Here's the serious stuff:

Almost all carpet samples are now labelled as to their suitablility for use in different areas of the home, under normal domestic usage. Before finally deciding on which material is to be installed, check carefully that it is suitable for the location for which it is intended, not to do so could result in costly disappointment (which is what we do not want). In rooms where a lot of computer equipment is to be used, or high tech musical equipment, thought should be given to fitting material made especially for those areas. Although carpets do not produce static, they do have the capacity to store it, especially in a very dry environment. Prevention of this can be effected by the introduction of moisture into the atmosphere, perhaps by the use of humidifiers etc. In general, long piled carpets are not suitable for use on stairs. Secondary backed carpets, fitted over a good underlay, will give a better performance in heavy wear areas such as living/dining rooms and hall/stairs/landings.

All samples will not be from the same dye batch as current production, and therefore, should only be used as a guide and not as an exact colour match. This information should be conveyed to consumers, who wish to retain samples, at the point of sale.

Installing your perfect carpet
Good quality fitting and installation is essential for your new carpet to ensure a long carpet life.

• Have the carpet fitted by one of our professional fitters.
• Ensure the floor is clean, level, firm and dry before the carpet is laid.
• A good quality, new underlay is always recommended when fitting new carpet.

See our offers page to get free underlay and other outrageous bargains.

Maintaining your lovely new carpet
The key to good carpet maintenance is to avoid particles of loose dirt and dust from working their way into the carpet pile where they will act abrasively on the fibres and discolour the carpet.

• Vacuum your carpet regularly at least two or three times a week.
• A large, strong doormat will reduce dirt from outside being spread around the house.
• Avoid where possible laying light coloured carpets next to external entrances.
  
  Vacuuming Loop Pile
  Loop pile carpets should be vacuumed with a cylinder cleaner using the suction head only. Avoid using beater heads and brushes - they will catch and lift the fibres, giving your carpet a bobbled or felted appearance.
  
  Vacuuming Cut Pile
  Cut pile carpets should be vacuumed with an upright cleaner with a beater bar and brush.
  
  
  The samples shown in this swatch may not be from the same production batch as current stock and therefore should be used as a guide and not as an exact match. Equally matching between 5 and 4 metre widths cannot be guaranteed. N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they may be from the same batch, will appear not to match.
  
  Further information we thought might help
  Natural Fibres
  As a natural fibre, pure new wool is washed and scoured before being spun into carpet yarn. Throughout the manufacturing process it is also inspected and natural minor imperfections removed. Even so, fitted wool carpets may, on rare occasions, contain slight traces of the sheep's outdoor environment. As such Carpet.it reserve the right to send a manufacturer representative to come and carry out small on site rectifications. Your statutory rights are not affected.
  
  Shedding
  All carpets using a spun yarn will shed excess fibre when first installed. This is to be expected and does not mean there is a defect.
  The short fibres given off, represent a very small fraction of the pile.
  
  Long Tufts
  Occasionally you may find a stray tuft extending above the pile surface. Provided your carpet is a cut pile, carefully cut the tuft with a sharp scissors to the level of the surrounding pile.
  
  Shading & Flattening
  Please note, over time, regular foot traffic will flatten the pile surface in the main walkways, causing areas of differential wear. These areas will appear lighter or shaded in comparison to the less frequently used parts. This shading / tracking or flattening happens to all carpets with a pile surface and as such is not accepted as the basis for any complaint.
  
  Pile Reversal
  Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as 'watermarking'. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive. There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault.
  
  Abrasion
  Pet paws, claws, rubber soled shoes and heels can be abrasive on carpets, particularly where use is constantly concentrated to small areas (i.e. in front of armchairs). Move furniture occasionally to avoid any distortion to the carpet pile.
  
  Pilling
  Pilling can sometimes occur on loop pile and wool blend carpets. The expression is used to describe the little balls of fibres which collect on the pile surface. It is similar to the type of pilling which can occur on a sweater. Carefully remove these pills with scissors - the durability of the carpet will not be affected.
  
  Indentations
  The feet of furniture will create indentations on any carpet. To help reduce marking, regularly move the position of furniture and other heavy objects where possible. To help lift the pile back up, use a coin to 'gently' tease the pile upright.
  
  Stairs
  Stair carpets receive heavy wear especially on the nosings. In some cases shifting the stair carpet can help compensate for this, ask your carpet retailer for further details.
  
  Treatments
  Care must be taken if applying stain guards or other such treatments after installation. Over saturation can result in damage to the structure of the carpet.