In the past few years we have had an increasing number of vacuum customers coming in trying to find a vacuum that will handle the currently-popular Frieze-style carpets. The problem?  This carpet tends to have what we call a “twisty” strand to it which snags in most vacuum brush-rolls. It looks like this:

In working with our customers we have found a number of interesting things: First, some manufacturers of this type of carpet have in their owner’s documents a recommendation that this carpet NOT be vacuumed with any machine having a rotating brush! Second, many modern machines now have a permanent belt system and rather aggressive bristles on the brush-roll. As they vacuum, the bristles snap the carpet strands, a lot like a comb snags in wet hair. Depending upon the vacuum, this can cause damage to the carpet fibers – “frizzing” at the ends, tearing individual strands, etc. It may also cause the vacuum to shut itself off repeatedly, thinking something is caught in the brush. Not what you want to have happen in either case!

 This is reminiscent of the problems we had with the old shag carpets from the “old days”!  the solution, ironically, is the same as it was then – don’t vacuum with a rotating bristle brush!  The recommended method is a straight-suction canister (no rotating brush) with high air flow and suction. You need to vacuum in several directions, or maybe you could resurrect the old shag rake!  Not the most efficient system, but that’s what the carpet makers expect you to do!  Certain manufacturers have actually issued statements that use of certain vacuum makes can void the warranty on the carpet!!

So, what’s a home-owner to do? If you already have the Frieze carpet, we recommend a quality canister style vacuum with the proper tools. Stop in anytime and we can show you what’s available.  Don’t have Frieze yet? Plan ahead, and check out the variations available – shorter fibers will be easier to contend with than the ones in these pictures!