Carpet Fibers

Knowledge of a carpet fibers benefits and deficiencies can ensure the consumer makes the best choice for his home and avoid making costly mistakes.

Although wool is expensive, it is a natural fiber and therefore comfortable to walk on. Wool is soft and plush and comes in many hues. Another benefit of a wool carpet is that it resists moisture which means it won’t promote mildew which can be caused by liquid dripping into the floorboards underneath the carpet padding. Wool carpets do require more delicate care and should not be cleaned with strong detergents or bleaches. Wool lasts a long time when cared for properly but may be impractical for families with children and pets.

Nylon is durable, resists stains and withstands heavy usage. Carpeting with nylon fibers should be treated with stain resistant treatments as it does hold in moisture. Spills should be wiped up promptly to prevent mildew. Nylon is in the higher price range but does come in many styles and colors.

A more inexpensive choice for carpeting is polyester. Polyester is comfortable to walk on and resists staining. Nylon is less durable and does attract dirt and because of this should not be used in high traffic areas such as bathrooms, hallways or living rooms.

Another popular choice for carpet is olefin. Olefin is durable and resists moisture. It can also stand up to harsh chemical cleansers and bleaches. Olefin does not hold in moisture but is not as comfortable to walk on. It is ideal for bathroom or laundry room carpeting. Olefin’s color will not fade even in sunlight or from chemical cleansers however it does show wear quicker than other fibers.

Blends such as a combination of nylon and olefin provides both comfort and durability and can be a wise choice in a quality carpet.