For the past decade we have been obsessed with wood floors, sending dusty carpets straight to the trash. Nowadays, carpets are quite a different creation, made of the right materials - they can not only be easier to clean, but also shape an extremely cozy atmosphere in the interior.
Carpeting can also be suitable for tiny children
© Jelleke Vanooteghem
Why carpeting?
As an insulator, carpet prevents warm (and cool) air from escaping. In addition, it absorbs sound and, unlike hard flooring, can also prevent slips and falls, an important factor if you have children and the elderly living in your home. Carpet also saves time and money. It can be laid on unfinished surfaces, concrete slab and many types of existing floors. Despite our associations with old carpets, which get dirty quickly and are difficult to care for, thanks to advances in fibers and manufacturing methods, they are now much more stain-resistant. On top of that, they have a very wide variety of styles, from slick, loopy designs to closely cut patterns with silky texture and shine.
How to take care of it?
Of course, the carpet must be taken care of regularly. At least once a week, it's a good idea to vacuum it with a vacuum cleaner with a suitable carpet brush to suck up dirt and dust. A dirty carpet can dull - making it look less attractive. Depending on the need, it should also be washed quite regularly with a special vacuum cleaner, so as not to make it heavily damp in the process.
How long can carpeting last?
Warranties for wear and texture retention (the ability of the fibers to retain their shape) range from five to about ten years of service life.
Carpet in the bedroom does not get dirty as quickly as in the living room
© Neonbrand
What material can carpeting be made of?
Wool carpeting
Soft and naturally resistant to crushing, stains and fire - without the need for chemicals - wool is extremely durable. To save money, we can also consider a blend of natural wool and synthetic wool, which matches the high quality. Bottom line: this is a great all-around, albeit expensive, option.
Nylon carpeting
Like wool, most nylon fibers are dyed, allowing for intricate patterns and rich colors. Some newer nylons are saturated with agents to improve their fade and stain resistance, but they come in fewer shades. Bottom line: as versatile as wool and almost as durable, with a lower price tag.
Polyester carpeting
Polyester and the rest of the synthetics are dyed in the mass, so they prevent stains and resist fading better than wool and dyed nylon. Polyester doesn't hold up as well as nylon in high-traffic rooms, and its fibers can get permanently damaged under furniture legs. Summary: Good for rooms where liquids can be easily spilled.
Polypropylene/Olefin carpeting
The most fade-resistant fiber, polypropylene, also known as olefin, is often used in carpets for indoor but also outdoor use. It's a decent choice for sunny spaces. The material is easy to clean with a variety of chemicals without worrying about damaging it. Unfortunately, it also gets dirty faster. Polypropylene crumbles easily and permanently, so it's worth sticking to styles with short bristles. Conclusion: use it in a sunny room, but not where there will be a lot of traffic.
