Common Carpet Issues

Carpets can change in appearance as they settle into everyday use. Some changes are normal characteristics of the fibre or pile; others need a closer look.

If something concerns you, please contact the showroom. We’ll help you understand what you’re seeing and discuss the next step for your particular carpet.

Shedding or fluffing

New carpets made with spun yarn can release loose fibres left from manufacture. Regular vacuuming with the correct setting helps remove them, and shedding usually reduces over time.

If you notice thinning, bare patches or fibre loss that concerns you, get in touch rather than assuming it is ordinary shedding.

Flattening and matting

Carpet pile can flatten along regularly used routes and beneath furniture. The amount of change depends on the carpet’s fibre and construction, how the room is used and its care.

Suitable vacuuming helps maintain the pile. If the surface becomes unusually matted or changes much sooner than you expected, ask us to take a look. We should assess the carpet before suggesting a cause.

Shading, footprints and vacuum marks

When carpet tufts lie in different directions, they reflect light differently. This can create light and dark areas, footprints or vacuum marks, particularly on plain cut-pile carpets.

The appearance may change when viewed from another direction. If you’re unsure whether a mark is shading, soiling or something else, we can help you check.

Pile reversal or “watermarking”

A more lasting change in pile direction can produce an irregular shaded area, sometimes called pile reversal, pooling or watermarking. The name does not mean that water has caused it.

It needs distinguishing from staining or other problems. Manufacturer guidance and guarantees vary, so contact us for advice about your specific carpet.

Colour differences and fading

Samples and carpets from different production batches can show slight colour differences. Lighting and pile direction also affect how the colour looks.

Wool carpets can fade with exposure to daylight, particularly strong direct sunlight. Curtains or blinds can help reduce exposure.

If a colour difference concerns you, let us know so we can consider it in the context of your order and installation.

Furniture indentations

Heavy furniture can compress carpet and underlay. Suitable furniture cups can help spread the load, although they cannot guarantee that marks will be avoided.

Recovery varies. Ask for advice before using heat, steam or water to treat an indentation, as the right approach depends on the carpet.

Dark marks around room edges

Dark lines near skirting boards, beneath doors or around vents may be filtration soiling, also called draught marking. This happens when carpet traps fine dirt carried by moving air.

Cleaning and prevention depend on the source of the airflow and the flooring. Contact us before attempting treatment; the marks alone do not establish the cause or who is responsible.

Raised tufts, pulled loops or snags

Never pull a tuft or loop, as this may damage the surrounding carpet. Contact us before cutting or attempting a repair, especially with loop-pile carpet.

Ripples, ridges, loose edges or concerns about joins

Please report these promptly so the installation can be assessed. A photograph is a useful starting point, but an on-site inspection may be needed. Avoid trying to stretch, lift or alter the carpet yourself before seeking advice.

Here to help

When you contact us, please include your order details if available, when you first noticed the issue, where it appears and a few clear photographs. Let us know about any cleaning or treatment already attempted.

You can also read our flooring care guide and flooring FAQs.

Thank you for choosing our family business. We’re grateful for your trust and want you to feel comfortable asking for help with your flooring.