“About 97% of carpeting is made from synthetic fibers which are more resistant to stains and much less expensive than natural materials. The other 3% are natural fibers which tend to resist crushing from traffic”, states Floors USA.
Fibers
There are 6 primary types of fibers that are used in rugs: acrylic, nylon, olefin blends of nylon & olefin, polyesters (new & recycled), and wools.
1. Nylon
Nylon is a very popular carpet material for how it is strong, can resist soil, and stay in its same shape for years. It is popular but it can produce static electricity if you are abrasive on it. It is the strongest fiber of all the carpets, with excellent resistance to abrasion, insects, molding, mildew, rot, and many chemicals. It is easy to maintain and dye, while upholding its color admirably.
2. Olefin or Polypropylene
After nylon, Olefin (polypropylene) is the next popular. Olefin is a polypropylene compound that was originally used in outdoor situations for how well it can resist moisture and mildew. Now it is used in indoor situations because it offers a wool-like texture and is very strong. Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays could hurt the appearance of the carpet. Olefin is suitable for high traffic areas. Polypropylene is not exactly ‘crush resistant’ and can be prone to matting, crushing, and general scuffs, depending on the pile cut.
3. Polyester
A prominent synthetic material, polyester can resist stains. It resists moisture and is easy to clean off. It could clump up into piles if you don’t maintain it well enough. Polyester is not the best for high traffic and can fade with bright sunlight.
4. Acrylic
Man-made wood or Acrylic fiber is an artificial fiber that provides the look and feel of wool at a fraction of the cost. The advantages of acrylic are that it resists moisture, static electricity, crushing, mildew, fading, staining, and sun damage. It is not likely to fade as much as other options. It is not recommended for high traffic areas.
5. Wool
Wool is a natural product which is luxurious, strong, and stain resistant.
Wool is appealing because it resists dirt. It is more expensive due to how sturdy and durable the surface is. It is an excellent choice for its rich appearance and luxury image; however, it must be maintained properly.
6. Triexta
“Triexta is the newest fiber in the carpeting industry. If you are out shopping for carpet, chances are you will hear about triexta. Triexta was invented by DuPont, the same company responsible for the invention of nylon fiber. Triexta is currently produced exclusively by DuPont under the brand name Sorona, so you may hear the names triexta and Sorona used interchangeably,” reports The Spruce.
Triexta is a synthetic choice that has become popular in many homes with pets and kids. This is thanks to how the fibers are strong and not as likely to tear apart as others. It is a powerful option but it can also cost quite a good deal of money due to how powerful it is.
With any type of carpet fiber, it needs to be cleaned regularly to extend its life and beauty. Call an experienced professional Carpet Cleaning Specialist to get an estimate and get your carpet smelling and looking clean.
Auburn Carpet Specialists are the area’s premier carpet cleaning service company, family owned and operated, that has earned a solid reputation for premium quality service and customer satisfaction. With more than 20 years of experience, we can truly call ourselves ‘Auburn Carpet Specialists’. We are located in Auburn, Georgia. Contact us today for a FREE Inspection and Estimate or call at 770-867-7541.
