The Easiest Carpet to Clean
Keeping carpet clean depends on a number of factors, such as vacuuming regularly; having habits like taking off your shoes at the door or wiping them on the doormat before entering; and blotting stains right away. It also depends on what kind of carpet you have.
Nylon
Nylon carpets are extremely durable and easy to clean. They come in a wide variety of colors, textures, patterns and styles to suit any home. Nylon is also a good choice for families with kids and pets because it resists wear and tear much better than other types of synthetic fibers such as polyester, which can easily show signs of deterioration from constant stepping on. The secret to nylon’s durability lies in its resiliency, which is paired with texture retention.
Nylon fibres are naturally stain resistant. However, many of the nylon carpets on today’s market are treated with stain-resistant chemicals to make them even more enduring. Stain-resistant nylon carpets are also hypoallergenic and do not soak up moisture, mildew or dirt, so they don’t trigger allergies. They are also a great option for people suffering from respiratory illnesses.
To maintain the appearance of nylon carpets, vacuum regularly using a cleaner designed for synthetic fibers. Vacuuming nylon carpets on a weekly basis or daily if you have high traffic areas ensures that any dirt particles that latch onto the carpet are removed, as opposed to being ground in by continuous foot traffic. If stains occur, blot them as soon as possible, rather than rubbing. The longer a stain sits, the more it can seep into the base of the fibres and become permanent.
Other than regular vacuuming, nylon carpets can be cleaned with a steam cleaner or dry foam cleaning products. It is recommended that a deep clean should be done every 12 to 18 months to ensure a lasting, high-quality appearance.
If your carpet is made of pure nylon, you should try to use fabric protectors to prevent it from getting damaged by the sun, heat or moisture. They are available for purchase in most stores and supermarkets. They’re affordable and a wise investment for homeowners who want to keep their nylon carpets looking like new.
Polyester
The most popular synthetic carpet fiber on the market is polyester. It is durable and easy to clean. It also resists most chemicals that come into contact with a carpet. Unlike nylon, polyester does not need special treatment to protect it from stains. It also does not fade as quickly in the sun, which makes it a good choice for high-traffic areas. Polyester carpets are a good choice for homes with children and pets, because they can handle spills and stains more easily than other types of fabrics.
Nylon and polyester are both oleophilic, which means that they tend to soak in oil-based soiling easier than other types of carpet fibers. To prevent this from happening, you should vacuum your carpet regularly and keep it free of dirt and dust. You should also consider investing in a carpet protector, which helps to repel stains and reduce their impact on your carpet.
Another advantage of polyester is that it can withstand a higher tensile load than nylon, which makes it less likely to tear or pull. It also responds well to steam cleaning. The heat from the steam reactivates hydrogen molecules in the carpet, which helps to restore its strength and texture.
Polyester is more environmentally-friendly than nylon, as it is made from recycled soda pop bottles. It also takes up to 100 times less water to make than other synthetics. However, it is important to remember that polyester is still a non-renewable resource and will ultimately end up in a landfill.
While wool is a natural fiber, it is not as resilient as synthetics and can be difficult to keep clean. However, it has the ability to resist moisture and odors, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. It is also more resistant to mold and mildew than other types of carpets.
Although all carpets require regular vacuuming, wool carpets may need more frequent cleaning than other types of carpet fibers. Vacuum all areas of your home at least once a week, and more frequently in high-traffic areas. You should also try to avoid placing heavy items on your wool carpet, as this will cause it to flatten and become brittle faster.
Polypropylene
Ultimately, all carpet can be easily cleaned with the right techniques and equipment. In fact, most professional cleaners will tell you that maintaining a nice looking carpet comes down to one thing: having it professionally cleaned regularly! Large vacuum cleaners with powerful steam and strong cleaning agents will ensure that hard core dirt is removed, while hot water and cleaning solutions will dislodge any stuck on residue.
The type of carpet you select will also make a difference in how easy it is to clean. Most carpeting on the market today is made from synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester and polypropylene. These are much stronger and more durable than natural fibers such as cotton or jute and come in a wide range of colors and styles. They are generally less expensive than wool and often easier to maintain than natural fibers.
These carpets are colorfast, strong (resisting abrasion), mildew and moisture resistant and easy to clean. They are a great choice for high traffic areas in homes or offices. However, these fibers do not repel oil based substances so they will stain and can require special treatment to remove them.
Another good option for low maintenance carpets is olefin/polypropylene cut pile carpets. These are the next best sellers after nylon and are less expensive than wool. They are colorfast, strong (resisting the abrasion of furniture legs) and mildew and moisture resistant. They can be stained by oil based substances so they do need to be treated with special solvents to remove them.
While these carpets may not be as luxurious as other types, they are still very easy to keep clean and will retain a good look for years. If you do choose olefin/polypropylene, be sure to select a style that is durable and resists matting or crushing and has a short pile.
Whether you choose nylon, polyester or polypropylene carpets, the most important thing is to keep up with your cleaning routine and schedule! A clean carpet makes your home look more inviting and reflects well on your family. If you have any questions or concerns about the cleanliness of your carpeting, contact Carpet Cleaning Chicago today for a free estimate!
Wool
The natural fibres of wool carpet are famous for their ‘bouncebackability’ and their great response to cleaning – dry and wet. Often the colour will even stay within the fibre, and stains are only really a problem if they have been allowed to soak in and become bonded with the carpet fibre. This is why having a bucket of water, a rag or sponge, and a spot removal product close at hand when a spill occurs is important.
The scaly nature of individual wool fibres (visible under a microscope) makes it very difficult for dirt particles to become securely attached to them, limiting the penetration of soil deep into the pile. As such, wool carpets generally need less frequent cleaning, though the optimum frequency is every 2 to 3 years.
However, it is important to note that wool carpets need to be thoroughly and properly cleaned, as the rubbing action of foot traffic on the tufts will cause a buildup of soil, and the use of detergent in cleaning will accelerate this process. This can damage the fibres and reduce its longevity, and it is therefore important to have your wool carpets professionally cleaned at least every 1 to 2 years.
Another thing to note is that it is not advisable to use bleach or any other product with a high alkaline content on wool carpets, as this can dissolve them. Also, if your wool carpets have been treated with Permethrin (an insecticide that is not toxic to humans) they should not be exposed to strong sunlight or heat sources, as this can break down the tin foil layer in which the chemical is stored and reduce its effectiveness.
All in all, a quality wool carpet is a beautiful addition to any room and should be treated as an investment, which can last for a long time. However, it is important to remember that all carpets will need maintenance in the form of regular vacuuming, using a carpet brush attachment if possible, and having a suitable spot cleaner at hand when spillages happen.
Keeping carpet clean depends on a number of factors, such as vacuuming regularly; having habits like taking off your shoes at the door or wiping them on the doormat before entering; and blotting stains right away. It also depends on what kind of carpet you have. Nylon Nylon carpets are extremely durable and easy to…