of technical bulletins on its website?

That's right! - CRI has an entire section of technical bulletins, white papers and scientific research available for anyone with the time (and patience) to access.

Eleven of these important technical documents have been updated in 2012. (See Carpet and Rug Institute Updates 11 Technical Bulletins.) Additional bulletins are scheduled for review and updating in 2013.

This week we feature excerpts from the Schools Carpet Maintenance Program Technical Bulletin.

Schools Carpet Maintenance Program Technical Bulletin

(For HEAVY Traffic Areas: Conference rooms, teacher offices, auditoriums, limited access areas, teacher break areas, media centers, administrative office areas, classrooms used part-time.)

Carpet Maintenance Schedule:

Vacuum – Vacuum every other day concentrating on main traffic areas. Use a commercial vacuum cleaner with a CRI SOA/GL Vacuum Cleaner logo indicating that the vacuum type has been tested and meets or exceeds the carpet industry’s performance Standard. Disposable vacuum bags should be replaced when the bag becomes half full.

Dry Spills – All dry spills should be vacuum cleaned to lift and remove residue as soon as possible after spill.

Liquid Spills – Blot as soon as possible with an absorbent cloth or plain, white paper towels. Special cleaning kits may be obtained from professional cleaners. However, most spills respond to a mixture of ¼ teaspoon of clear (non-bleach, non lanolin) liquid dishwashing detergent per 1 cup of warm water. Allow the detergent solution to remain 8 or 10 minutes to lift the spill/stain. Thoroughly rinse the area with warm water, and blot until an absorbent towel shows no moisture transfer.

(For SEVERE TRAFFIC AREAS: Corridors, student break areas, class-rooms, wipe- off regions, cafeterias, congested channels, principal passage routes.)

Doormats – Use doormats at entrances to limit tracked-in soil.

Vacuum – Vacuum severe traffic areas after every school day. Use vacuum cleaner as specified above.

Dry & Liquid Spills - It is extremely important to remove spills in high traffic areas as soon as possible to prevent spots from becoming difficult to remove.

(For ALL AREAS) Extraction Cleaning - Extraction cleaning should occur a few days prior to the beginning of each school year and after the start-up of the air conditioning system. A second extraction cleaning should take place during the winter holiday season. Each cleaning should take place during unoccupied hours, with the ventilation system operating during all phases of cleaning and for at least 48 hours thereafter. Select a vacuum that carries the CRI SOA/GL Vacuum Cleaner Label.

These vacuums have been tested and meet a peer-reviewed standard which measures:

Soil Removal – CRI uses NASA-enhanced x-ray fluorescence technology to measure the precise amount of soil removed from carpet.

Dust Containment – The dust containment test protocol evaluates the total amount of dust particles released into the surrounding air by the action of the brush rolls, through the filtration bag, and any air leaks from the vacuum cleaner system. This protocol requires that a vacuum cleaner will release into the surrounding environment no more than 100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter of air, well below levels stated in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Appearance Retention – The test protocol for appearance retention requires that the vacuum cleaner should affect the appearance of the carpet no more than a one-step change, based on one year of normal vacuum use.

To see the complete version, click on Schools Carpet Maintenance Program Technical Bulletin.

Bethany

My Real-life “Thanks for Carpet” Moment: Chipping in the House

2013-05-16T06:30:00.000-04:00

My name is Paul. I am a golfer and I practice in the house.

The first step is admitting the problem. The second step is having carpet on the floor.

My golf hero, Phil Mickelson, was afforded a green in his backyard growing up, but I was not so fortunate.

I have been swinging a golf club for as long as I can remember and not every day was full of sunshine, which led to me swinging my golf clubs throughout the house, much to my mom’s chagrin.

The best practice in the house is for the short game (chipping and putting) and this is where my real life “thanks for carpet” moment comes into play.

On rainy days when you can’t make it out to the course or driving range, I find it best to stay in, grab a sleeve of golf balls and just chip around the house. Practicing in the house requires carpet for the way it simulates grass, because it is impossible to practice any type of golf shot on hardwood unless you feel like destroying your clubs and floor.

The house I live in now is one that is filled with an older shag carpet, older shag carpet which is even better for practicing my chipping because of the way it mimics rough around the green.

I am always thankful for carpet and I’m pretty sure my golf clubs are too.

If you have a "thanks for carpet" moment, let us know; maybe we’ll tee it up here on the CRI blog.

- Paul

Shag Carpet is Back, and Better Than When I was in College

2013-05-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

Actually, when I was in college, shag was a dance, shag was a haircut, and shag was a style of carpet. This blog post is about the floor covering.

I redecorated my living room recently, and one of the things I did to give the space a bit more contemporary feel was to replace my traditional floral oriental rug with a deep, plush and beautiful shag rug. Technically speaking, it’s a broadloom carpet style that I picked out at the store and then paid to have cut and bound into a rug. It’s a quick and easy way to get an area rug made in any size you like, and with so many choices available these days in broadloom carpet styles and colors, it really worked for me.

I love the way my new rug looks. It’s comfortable to walk and sit on and is easy to vacuum.

Speaking of vacuuming, the first thing I did was buy a vacuum from the Carpet and Rug Institute’s list of Seal ofApproval tested and certified high-performance machines. I chose a canister model with a suction-only attachment, because using a beater bar on a deep-pile rug will tangle the yarns and make them look fuzzy. (CRI has a technical document on vacuums for high-pile carpets on its website that has more good info on this topic.) I chose a commercial model vacuum, actually. It cost more than most residential vacuums, but it is built to last and is very powerful. Great attachments, too.

The last time I had a shag carpet was in 1977 when I was in college. I had my own apartment in the Vinegar Hill district of Charlottesville, Virginia . The apartment was quaint and charming, in an old house with high ceilings and an old footed bathtub. The previous tenants had installed white shag carpet in the bedroom and it looked fabulous in parts of the room, but the well-worn footpaths - like from the living room to the kitchen – those were matted down flat as crop circles.

Luckily for me, carpet fibers have changed dramatically for the better in the past 36 years.

And one thing is certain, shag is back in style. What is the history of this iconic floorcovering and why do people love it so much? I asked Emily Morrow, director of color, style and design at Shaw Industries and here is her reply:

“The origins of shag carpet go back to the 1960's when homes were taking on a new feel and a "casual California style". Carpet and rug styles were changing and evolving quickly, as techniques in the carpet industry were changing. Pop culture was also influencing the tastes of homemakers of the 60's, when television shows and movies gave consumers a glimpse of what their own homes could and should” look like.

The popularity of mid-century modern design has grown within the past 3 to 4 years, and we are seeing style elements from this era return. The simplicity and contemporary lines of the style appeal to a generation of new consumers and homeowners who did not live through the trend in its original heyday but like the nostalgic effect it offers. Mid-century modern furniture styles continue to work their way into American homes, partly because of their ability to blend easily with other styles as well as their affordability when compared to traditional pieces.”

As a final note, I had my shag rug professionally cleaned and it looks great. When the crew came last week to clean my carpets, I had them clean the rug as well. It looks great and was completely dry by the time I got home from work.

Now that I have the rug, maybe the haircut is next!

Bethany

Beaulieu Supports March of Dimes

2013-05-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

As it finally starts to turn warm, there’s evidence all around that the time for being outdoors is once again upon us. People are out walking and jogging in greater numbers, folks are spending time tending their yards and gardens, and sports enthusiasts like me are back to scheduling tee times on the golf course.

But Beaulieu of America, a Carpet and RugInstitute member manufacturer and maker of Bliss by Beaulieu brand carpet is using spring to give back to a worthy cause: the March of Dimes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately four million babies are born in the U.S. each year. But while most of them are born healthy, about one in eight births is the result of a premature delivery and one in 33 infants is born with a birth defect of one sort or another. Still others, particularly those with birth defects or those who are born prematurely, won’t make it to their first birthdays.

The March of Dimes does all it can to prevent birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. For almost 75 years, this non-profit organization has had as its mission to improve the health of mothers and babies. Begun by Franklin D. Roosevelt back in 1938, the organization was nicknamed the March of Dimes because children were asked to contribute a dime to the annual fundraising event.

The March of Dimes now focuses on all aspects of maintaining healthy pregnancies and promoting baby health. It’s a cause worth supporting, and Beaulieu of America has taken this cause on as one of its major service projects by being a sponsor of the March of Dimes “imbornto (I’mBorn to) campaign” for 2013.

Beaulieu joins a number of other brands in supporting this cause. Kmart, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Farmers Insurance, ProFlowers and other well-known brands will be the “official sponsors of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day” with their support of this March of Dimes annual fund-raising drive.

At the Carpet and Rug Institute, we take pride in all of the philanthropic activities that our members undertake and congratulate Beaulieu for taking on such a worthy cause.

We look forward to seeing the return on this investment in the coming months and invite you to read more about this story in the Dalton Daily-Citizen News' "Beaulieu supports March of Dimes' 'imbornto' national campaign".

- Werner

Carpet in Hospitals – Therapists Helping Patients One Step at a Time

2013-05-07T06:30:00.000-04:00

On this blog, we’ve talked about how carpet can be used as ateaching tool, and even as a way to detect when an elderlyor injured person is likely to fall. It seems carpet is being used more and more as an information-gathering device.

In a post titled Healthcare Flooring as a Rehabilitation Tool on her “Zooming In” blog, Sarah Norville Peinhardt, an interior designer with the architectural firm Gresham Smith and Partners, shows how flooring in some hospitals is being used by physical therapists to measure patients’ gait speeds.

“The flooring pattern in the facility’s corridors and gym area are designed to assist in gait training for patients, many of whom have suffered an injury or surgery that requires them to learn how to walk again. A person's gait requires input from the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and joints, along with a sufficient amount of muscular power and cardiovascular health. Because all of these systems are required to coordinate gait, gait speed is an indicator of the health of many physiological systems.

Therapists typically conduct gait training and walking recovery by assessing the patient's gait quality, the distance walked and the amount of assistance needed. At HealthSouth, the flooring itself provides the distance markers needed for gait training. Each hallway features a specific repeated pattern that's measured out in meters and matches up with the distances marked in most standard gait tests. Therapists don't need a special area for the test; the corridor serves that function. Oftentimes, patients are not even aware their gait is being assessed, allowing for therapists to observe patients' progress in more natural conditions.

We all know that the long hallways and endless wings of rehab facilities and hospitals are tiring enough for visitors, let alone patients. Since the corridors at HealthSouth function as a therapy tool, none of the steps taken by patients throughout the day are wasted. Their travel time is part of their therapy, and each walk down the hall gets the patient that much closer to achieving their rehabilitation goals. Additionally, the differing floor patterns throughout the facility serve as an effective wayfinding tool, so the corridors are essentially serving three purposes – circulation, wayfinding and rehabilitation.”

This is really cool. Are there other examples out there where carpet is helping patients in their healing processes? I’d love to hear about them.

Bethany

Image courtesy of: Zooming In: Healthcare Flooring as a Rehabilitation Tool

Vacuums for High Pile Carpet: CRI Technical Bulletin

2013-05-03T06:30:00.000-04:00

New! Updated Technical Bulletins from the Carpet and Rug Institute: Recommended Vacuum Cleaner for High Pile Carpet

This week we feature excerpts from Vacuums for High Pile Carpet Technical Bulletin.

Recommended Vacuum Cleaner for High Pile Carpet Technical Bulletin

The use of the correct vacuum cleaner can extend the life of carpet; contain the respirable particles generated by the vacuuming process, with no damage to the carpet. The result is a cleaner environment.

Some high pile carpets require alternative vacuums to ensure damage does not occur during vacuuming. These high pile styles are typically referred to as high nap frieze or shags.

The majority of vacuum sales are of the type called “upright” machines that utilize a combination of suction, airflow and brush rollers to provide improved cleaning. While perfectly acceptable for maintenance of most carpets, these brush rollers may cause accelerated texture change in some high pile carpets. The texture change caused by the brush rolls on some machines can be severe and is typically irreparable. Additionally, damage can occur to the upright vacuum, such as broken drive belts, entwined brush rolls and damaged motors.

Currently, the type vacuum that has been found most suitable for maintaining high pile carpet is referred to as “straight air appliances”. They are different from the typical vacuum cleaners in that they do not have brush roll agitators. The preferred styles are canister or central vacuum systems. These vacuum cleaner systems have three main components: the vacuum source, the floor tool or head and a flexible hose connecting the two.

Several manufacturers of straight air machines have designed floor tools specifically for high pile carpets. The design of the vacuum head can have a significant bearing on the vacuum’s ability to remove soil and groom the carpet. Cleaning efficacy is enhanced when the carpet is vacuumed from multiple directions as opposed to straight line back and forth movement.

Not all floor tools currently sold with homeowner canister vacuums are suitable, hence the need for a purpose-designed floor tool. A correctly designed tool glides easily and has no brushes or Velcro-type rub strips that can fray the carpet tufts.

See the complete version of the Recommended Vacuum Cleaner for High Pile Carpet Technical Bulletin, click here.

~ Bethany

Milliken Named to Most Ethical Companies List

2013-05-02T06:30:00.000-04:00

It’s sad to say, but we are much more likely to hear about companies, institutions, and individuals doing something wrong these days than the ones who are doing things right.

So it’s refreshing to see a major company establish a pattern of doing the “right thing” – and to see it garnering the attention it deserves.

For the seventh year in a row, Milliken & Company, a Carpet and Rug Institute member manufacturer, has been named to the World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking by Ethisphere Magazine, a quarterly journal published The Ethisphere Institute.

Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Milliken has been known as an “innovation company” since its inception in 1865.

Milliken CEO Joe Salley says the honor is highly prized by the company and its associates.

“This enables us to continue to celebrate what we as a company have known for nearly 150 years; that acting ethically and with integrity is not only the right thing to do, but is the foundation of our success.”

The World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking highlights companies that outperform industry peers when it comes to ethical behavior.

The institute uses in-depth research and a multi-step analysis to review nominations sent in from more than 100 countries and within 36 industries.

You can read more about this story in the Dalton, Georgia Daily-Citizen in an article titled Milliken makes list of World’s Most Ethical Companies.

- Werner

New Carpet Adds Value and Other Tips for Quick Home Sales

2013-04-30T06:30:00.000-04:00

I am very excited about the third downloadable feature story the Carpet and Rug Institute has put together. Titled "Staging on a Shoestring: Tips from the Pros for Quick Home Sales", it has been picked up by newspapers and online news sites all over the country, and it’s available as a free downloadable pdf from the CRI website.

Even with the real estate market improving, homeowners are in a competitive market and it can be difficult to make a quick sale, so there is added importance to creating an appealing atmosphere for potential buyers.

‘You can’t be too tidy or too well-scrubbed,’ says Cathy Mansour, an interior designer and director at Aqua Hospitality Carpets.

Cleaning the home is a simple answer and a house can look good enough to showcase right after a good cleaning, but by following these steps your home will make a great impression with prospective buyers.

1) Start by eliminating all clutter.

Not only does it make your home look unorganized, clutter also makes it look much smaller. Pack away papers, knickknacks, excessive photography or decor, and extra furniture.

Uncluttered rooms highlight the space and personality of a home, so buyers take notice of these attributes rather than the cluster of family photos or stack of magazines on the coffee table.

2) Assess, clean flooring

More buyers desire carpet because it is comfortable, reduces noise and improves indoor air quality. And it benefits sellers to highlight this feature, especially after a professional cleaning.

“Carpet is warm and inviting in a family room,” says Karen Dembsky, owner of Peachtree Home Staging and president of the Georgia Real Estate StagingAssociation.

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recommends hiring only reputable carpet-cleaning professionals who will use effective cleaning solutions and equipment to do the best job possible. Visit our website to find cleaning professionals who use CRI-certified carpet cleaning products as part of their cleaning process.

3) Let there be light

Once your home is clean and clutter-free, it’s time to let in the light. Pull back drapery, turn on the hallway sconces and update wattages on dim bulbs. About 100 watts per 50 square feet is a good target. Be sure to update any older lampshades or lighting hardware to reflect a more modern style.

4) Fresh Paint

Once you let in all that wonderful light, some walls may look dated. A fresh coat of paint can liven up a room and make it look modern and clean. Focus on rooms where walls are dirty, damaged or feature a dated color to give your entire interior design a facelift.

It is best to stick with neutrals like warm honey or soft green so potential buyers can easily envision their own furniture and decor in the space.

5) Scent plays a huge role

Finally, remember sight isn’t the only sense you want to stimulate when it comes to selling a home. How your house smells can make it appealing or distasteful to potential buyers.

Because it’s difficult to distinguish different scents in our own homes, invite a few guests over to give their honest opinions. A deep cleaning of any textiles as well as a few fresh flowers should do the trick.

By following these five simple tips you’ll be reviewing bids and moving forward on the sale of your home before you know it.

For the downloadable version of 'Staging on a Shoestring, Tips from the Pros for a Quick Home Sale', click here.

- Paul

Carpet Maker Helps Wounded Veterans

2013-04-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

CRI Member Mohawk Industries Participates in Operation Finally Home

When military personnel return home from their active duty, it is easy to think that all they feel is relief. After all, so often their time of service has been spent in tension-filled parts of the world, where each day is spent under the real of potential threat of harm. But as sweet as the green, green grass of home is to a returning soldier, home still holds real-life responsibilities and risks. Adjusting can be hard, as vets face the special challenges that can take a toll on even our nation’s bravest men and women.

Operation Finally Home is an organization that is doing all it can to help wounded veterans come home to something very special: their own custom-designed living spaces where they can find their lives again. Each home has been designed to accommodate the special needs and disabilities of its soldier recipients. Oh yes, and each home comes with a very special price tag: “mortgage-free”.

The organization succeeds by working with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help our nation’s severely wounded war heroes and their families adapt to their new world by providing them with something truly priceless: a place to call home.

Since December of 2011, Mohawk, a Carpet and Rug Institute member manufacturer, has donated the flooring for Operation Finally Home projects. It was actually through Mohawk’s relationship with this organization that Bill Saint, president and CEO of custom home builder Classica Homes, learned about this opportunity and decided to commit his company to helping out as well.

Saint was introduced to the Operation Finally Home at the 2013 International Builders Show, and decided to partner with them to build a home in Charlotte this year.

“My wife and I had been talking for months about finding a way to help returning veterans,” Saint said. “As soon as we heard the story, our team attending the event all looked at each other and nodded our heads in agreement. We had to participate.”

“We couldn’t do this without the generosity we’ve seen from so many key players in the building community, and within our own community and homeowners,” Saint stated.

We thank them and thank our good friends at Mohawk Industries. What they and their partners are providing for these veterans is a home that will be comfortable and functional to live in for the years to come.

And that’s an incomparable gift for those heroes who have made our homes and nation safe.

- Werner

Swedish Study Shows Carpet is Better for Your Feet

2013-04-23T06:30:00.000-04:00

Since April is Foot Health Awareness Month, let’s look at one obvious benefit of carpet – it feels better on our feet. A recent study from Sweden indicates the ergonomic benefits of carpet are significant.

Before I came to the Carpet and Rug Institute to work as their communications coordinator, I worked as a salesman in a men's clothing store. One of the first things I learned in that job is that standing on your feet for 8-9 hours every day makes you thankful for your couch every evening. And I was lucky – I worked in a store with carpeted floors - some working people have to stand on concrete or some other hard surface floor.

We’ve always known it: carpet is better for our feet, ankles, knees and back.

The Swedish study was initiated by the Swedish Work Environment Authority (SWEA). It concludes that carpet in the workplace is better for feet and helps prevent injuries more than hard floor coverings.

The study refers to a report that documented employees' pain at a work facility. Employees had been reporting pain in their feet, knees, hip joints, and lower spine. The employees' pain was caused, the report states, by “ergonomic problems due to the floor covering in the building.”

The Swedish study examines how different flooring materials absorb shock and the findings are painfully obvious (pun slightly intended). Softer floor coverings support feet better, the study finds, which keeps people from suffering from pain similar to that experienced by the employees.

Ingvar Dekmer, the main researcher of the study, states that, “the clinical study… shows that changing to a softer floor covering results in a significant reduction of pain in feet.”

Read about another doctor who says soft floor coverings will lessen or eliminate the pain from ankle and leg problems.

All of this may seem obvious to most of us Americans because the majority of our public areas have carpeting, but in Sweden most public places have hard floors.

Carpeted floors have other distinct advantages, but reducing discomfort in feet will always be at the top of my list.

Thanks again, carpet.

- Paul

Pet Urine and Carpet Technical Bulletin from the Carpet and Rug Institute

2013-04-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

New! Updated Technical Bulletins from the Carpet and Rug Institute: Pet Urine and Carpet

Did you know that the Carpet and Rug Institute has a whole library of technical bulletins on its website?

That’s right - CRI has an entire section of technical bulletins, white papers and scientific research available for anyone with the time (and patience) to access.

Eleven of these important technical documents have been updated in 2012. (See Carpet and Rug Institute Updates 11 Technical Bulletins.) Additional bulletins are scheduled for review and updating in 2013.

This week we feature excerpts from Pet Urine and Carpet Technical Bulletin.

Pet Urine and Carpet Technical Bulletin

Owners of even the best-trained pets will occasionally encounter pet urine accidents that leave urine stains on carpet. Often, the urine is not discovered until long after the accident.

To treat urine-damaged areas, blot damp areas as soon as the urine is detected with plain white paper toweling. Apply a solution of 1/8 teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent (non-bleach and non-lanolin) with one cup of lukewarm water, by saturating paper towels and blotting. Do not use automatic dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent. Then, absorb the moisture with a paper towel, rinse with warm water, and repeat the application of detergent. Continue rinsing and blotting with the detergent solution and water as long as there is a transfer to the toweling or improvement in the spot. Follow the detergent application with a solution of one cup white vinegar to two cups water and blot dry. Apply a half-inch layer of paper towels to the affected area, and weight down with a flat, heavy, non-fading object. Continue to change the paper towels frequently until the carpet is completely dry.

Urine can affect the dyes used in carpet, although not all occurrences will result in a permanent stain.

When urine spots develop slowly and are noticed after much time has elapsed, the dyes and carpet fibers may be permanently damaged. Pet urine, left unattended, can damage carpet in several ways. Moisture can weaken the bond between the layers of the carpet, allowing separation or delamination of the backing material to separate. Seam areas can be particularly vulnerable to damage and can separate.

Another problem, especially with cat urine, is odor. Unless the cat urine can be completely removed, complete odor removal is unlikely. A number of products are available to combat odor, but some may simply mask the odor, and, in times of high humidity, the odor may reappear. Enzyme-based treatments are available at pet stores, veterinarian offices or other retail stores. (Refer to the CRI website www.carpet-rug.org for approved Pet Stain and Odor Removal products in the Seal of Approval Program)

Some carpet manufacturers have developed backings that resist spills and even prevent the spillage from penetrating the carpet into the carpet cushion and, perhaps, the subfloor. Check with your carpet dealer about these products.

See the complete version of the Carpet and Rug Insitute Technical Bulletin on Pet Urine and Carpet.

~ Bethany

Boosting My New Hometown Dalton, GA

2013-04-18T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hamilton Street by Dalton Artist George Davies

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee; raised twenty miles south in Ringgold, Georgia. That’s me. I’ll not bore you with the details of my childhood (which include the early evidence of my golfing ability and budding proclivities as a young journalist). No, I’ll just get right to the story.

Like any ambitious young man who has remained in the same town his entire life, I bolted for a distant college. I returned four years later, educated and just as ambitious, but lacking a few important lessons about life, including a few about the importance of community.

Despite my North Georgia roots, Dalton is a relatively new community to me.

I have only been with the Carpet and Rug Institute – CRI - for a short time, but the insights I have gathered here so far have been valuable.

Take for example Werner Braun’s weekly columns on living in Dalton, and not just Dalton as the center of carpet manufacturing, but Dalton as a community.

Not that long ago the Atlanta bureau chief for the New York Times wrote an article casting Dalton in a negative light. The article portrays Dalton as an old, worn down town on the precipice of decay, with a main street littered with pawn shops and a lone coffee shop, but Werner’s response is right on pitch:

Statue of General Joseph E. Johnston in
Downtown Dalton, GA. from Wikipedia

“When I walk through downtown Dalton, I don’t see just three pawn shops and an espresso bar. When I walk down our main street, I see a very healthy downtown, brimming with good restaurants… gift shops, jewelry stores, book stores... and much more.”

It’s this kind of defense that Dalton and small towns everywhere, especially ones that might be struggling, deserve.

Werner believes that the future of Dalton is bright and will be a great community for years to come.

“We’ve come a long way, and now the future is up to us as a community…to help build a Dalton for tomorrow.”

Whether he is writing on local legend Jane Harrell or the economic outlook of Dalton, it is evident that Werner cares deeply about this community and my new hometown.

Dalton, GA.

It is more than just the Carpet Capital of the World; it’s a place to call home.

What do you love about your hometown? Share in the comments below.

-Paul

Fuzzy Sides Up: How Beards (and Carpet) Defend Against Allergies

2013-04-16T06:30:00.000-04:00

A recent article titled From warding off pollen to slowing the ageing process: Beards are good for you states that for men who have allergies and even asthma, wearing a beard can help keep pollen, dust, and other allergens from being inhaled through their noses.

That makes sense. But what does that have to do with carpet?

Let me tell you for many years the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has promoted the position, backed by extensive research, that carpets act as passive filters in a room, trapping allergens and holding them out of a room’s breathing space until they can be vacuumed out. Sort of like a beard for your floor.

When carpet is in a room, it is able to grab and hold onto allergens and keep them from circulating through the air. With the carpet acting as a trap for these tiny particles, they stay out of the breathing zone and away from our noses until the next vacuuming, protecting you and your family from the effects of allergens at home.

Now I have never had a beard, but this study makes me do two things: the first is to wish I had a beard and the second is be thankful that I have lived in a home with carpet for the majority of my life.

You may feel ambivalent about beards, but you shouldn’t feel ambivalent about carpets being the best choice for helping keep allergies to a minimum. Making a choice for carpet is something everyone can do for a healthier home.

To learn more about how carpet defends against allergies, won't you read through previous articles we've published on carpet and allergies and how to protect from allergens in the home?

Then, let us know your reactions.

-Paul

Image courtesy of Drop the razor? Beards could slow aging, help prevent skin cancer

Meet Paul Tucker, CRI Communications Coordinator

2013-04-11T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hi, my name is Paul Tucker and I am the Communications Coordinator at The Carpet and Rug Institute. I started my position in March 2013.

I am a native of North Georgia and have lived in the area for nearly all of my life. I played golf and basketball growing up and I was a medalist multiple times in my high school golf matches.

Despite my proclivity for sports, I have always been a writer. My communications experience began when I was a high school student and I was first published at a local newspaper, The Catoosa County News. My first piece was about early voting and the volunteers who made it possible. I went on to complete an internship with that same newspaper a couple years later.

During my interning, the coolest thing I ever got to do was attend Peyton Manning’s press conference and ask him the first question about the grand opening of his D1 Facility in Chattanooga, TN. I have never been so nervous about anything, but on the outside I remained calm, cool and collected, much like Eli Manning.

After completing my internship, I attended Carson-Newman University, though it was Carson-Newman College while I was a student, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising in 2011.

I continued to grow through college as a writer and social media professional by doing such work as sustainability blogging for the The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and sports columns for Bleacher Report, amongst other communication work. While I was in college, I was a part of the Bonner Scholarship program which was a community service-based scholarship and allowed me many opportunities to contribute to different social causes.

Despite my never lacking self-confidence, I had to work many odd jobs right out of college before coming to my current position with CRI.

When not at CRI, I can be found on the golf course, traveling or catching up with friends and sometimes a combination of all three.

I am glad to be a part of the work CRI is doing and look forward to being their Communications Coordinator.

- Paul

Carpet and Rug Institute Visits Washington

2013-04-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

From left to right: Rick Hooper, Shaw Industries;
Russ Delozier, J&J; Robert Peoples, CARE;
Jenn Mendez, CRI; Joe Foye, Mohawk;
Joe Yarbrough, Mohawk; Werner Braun, CRI,
and Kathy Dutihl, Milliken.

Carpet in the Capitol: CRI Meets with Congressional Representatives

Each year, I am privileged to be part of a group of Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) staff and representatives from our member manufacturing companies that travels to our nation’s capital to meet with lawmakers to address issues related to the carpet industry and U.S. manufacturing.

It’s an important trip for many reasons – it keeps us in touch with the men and women whom we have elected to serve us in Congress, and it gives us “ordinary citizens” a chance to see the challenging landscape our representatives must navigate in order to legislate on our behalf.

During our two-day “fly-in”, we were able to meet with Senators and House Representatives from both sides of the aisle in an attempt to present our arguments about energy policy, sustainability and many other issues of import to the carpet industry.

We shook hands with lawmakers from the states of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida, and hosted the representatives and their staffs at CRI’s annual Salute to Congress and the Georgia Delegation, reception. We serve Chick-fil-A, a Georgia specialty, and the event is always well-attended.

Both the discussions and event were successful, in that we were able to meet with our elected officials and talk about the issues that are important to us. For their part, each representative we spoke to expressed their appreciation for our traveling all the way to Washington DC to make our voices heard. I am especially thankful to Congressman Tom Graves and his staff for their hard work in helping us host the reception.

You'll find more information on this meeting in my March 22nd, 2013 column titled CRI goes to Washington for Dalton, Georgia’s Daily Citizen News.

Above, you see us gathered in front of the Nation's Capitol. Below, you see the group with Chambliss and Isakson.

Front row, Sens. Saxby Chambliss, Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

Behind: Bob Peoples, Carpet America Recovery Effort; Jenn Mendez, CRI;

Werner Braun, CRI; Kathy Dutihl, Milliken; Joe Yarbrough, Mohawk;

Russ Delozier, J & J; Joe Foye, Mohawk; Rick Hooper, Shaw

Werner

Technical Bulletin on Dust Mites From the Carpet and Rug Institute

2013-04-05T06:30:00.000-04:00

New! Updated Technical Bulletins from the Carpet and Rug Institute: Dust Mites Technical Bulletin

Did you know that the Carpet and Rug Institute has a whole library of technical bulletins on its website?

That’s right - CRI has an entire section of technical bulletins, white papers and scientific research available for anyone with the time (and patience) to access.

Eleven of these important technical documents have been updated in 2012. (See Carpet and Rug Institute Updates 11 Technical Bulletins.) Additional bulletins are scheduled for review and updating in 2013.

This week, we feature excerpts from the Dust MitesTechnical Bulletin.

Dust Mites Technical Bulletin

Dust mites are found in almost every high humidity environment that is capable of supporting plant life. In a survey of homes with dust mites, 60% of the dust mite population is found in the bed, mattresses and pillows, 30% in upholstery, and 10% in carpet.

There are two species of house dust mites belonging to the genus Dermatophagoides that are found in North America. Both species feed on shed skin scales from humans, animals, lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), birds, pollen, fungi and bacteria which explains their high concentration in mattresses, pillows and upholstered furniture where skin scales provide a food source.

Efficient operation of a residential or commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that maintains humidity below 55% relative humidity can effectively reduce the number of dust mites in a particular environment.

Exposure to dust mite allergen material is minimized by keeping all indoor surfaces as clean as possible. The most important tool for managing house dust and dust mite allergens is the vacuum cleaner. Regular, thorough vacuuming of carpets, furniture, and textiles will remove food sources and dust mite excrement and will help keep the dust mite population low. Avoid wet mopping which increases moisture in the air. Where wet mopping is necessary, such as kitchens and bathrooms, vacuum thoroughly prior to mopping.

It is important to use a vacuum cleaner that cleans effectively and minimizes distribution of dust and allergen materials into the air from the vacuum filter and from around the machine housing.

See the complete version of the Carpet and Rug Institute Technical Bulletin on Dust Mites.

~ Bethany

Easy carpet cleaning tips from the experts at the Carpet and Rug Institute

2013-04-04T06:30:00.000-04:00

Here’s some great carpet cleaning advice from an article titled, “Easy Carpet Tips and Tricks from the Experts,” that has appeared almost 1,500 times in recent months in newspapers and on the internet, including in the Los Angeles Times!

Since the information came from CRI, I am even happier to share it with you. If you like the article, you can download a copy of it here to use as a hand-out orleave-behind. Great for Facebook or twitter updates, too!

As the weather cools and daylight hours shorten, families tend to spend more time inside. After a long summer of open windows, sticky treats and constant activity in and out the door, you might notice that your carpets are looking a bit drab. Keeping carpets clean might seem like a daunting task, but with some tips from the experts it’s quicker and easier than you think.

Carpet provides good traction, absorbs noises, and saves homeowners money because it naturally insulates a room. And, contrary to popular misconceptions, carpet that is cleaned regularly is fine for people with allergies, and even asthma. The best practice for keeping carpets consistently clean is having a regular maintenance routine.

Refreshing carpets after a special event, season of tough use, or simply any time of year is easy with these tips from the experts at the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), a national carpet trade association that focuses on science-based research, customer advocacy and environmental initiatives.

Create a vacuum schedule for your carpet

Have you ever wondered if vacuuming really makes a difference? Removing soil when it’s on the surface, before it gets tramped down, is the first and most important step in carpet maintenance. Use slow, repetitive motions that overlap (about four swipes), ensuring you get right up to the edges where dust, pollen and pet dander like to accumulate.

How often do you need to vacuum? That answer may surprise you. Generally once a week with a CRI-certified vacuum is a good place to start, but depending on how frequently the area is used, you’ll likely want to do it more often. For example, high-traffic or pet areas should be vacuumed daily, medium-traffic areas require about twice a week and light-traffic areas can be done once a week. Just as you wouldn’t wear a shirt over and over again without washing it, you don’t want to go too long between vacuuming your carpets.

Treat carpet stains the correct way

Up to 98 percent of carpet is manufactured in the United States, and most is made to be stain-resistant. However, junior’s ice cream cone drips and Fido’s dirty paws can leave marks that may seem almost too difficult to remove. No matter how hard you try to prevent them, stains do happen, so it’s important to act quickly. Scoop up solids and blot liquids with a dry, white cloth or paper towel, starting at the edge of the spot moving toward the center. Do not scrub – it can damage carpet and spread the mess.

Next, treat the spot with a CRI-tested and approved carpet cleaning solution. If you don’t have one on hand, plain water often works better than untested carpet cleaners. For wine or chocolate stains, try mixing 1/4 teaspoon clear dishwashing liquid with one cup warm water. Avoid laundry detergent which can cause permanent damage, such as a change in color. For coffee or tea stains, try mixing 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water. For ink stains, apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and blot. Have a wax spill? Cover the spot with a clean brown paper bag or heavy brown paper and apply low heat from an iron. The paper will absorb the wax as it melts.

Call in the carpet cleaning pros

Just like you visit the dentist to get your teeth cleaned regularly, your carpets also need attention from a trained professional. To keep your carpets looking great and lasting for years to come, you should get them professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months with a CRI Seal of Approval Service Provider. Find one near you by visiting www.carpet-rug.org.

If you’ve never had your carpets professionally cleaned, now is a great time to start before the holidays arrive. Start by getting bids and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good carpet cleaning should include vacuuming, a pre-spray and routine spot removal. Many won’t charge for furniture removal either.

Whether you want to get in a better habit with routine carpet maintenance or you simply want to refresh your carpet for the change of seasons or a special event, these tips will keep your carpet and home looking wonderful today and long into the future.

Can you use an article like this in your business? What other kinds of topics would you like to see CRI address? I’d love to hear from you.

Bethany

Removing Pet Stains and Odors: Easier with SOA Cleaning Solutions

2013-04-02T06:30:00.000-04:00

Real-Life Carpet Moments: Removing Pet Stains and Odors is Easier with Seal of Approval (SOA) Cleaning Solutions

I did something recently that breaks all my rules about maintaining peace and orderliness at home – I got a dog.

My sweetheart of many years has wanted a dog for so long that he finally wore me down, so we are now the people of an eight-week-old Cairn terrier puppy (think ToTo in The Wizard of Oz). He weighs just three pounds and is just about the cutest thing I have ever set eyes on, not to mention the messiest and most exhausting.

Eight week old Cairn terriers are a lot like human babies – they can’t feed themselves, sleep through the night, or tell you when they need to go to the bathroom.

So far, Hudson (we named him after the Scottish butler on “Upstairs, Downstairs, one of our favorite British mini-series) has done a terrific job of training us to know what it is he is thinking about doing before he actually does it. Our record of second-guessing our pup and making it to the back yard in time is impressive, and we have had remarkably few accidents. Until today, that is. Suffice it to say that, just when we thought we were turning the corner on house-training our pup, he taught us not to congratulate ourselves just yet.

The worst thing about puppies having accidents inside is that they will return to the same spot over and over again, because the spot smells like the bathroom to them. Even if you can get the stain out of the carpet or rug, when the odor remains, the poor dog will be seduced by the scented memories of canine kaka into becoming a repeat offender. At least that’s what the dog training book says.

Which is why I was so relieved this morning (pun intended) to be able to grab the bottle of pet stain and odor remover I bought even before I brought Hudson home. I had recognized the product in the pet store as beingon the list of pet stain and odor removal products approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute’sSeal of Approval testing and certification program for carpet cleaning products and equipment.

CRI has always had pet stain products on our list of spotremovers that have passed the Seal of Approval testing. CRI got started testing spot removers and other carpet cleaning solutions some years ago, when random product testing showed us that many of the products available on the market did not work effectively, and some even damaged the carpet.

But odor removal products are a recent addition to the Seal of Approval program. Here’s an excerpt from the press release CRI put out about it.

“To perform the testing, trained personnel test carpet stain and odor products against a rating scale where ten is odorless and one is “intolerable” odor. According to the laboratory that performs the tests, a pet product must score “three performance levels better when compared to plain water” in order to pass the CRI standard. To ascertain a product’s effectiveness against the powerful scent agents in cat urine which tend to grow stronger with the passage of time, odor assessment is performed again 72 hours after the initial test. For the staining component of the testing, products must perform equal to or better than plain water, without causing change in the carpet’s color or encouraging accelerated resoiling.”

All I can say is I’m glad I’m not the trained professional who has the job of determining if these products work. That job would really stink.

However, I am glad that someone is on the job, and that I have products I can count on to undo the doo-doo that puppies do so well. Thanks to CRI Seal of Approval.

Bethany

Surprise: You can have Allergies and Keep your Carpets

2013-03-28T06:30:00.000-04:00

Here’s a great article called, “The Surprising Truth About Carpet” that has appeared in newspapers and online news sites all over the country. Much of the information came from us here at the Carpet and Rug Institute, so we are proud and happy to present it on the CRI blog. The article describes how assumptions about carpet are driving too many people’s thinking, but that carpet is not only a soft, warm, and safe flooring option, it is also a good choice for anyone, from allergy sufferers to penny pinchers to the elderly.

“Carpet isn’t just comfortable and stylish, it’s a safe flooring option too, reducing slips and softening falls if they do occur – ideal for both the elderly and very young. Carpet also improves a home’s acoustics because it absorbs noise rather than reflecting it back into the room. Those who want to save money welcome the fact that carpet provides actual thermal resistance (R-value) – meaning when it’s cold, it retains warmth longer, conserving energy and reducing heating bills.

Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about carpet is that it’s bad for people with allergies. But the 60 million Americans the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says live with respiratory ailments might be surprised to learn that the opposite appears to be true, according to multiple studies.

Allergy and asthma carpet studies

A 15-year Swedish study found no link between carpet and allergy and asthma attacks. In fact, when carpet usage in Sweden decreased by 70 percent, allergy reactions in the general population increased by 30 percent. In 2003, a study of school children in New Jersey found that having carpet in a child’s bedroom was associated with fewer missed school days and less need for asthma medication. These are just two of many studies showing no correlation between carpet and allergies or asthma.

Think of your carpet like you would a sweater in your wardrobe. If you wear a sweater, it eventually gets dirty and needs to be washed. Your carpet is walked on by people and pets frequently, and much like a sweater, needs to get cleaned regularly to look its best and last a long time.

To keep your carpet in great shape, reduce allergens and retain good indoor air quality, consider these tips from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI):

1. Vacuum regularly
How often do you really need to vacuum? High-traffic or pet areas should be vacuumed daily, medium-traffic areas need to be vacuumed about twice a week and light-traffic areas should be vacuumed weekly. Use a CRI-certified vacuum for optimum soil removal, dust containment and to avoid damage to your carpet.

2. Limit dirt intrusion
Keeping as much dirt and grime off the carpet as possible is ideal. Be proactive and put out a durable entrance mat for people to wipe off their feet before entering your home. Then require everyone to take off their shoes so less dirt is tracked inside.

3. Deep clean
Once a year your carpet should be cleaned by hot water extraction by a professional. This process extracts deeply embedded dirt that regular vacuuming can’t reach. To find a CRI Seal of Approval Service Provider visit www.carpet-rug.org.

If you suffer from particularly bad allergies, consider cleaning your upholstered furniture, draperies and blinds also. Like carpet, these also need regular cleaning. Drapes and blinds can build up microscopic allergens quickly from open windows. Vacuum and wash regularly and consider hiring a professional cleaner once a year or as needed.

Carpet provides many benefits for many different people, including those with allergies. So before you spend a lot of money taking out your home’s carpet, remember why you chose it in the first place. Then take the proper steps to clean it so it complements your home for many years to come.”

Like it? You can download an 8.5x11” pdf handout of The Surprising Truth About Carpet by clicking on this link.

Anything you would care to add? Leave a comment below.

Bethany

Spring 2013 Color Trends for Carpet, Home, Fashion...

2013-03-26T06:30:00.000-04:00

Color trends for Now in homes and fashion – spring 2013

In the mall recently, I noticed a pair of jeans I just had to have –They were my favorite color – a sort of pinkish-coral that I just adore. It’s not too pink or too orange – it’s right in the middle. It reminds me of pink grapefruit or Honeycrisp apples or hibiscus blossoms and even some hybrid daylilies. Later on that day, I noticed that same color all through the store, on purses and beachwear and home linens and even makeup, and that’s when I realized: my favorite color was “In” this year. Yay!

In fact, according to this great color trends article titled What are today's top 8 colors in home design? found on the Shaw Floors website, several of my favorites are hot this year, such as:

Cloud Gray

The absolute perfect gray is comparable to the color of the clouds just before it rains. Warmer than it is cool, gray is rarely boring. Starting on fashions runway we have seen the emergence, expansion and ultimately the saturation of gray in the market place and have enjoyed its sophisticated simplicity in infinite ways. Suffice it to say, gray will stay.

Safari Taupe

Classic taupe is the stepping-stone between the gray trend and its predecessor, the chocolate brown trend. Taupe is best described as a grayish brown or brownish gray. Taupe can be found in nail polish, couture, ready-to-wear, active-wear, accessories and is evident in the home furnishing markets. When the taupe trend is translated into furniture, it offers the very popular reclaimed look.

Ivory Coast

Today we are seeing different influences on our neutrals. The first influence is a warm camel color while the other is a cool flax such as finely woven belgian linen. Whites and off-whites continue to expand and grow in lockstep as the brightness of the colorful colors grows.

Aquamarine

Known for its soothing and calming effects, aqua has evolved beautifully from its early days, enjoying long-standing partnerships with chocolate, lush greens, creamy whites and silvery grays.

Persimmon Orange

Running the gauntlet between a juicy tangerine and a spice-colored persimmon, this color brings an energetic vibe to an interior space. Orange is often used as the signature color for key pieces of furniture or accessories. It is especially stunning when dropped strategically into an all-white interior.

Pink

As a color that works well with any style, any gender, any complexion, pink can be counted on to be around for the long haul.

Meditation Purple

The color purple of today is regal when blue-based, and spiritual and mysterious when red-based. Both versions are stunning but when paired together they are over the top.

Shutter Black

No interior or wardrobe is complete without a touch of black. Black creates a much needed sense of depth and gravity. Black is basic and easy while being elegant and timeless.

Check out the complete article for some good examples of the colors mentioned, and thanks to Shaw for letting me know that my faves are the new raves!

Bethany

Image Credit: Hibiscus Bloom on Flickr and Persimmons on Flickr

Does the Media Misrepresent Carpet Facts?

2013-03-21T06:30:00.000-04:00

Don’t believe everything you read about carpet: Media often misrepresents the facts

The media has the power to inform, motivate, and influence us, but the media also have the power, at times, to perpetuate urban myths. Myths like alligators live in city sewers, carpeted floors are unhealthy and cause asthma, and that weight loss can never be permanent.

This power for good or ill is the topic of the February 15, 2013 article titled Debunking the myths of modern media by Carpet and Rug Institute President Werner Braun for the Dalton, Georgia Daily Citizen News.

“In the carpet industry, we have been the victim of our own share of myths surrounding the “health” aspects of carpet — myths that often get bandied around by the press and which often result in a mania of undeserved panic among consumers.

One of those myths has been that carpet causes asthma and leads to other respiratory ailments, including allergies.

This myth, probably best referred to as an “urban myth,” circulated widely during the last decade, contributing to carpet losing market share and leading to a persistent myth that carpet contributes to unhealthy indoor air quality.

This type of myth is hard to dispel once it gets entrenched in the collected zeitgeist of popular culture, junk science and the media.

Probably the best way to combat these types of urban myths is with good science. A few years ago, toxicologist Mitch Sauerhoff wrote an article called “Carpet, Asthma and Allergies — Myth or Reality.” In the article, Sauerhoff concludes that the negative perceptions and persistent, long-held beliefs on carpets’ alleged negative characteristics are “not consistent with current research.”

Drawing his conclusions on more than 23 scientific studies, Sauerhoff states, “Based on the available science, carpet does not cause asthma or allergies and does not increase the incidence or severity of asthma or allergies symptoms. In fact, multiple studies have reported few allergy and asthma symptoms associated with carpet.”

Sauerhoff ended his article with an observation that “For more than 50 years, millions of consumers have enjoyed the benefits of carpet. Billions of square yards of carpet have been installed in the vast majority of United States’ homes and office buildings, with very few health-related complaints.”

I agree with his findings completely, for many reasons, but maybe most so “anecdotally,” based upon the lack of health-related claims or complaints coming to us at the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

But once a myth gets circulated out there, it can be as hard to get rid of as pulling an alligator out of the toilet — and you can imagine how hard that can be.

Still, you have to try, and at CRI we’ve got our sleeves rolled up, and we’re pulling as hard as we can.”

Thank you, Werner!

~ Bethany

Real-life “Thanks for Carpet” Moments

2013-03-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

Every now and then, I’ve talked on this blog about mishaps that have happened to me around my house that were made all the worse because they happened on hard surface floors. Things like slipping on a wet tile floor, and knocking a full wine rack of the top of a cabinet onto a tile floor below.

This morning something happened that was so much of a “thank goodness for carpet” kind of moment that I had to share.

I was sitting on the sofa working on my laptop. I got up to go to the kitchen, put the laptop on the coffee table and walked off. Two steps later I caught my foot on the power cord and yanked the still-open laptop off the table and slam! onto the floor. It was not a good sound.

I picked up the laptop, opened it again, and, to my great relief, found that everything was okay. It had even saved my document, which I took to be the machine’s way of saying, “Thanks for getting carpet.”

Who else has a “thanks for carpet” moment? (And who hasn’t?).

Don’t keep them to yourselves – leave them here. Maybe CRI can start a series called “Will it Break?” like the “Will it Blend?” series that worked so well for Blendtec blenders.

Or maybe not, but it would be fun if we did.

Bethany

Carpet Spot Removal Procedure For Fruit Flavored and Sports Beverages

2013-03-15T06:30:00.000-04:00

New! Updated Technical Bulletins from the Carpet and Rug Institute: Carpet Spot Removal Procedure for Fruit Flavored and Sport Beverages

Eleven of these important technical documents have been updated in 2012. (See Carpet and Rug Institute Updates 11 Technical Bulletins.) Additional bulletins are scheduled for review and updating in 2013.

This week we feature excerpts from Carpet Spot Removal Procedure for Fruit Flavored and Sport Beverages Technical Bulletin.

Carpet Spot Removal Procedure for Fruit Flavored and Sport Beverages Technical Bulletin

While no carpet is completely stain “proof,” new stain-resist carpet treatments allow most spills to be removed when immediate action is taken and directions are followed carefully.

1. Immediately blot the spill with a dry, white towel, absorbent plain paper towel, or cloth. Do not scrub the area.

2. Make an alkaline detergent solution of one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent in one quart (32 ounces) of warm water. Never use a stronger concentration. Never use an automatic dishwasher or laundry detergent of any type as it may contain an optical brightener or fluorescent dyes that may adversely affect the carpet color.

3. Pretest any spot removal solution in an inconspicuous area of the carpet to make certain it will not damage the carpet fibers or dyes. After applying several drops to the test area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for ten seconds. Examine the white cloth for color pickup, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, select a different cleaning solution.

4. After successfully pre-testing the cleaning solution, apply a small amount of the solution to a white cloth and work gently into the spill. Do not scrub. Most detergent solutions require adequate time to begin lifting the stain. Allow the detergent solution to remain on the spill for eight to ten minutes before attempting removal.

5. Blot, do not scrub the spill, working from the edges to the center to prevent spreading the stain.

6. Repeat the application of the detergent solution as long as the spill continues to transfer to the cloth. This transfer from the carpet to the cloth may be a slow process - be patient. Complete removal of the spill may require several applications of the solution.

See the complete version of Carpet Spot Removal Procedure for Fruit Flavored and Sport Beverages.

~ Bethany