Interiors

3 Points to Consider When Looking For a Stain-Resistant Carpet

3 Points to Consider When Looking For a Stain-Resistant CarpetHave you ever watched in horror as a party guest accidently bumps into a table, sending a glass of beverage splashing across the floor? It rapidly spreads across the carpet, forming a blob on your formerly light-colored floor covering. Amidst apologies, cleaning tips and maybe a few too many helping hands, you try to attack the stain before it settles into your carpet forever.

While spilled juice may not be an everyday situation, your carpet is bound to take a few hits from dirty shoes or dropped food. If you have kids or pets, your everyday troubles are probably multiplied. How nice it would be if the cleaning didn’t had to involve hours of intense scrubbing, only to find that the stains won’t come out?

If your floors see more than their fair share of dirt and grime, stain-resistant carpet may be a good solution for you. While there is no 100% stain proof carpeting, the resistant types make it easier to remove most stains quickly and without permanent damage. While shopping for stain-resistant carpet, look for the types that naturally resist stains, or are coated with a chemical finish that repels dirt or liquid.

Stain Resistant Carpet Technology

Carpets can be made from all kinds of fabrics, including polyester, polypropylene, silk, acrylic, nylon and wool. For example, nylon makes up half of the carpeting sold in the US, just because its powerful resilience and resistance to abrasion and mildew. Most major manufacturers make nylon carpeting with different kinds of protective and stain-resistant coatings. Each company uses its own patented chemical treatments and application methods.

While there are many different kinds of nylon to choose from, they are all made in one of these two ways: the fibers are either infused with chemicals before they’re sent to a carpeting mill or the chemicals are applied during the manufacturing process onsite after the tufting or weaving process. Just as the name implies, stain resistant carpets are fairly impermeable to stains left from liquids, food, ink, pets and even shoe polish.

The way to clean up spills depends on the type of mess you’re left with. Big companies that sell carpeting will provide you with printed instructions that spell out different cleaning methods for different kinds of stains. Often, all you have to do is to apply water and a soap solution to the soiled areas. It’s always best to remove spots as quickly as possible before they dry. Don’t use any bleach-based cleaning agents, as they’ll remove the protective coating of the fibers and can even intensify stains.

Advantages of Stain Resistant Carpets

Let’s be honest, spills do happen. Whether it’s mud carried indoors by your dog or coffee that has dripped down the side of a mug and onto the floor, your carpets are bound to undergo some abuse. Luckily for you, carpets with powerful stain resisting properties comes packed with all kinds of benefits.

For one, it will look nicer for longer. Spills will usually lead to stains at least for the kind of carpeting that lacks a protective chemical coating. Dirty areas sometimes can’t be hidden by simply moving rugs or furniture over. If you are like most homeowners, these eyesores may prompt you to replace your carpeting prematurely, and while you may love getting a new carpet, your budget may not. However, stain-resistant carpeting is actually one of the most cost-effective options. It’s available at relatively low prices, compared to carpets made from wool or other fibers.

As with most products, you get what you pay for. If you spend more money upfront to get a high-quality carpet, that flooring could easily last more than 15 years. And of course, the money you will save over time can make up for that extra you paid upfront. Also, stains on a resistant carpet are more likely to come out because of its properties. In a sense, this is a health benefit, because spills don’t stick around to attract bugs and other uninvited critters.

Stain Resistant Carpets Issues

Your stain resistant carpet doesn’t mean it’s care-free. You still have to clean up any spills right away, just as you would if you had a hardwood floor. Good and regular care will help your carpets last for years. But of course, few things last forever. Sooner or later, the protective chemical coating will wear out. Look at the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and treatment, and follow them diligently. Keep in mind that some chemicals like bleaching agents can wear down your carpet’s stain-resistant coating. Also, there are some substances, such as yellow mustard, that can permanently harm or discolor the fibers, so keep them at a safe distance.

Health risks are another consideration. Did you know that a carpet is home to more micro-organisms than any other kind of flooring? The fibers trap allergens like bacteria and mold. It also ensnares airborne volatile organic compounds. Some examples of common complaints related to being exposed to such compounds include nausea, headaches, chills and fever, or burning eyes. Despite these drawbacks, stain-resistant carpets may be a nice addition to your home if you want to prevent permanent spots on your floors.

Contributed by http://www.lukescleaningservices.com/

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