The carpet and flooring industry is huge in the United States, and there are thousands of different varieties you can choose to customize your home décor.  When it comes to getting your carpets professionally cleaned there are particular brands and types that are much easier to clean and other types that you might have to “baby”.  Better quality carpets will have the ability to keep a lasting color and better retain its original texture.  There are four main types of broadloom carpet which include Nylon (approximately 60%), Olefin (approximately 30%), Wool (approximately 1%), and Polyester (approximately 10%). Nylon, Olefin, and Polyester are all synthetic fibers, and Wool is the only natural fiber. For heavy traffic areas, Nylon is a very durable fiber. Nylon provides great resilience, is a breeze to clean, offers a wide array of colors and designs, and is relatively colorfast. Some disadvantages of Nylon are that it’s the easiest synthetic fiber to stain (carpet protection is beneficial for this fiber). Also, Nylon will partially loose its color when in contact with chlorine or bleach. Nylon is best for high traffic areas like the stairs or the living room.

Olefin is a little weaker in structure when compared to Nylon, but Olefin does have its positive attributes.  Olefin tends to be pretty chemically resistant, which means it can withstand the use of some heavy-duty cleaning products. Also, Olefin is water resilient, and holds up to the colorfast test.  Some of the disadvantages of Olefin include that it is attracted to oily soils; it has a short life because it degrades much quicker than Nylon.  Olefin is most likely a better choice where there is a lot of moisture in your home, like the area around a bathroom or swimming pool (But remember it’s not best to put carpet in high moisture areas because of the increased chances of mold growth).

Next, Polyester is the lesser of the synthetic fiber market, but it still proves to be a good choice. Many people enjoy polyester because of the softness, it’s because of this reason that it’s used in many clothing, and upholstered items. Polyester also is colorfast, naturally stain resistant, and semi-resistant to chemicals and household bleaches. Polyester is a wise choice for low-traffic areas, like the bedroom.

Now ,Wool is probably the most expensive fiber being that is a natural occurring fiber. Wool has a very long life and it wears great. More positive features of Wool include it is moisture repellent, it is fire and flame resistant, it can come in a wide spectrum of colors, and it gives warmth to an area. Some disadvantages of Wool are its price, certain stain removal can prove to be quite difficult, and it is sensitive to harsh chemicals (it will dissolve in chlorine bleach). This natural fiber is great for any room in your home, but pricing is obviously a concern.

Deciding on a carpet for your home is a major decision. It’s so important that you do a thorough research, and find the best possible carpet that will suit your needs. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make your floors look great, shop smart and be creative!