6 Different Types Of Carpet Materials And Their Cleaning Needs
When shopping for a new carpet, one of the most important considerations we make is the type of material. For the most part, this decision is made on our comfort and aesthetic preferences. Maybe you like the rough feel and neutral look of natural fibres. It could be that you want nothing more than the luxurious look of a comfy plush rug.
As you go about your carpet shopping however, it is important to understand that the material you choose determines more than just the thematic harmony for your interior décor. It also influences the specific carpet cleaning needs you will have to meet. To help put things into perspective, here are 6 of the most common carpeting material options, what they have to offer and some of their interesting cleaning needs.
6 common types of carpet materials
- Wool
Wool is popular for its soft feel that guarantees comfort to you and your guests maximum comfort. It is also ideal if you need warmth as an added benefit from your rug. Whether it comes with plush threading or a thicker and coarser pattern, there is no denying the appeal that these carpets have.
However, this luxury and comfort come at a price both literally and figuratively. In addition to being more expensive, wool carpets are notoriously susceptible to staining and accumulation of dirt. The fibre is also vulnerable to water damage and must therefore be cleaned using non-saturating mechanisms. To be on the safe side with your investment just work with professional carpet cleaners.
- Synthetic wool alternatives
Wool is great and all but not everyone wants to spend all that money on a rug. Fortunately, you can enjoy some of the functional and aesthetic benefits of wool without having to rob a bank. This is through synthetic alternatives like Acrylic and Olefin. They are not only affordable but also durable and super soft for that same plush comfort.
When it comes to carpet cleaning needs, these synthetic options are not as absorbent and are therefore less vulnerable to water damage. As a result, a wider variety of cleaning methods can be used. Acrylic also offers the added benefit of relative stain resistance and is less likely to fade. This makes it a low maintenance option if you do not want to keep getting your carpet cleaned.
- Nylon
This is without a doubt one of the most popular carpet material options out there for a lot of different reasons. It is a synthetic fibre with a soft finish and though not as plush as wool and its alternatives it is still pretty comfortable. It is also very durable and is resistant to both water and most stains.
With these features, it can be cleaned using a variety of methods including steaming and water saturation deep cleaning. The carpets are also relatively easy to keep clean between professional washing sessions. All you have to do is vacuum on a regular basis and you will be good to go.
- Polyester
This is another very popular option due to the water and stain resistance that makes the carpets relatively low maintenance. It is ideal for any room in the house from kitchen island rugs to bedroom floors. It is also one of the more affordable options which makes it great if you do not want to spend too much on buying or maintaining the carpet. However, the fibres are coarser and less durable in the long run.
This feature of the fibres makes the carpets prone to fibre damage with DIY cleaning efforts. It is therefore best to work with professional carpet cleaners who understand what polyester needs and how best to work with these carpets.
- Sisal
Natural fibres are an awesome alternative to synthetics and wool if you are looking for something more eco-friendly and sustainable. In this case, sisal rugs are among the most popular options. However, a healthy conscience is not all that this carpet material has to offer. It is strong, durable and generally very easy to maintain. Something interesting about it is that it gets softer with time. This is a great feature if you like soft rugs but makes it an unfavourable option for carpeting stairs and bathrooms.
When it comes to regular maintenance, simple sweeping and brush vacuuming should do the trick. However, particles tend to lodge between fibres so deep cleaning required. In this case, water saturation cleaning methods like deep shampooing and steaming are not recommended as they may damage the sisal.
- Jute
This soft woven material is another great option when it comes to natural fibre carpet. It is thicker than other natural-fibre rugs like Seagrass and sisal which makes it more comfortable and durable. However, the carpet tends to shed a lot because of the nature of the fibres. You will therefore have to regularly vacuum to keep it clean and to prevent a buildup of dust and fibres.
Jute tends to soak up moisture and is prone to moulding and developing of mildew. This is common with natural fibres but is significant in this case due to the thickness of the fibres. This means that it soaks more water and takes longer to dry than most other carpet fibre options. as a result, these carpets need to be cleaned using appropriate techniques and later on adequately dried. Sun drying may cause fading which basically rules out DIY cleaning as an option for regular maintenance.
Play it safe and get your carpet professionally cleaned
With all this information in mind, it goes without saying that a lot could go wrong with DIY carpet cleaning as a result of not understanding the fibres. And without the adequate training and proper experience, no amount of research will get you to the level of a professional cleaner. Therefore, in order to avoid nightmares like fibre damage or even fading, you would be better off working with a professional carpet cleaning crew. That way whether it is something low maintenance like polyester or a real diva rug like wool, you do not have to worry about damage.
6 Different Types Of Carpet Materials And Their Cleaning Needs
