Common Types of Carpet Fibers

11 May Common Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpet Cleaners and Carpet Fibers

Do you know what your carpets are made of? Determining the type and fiber of your area rugs and carpets will help you get the dirt out without causing damage.

When in doubt, consult a professional carpet cleaner like Carpet Keepers. We have the knowledge and experience to safely and thoroughly clean every type of carpet fiber.

Carpet Fiber Types

Most modern carpeting is made from the following fibers.

Olefin: Also called polypropylene, Olefin is commonly found in mid-priced Berber rugs. It has a wool-like sheen and has good resistance to dampness.

Polyester: Polyester holds color well and makes the softest carpets. It’s not as durable as Olefin or nylon. A lower-priced polyester carpet usually won’t recover if it gets matted down, even after professional cleaning.

Nylon: Durable and resilient, nylon carpets are known for their ability to “bounce back” after being crushed or matted under heavy use. This is especially noticeable after a professional cleaning, which can make nylon carpets look new again.

Triexta: This fiber is exclusive to Mohawk carpets, which consists of polyester fiber that has proven as resilient and stain-resistant as nylon. Triexta sometimes goes by the trade name Sorona Smartstrand.

Wool: The most durable and elegant carpet fiber, wool will last for years, resist mildew and show minimal wear. The high quality is reflected in the equally high price of wool carpets.
Popular Carpet Types

Texture

This is the traditional carpet we think of when we talk about “plush” carpets. Texture carpeting has a thick, soft feel that makes it great to walk on. Plush carpets come in a wide range of quality levels,

Best uses: Texture carpet is suitable anywhere except a high-traffic commercial area. With regular care and cleaning, a good-quality plush carpet can last for many years. It’s especially suited to rooms where you want an elegant, refined look.

Fiber: Texture carpets are made from nylon, wool, Triexta, polyester and various fabric blends.

Cleaning: Always use hot water extraction on your texture carpets. For best results, contact the manufacturer’s warranty for the preferred cleaning method.

Berber

Traditional Berber carpeting comes from Morocco, where it has been made for centuries by the Berber tribe. Modern Berber carpeting has distinctive small, tight loops on a flat, slightly rough surface.

Best uses: Berber is a sturdy carpet that resists wear because the tight, small loops aren’t easily snagged or torn. It is a good choice for high-traffic areas like schools, offices, and playrooms.

Fiber: Most modern Berber is made from nylon or Olefin.

Cleaning: Use a low-moisture or dry cleaning system as high-heat steam cleaning can damage the tight weave.

Frieze

This is the modern interpretation of that ’70s favorite, the shag carpet. Frieze carpeting is characterized by soft fibers that are twisted together to create a loose, casual look. Many frieze carpets have a speckled or spotted color.

Best uses: Its ability to disguise dirt makes frieze a good choice for homes with children or pets and also for high-traffic areas. Frieze carpeting is soft and comes in a variety of colors.

Fiber: Frieze carpets are usually made from nylon or Olefin.

Cleaning: With frieze carpets do best with a low-moisture cleaning since high steam heat can cause burns in Olefin fibers. If the carpet is nylon, hot water extraction is the best method.

Loop

Loop carpet features loops of fiber that are cut at varying lengths to create a pattern. A plush carpet with cut out square shapes or with a striped pattern are examples of loop carpet. In a level-cut loop, the loops are cut to the same level, creating a thick, even surface.

Best uses: Loop carpet is stiffer than texture, frieze or other carpet types. It is a good choice for high-traffic areas, basements or commercial settings. The ability to create patterns in loop carpeting makes it a popular choice for hotels and restaurants.

Cleaning: Hot water extraction is the best method for loop and level-cut loop carpeting.

The Dirt on Carpet Care

Understanding the fiber composition of your carpets will help you determine how to keep them clean and which methods and products you should avoid.

Carpeting is a major investment that adds to the comfort and beauty of your home. It’s worth taking the time to treat your carpets with care.

Now is the best time to call CarpetKeepers. Our patented PureScience method is the only method guaranteed to deep-clean and deodorizes even the dirtiest, smelliest carpets, area rugs, and upholstery. We’ll lift the dirt, germs, toxins, and allergens and leave behind soft, fresh carpets and furniture. Call us today to set up a cleaning schedule that will keep your whole house renewed and refreshed.