[tonner0]

Does anyone use a carpet rake or anything to lift flattened pile. I sometimes come across pile that is flattened and was wondering what the best tool is to try and restore the pile.

[Simon@arenaclean]

The best manual rake i've used is this one http://www.amtechuk.co.uk/shop/18__Grandy_Groom_Carpet_Rake-pid-239.html Rake the carpet first then use a decent vac. Rake in pre-spray then clean as normal then re-set pile. Ideally use of a CRB machine would do a better job and be much easier, they are expensive but they do occasionally pop up 2nd hand. Look for a Host, envirodri, TM4 etc. A sebo duo will do a job but I think they are rather to light for pile lifting.

[david@zap-clean]

A sebo duo will do a job but I think they are rather to light for pile lifting.

  That's what I've been using, and I've met the occasional carpet where I can't lift the pile - the Sebo judders across the carpet skipping over the top of it.

I'm thinking a rotary might help (will it?).
I've used a stiff hand brush on small sections of compacted pile.

[tonner0]

Thanks for your response Simon and David. I use Dry Fusion and possibly if I had the Restore brush that may lift the pile but they are soo expensive for what they are. Good idea, I must ask DF about that. I was just looking for something like a rake to get down in to the fibres and lift and clean them. Does the amtech one have metal bristles or nylon?

[Ferenc G.]

Rotowash/Multiwash/Duplex could be an option too. Picked up mine from ebay for 250, hasn't touched the Sebo Duo since.

[Simon@arenaclean]

Bristles are nylon. You can use a rotary for pile lifting but you MUST be careful and it takes a bit of skill. A rotary spins clockwise and as you know you lift and lower the handle slightly to move left and right. While the machine is rotating work the machine in an anti clockwise circular direction. This will increase the tork on the carpet. As I said care must be taken, always keep the brush lubricated don't allow friction to increase heat as you can easily damage the pile particularly twist piles. CRB machines are a much more forgiving machine as long as you select the correct brushes.