Carpets create a welcoming home with warmth, comfort, and style. They’re also one of the biggest investments for home owners, so lets learn how to care for them to enjoy a beautiful floor for years to come.
Wool Carpet
Wool is a natural fiber. It’s the oldest and most luxurious carpet material, with a soft and cozy feel.
- It’s durable and resilient, lasting long and keeping its shape and appearance.
- It’s stain-resistant and water-repellent, thanks to its natural oils that stop liquids from soaking in.
- It’s flame-resistant and self-extinguishing.
- It’s eco-friendly and biodegradable, as it comes from a renewable source and doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals.
But wool carpet also has some cons, such as:
- It’s expensive, costing more than synthetic carpets due to its high quality and limited supply.
- It’s sensitive to alkaline substances, such as bleach or ammonia, which can harm its fibers and cause fading or discoloration.
- It’s prone to moth or beetle infestation, especially if it’s not cleaned regularly or stored in a damp or dark place.
- It’s allergenic for some people, who may have reactions to the lanolin or other animal proteins in the wool.
To care for wool carpet properly, you should:
- Vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt.
- Remove spills immediately by blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the stain, as this can damage the fibers. Use plain water or a mild detergent solution to treat the stain if needed.
- Steam clean it at least once a year by a professional carpet cleaner who uses a neutral pH cleaner. Avoid using very hot water as it can shrink or distort wool fibers.
Nylon Carpet
Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is made from petroleum or other chemicals. It’s the most popular and versatile carpet material, with a smooth and soft feel.
- It’s strong and durable, resisting abrasion and wear and tear for a long time.
- It’s stain-resistant and easy to clean, thanks to its ability to repel liquids and dirt. Some nylon carpets are treated with special coatings or solutions that enhance their stain resistance even more.
- It’s colorfast and fade-resistant, keeping its color and brightness even after exposure to sunlight or cleaning agents.
- It’s resilient and elastic, bouncing back from footprints or furniture marks quickly.
However:
- It’s expensive, costing more than other synthetic carpets due to its high quality and performance.
- It’s susceptible to acid-based stains, such as coffee or wine, which can permanently dye the fibers if not removed promptly.
To care for nylon carpet properly, you should:
- Vacuum it regularly with a vacuum cleaner that has good suction power and adjustable bristles.
- Remove spills immediately by blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the stain. Use plain water or a mild detergent solution to treat the stain if needed. For acid-based stains, use a commercial stain remover that is compatible with nylon.
- Steam clean it at least once a year by a professional carpet cleaner who uses hot water extraction method.
- Protect it from direct sunlight or artificial heat sources, which can cause fading or melting of the nylon.
Polyester Carpet
Polyester is another synthetic fiber that is made from petroleum or other chemicals. It’s the most affordable and colorful carpet material, with a shiny and soft feel. Polyester carpet has many pros, such as:
- It’s cheap, costing less than wool or nylon carpets due to its low production cost and availability.
- It’s stain-resistant and water-resistant, thanks to its closed-cell structure that prevents liquids from soaking in.
- It’s colorful and vibrant, offering a wide range of hues and shades that can match any decor or style.
- It’s hypoallergenic and less likely to cause allergies or sensitivities than wool or nylon.
But polyester carpet also has some cons, such as:
- It’s less durable and resilient than wool or nylon, handling moderate traffic but not heavy traffic or frequent use.
- It’s prone to crushing and matting, especially in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture. It can lose its texture and appearance over time.
- It’s difficult to remove oil-based stains, such as grease or lipstick, which can cling to the fibers and resist cleaning agents.
- It’s non-biodegradable and environmentally unfriendly, as it comes from a non-renewable source and takes a long time to decompose.
To care for polyester carpet properly, you should:
- Vacuum it regularly to remove dust and dirt.
- Remove spills immediately by blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the stain, as this can damage the fibers. Use plain water or a mild detergent solution to treat the stain if needed.
- Steam clean it at least once a year by a professional carpet cleaner who uses hot water extraction method and a suitable cleaner.
- Protect it from direct sunlight or artificial heat sources, which can cause fading or melting of the polyester.
Conclusion
No matter what carpet you choose for your home, you can increase its lifespan with regular vacuuming to remove dry particulates. Remove spills immediately by blotting up excess liquid before using water or an appropriate chemical to prevent stains. DON’T forcefully scrub the carpet: you might get rid of the stain, but you’ll also damage the carpet.
For long-term care and maintenance, call a professional like GC Cleaning. We’ll get rid of stains and use the most appropriate (and safe) chemicals to leave your carpet fresh and rejuvenated.