Do you know what type of carpet you have?

Do you know what type of carpet you have?

While our cleaning process takes care of them all, some are easier to clean on your own, in between appointments!

2 Main Carpet Types: Loop Pile & Cut Pile

There are 2 main carpet types in any home: loop pile and cut pile. Pile refers to the fabric loops of your carpeting and how they are attached to the carpet backing.

Loop pile means that the fibers are bent into little loops. It is very durable but has limited cushioning which makes it less "cozy". You'll find most loop pile carpets in offices, businesses, and buildings other than your home.

Cut pile means that the tops of the loops are cut, making them denser and softer. Cut pile is most common in homes and is denser than loop pile, making it easier to clean. It's soft and fluffy; just imagine the type of carpet that you can't wait to walk barefoot on!

Carpet Materials

Nylon:

Nylon carpeting is a very popular option because it is the strongest fiber for carpets. Nylon's resistance to abrasion, insects, molding, mildew, and chemicals is unmatched. In addition, upkeep is a breeze. Nylon carpets hold their fiber height, are durable, and resist stains very well.

Wool:

Wool is the perfect product for the all-natural household. It's luxurious and strong. Like nylon carpets, it holds its fiber height very well. Wool carpeting is soft to the touch and incredibly dense. Because wool fibers are so dense, they hide dirt and resist stains much better than synthetic carpet fibers.

Acrylic:

Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that provides the look and feel of wool but doesn't cost nearly as much. Acrylic fibers are resistant to moisture, mildew, fading, staining, and sun damage. However, acrylic fibers aren't really durable enough for high-traffic areas and will flatten and break down more quickly.

Olefin:

Olefin, or polypropylene, is a great choice next to nylon. These fibers keep color well, are abrasion-resistant, and repel mildew and moisture very well. They're incredibly easy to clean and are strong enough for high-traffic areas.

Polyester:

Polyester carpeting is another popular option for those seeking toughness and durability in their floor coverings without compromising on style. Polyester fibers are also resistant to water-soluble stains, which makes them easier to clean.

So which one is the best for when you are cleaning by yourself?

Typically, any carpet that has dense fibers will be easier to clean. Dense fibers are less likely to accumulate dust and debris near the base of the fibers, which makes them easier to vacuum. Dense fibers also give you more time to blot away liquid spills before they seep into the base of your carpeting.

Nylon and wool carpets are water-repellent and low in static electricity meaning they are less affected by dirt and dust. Liquids tend to bead up on wool carpeting, which makes it much easier to clean up as well.

Another tip is to pick carpets with darker, neutral colors to better conceal dirt, dust, and stains in your high-traffic areas. Plus, you can take more time in between vacuuming, if you have to, since it is less noticeable.

At the end of the day, your carpet is the most-used item in your home, so knowing what it's made out of and how to properly maintain it is very valuable. Zerorez makes sure to clean your carpet with the utmost care and we highly suggest that you clean in between your services. If you're coming up on your recommended 6-month cleaning mark, schedule your appointment online or call us today!