Referral Carpet Cleaning - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Referral Carpet Cleaning different from other hot water extraction or steam cleaning companies?
Referral is Not Any Ordinary Cleaner. Many cleaning companies tout they are "professional cleaners". Many use words or phrases to convince you they are reputable. We will give you information you need to know to better understand the differences in cleaning companies. We believe that there are 5 areas that must be met for a successful professional cleaning outcome. Remove any one of the five and quality suffers. Referral provides to their clients all five of the ingredients for high quality.
1.) The Right Equipment. We've invested in the very best state of the art van powered truck mounts. That's right, our vans V-8 engine powers our cleaning machine. This machine, "The Butler System" is the Cadillac of machines. There are different grades of machinery with different results. Our high temperature cleaning solutions clean better and rinse better. We carry our own tanks of softened water. Soft water cleans better with an added benefit of less cleaning agent needed. Different size vacuum pumps are capable of faster drying. We ordered the oversized vacuum pump for our machine since we also service water damaged carpets which require higher air flow capacity. Even the right equipment that is not regularly or properly maintained will cause problems. Poor maintenance or poor cleaning of the vacuums in-line filter system will leave carpets too wet. We have two in-line filter systems for our vacuum pump. Dust, carpet fibers, pet hair will fill these in-line vacuum filters, sometimes quickly. We can easily replace our filter quickly to provide maximum air flow for every job. We have high standards of maintenance for our equipment to give you the best results. Prior to 2000, we used Bane-Clene's electric truck-mounted equipment. Our quality of cleaning and drying has increased tremendously by switching to van powered equipment. Even with the higher gasoline costs, we would never want to revert back to inferior machines now that we know the benefits of our high powered equipment.
2.) Cleaning Agents. There is a wide variety of inferior cleaning agents available. We can outperform many cleaning companies because our cleaning product cleans superiorly compared to what they are using. Our cleaning solutions are safe for children, pets, and even for allergy sensitive clients.
3.) Technique. Improper cleaning techniques and poor training make the difference in the final outcome of the cleaning job. New clients state that over wetting was a common problem with previous cleaners. This is a result of bad cleaning technique and also the cleaning pressure is set to high. Many companies clean with the trigger spraying the carpet in both directions which causes over wetting. Referral cleans with the trigger spraying the carpet in one direction with the vacuum slot immediately extracting the cleaning solution. Most companies do not take the extra effort to take additional 'dry vacuum strokes' to ensure fast drying and to prevent over wetting.We always take extra vacuum strokes.We follow our high standards of cleaning technique for optimum results. Improper cleaning technique will absolutely result in poor results. Even if someone has good equipment, good cleaning agents and a good attitude about their work, does not mean the technician knows how to clean right.
4.) The Technician. Even a technician with good equipment, good cleaning agents and good training techniques will do a poor job if he has a bad attitude about his work. If the technician is not particular, it will show. We take pride in our reputation of consistent, year after year, high quality workmanship. Also, what about the technician? Can you trust this person in the privacy of your home? Referral has a reputation of being trustworthy.
5.) Company Philosophy. Many cleaning companies are profit driven only. Many companies have a lot of employee turnover. Many technicians are not experienced or qualified and are put in charge of their own truck prematurely. They pay their techs commissions to up sell deodorizers, carpet protectors, spotters and other items. There is nothing wrong with these items if the items are really needed or even necessary. Unfortunately, if the customer declines, the tech does not make any money and is prone to give a quick cleaning job. Many lower priced oriented companies overload their technicians with to many jobs to be done in one day, leaving the technicians with no other choice but to go quickly. Referral's philosophy is "one quality job at a time". Referral recognizes that there is a need for our quality service by particular homeowners. We have offered our personalized and family owned cleaning services since 1977. Some people have never heard of "Referral" even though this is our 30th year in business. We do minimal advertising since we stay busy with our repeat clients and their referrals. We are not interested in becoming a large cleaning company with a large staff to "baby sit." Quite honestly we aren't rookies anymore, we know what we're doing and we do it very well. This is very important to our type of clientele. We are particular and spend more time to truly thoroughly clean better. Many cleaners go for speed and only give you one or two cleaning passes, which just isn't enough. Main traffic areas need several slower cleaning passes. We give extra attention to edge work. We use our smaller hand tool to be more detailed in small tight areas. We are careful along the baseboards and furniture that is being cleaned around such as a china cabinet or entertainment center. We provide fast drying times. By taking more effort with extra vacuum strokes and using fans, we have dried areas before we leave. Our clients love us for providing a quickly dried carpet. Your carpet and upholstery is safe with us from over wetting. We carry our own pre-softned water. It is not recycled. Soft water cleans better. Being owner/operators, we have a vested interest in providing excellent results. This is not a part time or job between jobs for us. Being thorough, friendly and trustworthy are our primary reasons for being successful. Over a dozen carpet retailers and decorators also recommend our company because they know they can count on us. We are members of the B.B.B. with an excellent record. Remember-"Referral's Built Our Business.'"

2. Concerned about cost ?
Let me start right now by telling you we are NOT the cheapest cleaner in town. Quality minded clients seek out our services. Some people are so caught up on price only that they are easy targets of prey for low quality cleaning companies, at least until they have become a victim of poor quality. We cater to clients who are particular and expect top-notch service. Our clients are aware there are cheaper advertised prices but they know from experience that "you really do get what you pay for." They are willing to pay more for our service since their high expectations are met. Many new clients state how they felt they wasted their money on a cheaper service because the cleaning company went so quickly through the job. We do not rush our work! We will give you more cleaning passes and take more effort with extra vacuum passes to be sure your carpet dries fast. You will get your money's worth from us. No other carpet cleaner in Fort Wayne offers this much personalized service and attention to quality detailed workmanship for the price than Referral does. "In this day and age, quality and low price are two entities that rarely come as a pair". This statement is especially true when it comes to carpet cleaning services. All cleaning companies know what they're worth and they price their services accordingly.

Would you buy the cheapest carpet available for your home? Of course not. You wouldn't get a quality, long lasting carpet. So why settle for the cheapest priced cleaning of such a quality item. In the end, low priced, low quality cleaning, will actually damage a fine quality carpet. We've seen damage many times. So what have you really saved? We also notice that do it yourself machines and the cleaning agent used by the homeowner leaves a residue that actually attracts soil faster than if it were not cleaned at all. Remember, "Referrals Built Our Business". When we're referred by friends, neighbors and relatives, they tell each other that we cost more but we're definitely worth it.

Read the FINE PRINT- Cheap offers come in the mail every day to get your carpets cleaned. But are they really a good deal?

4. How much will it cost?
We price by the square foot. Carpet cleaning prices are based on the size of area cleaned and how much furniture you would like us to move. We do offer a lower rate if rooms are empty or almost empty. We can also measure traffic areas only. Simply call in your room sizes for a phone estimate. We will measure the day of the job. From then on, we will have those room sizes on file for future reference. Upholstery cleaning is based on size, number of loose cushions, arm covers and type of material. We can give you a telephone estimate based upon the information you provide to us. We seldom do in home estimates due to our busy schedule and also these clients are usually seeking the lowest costs and not considering the difference in the personalized quality we offer. If you have an entire house that needs measured, we suggest you hire us for our minimum cleaning service call to clean your most soiled room. This way, you will be able to see our high quality service performed before committing the entire job. We can measure the entire house at that time for you.

Maintenance: A clean carpet will last longer than a soiled carpet. If you follow manufacturers recommendations of cleaning your carpet at least once every 12 months, your carpet can last up to twice as long or longer as if you would have not cleaned it. Abrasive dry soil that your vacuum cleaner cannot remove will scratch and abrade the yarns. Many new carpet warranties require professional cleaning every 12 months and even specify the 'hot water extraction system' Referral uses for the greatest soil removal.

Beautiful Appearance: Spots and soil buildup is unsightly and embarrassing. You can make your carpet look good longer with frequent cleaning and vacuuming. Your trained, experienced, professional from Referral Carpet Cleaning uses the finest products and equipment available for the best spot and soil removal possible. We're the experts!

Healthier Home. You home will be kept clean and healthy. Many contaminants fall into your carpet that acts as a large filter. Our method of cleaning extracts these unwanted guests. Indoor air quality is becoming a major concern to your health. Let us explain how carpet can help keep the air you breathe, cleaner. Carpet acts as a large filter, trapping bio-pollutants and contaminants removing them from the breathable air. . However, when these filters (carpet) become full of contaminants, the filters must be cleaned or replaced. Since carpet is the most expensive furnishing in your home or business, cleaning is the recommended first step. Professional cleaning of carpet and rugs not only extends the life of the carpet, but can also help extend the lives of you and your families as well. These contaminants, not thoroughly removed, have the potential to cause a variety of health problems.

The E.P.A. Says.. "Until such time as the carpet fibers are cleaned, the potential for human exposure and health risk remains high." "Every time carpets and fabrics are emptied of their pollution build-up through professional cleaning methods, there is a health benefit." Regular maintenance programs are your best protection against the buildup of soils, mold spores, dust mites, carpet beetles and all types of pollutants that accumulate in your carpets, upholstery, air ducts and draperies over time.
As a professional carpet & upholstery care company we have invested extensive hours in continuing education, and thousands of dollars in cleaning equipment. Learning about the proper methods, equipment and materials necessary to provide a service to our customers that produces benefits well beyond nicer looking carpets and furniture. Cleaning provides health benefits that aid in the overall well being of your family.
As modern cleaning professionals we recognize the health concerns of our population and are addressing those concerns through the use of people and pet friendly as well as Earth friendly cleaning agents. These agents are specifically designed to leave little or no residue in your furnishings.

Protect your family's health by creating a regular maintenance program that fits easily into your household needs, and budget. And remember that routine professional cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy home and work environment.

6. How often should my carpet and upholstery be cleaned?
StainMaster recommends professional cleaning at least every 12 months. Hot water extraction to refresh carpet texture, performed by a trained, qualified carpet professional, is required at least every 18-24 months for coverage under their warranty. They also recommend reapplication of Dupont Teflon Advanced Carpet Protector after professional cleaning.
Click Here to go to Stainmaster's web site and view the carpet maintenance section.
If carpet and upholstery is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be more effective and more successful. Allowing them to become overly soiled can result in irreversible damage.
Your cleaning frequency is dependent on a number of factors including your lifestyle, kids, pets, color choices, housekeeping, and your level of spot cleaning success, to name a few. A good rule of thumb is to clean all carpet traffic lanes and frequently used upholstery at least once per year. Some high use areas such as family rooms, dining rooms, halls, steps and baths may require cleaning more often, perhaps every 4-6 months. Don't hesitate to ask for our cleaning tech's advice while he's there.

7. Will cleaning my carpets with your 'Hot Water Extraction System' make them re-soil quicker, shrink or mildew?
It is a common myth that cleaning them before it is absolutely necessary will cause them to get dirty faster. This is an old wife's tale that was actually true several years ago when shampooing carpets was the common method of cleaning. When done correctly, hot water extraction or "steam cleaning" does not cause the carpet to get dirty faster. We sincerely believe that 'hot water extraction or steam cleaning' is the BEST way to clean your carpets. We also are sad to say that if done improperly it can be the worst for your carpets. Why? Improper cleaning techniques can cause over wetting. Many companies clean with the trigger spraying the carpet in both directions which causes over wetting. Most companies do not take the extra effort to take additional 'dry vacuum strokes' to ensure no over wetting. Referral cleans with the trigger spraying in one direction with the vacuum slot immediately extracting the cleaning solution. We always take extra vacuum strokes. We do not wet the padding or even the backing of the carpet. We do not shrink or mildew carpets. The rinsing action of the hot water extraction system leaves no soapy residue to attract soil any faster than it did before cleaning. Proper training, techniques, products and equipment are your assurance that maximum soil removal will be accomplished with no such problems.

8. Should I have carpet protector applied to my carpet?
Unfortunately there is probably as much confusion in the carpet cleaning industry about carpet protectors as there is about cleaning. Uneducated, uninformed, and sometimes downright unscrupulous carpet cleaners cause a great deal of confusion by giving out false information or intentionally misrepresenting the product.

A nylon stain-resist carpet is made with two protective properties: The first is an acid dye blocker that is basically a clear dye that fills the extra dye sites in a fiber. This helps to keep "foreign" dyes (such as red dye in a beverage) from penetrating the carpet fiber. The second property is called a "fluorochemical". It is commonly known as 3M Scotchgard® or DuPont Teflon®. This treatment helps keep spillage from actually getting to the acid dye blocker, but its biggest job is to resist dry soil.

By resisting dry soil, less soil bonds to the carpet, therefore being picked up by your vacuum or cleaning. Making sure that you have a sufficient amount of protector on your carpet will help keep the soil from bonding to the carpet. Once it bonds to the carpet, it acts like sandpaper on your traffic area. Once the traffic area yarns are broken down, there is no way to bring them back to their original state.

For more information, to see how Scotchgard Carpet Protector works and watch a video click here.

1. Regular foot traffic. Over a period of 6 months to 2 years depending on traffiic, abrasion, caused by regular foot traffic and vacuuming, will remove a significant amount of the protector and lower its effectiveness.

2. High alkaline cleaner. Uneducated, uninformed, and sometimes downright unscrupulous carpet cleaners use harsh chemicals on the carpet that will strip it's protection. If one of these rascals has been in your house, you may want to have the carpet re-protected.

1. Not using high quality protector. Discount protectors are not as effective and sometimes void the warranty of the carpet. Our company uses only the highest quality, recommended protectors. We apply Scotchgard Protector

2. Not using a dedicated container. Using the same container for carpet protector as other cleaners can contaminate the carpet protector making it gummy and ineffective. Our vans have a dedicated container reserved ONLY for carpet protector.

3. Not applying the product properly. Some cleaners either under apply or over apply the protector. Under applying it doesn't allow for complete penetration on the carpet yarns. Over applying it causes the carpet to become overly stiff and crusty. Our Company technicians are diligently trained for proper application.

4. Not grooming the carpet. For the best performance, the product should be groomed into the carpet for maximum penetration. This ensures contact with all surfaces of the carpet yarn and proper distribution and drying. Our Company thoroughly grooms the protector into the carpet pile.

1. Reduces permanent stains. A great looking carpet can be ruined by an ugly spot. Unprotected carpet doesn't repel spillage as well as protected carpet. Being able to remove spots and spills more effectively, you can avoid permanent staining.

2. Helps save your traffic areas from becoming destroyed. Traffic area soil is very abrasive and cuts carpet yarns like a knife. This damaging soil can easily bond to an unprotected carpet. By applying protector, you will increase the life of your carpet dramatically. When you vacuum your protected carpet the soils will release from the carpet pile much more effectively.

3. Make spots easier to remove.The easier a spot is to remove, the less cleaner you will have to use. The less agitation you will have to use, and the less time it will take. Many spots can be removed easily with just water.

4. Makes your next professional cleaning more effective. Having protector applied to your carpet will enhance your next cleaning. More soil will be removed the next time your carpeting is professionally cleaned.

5. Helps avoid costly service calls. Although you want to call us out to handle any spot you cannot remove immediately, carpet protector helps you remove more spots than you could without protector. You may be able to save a minimum charge by removing the spot yourself.

6. 3M recommends the application of Scotchgard after each cleaning on all carpet fiber types. With an application of Scotchgard carpet protector, you have the assurance your carpet is protected with a premium quality product.

The result of having protector applied to your carpet is that your carpet will look better and last longer .

9. Do you guarantee to remove all the spots and stains?
We have great success with most spots. A spot is something foreign on the carpet or upholstery that can be removed. A stain is something remaining after we have exhausted all spot removal possibilities. It's impossible to predict the outcome prior to cleaning, so we cannot guarantee total stain removal. However, we pride ourselves in the level of successful spot removal outcomes.

10. Can I walk on my carpet right after its been cleaned?
Yes you can. We recommend you walk in socks or use a wet cloth to thoroughly clean the bottom of your shoes. Be careful not to slip as you walk from the damp carpet onto hard floors like vinyl, wood or tile.

11. How long will it take to dry?
It varies for total drying. We can dry carpet as quick as 30 minutes or less to an average of 4-6 hours with the most time being overnight drying. Temperature, humidity, air flow or stagnant air, carpet yarn, density and soiling are different at every job. To speed things up, we use special turbo dryer fans or high speed fans while at the job. In cold weather, turn your heat up, turn off any humidifiers and put your thermostat fan position to "on" instead of "auto". You can open the whole house during warm dry weather. Air conditioning helps during humid days. Blow air across the carpet with fans and ceiling fans. The ideal inside temperature is 72-74 regardless of weather.

12. Will your equipment scratch my floors, walls or baseboards?
No. We take special care and precautions to make certain nothing is damaged while we're in your home. Fine floors and white painted trim are no problem. We take great pride in our work.

13. Do you move furniture?
Yes, we can move and replace sofas, chairs, tables, and other moveable items. Foam blocks are used to elevate certain furniture for proper drying and special plastic tabs are used to keep the legs from staining the carpet. We clean around kitchen appliances and large heavy furniture like pianos, china cabinets, entertainment centers, full bookcases, grandfather clocks and most desks. In bedrooms, we generally clean around most beds and dressers because space is limited.

14. What do I need to do before Referral Carpet Cleaning arrives?
You'll need to remove small items, small furniture such as end tables, coffee tables, dining room chairs, plants, etc. out of the rooms being cleaned. Nick-knacks and breakables need to be removed from furniture that is to be moved. Or, you can move out what you want and have us clean the open areas around what is left. In preparation, a through vacuuming before our arrival should be done and if possible vacuum edges with a crevice tool.
For more details please click here to view our preparation checklist. Thank you

15. Do I have to be present the entire time that the cleaning takes place?
No. An advantage to using Referral is our trustworthy and honest reputation. Our clients feel at ease leaving us unattended while at work or running errands. It's common that a signed blank check is left for us to fill out or credit card information for payment. Many clients will meet with us and then leave when we're ready to begin cleaning. Previous clients often hide a key or leave a side garage door unlocked for entry while they're at work or running errands. Some choose to have a friend, neighbor or relative come to meet us. If we have any questions, we get your work or cell phone number. When we're finished, we'll adjust the thermostat, windows and your fans for the quickest drying time, and lock ourselves out. It's refreshing to find a cleaner whom you can trust to be in the privacy of your home.

16. How is carpet made?
Carpet manufacturing today is a mix of old-world craftsmanship and 21st century innovation. Carpet is manufactured in one of two ways - weaving or tufting .

Woven carpets are made primarily with wool and are exceptionally durable (and frequently expensive). Woven carpets can be produced by hand - much in the same way that has been used for centuries - or by machine. Both methods follow the same procedures. Yarn is woven though or around vertical fibers called warps, then locked into place with horizontal strands called wefts. Woven carpets can utilize a wide variety of colors to create intricate patterns in the highest quality carpets.

More than 90 % of carpets sold today are created using the tufting method. Tufting machines use computers to determine patterns, styles, construction and density. Once the fibers are in place, the carpet is dyed using a variety of methods to create patterns or effects. For cut-pile carpeting, the final stage is stretched, or cutting the pile loops. This stage will help determine the carpet's feel and softness. The carpet also receives a secondary stretched backing to give it stability and allow it to be stretched during installation.

Most carpets today also receive stain protection during the manufacturing phase. The quality of a carpet will also depend on the type of yarn used, and how that yarn is treated during manufacturing.

Continuous fibers are heat-set and twisted at the mill to produce a tightly twisted product most commonly found in frieze carpets. This kind of yarn is less bulky but holds its shape for a long time.

The other common type of yarn is spun or staple yarn , which is made from short lengths of fiber that are spun together, creating a yarn that is much less likely to unravel. Staple yarns will go through a complex series of treatments, including blending, spinning, twisting and heat setting.

17- How can I improve my indoor environment?
During the 1960’s and 1970’s much of our nation’s focus was on the pollution of our outdoor environment ,
but recently our focus has shifted to pollution of our indoor environment.
Concern for fuel economy in the early 1970’s led to changes in construction techniques and building design
to prevent the loss of temperature-controlled air from buildings. Airtight structures keep air inside, but they
also prevent the flow of fresh air from outside. Research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has determined that our indoor environment has two to five times more pollutants than outside air.
The quality of our indoor air has become more important to us in recent years in that the average American
spends over 20 hours a day inside a closed structure. We spend 90 percent of our lives indoors.
Heightened consumer health awareness has placed an emphasis on improving the quality of our indoor
environment.
Carpet plays a vital, positive role in indoor air quality. It acts as an environmental filter, trapping and
holding impurities from the air we breathe. The EPA and carpet industry findings indicate that with proper
ventilation of new carpet, carpet itself does not contribute negatively to indoor air quality, but the buildup
of soil in carpet does. Upholstery fabric also harbors soil and contaminants.
According to Michael A. Berry, Ph.d., former Deputy Director for the EPA Environmental Criteria and
Assessment Office, the single leading cause of poor indoor air quality in built environments today is poor
maintenance. Carpet and upholstery must be cleaned to remove trapped contaminants before they overflow
and are released back into the indoor air.
For a healthier indoor environment, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
(IICRC) recommends:
* Vacuum frequently A vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency filtration bag removes soils
and bio-contaminants from carpet and upholstery and reduces the release of respirable particles
into the air. These bags are now available for most models of vacuum cleaners at retail stores
that carry vacuum cleaners and accessories.
* Periodically have carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned. Thorough cleaning
removes soil and pollutants to improve indoor air quality. Contact your local IICRC Certified
cleaner, Referral Carpet Cleaning at 483-4383 who is a certified professional trained in the proper use of cleaning agents and equipment.
* Control the sources. Entrance mats halt tracked-in soil and contaminants. Tobacco smoke,
which is trapped in carpet and upholstery fabric, is a major source of indoor pollution.
* Increase fresh air flow. Our ancestors knew what they were doing when they opened
windows to air out buildings.
* Clean for health. Carpet and upholstery fabric hide soil. Don’t just clean for appearance
when the accumulation of soil becomes visible.

18- What is the history of carpet?

History of the Carpet Industry in the United States
In the Beginning -- Woven Carpet
The carpet industry in the United States began in 1791 when William Sprague started the first woven carpet mill in Philadelphia. Others opened during the early 1800s in New England. Included in that area was Beattie Manufacturing Company in Little Falls, New Jersey, a company that operated until 1979.

In 1839, Erastus Bigelow permanently reshaped the industry with the invention of the power loom for weaving carpets. Bigelow's loom, which doubled carpet production the first year after its creation and tripled it by 1850, is now part of the Smithsonian Institution's collections. He continued to devote his life to innovation -- 35 separate patents were issued to him between 1839 and 1876. Bigelow introduced the first broadloom carpet in 1877.

The power loom with Jacquard mechanism was developed in 1849, and Brussels carpet was first manufactured by the Clinton Company of Massachusetts. The Brussels loom was slightly modified, making possible the manufacture of Wilton carpet. Later, the Hartford Carpet Company joined with Clinton Company to become Bigelow Carpet Company.

In 1878, four Shuttleworth brothers brought 14 looms from England and established their manufacturing plant in Amsterdam, New York. In 1905, the company introduced a new carpet, Karnak Wilton. Its instant success was phenomenal. Flooded with orders, a new building had to be constructed to exclusively handle Karnak production. Weavers worked four and five years without changing either the color or pattern on their looms.

Alexander Smith started his carpet manufacturing plant in 1845 in West Farms, New York. An American, Halcyon Skinner, had perfected the power loom for making Royal Axminster in 1876. He and Alexander Smith combined, forming a very successful carpet company. Alexander Smith was elected to Congress in 1878, but died on the evening of election day. Sixteen hundred people were employed at his factory at the time of his death. Alexander Smith & Sons continued. During World War I, the carpet looms were converted to make tent duck and navy blankets. In 1929 Alexander Smith & Sons was the largest manufacturer of carpets and rugs in the world.

Simulating the "Oriental" Rug
Industrialist/retailer Marshall Field had a traditional Axminster weaving loom modified to create what no one else had ever created -- a machine-made rug woven through the back, just like a handmade Oriental, featuring intricate designs and virtually unlimited color variety. Karastan's rug mill was established in 1926, and introduced the first Karastan rugs to the public in 1928.

Alexander Smith, Bigelow, and Karastan are companies continuing today as divisions of Mohawk Industries, headquartered in Georgia.

There are many manufacturers today producing both simulations of antique designs and updated "oriental" type rugs by both weaving and tufting processes.

The Tufted Carpet Industry
Born in the U. S. A. – the Pride of Georgia
Through the late 1800s, Dalton, Georgia, struggled with cotton mills and steel manufacturing works to forge a small town in the north Georgia hills. Northwest Georgia, with its hard-packed clay, poor farmland, and rolling hills was among the last areas of Georgia settled. Rich in a heritage of Cherokee Indians and Civil War battles, that northern corner of the state was rugged and spawned people who were independent and self-sufficient. Those were the people who brought forth and nurtured the tufted textile industry. The industry's infancy was in Dalton; it has gone through intense growth in Dalton; and it has now matured in and around Dalton. The carpet industry's impact is great on this region, this state, and the nation; and the story of its growth is unique.

The Beginnings
The industry began in a simple way, around the turn of the century. A young, Dalton woman, Catherine Evans Whitener, recreated a bedspread in a hand-crafted pattern she had seen, for a wedding gift. Copying a quilt pattern, she sewed thick cotton yarns with a running stitch into unbleached muslin, clipped the ends of the yarn so they would fluff out, and finally, washed the spread in hot water to hold the yarns in by shrinking the fabric. Interest grew in young Catherine's bedspreads, and in 1900, she made the first sale of a spread for $2.50. Demand became so great for the spreads that by the 1930s, local women, who were real entrepreneurs, had "haulers," who would take the stamped sheeting and yarns to front porch workers. Often, entire families worked to hand tuft the spreads for 10 to 25 cents per spread. The local term for the sewing process was "turfin" for the nearly 10,000 area cottage tufters -- men, women, and children. Bedspread income was instrumental in helping many area families survive the depression.

As an example of the spirit of these early entrepreneurial women, Mrs. J. T. Bates stated that she simply "shipped 15 spreads to John Wannamaker's department store in New York. On a piece of plain tablet paper I made out a bill for $98.15 and put it in with the spreads. Although there had been no previous contact whatsoever with the store, Wannamakers sent us a check for $98.15." Chenille bedspreads became amazingly popular all over the country and provided a new name for Dalton: The Bedspread Capital of the World.

Mechanization -- the 1930s
Buyer competition, which tended to lower the prices, the change in the minimum wage laws, and development of machine-produced spreads soon made the hand-crafted spreads too expensive. Gradually the industry began to pull the workers from surrounding hillsides and small towns into mills in Dalton, beginning the rapid growth of the mechanized tufting industry.

In the 1930s, as a result of the demand for more bedspreads, the first mechanized tufting machine, attributed to Glen Looper Foundry of Dalton, was developed. Looper modified the single needle commercial Singer so that it would tuft the thick yarn into unbleached muslin without tearing the fabric and an attached knife would cut the loop. Machines quickly developed into four, then eight, twenty-four, and more needles to make the parallel rows of tufting known as "chenille." By 1941, all but about one percent of tufted bedspreads were machine made. Mats and rugs were created with the same process, using cotton yarns and fabric. Volume increased rapidly after World War II, because people were hungry for color and beauty. To show the extent of growth, 30,000 bales of cotton were consumed in 1946 by the industry. By 1950, approximately 500,000 bales were used, and the industry was the third largest consumer of cotton grown in Georgia in 1952.

Sales were created by correspondence or by taking spreads to department stores, but by far the most famous and enjoyable way to buy a spread was on "Bedspread Alley," U. S. Highway 41 between Dalton and Cartersville. This stretch of the major north-south highway got its nickname because of the bedspreads the tufters hung on clotheslines to dry in the breeze and sun.

The salesmen and tourists enjoyed seeing the colorful, gaudy spreads and enjoyed the novelty of buying them "off the line." The most popular pattern to the travelers, outselling all others 12 to 1 was the Peacock -- feathered birds facing each other and spreading tails over the breadth of the spread. This "Bedspread Alley" phenomenon lasted into the ‘70s, and even now a few spreads can be seen on lines just south of Dalton.

As the number of tufted products produced annually went into the millions, the job of supplying the industry became equally important. Yarn, sheeting, duck mills, and agents were established in the area, with their entire output going to the industry; and larger mills elsewhere vied for the growing business. Machine shops were established to manufacture the thousands of single and multi-needle machines needed, as well as to design improvements aimed at making even more beautiful and better spreads, bathroom sets, robes, beach wear, and rugs. Dye plants for yarn were built. Laundries were erected for finishing the spreads. Printing shops were established to supply the millions of tags and labels needed. Box factories turned out cartons for shipping. Moving these spreads to market was big volume for rail and motor freight lines.

Machinery was developed for making chenille rugs and was widened, creating larger rugs and broadloom carpet. At the same time, machinery was changing, developments of new fibers accelerated the growth of broadloom carpet.

Synthetic Fibers are Introduced
Until about 1954, cotton was virtually the only fiber used in tufted products. Wool and manmade fibers -- polyester, nylon, rayon, and acrylics -- were gradually introduced by textile men in Dalton. Nylon was first introduced in 1947 and grew steadily to dominate the market. Polyester was first used in 1965 and was followed soon by polypropylene (olefin). Most manufacturers will agree that the single most important development in the industry was the introduction of bulk continuous filament nylon yarns. These yarns provided a luxurious quality, durable carpet, similar to wool, that was more economical to produce. Therefore, a durable, luxury product was offered to the consumer for less money.

In 1950, only ten percent of all carpet and rug products were tufted, and ninety percent were woven. However, about 1950, it was as if someone had opened a magic trunk. Out of that trunk came man-made fibers, new spinning techniques, new dye equipment, printing processes, tufting equipment, and backing for different end uses. Today, tufted products are more than 90 percent of the total, followed by less than 2 percent that are woven, and 6.7 percent for all other methods, such as knitted, braided, hooked, or needlepunched. By 1951, the tufting industry was a $133 million per year business made up primarily of bedspreads, carpet, and rugs, with carpet accounting for $19 million. The industry broke the billion dollar mark in 1963. Through the years, the Dalton area has continued to be the center of the tufted carpet industry, and today, the area produces more than 70 percent of the total output of the world-wide industry of over $9 billion. Dalton is now known as the "Carpet Capital of the World."

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