Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500401
06/24/03
Carpets -Shading
Normal traffic causes the pile of carpet to flatten
slightly, resulting in a shaded effect, especially in
plush carpet. Vacuuming the pile in the same direction
will temporarily correct this situation.
Even though a conscious program of vacuuming is
followed, some change will take place. The changes will
not only be in the traffic areas but in other section
which receive very little traffic. This change is more
noticeable on solid colors and in the better grades of
plush carpet. It may first become apparent as a large
spot, as if something has been spilled. It may look like
a water spot. The spot may be rounded or have a wavy
shape and not really enclosing any area. If the fingers
are run over the spot, it will be noticed that the pile
runs in one direction until the edge of the spot is
reached. The edge of the area will appear rough, or
raised, and then once outside the area, the pile runs in
a different direction from that in the spot.
If an area is observed from one direction, it will
appear to be darker than the adjacent area. Viewing the
same area from another direction, it will appear lighter
than the surrounding area. The reason for the change of
shade is due to the amount of light being reflected from
the area. When the sides of the yarns are viewed, more
light will be reflected and it will appear lighter than
looking at the ends of the yarn.
Shading is a characteristic of a plush carpet, and it
should be expected to develop. It is not something which
the manufacturer can eliminate in a plush or a velvet
type of construction. Shading helps to break up the
plainness or sameness in a solid color, dense, cut pile
carpet. It is a characteristic which occurs in good
quality carpet and should be enjoyed. However, if this
characteristic is not appealing, then another type of
carpet should be chosen.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from Margaret
Boschetti, previous Extension specialist, and Georgia
Extension bulletin How to Care for Carpets and Rugs.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .