What’s the best type of carpet for home cleanliness?

There are lots of factors that go into the decision about buying a new carpet.  The feel of it is a big one, the colour and style.  For most of us, the price will also come into the decision.  But what about how easy the carpet is to clean?  Do you consider what the best type of carpet for home cleanliness is when buying a new flooring option?

What to look for in a carpet

There are a few general things to look at when considering a carpet that will factor into how easy it is to clean.  For starters, take a look at the back of the carpet – if the fibres are dense enough that you can’t see the backing, this means the carpet is durable and strong. It will also mean it is generally easier to keep clean as the fibres won’t disintegrate when cleaning.

Some carpets have natural stain resistance while others will get a special coating to boost their stain resistance.  If they do have this, look to see before buying if this leads to any particular recommendations about cleaning.  For example, some may say not to use certain cleaning products or systems to make sure you are aware before you buy.

The best carpets for home cleanliness

There are always variations within different types of carpet but generally, there are a few types of carpet that are seen as being the easiest to clean along with being durable and smart looking.  These are a great starting point for choosing your carpet.  

Nylon

This is a strong man-made fibre that is resistant to mould so there’s no concern about it growing in the carpet and spreading spores around the house.  Nylon carpets are also very good at resisting chemical damage if something is dropped onto them and are very durable, not easily wearing. This makes them both long-lasting and easy to clean.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene carpets (also known as Olef in carpets) are another man made option that is very stain resistant and can even be cleaned with bleach-based cleaners.  It has strong stain resistance built into the material and comes in a wide range of colours.  It may not be as luxurious as other types of carpets but is ideal for high traffic areas and is very budget-friendly.

Polyester

Polyester is another man made fibre that can resist most water-based stains, and these will simply wipe up.  The carpet is relatively comfortable under food and has a good lifespan.  It is also budget-friendly.

Acrylic

Acrylic fibres can mimic the look of wool and are often called man-made wool but are easier to clean and more budget-friendly.  Acrylic carpets will be resistant to moisture, mildew and staining.  They are even resistant to UV rays and unaffected by static electricity.  However, they aren’t the most durable material so aren’t ideal for high traffic areas.

Wool

Wool is a traditional material for carpets and is a great natural option.  It is naturally very thick and dense so it can mask dirt, meaning it stays clean looking for longer.  It can suffer from some stains and strong cleaning products can damage the material, change the colour or bleach it so care is needed.  However, it is the best feeling carpet of the group with a natural feel underfoot and a very wide range of colours and styles.

Carpets and allergies

Allergies take things one step further than just cleanliness and can have a serious impact on people's lives.  That's why you need to consider the type of carpet you put on the floor if you have someone who suffers from allergies in the house.

There are lots of allergens that cause this allergic reaction such as dust, pollen, mould and even pet dander.  They are microscopic and can gather in the fibres of a carpet, dislodging when anyone walks past and throwing them up into the air.

However, there are types of carpets that are better than others for allergy sufferers.  Man made fibres such as polyester or nylon are particularly good in these situations as they have a construction that makes them repel allergens.  Nylon is rated as the best for allergy control.

Wool has a less impressive reputation when it comes to allergies because the nature of the material allows allergens to hide in there.  However, if you love wool carpets, then look for ones with shorter strands and also look for a tight weave.  This leaves less room for allergens to hide and reduces the issue.

Basic carpet cleaning tips

When you buy a carpet, you will likely be given some information on the best way to clean it. But there are a few general tips that apply to almost all types of carpet.

  • Blot up liquid from a spill immediately and consider using a wet-dry vacuum for big ones. Once the moisture has mostly been removed, a gentle scrub with baking soda can help to remove stains
  • Baking soda is also useful to remove odours –sprinkle it on and leave it for a while to absorb the cause of the odour then vacuum away
  •  Vacuum regularly to ease the build-up of dirt,debris and allergens into the fibres of the carpet.  Use long, slow motions to ensure the vacuum collects the most debris possible
  • Use the right cleaning products and follow instructions precisely.  Always test on a corner of the carpet out of sight to make sure there’s no adverse reaction

Get professional help

There are lots of times that normal cleaning processes will keep on top of the needs of your carpet and your home cleanliness.  But there is also the need for regular deep cleaning and that’s where a carpet cleaning expert is needed.

A professional carpet cleaning service can use specialist equipment to deep clean your carpet, remove all the dirt and debris and clear all allergens in the carpet fibres.  It also ensures the right products are used and there is no damage to the carpet.

If you need carpet cleaning, simply contact A Cleaning Service today for a free quote and ensure that your carpets last the longest time by giving them the extra care they need.

‍