Ever noticed carpet rippling following the use of a commercial carpet shampooer or commercial carpet extractor? Noticeable ripples are almost always the symptom of a greater underlying cause, and that cause usually has nothing to do with the cleaning method used. If you’ve noticed ripples in your carpets, take a look at these common causes to diagnose the issue:

1. Humidity

This is one of the prime culprits of buckling carpets, especially if you live in a climate that experiences all four seasons with high humidity in the warmer months. The drastic change in conditions can cause ripples when moisture in the air gets into the carpet, causing swelling. Often, the carpet will return to its normal, flat state once moisture levels go back down to normal, and running an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help reduce the issue.

2. Improper Installation

Carpet must be tightly stretched and secured in place during installation. A poor job can cause the carpet to loosen, leading to rippled. Using a power stretcher can reduce the risk of buckling, and so can allowing the carpet to acclimate to new conditions before installation.

3. Improper Underpads

Pads that aren’t dense enough to support carpet can also cause buckles. Before installing carpets, make sure the underpad you choose meets the density and thickness requirements for the carpet.

4. Wet Carpets

Over-wetting your carpets can cause buckling. Using a high-quality carpet shampooer, like our Bissell carpet cleaners, can ensure you properly clean without damaging carpets. Our Little Green Pro, for example, uses powerful vacuum suction, brushing action and a unique cleaning solution to remove dirt and stains without over-wetting carpet. Our team is happy to recommend the best Bissell carpet cleaner for your needs, and we can provide all the expert advice you need to clean without fear of rippling.

For more info, give us a call today at 1-800-242-1378!