New recycling process developed for carpets

Many carpets in Chester and North Wales homes are made from polypropylene, which is a petroleum-based material. As polypropylene has not been recyclable, many worn carpets have ended up in landfills or have been incinerated – however, a recycling process has now been developed.

Researchers from the Technical University of Graz in Switzerland, in partnership with British Axion Recycling in the UK and Germany’s Fraunhofer IBP, have developed a recycling process that recovers polypropylene from carpets, which can then be used to make new carpets, along with a number of other industrial uses.

The new recycling process is cost effective. An economic analysis found that 99% of the polypropylene from the carpet is extracted. If the process was done on an industrial scale, it would achieve significant environmental savings.

Polypropylene is a widely used polymer base. As well as making carpets, it has many other uses, included in packaging, pipes and furnishings. As it’s an unsustainable, non-biodegradable material, waste polypropylene pollutes land and sea environments – therefore, the more that’s recycled, the better it is for the environment.

An alternative to carpets made from polypropylene is wool carpets. Wool is a natural product of sheep farming and is easily recycled. If wool is left on the ground, it decomposes, releasing nutrients into the soil that promote grass growth.

A quality wool carpet will generally be more expensive than a polypropylene one, but it should last a long time. Wool provides a luxury feel to a home and has insulating properties that make a room more energy efficient.

Why professional carpet cleaning is essential

Carpets make rooms look and feel cosy. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s vital to keep the home clean, and this includes carpets.

Carpets can accumulate debris and dust, which can affect allergy sufferers. Allergic rhinitis affects 30% of Britons. In workplaces that have carpets, the performance of staff with allergies can suffer.

Regular vacuuming is essential for carpets, but vacuuming alone does not always remove mites and mould that gets trapped in the pile. It’s unlikely that the Covid-19 virus is caught from touching a carpet, but deep cleaning will make sure that no virus traces remain on the carpet. A professional deep wash of the carpet eliminates all debris, bacteria, viruses and chemical hazards caused by perfume and insecticide residues.

Professional cleaning should be done at least once a year, and more frequently in a heavily used area. Professional carpet cleaners use specialised cleaning products that help keep the carpet fibres intact, and this can prolong the life of the carpet.

A thorough clean first removes dust, food residues, hair, skin flakes and other debris. A wet shampoo suitable for the carpet type is applied. This is rubbed in well with a machine to penetrate the whole of the carpet. Finally, the liquid and dirt are sucked out.

Some households try to clean their carpets themselves in Chester and North Wales, or they hire carpet cleaning machines. For deep-pile carpets, there is a damage risk if the best cleaning machine and solution is not used. Instead, hire a professional carpet cleaning company, which will make sure that the carpet is very clean and undamaged.

New Popemobile boasts recycled plastic bottle carpets

Fisker Inc, based in Los Angeles, has announced that it is supplying an electric vehicle to Pope Francis that features carpets made out of recycled plastic bottles that had been thrown into the ocean.

Plastic bottles thrown into the sea are harmful to marine life, so retrieving and recycling them is good for the environment. The vehicle, which is known as the Popemobile, has a retractable cupola roof and features sustainable materials.

According to Euro News, the co-founders of Fisker, Henrik Fisker and Dr Geeta Gupta-Fisker, said that they:

“Got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very considerate about the environment and the impact of climate change for future generations.”

The special vehicle is expected to be ready in 2022. In 2020, Pope Francis took delivery of a Toyota Mirai, which is hydrogen powered.

Most carpets in cars are made from nylon, but you can purchase luxury automobile deep pile wool carpets that are more sustainable.

It is difficult to find carpets made out of recycled plastic bottles, but there are eco-friendly options for carpets in North Wales and Chester homes. Pure wool carpets are a good choice. Wool is a natural, sustainable product that will last a long time. A wool carpet helps keep rooms warm and can save up to 15% on heating bills, reducing the carbon footprint of a home.

If the carpet needs an underlay, wool is a good option, or there are several types of underlay made from recycled rubber or polymer.

Why are vacuum cleaners ideal for vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for many property owners due to its versatile look that can efficiently impersonate both natural wood and stone at a fraction of the expense. It’s also hardwearing and can withstand plenty of footfall, making it a sound investment.

Among its many other advantages, vinyl flooring is also extremely easy to care for, a fact that makes it suitable for homes and commercial enterprises where owners prefer a well-maintained appearance.

Despite this fact, just like any other type of floor, vinyl must be regularly cleaned and cared for to ensure it enjoys the full length of its expected lifespan, and in the following sections, we’ll explore why a household vacuum cleaner is a perfect device for the job.

Dealing with larger debris

From those installed in homes to businesses, vinyl floors will always be subjected to material from outside being brought indoors. Small stones, dirt and grit can all be smuggled inside in the paws of pets or the treads of people’s shoes before being distributed across flooring.

While the topmost layer of vinyl flooring features a protective seal, this defence can be damaged when small sharp particles are dragged across the floor’s surface. This scenario is all too common when a mop or brush is used to sweep floors, while a vacuum, on the other hand, will safely suck up the unwanted debris without inflicting any harm.

Ensuring small particles are removed

Another key advantage of vacuum cleaners over other cleaning apparatus is the way they don’t cause tiny dust particles and fine pet hair to whirl up during cleaning. Unlike mops and brooms, vacuums are more likely to provide a more comprehensive clean for your vinyl floors.

A dry-cleaning method like vacuuming is always advised, as wet options will cause flooring to warp and buckle over time. This can ruin the appearance of your floor and, in extreme cases, result in the expense of replacing damaged areas.

What types of vacuum cleaner are suitable for vinyl floors?

It’s worth noting that vinyl flooring tends to have a much softer surface in comparison to laminate or tiling, and if a vacuum cleaner is not handled properly, it can result in unsightly marks and scratches.

First, make sure when purchasing a vacuum that it has no sharp edges or metal plating fitted where it will be in contact with your flooring to avoid any unwanted damage. You’ll find that vacuum cleaners that come equipped with special brush attachments are typically the best option for caring for vinyl.

These attachments allow the vacuum’s nozzle to glide gently over vinyl flooring without scratching its protective layer. Some devices will come with a variety of different attachments to suit different areas of the floor, while other have parquet nozzles designed specifically for use with wooden floors. Fitted with softer and longer bristles, these extensions can be counted on for scratch-free cleaning of your vinyl flooring.

Providing you follow this guidance, you’ll be able to clean any vinyl floor safely and effectively, enjoying years of use.

Banana silk used to make vegan carpets

Vegans do not like to use any materials sourced from animals. A strict vegan will not buy a wool or silk carpet, as they are both materials derived from animals. However, carpet manufacturer Kymo is one of the few companies that are producing carpets made from silk extracted from bananas, making them 100% vegan.

Banana silk is not made from the banana fruit – it is extracted from the wood pulp of the banana plant. It can be weaved to make carpets that feel more like velvet than the silk produced by silkworms.

The founder of Kymo, Denis Türker, along with inhouse designers Eva Langhans and Katharina Tannous, have created a banana silk carpet called Molten Metal, which has been inspired by the look of metal heated to high temperatures. Molten metal is reflective, and this effect has been reproduced in their stylish carpets.

The banana silk carpets are handwoven in India. During the coronavirus pandemic, communication with the weavers has taken place via video conferencing technology.

Banana silk carpets are expensive, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to buy attractive, high-quality carpets in the North Wales and Chester regions. Wool is often the choice for those who want a luxury carpet, but alternatives include nylon, polypropylene or polyester carpets, which are also less expensive. There are also cotton carpets available. Cotton tends to wear quicker than other types of carpet, unless it is blended with other materials to make the carpet more durable.