Best Types of Carpet for Repelling Stains

The best way to keep your carpets clean is to reduce their chances of getting stains in the first place. That all starts with choosing a carpet which is stain resistant and/or easy to clean. We’ve found some of the very best to consider when making your next floor buying decision. Keep in mind, no carpet will entirely repel stains, and all need regular routine cleaning every 6-12 months. However, here are a few tips for finding carpet that will hold fewer stains:

• Stain resistance vs. stain treatment. A carpet which is described as having “stain resistance” means that the fiber itself repels the absorption of liquids. This includes fibers like wool and certain kinds of polyester carpeting. Stain treatment means that a spray has been applied which coats the fibers and makes them stain resistant. If you’re shopping for stain treatment carpet, look for one that has had whole fiber stain resistance. That means the entire fiber and its backing has been treated to repel stains. If it’s labeled only “topical stain treatment,” that means only the outermost tips the fiber have been treated. This wears off quickly and won’t protect you in the long-term.
• Look for wool carpet. Sometimes, natural fibers are best. Most synthetic fibers are treated with a stain-resistant spray, which wears off over time. But wool is naturally stain resistant, which means its protection won’t wear off. Wool is also fire resistant, so a stray spark from a candle or ash from a cigarette is less likely to leave a scorch mark. The downside? Wool carpet is often 2-3 times more expensive than synthetic fibers. Make sure you talk with your carpet installation company to make sure you’re choosing the right carpet for you.
• Consider a spill trap. A spill trap is a barrier between your carpet and the pad. It serves to prevent liquid from seeping from your carpet into your pad. Why is this important? It’s far easier to get stains and smells out of your carpet itself than out of a pad. If you have pets, children or know you frequently spill (hey, we’re not judging), a spill trap can save you time and headaches.
• Be realistic. If you spill a glass of red wine on the carpet and leave it there for several days, it’s going to leave a stain, no matter how “stain resistant” it claims to be. Don’t expect your carpet to defy the laws of physics, and always clean up spills promptly.

And don’t forget to schedule regular carpet cleanings. Ready to schedule yours? Call us today.