I get asked all the time by homeowners this question: "What kind of carpet should I get?" That's a very important question because carpet is expensive and you want it to last for years.
Before I list a few fibers and why you should consider them, remember that no matter your choice, vacuum them regularly, at least weekly, and keep them as clean as possible. They will last much longer if you do.
Here are some choices for you to consider, when thinking of characteristics of the common fibers on the market today:
1. Nylon: This is still the best synthetic fiber available. It is durable, lasts longer, has good resiliency and cleans up nicely. More carpet is made of nylon than any other fiber. However, it will stain from synthetic stains if not cared for properly. So if you are running a day care from your home and kids run around with sippy cups of Kool Aid, might be a concern.
2. Olefin or polypropylene: This fiber is the most stain resistant so let the sippy cup carrying kids have their fun. It's not an absorbent fiber so most stains (remember: most!) clean up easily. But it's not as durable as nylon and may show premature wear you don't like.
3. Polyester and triexta: Polyester, the traditional type made from recycled plastic bottles, will wear out faster than other types, but it is fairly stain resistant. Triexta is also a type of polyester but made from corn byproducts and is more durable than its close cousin and also fairly stain resistant. This is becoming a very popular choice but keep in mind high traffic areas could be problematic.
4. Wool: If you can afford it, buy it. It lasts longer, cleans up nicely when maintained, and looks beautiful. You can't go wrong with a good quality wool carpet.
Have fun shopping!
Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for upholstery and furniture cleaning professionals. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]
Before I list a few fibers and why you should consider them, remember that no matter your choice, vacuum them regularly, at least weekly, and keep them as clean as possible. They will last much longer if you do.
Here are some choices for you to consider, when thinking of characteristics of the common fibers on the market today:
1. Nylon: This is still the best synthetic fiber available. It is durable, lasts longer, has good resiliency and cleans up nicely. More carpet is made of nylon than any other fiber. However, it will stain from synthetic stains if not cared for properly. So if you are running a day care from your home and kids run around with sippy cups of Kool Aid, might be a concern.
2. Olefin or polypropylene: This fiber is the most stain resistant so let the sippy cup carrying kids have their fun. It's not an absorbent fiber so most stains (remember: most!) clean up easily. But it's not as durable as nylon and may show premature wear you don't like.
3. Polyester and triexta: Polyester, the traditional type made from recycled plastic bottles, will wear out faster than other types, but it is fairly stain resistant. Triexta is also a type of polyester but made from corn byproducts and is more durable than its close cousin and also fairly stain resistant. This is becoming a very popular choice but keep in mind high traffic areas could be problematic.
4. Wool: If you can afford it, buy it. It lasts longer, cleans up nicely when maintained, and looks beautiful. You can't go wrong with a good quality wool carpet.
Have fun shopping!
Just a few friendly reminders from Jeff Cross, the executive editor of Cleanfax, the magazine and online authority for upholstery and furniture cleaning professionals. Let me know if you have any questions. Send me an email at [email protected]
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