Crushing occurs when carpet fibers are compressed under repeated foot traffic or static furniture weight, preventing them from returning to their original vertical orientation. To minimize this, select high-density carpet cushions that provide proper support for the specific carpet construction. Use area rugs in high-traffic zones to act as a sacrificial layer, and change traffic patterns where possible. Vacuuming regularly is essential to remove grit that acts like sandpaper, breaking down fibers. When fibers are crushed, professional restorative cleaning or grooming can sometimes revitalize the pile appearance.

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