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Your Complete

Carpet Guide

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“Genuine South african carpets crafted for proudly South african spaces”

CONteNtSOur StOrY2 -5

8 -11 CraFtiNG tHe perFeCt StYLe

Carpet Care15 -17

MaKiNG tHe riGHt CHOiCe6 -7

12 -14 iNVeStiNG iN Carpet

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Our StOrYSince Dutch carpet master Cornelis Nouwens opened his own mill in 1962, we have had a passion for creating iconic, hardwearing carpet solutions. Developing the expertise of a highly skilled team over the years, Nouwens has become a recognised and respected name in the world of décor. Our rich heritage, spanning more than 50 years in South Africa, is focused on bringing innovative, functional and breathtakingly beautiful carpets to the home and other spaces. While specialising in international-style carpet manufacture, we are a genuinely local brand, crafting quality and true value into a perfect backdrop for your décor.

unsurpassed craftsmanship makes every Nouwens carpet unique

Where it beganArriving in South Africa in the 1950’s, Cornelis Nouwens brought with him the tradition and skills of fine carpet crafting from the hub of the wool textile industry, Tilburg, Holland. He had been schooled in the skills of his craft by his father, which Cornelis subsequently passed on to his children and the people of Harrismith. It was here in Harrismith where he first established his mill in November 1962, using a converted blanket loom. From humble beginnings, Nouwens Carpets has become a respected household name and worthy South African icon. Investment in a vertical mill has enabled Nouwens to advance its own unique signature specification and manufacturing standards. The company remains a family run concern, capably steered by Luci Nouwens, who brings 40 years of working experience and maintains a hands-on involvement. As such, Nouwens carpets have retained their superior manufacturing edge and personality.

a heritage as rich & beautifully crafted as our carpets…

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Combining Craft and Heritage with Global innovationThe Nouwens reputation of premium quality has been maintained by consistently applying meticulous attention to crafting standards and selecting only the finest raw materials, both locally and internationally. Over the years, Nouwens has adapted and embraced advances in technology and science without compromising the traditional craftsman’s spirit.

This has enabled Nouwens to achieve a superior edge in a variety of applications that fulfill both domestic and commercial requirements. Whilst demand has driven the production of greater volumes, the high standards inherent in fine craft have been scrupulously maintained.

Creating a positive impact – Caring for the Future and HumanityNouwens Carpets forms the backbone of economic activity and upliftment amongst the local community. The company has made substantial investment in providing education and skills development for the local population, to ensure that the craft is preserved for generations to come. Added to that, the selection of equipment, materials and manufacturing methods is based on their degree of sustainability and protection of the environment. In addition, Nouwens is a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa and conforms to all of its principles and practices. Nouwens submits its products for vigorous VOC testing to ensure that harmful emissions are significantly reduced. Nouwens Carpets was also a major founder member of Harriston Private School and the Maluti Child Care Feeding scheme, which have positively impacted the future prospects of many young people over the years.

“it’s not about making something that meets expectations. it’s about creating something that changes them.” – todd Carmichael

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Soft comfort skilfully crafted into every Nouwens carpetThere’s no denying the gentle, under-foot comfort that carpets bring to any living space, but there are more valuable aspects to a Nouwens carpet than meet the eye. Our carpets are easy to care for, offer thermal and sound insulation and are less likely to cause injury from a fall than do hard floor options. Carpets in general also promote lower allergy levels, trapping allergens and keeping them out of the breathing zone until they can be vacuumed away. Crafted with passion and care, a Nouwens carpet is all you need to bring comfort and elegance into your living and working spaces.

However, to ensure lasting good looks and best wear over time, it is important that your selection is based on the intended usage and environment.

MaKiNG tHe riGHt CHOiCe

Choice factors and considerations Firstly, understand the amount of traffic the carpet will be expected to carry. This will enable you to determine the suitability of various carpet styles. Then consider the type of traffic your carpet will serve, does the area have stairs, is it frequented by busy office staff, active workers, families, children or pets, etc, as well as the colour and nature of soiling. These all make various demands on the carpeting that needs to be selected to suit the intended purpose.

Generally, in heavier traffic areas, loop pile carpets with a lower, denser loop construction, stand up better to heavy traffic than do loose, chunky loops. If you prefer a cut pile, a good velvet type construction performs well in heavy traffic areas because the yarn has a simple construction. A quality, lower cut pile with a good heat-set can also be used as an alternative in less extreme cases. However, remember that a tight loop pile is likely to distort less than a cut pile from repeated traffic. Various pile structures are explained in more detail in the next chapter.

Colour also has a significant part to play. Plain colours in extreme shades of dark and light are less forgiving than medium shades in a mottled, patterned or textured style. Also consider the colour of traffic dirt – eg. red soil will show up more on greys and blues than on beige with a red undertone, and dusty black footprints will be less evident on a grey base carpet. Your choice of fibre also plays a major role (see fibre characteristics in the next chapter).

Awareness of the area and activity to be supported will inform your final choice of colour and type of carpeting. Whether it be dining, relaxing, sleeping or gathering for leisure, games and social occasions, you should ensure that your carpeting is chosen for its ability to provide the maximum beauty and comfort to enhance your experience for years to come.

Flooring is the foundation of any beautiful room. The comfort and ambience of a carpet is hard to beat.

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CraFtiNG tHe perFeCt StYLe

berbersThe Berber range draws its origins from the tribes of North Africa, where rustic hand-woven carpets were made from naturally pigmented wools. Made predominantly in natural shades, their simple elegance is ideal in traditional and contemporary décor. The unique Berber appearance is achieved with texturised yarns and randomly applied colour effects to create the characteristic Berber aesthetic edge, which has been a great source of pride for Nouwens crafted carpets over the years.

Cut PileIndividually cut yarn tufts comprise the carpet pile.

Velvet: A uniform, smooth cut pile surface.

Saxony: A dense cut pile carpet with heat treated yarn to make each tuft-end distinguishable at the surface.

Stepless Saxony: Achieved by slightly texturising Saxony pile yarn to lessen the effect of footprints

Frieze or Hard Twist Pile: A cut pile, generally lower and tighter than a Saxony, where yarn has a twisted, heat set texture.

Carpet weaving is an ancient craft that

has evolved and adapted over countless

epochs and millennia. Previously

afforded only by nobility, the craft has

advanced to now be able to provide

affordable comfort options for everyone.

FlatWeaveAs the name indicates, Flatweave carpets do not have a regular pile surface but rather a flat woven construction as used in sisals and coirs. Various types of spun or BCF surface yarns are used to create interesting weave patterns.

With a large variety of colours, patterns, fibres and textures available, décor and design possibilities with Nouwens carpets are endless.

looP Pile The yarn is stitched back into the carpet to create a loop.

Level Loop Pile: Loops are of a uniform height.

Chunky Loop Pile: Loops are coarser and more chunky, to create a more textured finish.

Scroll Loop Pile: Loops vary in height to create textured patterns.

Multi-Roll Loop Pile: Similar to Scroll Loop but featuring patterns that are normally small and geometric.

Cut looPA combination of Loop and Cut Pile at the same or different levels.

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WoolTruly natural, wool is considered the ultimate

carpet fibre because of its lasting good looks. With its superlative built-in resilience, wool pile recovers well from tread and furniture pressure marks, providing unsurpassed comfort underfoot. Water repellent and naturally anti-static, wool improves soil resistance and ease of maintenance. Because of its flame resistance, wool contributes to safety and scorch marks can usually be simply brushed away.

Various carpet fibres and fibre blends, each with their own characteristics, form the basis of any construction. With more than 50 years experience in the field, you can rely on the Nouwens craft masters to bring out the best in every fibre!

Wool blendsWool blends are a popular option where affordability is a consideration. A higher wool component in fibre blends most certainly enhances carpet performance and in lesser percentages it still contributes to a unique aesthetic appeal.

PolyesterA popular synthetic fibre especially for Saxony and Frieze carpets, because polyester yarns respond well to heat setting. It has superb built-in stain resistance with permanent anti-static features and is also used in blends for added durability. Modern technology has introduced a superior quality, polyester staple fibre with 100% recycled content.

aCryliCDue to its natural look and feel, acrylic is fondly referred to as “the poor man’s wool” and in staple form is successfully used in blends with wool and other fibres.

PolyProPyleneA softer polymer, generally used as solution -dyed BCF yarns in lower priced carpet ranges. Nouwens extrudes its own high quality Easifibre polypropylene yarns, which are further texturised and styled in house.

nylonA very popular man-made carpet fibre with good all-round characteristics. It is strong and highly resilient, with superb colour fastness properties. Nylon comes in various cross sections, each with

Carpet piLe FiBreS

nouWens Wool ColleCtionWool has always been the Nouwens fibre of choice and is supported by The Nouwens Wool Collection Commitment: Nouwens Wool Collection features a minimum of 80% pure, new wool pile fibre, selected from the highest grade of quality imported carpet wools and are crafted to provide the ultimate wool comfort and quality benefits. Nouwens Wool Collection carpets are quality guaranteed, carry the SABS mark of quality and are insect-proofed to International

Quality Standards.

their own characteristics. In a solution-dyed BCF format, colour is added during extrusion for superior colour fastness properties.

CarPet yarn tyPesCarpet Yarns may be woollen or semi-worsted spun, from natural or synthetic staple fibres. Woollen spun yarns have a more textured, woolly look and feel, while semi-worsted spun yarns are more evenly textured. BCF yarns are extruded synthetic “Bulk Continuous Filament” yarns, which can be texture enhanced in a number of different processes.

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use ClassesRecommended applications are indicated on all carpets, eg: suitable for light, medium or heavy domestic use. Also bear in mind other practical aspects such as colour, soiling, etc.

nouWens brandsNouwens carpet ranges are grouped into collections for consumer convenience. Nouwens Platinum Edition ranges are the flagship ranges, while Naturally Nouwens offers more affordable, traditional Nouwens style. Easicarpet is the specially branded Nouwens Easifibre Polypropylene range of carpets.

sabs aPProvedThe SABS Mark of Quality on Nouwens Carpets is your further peace-of-mind guarantee.

Fibre shedCarpets are made from either BCF or spun staple yarn, each with their own characteristic look and feel. Spun yarns give a desirable, naturally woolly look and it is totally normal for loose fibres to shed – more in the beginning and less so as time goes on. Rest assured that this will not affect the eventual wear of the carpet. Regular daily vacuuming will remove excess loose fibres while others will settle into the base of the carpet pile.

shadingShading is a characteristic optical effect in cut pile carpets, where carpet pile appears lighter or darker in areas due to varied light reflection from pile lying in different directions.

nouWens guarantee oF QualityWe undertake to make good or replace any A-Grade Nouwens carpet within 5 years of installation if, due to proven defect in manufacture, this carpet should fail to give satisfaction in normal use, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Should we not be able to replace the particular range, a carpet of similar value may be selected from our current range. All claims will be treated in accordance with the standard claims policy followed by South African Carpet Manufacturers. This guarantee will not cover claims on carpeting that has been incorrectly installed or maintained.

Carpets are one of the bigger décor investments, both in size and value. it therefore makes perfect sense to buy the best you can afford and to select a versatile style that will last for many years. Considering that it is not an everyday purchase, seek professional advice and rely on brands that have stood the test of time. along with the other information in this booklet, here’s some more useful background information on carpets.

eaSi-Care reSiStS SOiL. eaSi-Care CLeaNS eaSiLY. eaSi-Care preSerVeS appearaNCe.

iNVeStiNG iN a Carpet

reCommended dealersNouwens Appointed Dealers are recommended Nouwens retail contractor outlets. They are equipped to assist with practical advice on carpet selection, fitting and professional aftercare. For your convenience, regularly updated lists of these dealers appear on the Nouwens Carpets website.

soil resistant CarPet treatmentsSoil resistant treatments may be applied during manufacturing or by a professional carpet cleaner after installation. Generally, a heat-cured treatment by the carpet mill, such as the Nouwens Easi-Care, will be more durable, providing added protection against staining and soiling. It is important to note that these treatments will delay absorption of spots and spills, but prompt and correct cleaning can make the difference between a spill and an eventual stain. You will find that the Nouwens wool ranges do not have the Easi-Care treatment because this fibre has superb natural soil repellant properties.

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underFeltDiscuss the options with your carpet fitter and ensure that you fit the best underfelt you can afford (preferably 1000 g/m2 or better). Underfelt is proven to drastically improve the life of a carpet, whilst also enhancing the luxury feel. Some new style Flatweave carpets may be applied directly onto the screed for a minimalist textile feel.

traCking and Pile Pressure marksCarpeting in heavier traffic areas will undergo a change in texture with frequent use, bringing about an optical effect of colour change. This is due to a difference in light refraction. Furniture can also leave pressure marks, which often lift with time, but steam treatments can be very effective in reviving such compressed fibres.

CarPetCare

basiC CarPet CareFor a great carpet experience, start off by selecting the most suitable carpet for your specific needs and follow a good carpet care programme from day one. Use good quality walk-off mats at entrances, to reduce foot borne dirt and kitchen grease from being walked into the carpets.

For best results, starting from day one, vacuum your carpet thoroughly and at least every day in well used areas, to prevent soil from settling into the pile and to remove fibre shed. Ensure that the vacuum cleaner is on the carpet setting and that beaters or brushes are retracted to avoid damaging the pile.

Remove marks and stains immediately to prevent the spillage from penetrating the fibre and becoming fixed- this can make the difference between a spill and a stain. Maintain heavy traffic routes with a quality carpet cleaning powder from time to time. With good day to day carpet care, your carpets will stay clean for longer, but do not wait until your carpet becomes too dirty before having your carpets deep-cleaned by a reliable professional - generally once a year. Do not use any chemical process without first checking its safety or suitability, especially on natural fibres. If unsure about any carpet treatment, contact a professional.

Remember that the care you give your carpet will reward you with the enduring pleasure a well maintained carpet can provide.

Colour FastnessBesides the optical effects of colour change, there can be real colour loss in carpets as well. While Nouwens uses the best quality imported dyestuffs, even these can fade, so exposure to direct sunlight should be minimised wherever possible to preserve colour.

easy Care WoolFor leading hotel groups and many commercial installations, woollen carpets are still the carpet of choice where aesthetic appeal, ease of maintenance and appearance retention really count. Anybody who has lived with a wool carpet will bear witness to the fact that wool carpets are easy and uncomplicated to care for – wool does not respond well to most modern chemicals, but a little lukewarm water with a dash of white vinegar will clean most marks.

nouWens CarPet Care ProduCtsSafe and effective, these are available from Nouwens Platinum Partners and Appointed Dealers.

health and saFetyIt is a proven fact that, compared to alternative smooth floor surfaces, the dust-trapping properties of carpeting prevent the release of dust and allergens which cause allergic responses such as asthma, into the air. This makes carpets more hygienic than other floor coverings. So, provided they are vacuumed and cleaned regularly, carpets are perfectly suitable for those who suffer from house dust mite and similar allergies. Compared to most hard floor finishes, fitted carpets provide a practically non-slip surface and can cushion the odd unfortunate fall.

a carpet will maintain its life and beauty for many years when properly cleaned and maintained.

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• Remove spills as soon as possible to avoid them penetrating the pile fibres, then follow spot removal procedures.

• Blot up liquids with white tissue or a clean (white) absorbent cloth.

• Scoop up solids with a spoon or blunt knife working inwards from the edge of the spill.

• Spray or dab on the recommended treatment – rubbing or brushing can distort the pile.

• Always exercise caution before applying any chemical.

• Ensure that you remove all detergent residues after treatment as these could attract soiling.

• Do not over wet or rush deep soiling. Allow the first clean to dry and vacuum the area before repeating.

• Many household chemicals are not suitable for carpets and wool content carpets need neutral / acidic pH cleaners.

• Quality dry powder cleaners are usually safe and very effective for spots and general soiling.

• Please follow directions, as some cleaning chemicals may be hazardous. If you are unsure, first test a treatment in an unobtrusive area.

Your Nouwens carpet is likely to encounter the odd mishap during its course of service to you. to ensure that it bounces back to its original beauty, here are a few basic pointers and a spot removal guide to help you.

1. Nouwens Light Duty Carpet Cleaner (use 1/2 litre clean

lukewarm water and 2

teaspoons white vinegar in case

of emergency if light duty

carpet cleaner is not available).

2. Nouwens Carpet Cleaning Powder (or other suitable dry

carpet cleaning powder).

3. Nouwens Solvent Carpet Cleaner.

4. Nouwens Heavy Duty Carpet Cleaner (or other suitable

carpet cleaner).

5. Professional consultation.

NB - Marks on solution-dyed carpets can be cleaned with a simple solution of 50% household bleach and 50% water. Please note, this procedure will damage carpets made from other fibres. Where substances such as acne medications, tub and tile cleaners, urine, hot tea, etc, do not respond to the proposed treatment, a professional carpet cleaner should be consulted. All advice is given in good faith and no responsibility will be accepted for claims arising from suggested treatments.

SpOt reMOVaL Guide - the stuff of life: how to deal with them

exPlanation oF Cleaning stePs 1-5

TREATMENT STEPS

TyPE of SPoT STEP 1 (If necessary)

STEP 2 (If necessary)

STEP 3 (If necessary)

Beer 1 2 -

Benylin Expectorant 1 2 5

Berries 2 4 5

Beverages (tea, coffee, soft drinks) 1 2 5

Bleach 1 - 5

Blood 4 - -

Butter 3 4 -

Candle waxabsorbent paper & hot iron

3 -

Candy (sugar) 1 4 -

Castor oil 3 4 5

Chalk vacuum 2 -

Cheese 4 - -

Chewing gum 3 4 5

Chocolate 1 4 -

Cooking oil 3 4 5

Crayon 2 - -

Cream 3 4 5

Dyes vacuum 5 -

Egg 4 2 -

Excrement 2 4 -

Floor wax 2 3 -

Foundation make-up 2 5 -

Fruit drinks 1 2 -

Furniture polish 3 2 -

Glue (hobby) 3 2 -

Glue (white) 1 - -

Gravy & sauces 4 2 -

Hand lotion 3 2 -

TREATMENT STEPS

TyPE of SPoT STEP 1 (If necessary)

STEP 2 (If necessary)

STEP 3 (If necessary)

Ice cream 1 2 -

Ink (fountain pen) 2 5 -

Ink (ball-point pen) 2 3 5

Lipstick 2 3 5

Mascara 2 5 -

Mayonnaise 4 2 5

Mercurochrome 2 5 -

Metal polish brush off when dry 2 -

Milk 1 2 -

Mixed drinks (liqueurs) 1 2 5

Mud brush off when dry 2 -

Mustard 2 4 -

Nail polish nail polish remover - -

Oil & Grease 2 3 4

Paint (solvent based) 3 2 5

Paint (water based) clean warm water 2 -

Rust 2 5 -

Salad dressing 4 2 -

Shoe polish 2 3 -

Soot vacuum 2 -

Tar 3 2 5

Tomato sauce 1 2 -

Toothpaste 1 2 -

Urine (fresh stain) 1 2 -

Urine (old stain) 5 - -

Vomit 4 - -

Wine lemon juice 1 -

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NOUWENS HEAD OFFICE Po Box 337, Harrismith 9880

Tel (058) 622 1101 Fax (058) 622 2309

National 0860 00 0058 Johannesburg 011 608 4435

enquiries@nouwens.co.za

Cape Town 021 510 1553 Durban 031 502 5730

www.nouwens.co.za