It has been improved in recent years, making the difference between the two types minimal, put the best nylon carpets are usually made from type 6,6 [source: Olefin Carpet]. Nylon is most noted for its durability. Because it's the hardest of all the synthetic carpet fibers, it resists wear and abrasion.
Over ninety percent of all of the carpet made today is made up of synthetic fiber. The rest is natural fiber, most commonly wool. First, let's look at the most common synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are usually made up of one of three materials: nylon, polypropylene or polyester.
There are many features of nylon that make it an ideal choice for carpet fiber. Of key importance is its durability. Nylon is a very strong fiber, and as such, it stands up very well to abrasion. It is also highly resilient and has very good texture retention to maintain its original appearance.
Well, nylon is the amazing patient zero of these non-natural but non-toxic fibers! Because it's highly durable and stain-resistant, nylon doesn't always have to be treated with harsh chemicals to make it a durable surface (those chemicals can leech VOCs).
When it comes to stain resistance, polyester comes out ahead of nylon. Polyester is a hydrophobic fiber, which means that the fiber itself repels liquid. By contrast, nylon is very absorbent, so it soaks in liquid and therefore spills. All residential carpets on the market today feature some stain protection.
One of the major problems with Nylon is that it is acid dyed and not solution-dyed. This can create problems with fading, bleaching and urine reactions etc.
Carpets made from nylon can last up to five years if the traffic is light. A nylon carpet of mid to high quality can last between 12 to 15 years if in a low traffic area. Olefin may have the appearance of wool, but this synthetic fiber used for creating carpets is polypropylene.
Jute is one of the softest and most inexpensive natural fiber carpet flooring choices available. It is especially soft, since it is made from the plant stalks rather than the leaves.
What to Look for in a Carpet: A fiber that is not treated with toxic chemical treatments – wool and other organic fibers like sisal and jute are the best option. Undyed wool without pesticides is in theory the purest option, but it does have a strong natural odor from the wool oils.
More than the other synthetic fabrics used in carpet manufacturing, nylon that has been treated with a carpet protector coating is going to be your best choice when it comes to stain resistance. It does not repel oil as well as does wool, but it does so better than other synthetic fibers.
Nylon carpet is available in a variety of price ranges based on the quality of the fibers. Nylon carpeting is priced anywhere from $2.99 to $7.99 per square foot.
Nylon Carpet
It's also popular for some commercial carpet applications. Nylon tends to be more expensive than polyester, but it's also regarded are more durable and longer lasting.
Unfortunately, yes. The properties of nylon are such that friction (i.e. you walking across the carpet) causes the fibres to build up a static charge. Through that contact, the charge transfers to your body, so when you touch a metal object like a doorknob, which conducts electricity, you get a slight shock.
Carpets made of nylon fibers are some of the most durable and easiest to clean. Nylon is a strong fiber and stands up very well to abrasion. It is also resilient with good texture retention to maintain its original appearance. Plus, nylon carpeting responds very well to steam cleaning.
Nylon carpets can be cleaned with steam cleaners and detergents, foam cleaning products and dry foam products. Steam cleaning is the only method that removes dirt deep in the pile of the carpet.
Sisal comes from a cactus plant
Sisal rugs are both stylish and eco-friendly. They are made from the natural plant fiber sisal, which comes from the cactus plant Agave sisalana, and they are very sustainable. If you're "going green," adding a sisal rug to your space is a smart choice.
The woven product is a chindi rug, better known as a rag rug in western markets. This utilitarian rug, with a coarse look and feel, is intended to be quite cheap. Coincidentally, in local folklore, an alternate (derogatory) meaning of 'chindi' is 'cheap'!
Sisal rugs are one type of rug to consider when looking for a new rug to add to your home. Sisal rugs are made of natural fibers for those who want to create an organic feel for their home. Sisal rugs are also very durable and versatile. They're cheaper than other rugs, easy to clean, and can be placed in any room.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber.
Laminate flooring also wins out over vinyl when it comes to environmental sustainability. Vinyl is produced using petroleum, which isn't a renewable resource. Its production generates toxic chemicals.
The cost of carpet is generally much cheaper than the cost of laminate flooring, but laminate flooring has the advantage of being longer-lasting, easier to clean, and less likely to suffer weather damage.
Q: How can you tell good quality carpet? A: one of the main signs to look for when identifying a high-quality carpet is its density. Carpets made from premium grade materials tend to be a lot denser than those made from low-quality textiles.
Most (if not all) STAINMASTER™ carpets are made of their proprietary nylon fiber. Nylon can be a stain resistant fiber depending on what it is treated with, but predominantly it not known to be a very good stain resistant fiber.
In general, carpet that is more than 20 years old should be replaced. Dust, dirt and debris build up in the fibers and underneath the carpet, even if it is maintained regularly. This can lead to allergy problems and odors. By the time a carpet reaches 30 years old, it usually is worn and stained.