Carpet Maintenance
Carpet maintenance isn’t just another chore on your to-do list- it’s a powerful strategy to save your school money! While it may seem like a small effort, regular carpet care can lead to significant savings over time. By maintaining your flooring, you not only extend its lifespan but also avoid unexpected costs that can strain your school’s budget.
In this blog, we’ll explore how schools can adopt a proactive upkeep strategy to protect their flooring investment, reduce long-term expenses, and creates a healthier, more welcoming environment for students and staff.
Prolonging Carpet Lifespan
Replacing carpets prematurely due to wear and tear can be a major expense for schools, especially in high-traffic areas like corridors, staircases, and cafeterias. Yet, well-kept and professionally cleaned carpets can last anywhere from 10-20 years. Therefore, by keeping carpets in good condition through regular maintenance, such as vacuuming, deep cleaning, and spot treatment, schools can extend the lifespan of their carpets and avoid the expense of frequent replacements.
Reduced Cleaning and Repair Costs
Regularly maintained carpets are less likely to require expensive repairs or intensive cleaning treatments. Routine cleaning helps prevent dirt and allergens from embedding into the carpet fibres, which can lead to premature damage and more costly cleaning.
Addressing issues as soon as they arise can also prevent long-term damage and save on expensive repairs. For example, spot cleaning stains immediately can prevent the need for professional stain treatments. Alternatively, schools that neglect their carpets may face higher repair costs in the future, including re-stretching or patching damaged areas.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues among students and staff, resulting in increased healthcare costs and absenteeism, which in turn affects children’s education due to missed school days. However, sustaining clean carpets through regular vacuuming and cleaning helps reduces the build-up of allergens and bacteria that can pollute the environment, thereby improving overall air quality. This can lead to fewer sick days, a healthier learning environment, and lower medical and absenteeism-related costs.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
In winter, when the climate is cooler, carpets act as natural insulation which help manage a consistent temperature in classrooms. This thermal insulation can also help schools save on heating bills, especially in larger schools with many classrooms.
In the summer, carpets can assist with soundproofing, reducing the need for air conditioning or noise-cancelling solutions in open classrooms. Supacord, Heckmondwike’s market-leading carpet for educational sites, is available with acoustic backing, which can further enhance its impact noise-reducing rating to 23dB. For more insights into how acoustic flooring can improve noise control in educational spaces, check out our blog on how acoustic flooring reduces noise.
Minimising Damage from High Traffic Areas
Since high-traffic areas like corridors, entrances, and staircases are prone to wear and tear, targeted carpet maintenance is essential to reduce long-term damage. For instance, by using entry mats in transition areas, schools can prevent dirt and moisture from transferring into other parts of the school, such as classrooms, where carpets are more vulnerable to damage. Consequently, this minimises the need for costly repairs and replacements in these high-traffic zones.
Investing in commercial-grade carpets designed to withstand heavy foot traffic can also reduce future servicing efforts, allowing schools to focus on simple routine cleaning. At Heckmondwike, Battleship/Hippo entrance carpets are used extensively in education due to their low maintenance costs.
Fewer Disruptions to Learning
Dirty or damaged carpets can pose safety risks, such as tripping hazards, which could lead to accidents that are costly for the school. For example, a tripping hazard caused by a worn-out carpet could result in injury and incur costs for the school. Therefore, regular carpet inspections are necessary to prevent these issues.
Due to its anti-ravel and anti-fray properties, Supacord is an excellent choice for schools, where high foot traffic and daily use can take a toll on flooring. It helps mitigate risks and provides a safe, cost-effective solution for educational institutions.
Brampton Manor Academy
Brampton Manor Academy outlined their goal to create a new building for Year 7 as a stand-alone resource, alongside expanding the school’s sixth form areas. Three new buildings were constructed within the existing school footprint, allowing for an additional 600 pupils.
As a result, the school required a complete carpet and entrance solution. They chose 1,900 metres of Heckmondwike’s bestselling Supacord carpet tiles, along with 140 metres of its specialist entrance matting, Battleship, to ensure a long-lasting, high-quality finish.
Ready to invest in Durable, Long-Lasting Carpets?
Don’t wait until your carpets start showing signs of wear- invest in quality, commercial grade flooring today! Explore pour wide range of carpets designed specifically for educational environments like schools, colleges, and universities, offering durability, low maintenance, and long-term savings.
Contact us now to get started on selecting the perfect carpet for your school and see the difference it can make for your budget and your students.
Have you found carpet burns in your apartment block? Singed floors in your clubhouse from a dropped candle or a naughty customer? It’s not the end of the world. While you may think it’s time to overhaul your entire flooring completely, we’re here to walk you through fixing burns in your carpet.
I’ve spotted a burn: What do I do?
Don’t be afraid, accidents happen. You don’t need to give up on carpets altogether and start grabbing the hardwood planks. Carpets are actually fixable and sections can be easily replaced, meaning that you can refresh your look for a fraction of the price of replacing the entire floor.
The first step is don’t panic! The next is to identify the type of burn.
Big Carpet Burns
For large carpet burns (for example, straighteners knocked on the floor or irons put down before they’ve cooled), you’ll need to patch the area. If you haven’t kept the scraps from your carpet installation, don’t fret. One option at your disposal is ordering a sample of carpet, or purchasing a small amount of the same carpet or one in a similar colour.
Cut a shape, just larger than your burned area. To match best you’ll want the patch to be the same pattern as your carpet and the pile to run in the same direction. Top tip: a square patch will always be easier to hide than a circle patch!
Once you have your spare carpet ready, you’ll need to carefully cut out the burnt area. A sharp utility knife is your best bet for this as you can be very precise. Place the patch over your carpet, press firmly, and cut around it. Then simply glue the area, place the patch, and lay something heavy on top for a few hours so it can fully dry. Brush the carpet out and it should be as good as new.
If you’ve used carpet tiles, then you’re in luck. Approaching your carpet manufacturer to ask for a new carpet tile is an option, and then all you’d need to do is use adhesive to lay the tile down. Voila, good as new.
Tackling the Real Big Issues
For very large burns or complex carpet patterns then it may be time to call in the experts. They can use their years of experience to make sure that it looks like your carpet was never touched, and most fixes take only a day or two maximum, meaning you can open your doors to customers, clients, and students as quickly as possible. Carpet repair experts are available across the country, oftentimes at a low cost too.
Obviously, the DIY approach is the cheapest, but there’s no shame in hiring professionals when the problem becomes too big for you to tackle alone.
Avoiding Carpet Burns
It’s not always possible to avoid burns and spills. They’re a part of life. That’s why it’s important to know how to tackle them afterwards. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce their frequency. Implementing no-smoking policies indoors not only helps make sure your furnishings don’t smell of nicotine but also that you won’t be left with cigarette burns on your carpets. Instructing your residents how to properly take care of their hot tools and candles can help reduce accidents too.
Choosing high-quality, durable carpets for your retail and commercial spaces will help you avoid serious damage too, meaning that you’re less likely to have to replace your carpets if accidents like carpet burns do happen. If you’re looking to fit carpet into your commercial space or overhaul your current floor, take a look at our most hard-wearing carpet options like Hobnail or Supacord.
So you see, a full replacement of your Heckmondwike carpet isn’t necessary when you know how to fix burn marks.
You can find more of our maintenance tips and our products through our webpage, or get in touch today to chat about our fabulous range of products.
When it comes to selecting the ideal carpet for your school or commercial space, one area that often requires careful consideration is the stairs. Staircases are high-traffic areas that endure significant wear and tear, so choosing a carpet that combines durability, style, and safety is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore various factors to consider when selecting the best carpet for stairs.
Durability
Since stairs are frequently used, it’s essential to choose a carpet that can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist wear and tear. Consider opting for a carpet with fibre-bonded properties, as they have exceptional resilience and are easy to maintain. Our Fibre-bonded Supacord range has anti-ravel and fray properties, and has been trusted in schools for over 50 years. Browse our bestselling Supacord range: Supacord Collection Heckmondwike.
Safety
Safety should be the primary concern when selecting a carpet for stairs in commercial settings. To prevent slips, trips, and falls, prioritise carpets with excellent traction properties. Look for carpets that have a low pile height, preferably between ¼ to ½ inch, as they provide a stable surface for walking. You can also choose carpets with a textured or patterned surface as they can enhance grip and reduce the risk of slipping.
Easy Maintenance
Stairs are prone to spills, dirt, and stains, making it essential to choose a carpet that is easy to clean and maintain. Consider a carpet colour or pattern that can effectively camouflage any potential stains or wear marks to minimise their visibility. All of our commercial carpets are easy to maintain, but we recommend a deep clean of your stairs every week to keep your carpets looking fresh. To learn more about how to clean your commercial carpet, read our blog: How to clean your commercial carpet.
Aesthetics
While functionality and durability are essential, the appearance of your staircase carpet should be noticed by students and employees. Choose a colour, pattern, or texture that complements your overall branding and reflects your school or business. Neutral tones or darker shades tend to be more forgiving in terms of hiding dirt and stains but don’t hesitate to explore bolder options if they align with the rest of your look and feel.
All of our commercial carpets come in a multitude of colourways, making them ideal for matching logo or brand colours. Discover our full product range by visiting our homepage: Heckmondwike.
We hope that our blog has helped to give you food for thought on the key things to consider when choosing a commercial carpet. If you’d like to arrange a bespoke consultation with our sales team to discuss your next project, you can get in touch with us by clicking here: Heckmondwike – Contact Us.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with 50 years’ experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Cleaning your carpets has endless benefits. From extending the life of your carpets to maintaining a healthy environment, there are an array of reasons to keep your carpet tiles spotless. In this blog, we’ll be sharing how to clean your commercial carpet.
Clean up carpet spills
Forget the 5-second rule! If you spill something, you need to clean it up as fast as you can. If you spill anything on your carpet, make sure that you clean it up immediately. You should blot any liquid-based stains with absorbent towels or tissues. If you get something trickier stuck in your carpet like blu tack, read our blog.
CLAYGO initiatives
Although this sounds similar to playdough (which can also get stuck in your carpet), CLAYGO couldn’t be more different. CLAYGO is a ‘Clean As You Go’ initiative, which can be used to encourage space users to make sure their area is left clean. This way, everyone has a collective responsibility to make sure that the carpet is always in good shape.
Get the hoover out
How often do you clean your carpet tiles? Matthew Lee, a senior research scientist at Dyson says, “Vacuuming high-traffic areas twice a week and the rest of your carpeted spaces once a week is enough to keep dust and dirt at bay.” Commercial carpets should therefore be hoovered regularly. For help on how to choose your vacuum cleaner, visit this guide.
Deep clean
Sometimes, vacuuming just isn’t enough! Especially in high-traffic areas. Therefore, you should have a deep-cleaning schedule in place for your commercial carpet. Professional carpet cleaners can get into the places where hoovers can’t, and leave your carpet tiles feeling fresh. Read our blog for our deep cleaning recommendations.
Install entrance matting
Always keep the outside, out. Put specialist entrance matting in your doorways to prevent dirt from trailing into your building or space. Aside from carpets, there are also health and safety benefits because, according to the Health & Safety Executive, 90% of slip accidents in public buildings occur on wet floors. Online carpets in our Entrance and Transition Area Range are a great solution.
We hope that this blog has helped you to learn how to clean your commercial carpet.
Our commercial carpet designs are perfect for giving a fresh new look to your flooring. For more information about how we can help, get in touch today.
Blu Tack is an essential product throughout schools, with classrooms all over the UK using it to put up wall displays and showcase work. But, it can be a nightmare if it gets stuck in your commercial carpet – especially if it’s been trodden in by the children’s feet! Our blog will help explain what you can do if the dreaded event happens and you get Blu Tack stuck in your classroom carpet.
Does anything dissolve Blu Tack?
There are quite a few different things which have the ability to dissolve Blu Tack. However, it’s important to know that these things won’t dissolve it completely, but will instead soften it enough to aid removal. Here is a list of the different liquids which can dissolve Blu Tack:
- White vinegar
- Citrus cleaner
- Acetone
- Laundry detergent
- Olive, vegetable or eucalyptus oil
4 ways to remove Blu Tack from carpet
Now you know what dissolves Blu Tack, let’s talk about some of the tried and tested ways you can remove it from your carpet.
Use heat
Applying heat is often one of the best methods for removing Blu Tack that’s dried into the carpet and hardened over time. Using heat will soften it and bring the elasticity back, making it much easier to get rid of.
Hold a hairdryer to the blob in 15-second bursts. Take care not to hold it too close to your carpet as you don’t want to damage the fibres. When you see that the Blu Tack is starting to peel away, try collecting as much of it as you can. You’ll need to repeat the process as many times as you can until it’s nearly all been removed.
If you don’t have a hairdryer handy, then an iron will work the same way. You just need to pop a cloth or tea towel over the Blu Tack, then hold the iron over it in short bursts.
The last step in this method is to mix a mild detergent, like washing up liquid, together with some water and give the patch some good, old-fashioned, elbow grease! Once you’re satisfied that you’ve removed all remnants of Blu Tack, you can leave it to dry.
Vegetable oil
As mentioned previously, oils such as vegetable, olive or eucalyptus can be used to help soften the Blu Tack, and reduce any stickiness. For this method, you just need to apply your oil to the Blu Tack using a cloth and let it soak in for a couple of minutes. Then, using a blunt knife, you can try to scrape as much of it off as you can.
Once the Blue Tack has been removed, it’s important to thoroughly clean the carpet area where the oil has been. This is because oil can leave a residue which can easily stain the carpet fibres if not thoroughly removed. For this, you can just use a mild soap or detergent.
White vinegar
Another common method for removing Blu Tack is white vinegar. This is one of the things which will dissolve it, and therefore make it easier to remove. The first thing to do is to gently heat the vinegar, if you can, by popping it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Then, apply the vinegar to a damp cloth and let it soak into the Blu Tack for approximately 15 minutes, or until you see the blob starting to peel away. Using a blunt knife, you can then scrape it off the carpet.
Don’t worry about washing the vinegar with soap once you’re done, simply some warm water and a cloth will rinse away any remaining vinegar.
More Blu Tack
This method may seem counterproductive, but we assure you it’s not. Using a blob of spare Blu Tack, you can attempt to stick it to the Blu Tack which is in the carpet to pull it off. Keep repeating this process until it’s all been lifted out.
Does Blu Tack leave a stain?
It’s likely that Blu Tack will stain if you have lighter-coloured carpets. But, how easily the stain will come out all depends on how long it has been there. The best way to remove stains from your carpet is to use a detergent or carpet cleaner and blot the stain rather than rub. When you rub a carpet stain, the colour can easily seep into the fibres making it difficult to remove completely.
How can you prevent it from happening again?
Although you can remove Blu Tack using the methods above, ensuring that it doesn’t get stuck to your carpet again would save you a lot of hassle. One way would be to not let any children in the classroom use the Blu Tack, as they may be more careless with it. Another alternative would be to use sellotape where possible, as it’s much less likely to cause damage.
We hope that you’ve found this blog useful and that it’s given you some tips and tricks on how to keep your classroom carpets free from Blu Tack.
Our commercial carpet designs are perfect for giving a fresh new look to your school flooring. For more information about how we can help, get in touch today.