Carpets can bring a pleasant and welcoming effect to your interior space. They come in an array of colours, styles, textures, types, patterns, and fibres. Therefore, choosing the right carpet type can be daunting and tedious, but it is worth the hassle.
An ideal carpet will play a significant role in improving your home’s aesthetic value. Based on research, carpet fibres are the main aspects that determine the longevity of the carpet.
This article will help you choose the ideal carpet fibre to suit your needs. Below are different types of carpet fibres:
1. Polyester Carpet
Polyester is among the cheapest carpet fibres available. This type of carpet fibre is reliable because it is stain-resistant and does not fade in the sun. This type of carpeting is suitable for people struggling with allergies because it sheds water and resists mildew.
Characteristics of polyester carpet:
- Abrasion Resistant
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Wrinkle resistance
- Moisture resistant
- It’s typically non-biodegradable
| PROS OF POLYESTER CARPET | CONS OF POLYESTER CARPET |
| Good chemical resistance | Lacks a soft texture |
| Good flexibility | Moderately flammable material |
| High strength and elastic recovery | Less breathable |
| Versatile | Temperature-sensitive |
| Inexpensive | Non-environmental friendly |
| Recyclable fabric | |
| Dry-wicking fabric |
How to Clean and Care for Polyester Carpet Fibre
There are various ways of cleaning polyester fibres: spot cleaning, vacuum cleaning, steam cleaning, and dry shampoo cleaning method.
The spot-cleaning method plays a vital role in removing spills.
Dry shampoo cleaning is a great way to eliminate persistent stains.
Vacuuming your polyester carpet will remove debris and other pollutants that lower the quality of indoor air.
To increase the lifespan of polyester carpets, you need to move furniture regularly to counteract high-traffic patterns. In addition, you should reduce direct sunlight exposure to prevent fading and maintain colour.
2. Nylon Carpet
Recently, nylon has been the most common carpet fibre used in homes. Most people opt for nylon carpets because they are easy to clean and maintain. In addition, these carpets are non-biodegradable; therefore, they have high durability.
Based on research, nylon carpets are quite expensive, but there are options that align with your budget.
Characteristics of Nylon Carpet:
- Resilience
- Versatility
- Durability
- Stain Resistance
| PROS OF NYLON CARPET | CONS OF NYLON CARPET |
| Clear defined colours | Bleaching detergents can fade the colour |
| Good bulk and cover | Expensive |
| Range of dye depths | It’s among the easiest to stain with either beverage or food spills |
| Good crush resistance | |
| Responds well to cleaning | |
| Good resistance to soiling |
How to Clean and Care for Nylon Carpet Fibre
Nylon carpets can be cleaned with dry foam products, steam cleaners/detergents, and foam cleaning products.
Steam cleaning is a suitable method of removing dirt and other contaminants.
Regular vacuuming can reduce the risk of dirt build-up in the carpet.
In addition, you can use stain removal techniques to eliminate persistent stains. The right cleaning detergents will improve your carpet’s durability.
3. Wool Carpet
Wool carpets are luxurious, natural, durable, and delicate. A pure wool carpet is handmade without the use of additives and chemicals. This is the main reason why these carpets are quite expensive, especially when compared to synthetic carpets.
Wool carpets are ideal for people with allergies and sensitivity problems with chemicals. On the other hand, avoid wool carpets in damp and moist areas. This is because mildew and mould will increase the risk of wear and tear.
Characteristics of wool carpet:
- Flame resistance
- Durable
- It’s sustainable
- Comfortable
- Completely natural
| PROS OF WOOL CARPET | CONS OF WOOL CARPET |
| Prestigious and luxurious feel | Shedding |
| Styling versatility | Water absorbent |
| Low apparent soiling | Expensive |
| Easy to clean | Low abrasion resistance |
| Colour retention | Difficult to remove many stains |
| Environmentally friendly |
How to Clean and Care for Wool Carpet Fibres
There are various ways of cleaning wool carpets, including the hot water extraction method, dry cleaning, and vacuuming method.
You should vacuum lightly to remove surface dust, fluff, and lint in high-traffic areas.
These carpets are stain-resistant; therefore, you can use water and spot-cleaning spray to eliminate stains.
In addition, exercise extreme caution with mildew removers, tile cleaners, bleaches, drain openers, and oven cleaners because they contain strong chemicals that can cause permanent discolouration. Note that some chemicals can dissolve wool carpet fibres.
4. Triexta Carpet
Triexta is the newest carpet fibre to hit the market. It combines the performance characteristics of nylon and polyester fibres: fade-resistant, durable, soil and stain resistant, soft, and easy to clean. However, triexta carpet fibre cannot withstand high foot traffic.
Characteristics of triexta carpet:
- Resilience
- Durable
- Soil and stain resistant
- Easy to maintain
| PROS OF TRIEXTA CARPET | CONS OF TRIEXTA CARPET |
| Eco-friendly | Hard to vacuum |
| Relatively inexpensive | Short track record |
| Soft feel | |
| water, mildew, and mould resistant |
How to Clean and Care for Triexta Carpet Fibres
As a stain and water-resistant material, triexta carpets also require proper care and maintenance.
There is a wide range of cleaning methods for triexta carpet fibre: vacuum cleaning (wet vacuum and dry vacuum), spot cleaning, and steam cleaning.
Triexta is a hardy material that can withstand extreme heat, unlike nylon and polyester. Proper cleaning and vacuuming will increase the lifespan of the carpet.
5. Acrylic Carpet
Acrylic carpet fibres look and feel like wool fibre. It is more expensive, especially when compared to other synthetic materials. Most people opt for acrylic carpets because they are easy to care for. However, these carpets are not durable as some other natural and synthetic options.
Characteristics of acrylic carpet:
- Fairly stain resistant
- Resistant to mould and mildew
| PROS OF ACRYLIC CARPET | CONS OF ACRYLIC CARPET |
| Hypoallergenic | Low lifespan |
| It’s cost-friendly | Low heat resistance |
| Low moisture absorption | |
| Strong, durable against pulling and friction |
How to Clean and Care for Acrylic carpet Fibres
As previously mentioned, acrylic fibres are easy to clean and maintain.
You can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of debris, dirt, and dust from the surface.
In addition, you can use the steam cleaning method or spot cleaning method to remove stains.
Wrap Up of Choosing Between Different Carpet Types
There is a wide range of carpet fibres: acrylic, nylon, polyester, wool, triexta, leather, etc. These fibres determine the longevity of your carpet.
In addition, proper care and maintenance can play a significant role in improving the look and lifespan of the carpet.
Carpet cleaning is a maintenance practice that requires professionalism and high-tech equipment. Consider hiring our professional carpet cleaning services for high quality carpet care and longevity.