Do you ever wonder what might be hiding in the fibers of the carpet materials in your home? We try to stop the dirt and spills from collecting by wearing only “inside” shoes and vacuuming as much as possible.
But our carpets are still dirty—we know it as we watch our kids and pets roll around on them, picking up the filth that’s already there and adding more to it with dirty shoes and paws. Then there’s the spilled food and the pet messes…
We’ll share what we know as some of the most cleanable carpeting materials, their pros and cons, and how to clean them.
Wool Rugs and Carpeting
While this might surprise you, wool makes some of the easiest carpet to clean, despite how delicate some wool clothing is. Wool rugs are warm to walk on and naturally resist stains. Wool also stays dry, is sustainable, and resists flames.
Your wool rugs will last longer with regular vacuuming and periodic cleaning. You can either have your wool rugs cleaned professionally or do it yourself by following these instructions.
Cotton Rugs
We think one of the most cleanable and overall best carpet materials is cotton. Most non-dyed cotton rugs can be machine-washed. You can take any cotton rug outside to shake or beat.
There are downsides to cotton carpet, however. They include:
- Dyed cotton rugs are not machine-washable and might stain the floor is wet
- Lighter weight cotton rugs can get caught in the vacuum cleaner
- Without the right carpet underlay material, cotton rugs will slip out of place, possibly becoming tripping hazards
Cotton is one of nature’s favorite carpet materials, though, and will give your home a fresh, clean appearance.
Jute Rugs
Like cotton and wool, jute is an all-natural carpet material. It is attractive, durable, hides stains, and complements most interior decor.
Jute is also durable, provided it doesn’t absorb too much moisture from the air, wet shoes, etc. If it becomes too damp, mold can develop.
Another drawback is that jute fibers create their own dust—which collects under the rug. You might need to move or fold the rug to vacuum the floor or carpet underlay material below. You might even have to damp mop to clean thoroughly.
Polypropylene (Olefin) Rugs and Carpeting
Polypropylene is soft and comfortable to walk on. That’s why it’s one of the best carpet material for high traffic areas. It is also durable and long-lasting. And as a synthetic fiber, polypropylene is a relatively inexpensive carpet material.
Sadly, this popular and easy-care carpeting is not very healthy for you and your household. Olefin contains hazardous VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as toluene, bromine, benzene, formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, styrene, and acetone.
These chemicals can present long and short-term health risks.
No Need to Tread Lightly on These Types of Carpet Material
Any carpet material will have its pros and cons. You need to figure out which best suits your taste and needs. Carpeting, in general, is an asset to any home. It absorbs noise, protects your floors, and accents your home decor.
But you need to care for all types of carpet material–and that’s where we come in. Quality Care Carpet Cleaning takes great care of your carpets and other surfaces in your home. Why not contact us today?
