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What is a Berber Carpet?
It is a very popular flooring style of carpets that comprises of small loops that are woven together as opposed to being cut. The term Berber originates from a North African tribe known as the Berber Tribe. This types of carpet are generally cheaper than their other traditional pile carpets and offer great value for money. The price, however, varies depending on the type of materials used.
Types of Berber Carpet
Berber carpets are often classified depending on the fibers used.
1. Wool
If you can afford this option go for it as it offers the best value for money. Wool fibres are natural; thus, don’t have any toxic or hypoallergenic properties. They are soft and comfortable to walk on. By far, their most intriguing property is that they can retain shape, which makes wool fibre carpets best suited for high traffic areas. Wool fibre also has a luxurious feel that justifies its price tag.
2. Nylon
Unlike wool fibre carpets, nylon fibre Berber carpets are readily available, affordable, durable and versatile. They have the same durability as wool fibres in that are not easily crushed thus ideal for high traffic areas. They can resist the usual wear and tear associated with high traffic areas a lot longer than other types of fibers. Nylon is said to have a higher flash point which not only makes it easy to clean but also resistant to damage. The average cost per square foot of nylon Berber carpets is $3-4. While they are cheap, durable and versatile, nylon fibre carpets are not as soft and luxurious as wool fibre Berber carpets.
3. Blends
Manufacturers will often blend two types of fibers to make a carpet that exhibits the best of the two fibers. This typically involves blending wool and nylon.
4. Polyester
There are times when you want to get a good Berber carpet, but your budget doesn’t allow you to buy the high-end Berber carpets. What do you do? Simple, buy a Berber carpet made of PET fibres such as olefin and polyester. These types of carpets are often at $1-$2 per square foot. They are definitely cheap but at a cost. They tend to cave in under pressure and attract dirt. What this means is that repetitive walking often leaves irreparable dents on your Berber carpets. On the plus side, they don’t get stained easily and are made using recycled materials.
5. Triexta (PTT)
This is a carpet made of a chemical compound fibre known as triexta. It looks similar to polyester but works just as good as nylon fiber. It’s durable, environmentally friendly and stain-resistant. It retails at $3-$4 per square foot.
Best Vacuum Cleaners for Berber Carpets
Do you have a Berber carpet that requires regular cleaning? If yes, we have come up with a list off vacuum cleaners that are perfect for cleaning Berber carpets. They include:
1. Eureka NEU182A Vacuum Cleaner - Impressive cleaning power
Highlights
Eureka is a household brand that’s not only recognised in the US but also globally. Over the years, Eureka has produced some of the best vacuum cleaners for Berber carpets. Among which is the Eureka NEU182A. It’s a bagless vacuum cleaner that is lightweight and has an 8-amp motor that offers very strong suction. It also boasts of impressive cleaning performance thanks to the use of cyclonic technology. The cyclonic technology creates a very powerful airflow that can extract dirt particles from any surface with ease. This feature makes it ideal for Berber carpets that are placed in high traffic areas.
Setup
Almost all appliances you buy require some setup. The Eureka vacuum is no different, but unlike other vacuum cleaners, it only comes in two pieces. These two pieces comprise a handle and body. They don’t require the use of tools to assemble as the lock into place with ease.
Once you finish assembling, the next step is to plug in the vacuum and power it on. It weighs about 10 pounds; thus, it should be easy to move around and maneuver.
Carpet and floor cleaning
The Eureka vacuum is armed with a brush roll and a dynamic motor that can lift dirt, dust, pet hair and debris with ease. The Eureka vacuum has an adjustable floor head that gives you that elusive clean even in hard to reach areas. The head has five settings, which can be adjusted depending on the carpet pile height. Out of the five settings, one settings is solely for bare floors.
In addition to the adjustable floor head and powerful suction, the Eureka vacuum has a 12.6-inch wide nozzle that’s suitable for cleaning any Berber carpet. It also has smooth wheels that ensure your floors will not sustain dents, gouges or scratches during cleaning.
Stretches to the ceiling
The ceiling is arguably one of the most ignored and overlooked part of the house. Very few people clean the ceiling regularly, which is why Eureka has an attachment that can reach up to the ceiling. Both the hose and the handle detach, allowing you to clean ceiling corners, shelves, stairs, and window treatments.
The hose is also designed to be flexible enough to reach up to 7 feet. Besides, the hose is also see-through, which gives you a view of clogs if any.
Dust capacity
The Eureka vacuum comes with a translucent dust cup which can hold up to 4 litres of debris. The vacuum also has a filter made of foam. It is a reusable filter that can be cleaned simply by rinsing it in clean water.
Pro Tip
Pros
- Large dust chamber
- Impressive cleaning power
- Washable filter
- Adjustable floorhead
- Lightweight thus easy to maneuver
Cons
- Exterior gets dirty easily
- Loud motor
2. Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction - Multi-layer filtration system
Highlights
Miele has been around since 1899 and manufactured its first vacuum cleaner in the late 1920s. Since then, they have produced world-renowned that have become household names due to their impressive durability, power and performance. The release of the Miele Compact C1 Pure vacuum cleaner continues to underline their commitment to quality and innovation.
High-Efficiency Filtration
It features a multi-layer filtration system which, according to the manufacturer, increases the service life of the exhaust filter. Since it has a multi-layer filtration system, the air is passed through the different layers which ensure that all the particles are filtered before exiting via the exhaust filter. This comes in handy in terms of maintenance as it prevents blockage of the exhaust filter. Its work filters the finest particles that pass through all the other filters.
The vacuum comes with a Super Air Clean filter which is good enough for areas with little to no dust-related activities. However, it does not meet the specifications of a HEPA 13 filter.
Dust Bag
The Miele vacuum cleaner has one of the best-designed dirtbags. It comes with a dustbag referred to as the revolutionary AirClean dust bag which is made of a material that comprises of intricate webs of polymer fibers. This improves its ability to retain allergen and dirt particles better than your conventional dustbags. It’s so effective that it reduces dust emissions by close to 50%.
Keep in mind that its emission levels are very low even without the special filter. As a result, the Miele vacuum continues to function seamlessly with reduced resistance.
If you live in a house whose residents have dust-related allergies, you might want to get the optional HEPA AirClean filter that has a 99.99% dust retention rate. You are required to replace it once a year. There is also another special filter for households with pets. The filters have a layer of activated charcoal that is added between the Air Clean filters to trap odors.
Suction Power
The Miele vacuum has a 1200-Watt motor that provides enough suction for cleaning your Berber carpets. The motor has its fan aerodynamically designed to similar to a jet engine compressors. This helps improve motor efficiency and optimise airflow. The motor is fitted with lifetime lubricated ball bearings, enhanced motor suspension, and well-balanced motor parts to improve its durability.
Performance
Its operation is quieter than that of a traditional vacuum. All vacuums on the C1 series are quiet with the Compact C1 Vacuum being among the quietest. For easy movement, the Compact C1 vacuum is fitted with three wheels that can turn 360 degrees. The ability to turn in any direction is an added convenience.
Despite having standard features, the Compact C1 vacuum performs very well. Its ability to pick up pet hair from Berber carpets is unparalleled. It also works well on bare floors and upholstery.
Pro Tip
Pros
- High-quality dust bag
- Multi-layer filtration system
- Quiet operation
- Six motor speed settings
- Has a highly efficient suction motor
Cons
- Doesn’t have a motorized brush
3. SoniClean Galaxy 1150 Vacuum Cleaner - professional-grade suction
Highlights
With a weight of about 12 pounds, the SoniClean 1150 is built to deliver professional-grade Berber carpet cleaning. Not only is it suited for carpet cleaning but also hardwood floors. It provides professional-grade suction that facilitates for a deep clean. It’s crafted with the user in mind and comes with attachments that make carpet cleaning less of a chore.
The Soniclean vacuum cleaner is a product of SoniClean – a German company that was founded in 1992. It’s a company that specializes in floor-care products.
Design
SoniClean may be a relatively less known brand, but they make some of the most aesthetically pleasing vacuum cleaners. For example, the entire vacuum is designed to be as easy to use as possible. The main body has floor-safe wheels, a large swivel and sits upright. This makes it convenient to use on stairs and Berber carpets.
The hose swivels 360 degrees thus can clean in any direction and angle. Besides, it also has a turbo brush for cleaning carpets and a bare floor tool for bare floors. The vacuum also has an indicator that lets you know when you need a new bag.
Lightweight
It weighs 12 pounds, which is just the right size and weight for easy use all over the house. Twelve pounds should be easy to carry up and down your staircase or pull as you clean the Berber carpet. The extra attachment weight just enough to be effective in cleaning and yet lightweight enough for easy storage.
With such a lightweight vacuum, you are sure to enjoy cleaning your house without having to slow down due to its weight.
Power
The SoniClean vacuum comes with an 1150 Watt motor that provides professional-grade suction. It comes with the variable speed option which allows you to vary the suction power depending on the floor and cleaning job. High suction is typically activated for Berber carpets while the low suction option is for bare floors and dusting.
SoniCleaan is made to last and has a five-year warranty to back its claim of quality and durability. The powerful motor guarantees a deep clean on any carpet regardless of whether its high or low pile carpet.
Allergen filtration
With more people developing allergies, it has become imperative to have a vacuum cleaner that not only cleans your floors but also filters the air. This is exactly what the SoniClean Vacuum has to offer. It uses a sealed system that eliminates up to 99.7% of allergens and dirt particles. It can filter particles that are 0.3 microns. The filtration will ensure that your house is allergen and dust-free.
Quiet operation
While SoniClean has a powerful motor, it operates quietly at about 64 decibels. With such quiet operation, you can vacuum your Berber carpet at any time of the day or night without disturbing your housemates.
Pro Tip
Pros
- Adjustable suction
- Lightweight vacuum
- Quiet operation
- Powerful 1150- watt motor
- HEPA filtration system
Cons
- Uses disposable bags
- Repairs are done by the manufacturer
4. Shark Navigator Zero M Vacuum Cleaner - Efficient dirt and hair pick up
Highlights
Shark is one of the most consistent and innovative vacuum manufacturers. They boast of innovations such as the Swivel steering, Zero M and lift-away technology. The Zero-M is one of Shark’s recent technology, which is a self-cleaning brush roll that consistently removes hair non-stop.
There is nothing more infuriating than using a vacuum cleaner that gets tangles every few minutes. It’s even more annoying if you need to complete cleaning within a short period. If you haven’t experienced this, you can count yourself lucky. The Shark Zero-M vacuum aims to eliminate this problem by introducing Zero-M technology. With this vacuum cleaner, you can clean your Berber carpet without having to grab scissors every time hair gets tangled. The Zero-M technology features a combing structure that clears all the sucked hair strands. The strands are then placed in the suction path and sucked into the dust bin. This ensures that the brush rolls remains clean throughout the cleaning session.
Suction & cleaning efficiency
Its ability to pick up dirt from Berber carpets rivals that of high-end models. It provides a near-perfect clean. The vacuum picks up all sizes of debris from small to large. The hose comes in handy when picking up large debris. It is also great at agitating dirt particles on your Berber carpet, making it easy to pick up.
Compared to previous models, Shark has greatly improved the suction power of the Shark Zero-M. It can now suck in even the smallest particles which are often missed out.
Filtration
Its filtration system is arguably one of the most efficient out there. It utilises a series of filters to ensure that it filters all dirt particles and allergens from the air. Besides, the Shark Zero-M has a HEPA filter that has a 99.99% efficiency in filtering allergens. The remaining filters comprise of felt and foam.
Since they are made of felt and foam, they don’t require constant replacement. Instead, you can clean the filters with running water until it becomes clear. Once they are clean, allow them to air dry for about 24 hours. Clean the filters after every two months for the foam and felt filters. As for the HEPA filter, you can clean it annually.
Attachments
You get a bristle brush for cleaning stubborn stains and a pet hairbrush that’s used for cleaning under the couch and cushions. You also get an upholstery tool and a duster crevice tool. The upholstery tool is used for cleaning delicate upholstery such as furniture and car interiors. On the other hand, the duster crevice tool is used to clean crevices, corners and small spaces.
Pro Tip
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- Smooth transitions from carpets to bare floors
- Easy to maneuver
- Reasonable price
- Powerful suction
- Efficient dirt and hair pick up
- Efficient upholstery attachments
Cons
- Short power cord
- No LED lights
Berber Carpet Maintenance
Berber carpets have become a common feature in most North American homes. People love them for their durability, versatility and classic elegance. Having a Berber carpet in your home complete changes the look and feel of your home. This is why most homeowners view Berber carpets as sentimental objects and try to take good care of them. Continue reading to learn how you should maintain your Berber carpets
No-Pet Policy
While Berber carpets are praised for their ability to retain their shape and resistance to stains, the same does not apply to pets. You see, high traffic in a room will often leave your carpet as it was, but pets with sharp claw are likely to leave scratches in the carpet. Unlike pressure from shoes, tears from claws will not reform and cannot be undone.
Berber carpets are basically looped carpet piles which cannot be undone if unravelled. This is why you should keep your pets off your Berber carpet. If you have pets in the house, you might want to keep a team of professionals on standby. You see the thing with furry pets is that they love warm and cosy places. Berber carpets happen to be very comfortable and thus will attract the dogs and cats regardless of whether you approve or not.
Regular Cleaning
Although Berber carpets are known to durable and convenient, regular cleaning goes a long way to extend their longevity. Berber carpets comprise of tightly woven fibers that keep dust and dirt particles from setting in deep. This makes it easy to clean. However, if you decide to skip your regular cleaning sessions, the dirt will settle deeper below the surface. The usual cleaning method will not work since the dirt is deeply embedded in the carpet.
Learn how the various cleaning methods for the different types of fibers. Once you’ve learnt a method that is easy to execute, try to stick to a regular cleaning schedule. And even with the regular cleaning schedule, you will need professional cleaning services once every few years.
Clean promptly in case of any spills
Don’t let the spills on your carpet to dry as it becomes harder to cleans. Keep in mind that Berber carpets have a high absorption rate and discolor very faster. Also do not rub the stain, instead blot out the spill as this will ensure that stain does not spread any further.
Don’t scrub stains
Every time you see a stain anywhere, the first thought is always to scrub it. Resist the temptation and instead use steam cleaning. Unlike scrubbing, steam cleaning retains the colors. However, steam cleaning is not ideal for all Berber carpets. Use dry cleaning for nylon and Berber carpets.
Don’t drag your furniture
If you want to maintain your Berber carpet looking brand new, you might want to keep anything with sharp edges from your carpet. Also, don’t drag any furniture over the carpet.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that using a standard vacuum is likely to damage the carpet, especially if it’s made of wool fibers. This is why we recommend that you use the Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction or the Eureka NEU182A Vacuum Cleaner.