Blog

Guide

How To Clean Your Rugs

Area rugs; they make your house a home. Whether you’re aiming for a style that’s cozy and nostalgic or chic and elevated, putting down an area rug is an easy option that makes a big styling impact to any room. They’re also extremely functional, helping you protect your floors from dirt and damage. But while rugs are an excellent design feature, they require regular care to keep them looking nice and clean, especially if they live in a busy, heavily-trafficked section of your home. However, the kind of care your rug needs depends on the specific type of rug it is. Don’t worry, we’re sharing our in-depth guide to cleaning and caring for your rugs so they can continue bringing joy to your home for years to come. General routine rug care Regular vacuuming Rugs tend to accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, so it’s important to establish a regular cleaning routine to keep them fresh. Generally speaking, many rugs can benefit from vacuuming about once a week to remove loose dust and dirt (or more if your rug is in a heavily trafficked area and/or if you have pets whose shed fur might be collecting through the day). However, rugs that are made of delicate materials like wool may require more gentle care. For these kinds of rugs, consider shaking your rug out outside or sweeping them with a broom to loosen any trapped debris, then using a gentle vacuum without a beater bar (we recommend Miele Suction Only) to protect and preserve your rug’s delicate fibers. Invest in quality rug padding Rug padding helps keep your rug in place and reduces friction, extending the lifespan of the floor piece. They’re also a good idea for adding some extra cushioning underfoot! Spot cleaning If you’re facing an accidental spill or accident, you have to act quickly to avoid staining. For many spills, a small spot cleaning is generally enough to lift the mess. But for some spills, you’ll need a specific plan of action. For general spot cleaning: Mix a small amount of dish soap with water. Use a clean cloth to gently dab the stain with your dish soap mixture. Be sure to blot, not rub, since rubbing can push the stain further into the rug’s fibers. Use another damp, clean cloth to blot off the soap residue, then allow the area to dry completely. And what about those tough spills? Here are some targeted plans of action: To remove red wine stains from your rug: Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap, then gently blot the stain with a clean white cloth until it lifts. You can also use club soda, vinegar, or baking soda. To remove coffee stains from your rug: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to absorb. Then, blot gently with a solution of dish soap, vinegar, and warm water to remove the stain. To remove pet stains from your rug: Pet stains often require a special cleanser to remove the stain and any odors. Look for an enzyme-based cleaner that is specifically designed for pet stains, making sure that it will work with your rug type. Deep cleaning We focus on the highest quality materials, so we don’t sell any machine washable rugs. Instead, we recommend deep cleaning by an expert. Consider using professional cleaners who have the equipment and expertise to refresh your rug without damaging it. Let us know if you need a referral! Special Cleaning Instructions For Different Kinds of Rugs While regular maintenance is important for every kind of rug, it’s important to remember that not all rugs are created equal. You should take the time to get to know your rug’s specific care needs so you can properly maintain them and extend their lifespan. Rug Type Care Notes Cleaning Method Deep Cleaning Wool and Wool Blends Durable but sensitive to heat and chemicals. Avoid using hot water and chemical cleaners that may cause shrinkage. Vacuum regularly with no beater bar. Spot clean with mild detergent and water. Professional cleaning is recommended. Synthetic (Polyester, Nylon) Durable and easy to maintain; often resistant to stains and pets. Regularly vacuum, and spot clean with mild soap and water. Use a gentle detergent and allow to fully air dry. Natural Fibers (Jute/Sisal) Very absorbent natural fibers that are prone to staining. Avoid getting wet. Vacuum regularly to get rid of dirt and debris. To spot clean, use a dry-cleaning solution and minimal water. Professional cleaning is recommended. Conclusion Establishing a regular rug cleaning schedule is a great way to keep the whole house feeling clean, especially if you have pets or plenty of traffic. Get to know your rug’s specific cleaning instructions so you can properly extend its life. Looking for rugs? Have care questions? Get in touch with us here at Home Carpet One! We have plenty of beautiful area rugs and a knowledgeable team that would love to help you curate the home of your dreams. Photo by Sean Valentine: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tabby-cat-on-black-and-white-textile-4085101/

Guide

Carpet Pad 101: Picking the Perfect Carpet Pad for Your Floors

When it comes to installing new carpeting, area rugs, or stair runners, the carpet pad (also known as carpet cushion) you choose can make a big difference in comfort, durability, and overall performance. There are several types of carpet pads available, each with their own unique benefits and best use cases. In this article, we'll explore some of the top carpet pad options to help you select the right one for your home. Healthinex Memory Foam Pad Description: The Healthinex Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It’s our most popular carpet pad at Home Carpet One Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners of any construction Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet Healthier Choice Memory Foam Pad Description: The Healthier Choice Memory Foam Carpet Pad is a 1/2 inch thick, 10lb high-density foam pad that conforms to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort. It has a breathable moisture barrier and built-in anti-microbial protection. It is a thicker option than Healthinex, but isn't suitable for looped or woven carpets Use cases: Wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners that aren't looped or woven Benefits: Incredibly comfortable, waterproof, sound absorbent, and lowest VOC emissions of any pad Example product for this pad: Hera Carpet Ultra Magic Pad Description: Ultra Magic Pad is a 3/8 inch thick, 8lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Wall-to-wall carpet that is not machine woven or hand loomed Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Favorite Path Carpet Luxury Pad Description: Luxury Pad is a 7/16 inch thick, 6lb bonded foam pad that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Plush wall-to-wall carpet Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and made from 100% recycled materials Example product for this pad: Jazzy Carpet Felt Pad Description: Felt Pad is made from compressed wool or synthetic fiber that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation. It has a firm feel that is required for woven carpets, stair runners, and commercial projects Use case: Hand loomed and machine woven wall-to-wall carpet, hallway runners, and stair runners Benefits: Comfortable, durable and mold-resistant Example product for this pad: Addington Carpet Super Move Not Pad Description: Super Move Not Pad is made of synthetic fibers with rubber, non-slip backing that extends the life of area rugs while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Area rugs Benefits: Comfortable, sound absorbent, and no slip Example product for this pad: Ashford Area Rug Tred Mor Pad Description: Tred Mor Pad is a 1/4 inch thick, dense pad made from compressed synthetic fibers that extends the life of carpet while providing comfort and insulation Use case: Commercial or high traffic carpet Benefits: Extremely durable, resists mold and moisture, and long-lasting Example product for this pad: Grand View Carpet Recap No matter if you're installing carpet in a high-traffic living room, creating a custom rug for a cozy bedroom, or covering your stairs, the right carpet pad can make all the difference. From supportive memory foam to water-resistant rubber, there are plenty of options to meet your needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions as you review the different carpet pad choices available.

Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Rug & Runner Edging Options

At Home Carpet One, we specialize in creating custom area rugs and stair runners tailored to your home's unique style. Whether you're looking to transform an in-stock wool wilton carpet or design a special-order sisal rug with a leather border, our expertise covers it all. Let's explore the various rug and stair runner edging options available to elevate your home decor. Custom Area Rug & Runner Options Machine Cotton Serging (our most popular option!) Continuous cotton threads sewn over the edge Prevents fraying Neat and consistent finish Most popular choice amongst our customers 1” Border (Leather or Cotton) Narrow 1-inch strip sewn around the edges Available in various colors Provides a sleek, refined finish 2” Border (Leather, Linen, Cotton, or Polyester) Wider 2-inch strip for a more sophisticated look Versatile material options 2” Border with Piping (Leather, Cotton, or Polyester) 2-inch border with added piping detail Creates a tailored, elegant appearance Offers decorative enhancement Additional Custom Area Rug Options Hand Serging (Cotton or Polyester) Available on special order area rugs Meticulously hand-stitched edges Increases durability Adds an artisanal flair Less visible yarn on the rug face Hand Rolled Edge Manually rolled under and stitched Creates a durable, subtly rounded finish Minimalist look Leather Binding Leather strip sewn around the edge Highly durable option Luxurious appearance Recap At Home Carpet One, we offer endless possibilities for customizing your area rugs and stair runners. From selecting the perfect carpet to choosing the ideal edging option, our experts will guide you through the process. Visit us today to create a unique rug that perfectly complements your home's decor. Ready to design your custom area rug or stair runner? Contact Home Carpet One now to explore our wide range of rug and runner edging options and transform your living space!

Guide

Effective Ways to Cleaning Carpet Spills & Removing Stains

As a trusted Chicago carpet provider, we at Home Carpet One know a thing or two about keeping carpet looking its best. Our customers are always asking for the best way to clean up spills and get rid of stains, and the truth is, it depends on what you spilled and how long the stain has had to set. There’s more than one effective way to clean stains, and of course some stains (pet accidents, red wine) are more common than others (Pepto Bismol, for example). When it comes to cleaning carpet stains, trial and error can be risky, and some products that claim to be safe for carpets can end up doing more harm than good. Between Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day, we get lots of customers calling in asking about how to get rid of chocolate stains in carpet, so we thought we’d offer some advice on the subject. One of the best options is to use a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or spot removal solution. When using a solvent, be careful not to pour it directly onto the carpet. Instead, apply the solvent with a clean cloth, sponge, or gentle brush. If the solvent reaches the backing of the carpet, it can damage the latex that connects the primary and secondary backings, so exercise caution. There are several acceptable solvents out there, including Capture, a brand that we carry at Home Carpet One. If you don’t have a solvent on hand, you can use a solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Use one cup of warm water and no more than a quarter teaspoon of detergent. Using a stronger concentration can damage your carpet. Never use bleach detergents designed for automatic dishwashers, as these will almost certainly leave permanent stains and can destroy fibers. Also avoid laundry detergents. Although it may seem sensible to use laundry detergent on carpet, these detergents often contain fluorescent dyes than can dye the carpet fibers. If you do use a detergent solution, rinse the area thoroughly afterward to remove potentially harmful detergent residues. Another option is to use a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts of warm water. This simple solution is generally effective and is less likely to cause color changes than other common solutions such as ammonia solutions. If none of these methods solves your problem, you can always call a Chicago carpet cleaning professional. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and powerful cleaning products that can remove stains too stubborn for conventional methods. As with any stain, chocolate stains can become more stubborn with time. If you aren’t successful in removing the stain yourself, do not hesitate to bring in the big guns as soon as possible.

Article

Creating A Color Palette For Your Home

When talking to potential clients I often hear, 'I want the colors in my house to flow' or 'I want my rooms to coordinate with each other'. However, it’s said the meaning is the same – you want the rooms and colors in your home to look good together, right? You want to create a color palette for your home. Luckily this isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Here are three tips to create a color palette for your home: Use Carpet Colored Palettes For Inspiration. Find a piece of art, a rug, pillow or a soap container that has colors you love. Use that as your initial guide for how you will create a color palette for your home. I designed my then 2-year old daughter’s room around a patterned piece of paper in a decorative soap box. I also designed her striped nursery wall around the logo of a bicycle company. Inspiration can come from anywhere, you just have to be on the look out. This gorgeous fabric was the inspiration for a family room project, design by April Force Pardoe Interiors. NEUTRALIZE Select a neutral color for your palette. Think tan, grey or white. This color will be your go-to neutral for all rooms. To keep things from getting boring you can use lighter or darker versions (value) of that neutral and suddenly you have neutrals. SHOW YOUR PERSONALITY Select two to three colors from your inspiration and use those colors to add variation to your palette. Let’s say you select orange and green. You would then use those colors and values of those colors throughout your rooms. The ratio of neutral to color will determine the feel of the spaces (more neutrals = calm and more colors = energetic). Blue is the personality color in this family room with a neutral base, design by April Force Pardoe Interiors. If you love having a neutral-only palette for your home, don’t feel like you need to add additional colors. Use a variety of textures within your neutral tones to add visual interest. Or, if one “personality” color is enough for you (versus 2 – 3) go ahead and do that! This is a palette for your home, so go with what you love. A variety of blues against an otherwise neutral palette can be a lovely palette. Once you create a color palette for your home, use it as a guide when you add new pieces to your home. This doesn’t mean you can’t add additional colors into your home, but think of this palette as your main palette or guide. Keep small color sheets of your colors in an envelope in your purse so when you are out shopping you know what colors to look for (and what colors to avoid!). For example, you can opt for a warm dark color palette, or a brown and gold color palette. The bonus of using one palette throughout several rooms or an entire home is that you can easily swap accessories and furnishings from room to room and everything will coordinate beautifully! April Force Pardoe is an independent interior designer and owner of April Force Pardoe Interiors, a residential interior design company in Howard County, Maryland. https://www.carpetone.com/beautiful-design-made-simple/2016/11/04/creating-color-palettes

Guide

Installing Stair Runners: From Measuring to Maintenance

Are you looking to add style, comfort, and safety to your stairs? Installing a stair runner can transform an ordinary hardwood staircase into a warm and elegant focal point your home. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from initial measurements to final installation and care. Step 1: Schedule a Free Measure The first step in your stair runner journey is to schedule a free measure with Home Carpet One. This crucial step ensures that you order the correct amount of carpet and materials. During the measurement: One of our dedicated estimators will visit your home and take precise measurements of your stairs They'll note any unique features or challenges of your staircase They'll bring you samples upon request Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful stair runner install! Step 2: Select Your Stair Runner Carpet With measurements in hand, it's time to choose your carpet. We recommend considering a few things as you make your selection: Consider factors like durability, texture, color, and pattern Test samples on your stairs to see how they look in different lighting Think about how the runner will complement your home's decor We typically recommend flat weave carpets for the best durability. Options include wool for durability and luxury, nylon for stain resistance, and natural fibers like sisal for a textured look. You can browse hundreds of options online here or even more in our showroom! Step 3: Decide on Hollywood vs. Waterfall Installation Next, you'll need to choose between two installation styles: Hollywood Installation: Carpet is wrapped tightly around each step Pros: Sleek, tailored look; shows off decorative stair brackets Cons: More labor-intensive Waterfall Installation: Carpet falls straight down each step Pros: Easier installation Cons: Less formal look; doesn't showcase stair details; pad might be visible Your choice will depend on your staircase style, budget, and personal preference! Step 4: Select Serging, Binding, or Borders for the Edges of Your Runner Another fun design choice to make! The edges of your stair runner need to be finished. You have the option between serging, binding, or borders. Each of these choices comes in different colors and fabric types to suit your needs. You can learn more about each option in detail via this article. Step 5: Install Your Stair Runner We partner with the best installers in the flooring business who are true artisans when it comes to installing runners. No matter what type of carpet or installation style you choose, installing a runner typically involves the following steps: Preparing the stairs: Remove old carpet, sand damaged areas, and clean the stairs Installing underlayment: Cut the padding to fit each step and secure it with staples or adhesive Laying the runner: Secure the runner with staples and/or adhesive, ensuring the runner is centered and taught Trimming and finishing: Cut away excess carpet and serge/fabricate the edges on site with your selection Step 6: Take Care of Your Runner To keep your new stair runner looking great: Vacuum regularly to prevent dirt buildup Address spills immediately to prevent staining Consider professional cleaning annually Conclusion Installing a stair runner is a fantastic way to enhance your home's aesthetics, reduce noise, and improve safety for pets, children, and elderly. By following these steps – from accurate measurements to choosing the right installation method and maintaining your runner – you'll enjoy a beautiful, functional addition to your staircase for years to come. Ready to transform your stairs? Start by scheduling a free measure with Home Carpet One today!

Article

Why You Should Avoid DIY Carpet Installation

If you’re handy around the house, you may have thought about doing your own carpet installation. And as the leading provider of all kinds of flooring products in Chicago, we have worked with many customers who have the skills, tools, and experience necessary for DIY installations, and it is possible for these projects to yield positive results. However, we have also worked with many customers who wanted to try a do-it-yourself approach, who ended up wasting a lot of their own time and money before realizing that they needed to hire professionals either to complete an unfinished job, or to fix a poor installation. That’s why we’d like to take this time to explain some of the reasons why self-installing carpet is generally a bad idea. Carpet installation may seem like a relatively simple job, because unlike tile or hardwood jobs, a carpet installation doesn’t require dealing with lots of small, intricately-laid-out pieces. But in many ways, installing carpet is actually even trickier than other flooring jobs, and should be left to professionals if you want to protect your investment. The simple fact that carpet is sold by the roll starts to present challenges right away. Making sure you have ordered the right size roll of carpet may sometimes seem easier than it really is. Getting a roll of carpet that seems to be the right size can be harder than it seems unless your room is square or rectangular. You need to think about the shape of the room, corners, closets, and small areas that may also need to be finished that sometimes get overlooked. The first time you try loading a massive roll of carpet into the backseat of a car, you’ll begin to understand that a tidy carton of tile actually seems much more manageable in comparison. Once you get the carpet inside, you’ll have to try to handle, measure, and cut those unwieldy rolls into the exact shapes and sizes that your room requires. Chances are, you’ll need to lay multiple pieces, which will need to abut each other extremely closely, and then you’ll have to disguise the seams. This process requires a great deal of specialized tools, some of which you’ll need to buy, some of which you’ll need to rent. If you’re not the kind of person who has a power stretcher, an industrial seam roller, and a seaming iron lying around the garage, you probably don’t want to jump into a DIY carpet installation. Lastly, installing carpet is extremely hard on your knees and your back, and it takes at least a few people to get the job done. Unfortunately, if you don’t get it right the first time, it is very easy to see where mistakes were made, and a botched carpet job can be difficult and expensive to fix. Unless you’ve done a carpet installation before and you really know what you’re getting yourself into, you’re better off leaving it to the pros

Article

The History of Hardwood

Hardwood has long been a popular choice in interior flooring. Hardwood has a rich and expansive history from its debut in the early 1600s as a flooring material available only to the royalty and wealthy elite to its introduction to the masses by the American colonies. While so much about hardwood flooring has changed over the years, there are still many things that remain the same – a testament to the ability of hardwood flooring to stand the test of time. To truly understand how hardwood flooring has evolved, we’re taking a deeper look at the fascinating history of hardwood floors. In the beginning While the installation of hardwood in unique patterns, like the herringbone seen above, has gained popularity in recent years, this trend actually started with the very first hardwood floors. In Europe, aristocrats would have hand-cut, crafted, and installed hardwood floors laid in patterns called Parquetry. They were made from pieces of wood fit together in 3-dimensional designs, and then were scraped, stained, and polished, all of which was done by hand. The intricacy of the designs and the amount of work that went into creating a durable and beautiful hardwood floor meant that at the time, only the very wealthy or members of royalty could afford to install these floors in their homes. That is, however, until the creation of the American colonies, which had an abundance of wood and introduced hardwood flooring to the masses. This flooring was very different from the hand-scraped parquetry of Europe, as the wood was cut into long, wide planks that were laid in a very simple pattern. The planks were installed without any kind of finish and would simply be worn smooth by foot traffic and use over time. Because of this, the flooring was known to splinter, crack or create gaps due to shrinking and growth caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Changes Throughout the Years… As the demand for hardwood flooring continued to grow, some major cultural shifts made having a beautiful wood floor easier than ever. Around the turn of the century, it was popular to alternate species of wood within the floor, laying down maple and walnut side by side. But with the shift in the industrial revolution during the early 1900s came the invention of steam-powered woodworking machinery that made mass production of finished wood boards possible. Fir became the wood of choice for high traffic areas. Not only did the invention of steam-powered tools make it easier to mass-produce hardwood floors, but it also meant that planks could be cut in fixed widths and lengths, which made installation easier and the final appearance much more finished. Technology during this time also saw the creation of tongue-and-groove molding, which is a method for joining boards together that conceals the nail holes, forces the boards together, and makes the floors more resistant to upward movement. The structural stability of hardwood flooring was solidified during this era, as well as its popularity through the decades. It's also important to note that while during this time hardwood floors were popular, other affordable flooring options, like linoleum, cork, carpet, and area rugs, began to come into play. After WWII, technology made it possible to produce quality carpets at a reasonable price, which meant hardwood was dealing with a trending new competitor.

Article

5 Awesome Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas

A kitchen backsplash is more than a way to keep kitchen walls clean. It's so much more. Your backsplash helps set the decorative tone of the room, adds a splash of color and style, and gives your kitchen panache. When you think about it, that's a whole lot of bang for your buck. Whether you're totally remodeling your kitchen or want a small change that will make a huge impact, a carefully considered backsplash can make all the difference. Glass: Rise and Shine A glass backsplash is great for a number of reasons. Glass is often recycled, making it an eco-friendly tiling choice. It's super easy to keep clean, making it a smart choice. And its shine will make any kitchen feel fresh. Glass is available in any color you can dream up, and will last a lifetime. It's classy and cool, while always in style. Texture: Not Just for Fabrics A 1959 Swiss study illustrated an interesting fact: different cells in the human brain respond to different lines and shapes. In short, we're drawn to patterns. If you want your backsplash to become the star of your kitchen, consider a tile that has been hand-glazed for added interest, or even a mosaic tile that draws attention without overwhelming the space. Stone: Really Rock Out Speaking of texture...there's nothing quite like stone for introducing an outdoor element into your home. It's rustic, but clean. Warm, but inviting. Just as there are thousands of different stones found in nature, there are a myriad of different shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from when it comes to stone backsplashes. Handmade: For One-of-a-Kind If you're one of those people who wants to walk into your kitchen and know that no other kitchen on the planet looks quite like it, handmade tiles are for you. Your imagination coupled with an artist's interpretation creates a truly unique look, from calm and cool to utterly exciting. Handmade tiles are, literally, pieces of art that cover the landscape of your kitchen, changing it from an ordinary space to a gallery of sorts. Porcelain: Maintenance Free With an Added Pinch of Drama If ease of maintenance is your goal, then porcelain tile may be just the ticket. You choose a color that works for the space, choose a design that inspires you, and you're set to go. The best part, it is almost impossible to stain because porcelain is impervious to moisture. When most people think of porcelain, they think of larger floor tiles. But today many porcelain lines have both traditional mosaics and linear mosaics. Check out Travertino Elegante from Ascot, for example. Another option is to take a porcelain tile and have any shape you want fabricated from the field tile. What a great way to make a statement that will belong just to you. Pulling it All Together As with any good design plan, it is a good idea to have your kitchen decor worked out in your mind before putting it into action. If you want your backsplash to act as a backdrop for more dramatic elements, like cabinetry or lighting, choose a style that is able to fade into the background. If you want your backsplash to make a decorative statement, make sure that it is the "loudest" thing in the room so that your kitchen decor does not become cluttered. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to create a unique space just by changing your backsplash.

Guide

Help for Fruit Juice Stains on Carpet

A splash, a drip or a spill. No matter how they get there, fruit juice stains on your carpet could be a long-lasting eye sore. But don't worry, like most carpet stains, with a little effort, you can remove that fruit juice stain and you won't have to ban colored beverages from your home. This video gives you easy to follow instructions on cleaning up a the stain. So take a deep breath and just follow these simple steps. No time to watch? Here are the basics: Step 1: Blot up excess spill. Step 2: Apply detergent solution (see "Cleaning Solutions"), use damp towel, and leave 3-5 minutes. Step 3: Blot-don't rub. Step 4: Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Step 5: Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary. Be prepared for any stain. Don’t forget to download the Stain First Aid App.