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Carpet Fiber Review

Today's most advanced nylon carpet fibers actually reduce dirt and soils ability to stick or transfer onto the surface of the carpet. These specially treated fibers will even bead up liquid spills rather than allowing to soak in. This makes carpets manufactured with these new generation fibers much easier to keep clean and looking like new longer than ever before.

As an example, Mohawk Carpet recently introduced a revolutionary, new carpet fiber called SmartStrand with DuPont^™ Sorona^® polymer. This new generation carpet fiber combines exceptional durability with permanent, engineered-in stain protection that will not wash or wear off.

Soft Carpet Fibers: Some fiber manufacturers are producing fibers that feel as soft as cotton (such as Invista's Stainmaster Tactesse® BCF fibers, Honeywell's Anso Caress and DuraSoft® by Wear-Dated), yet will outperform many other conventional carpet fibers. The difference is the nylon filaments are really much finer than the typical filaments (finer than a strand of hair) but twice as much fibers are packed into the strands of yarn. This gives these carpets its softness and strength.

Olefin: This fiber is also called polypropylene. Olefin is extremely popular in Berbers, level loops carpets and outdoor turf products. Olefin carpets are highly stain, static, mold, and mildew resistant. They can be used for indoor or outdoor carpets. Olefin's resistance to matting and crushing is not quite as good as a nylon.

Polyester: Gives excellent color clarity with a soft feel to the carpet. Lacks the durability of a nylon carpet.

Acrylic: Has a real wool look and appearance. Used mainly in level loops, bath mats, and some velvet carpet styles. Offers good mold and mildew resistance with low static levels.

Wool: Although somewhat expensive, wool still offers great bulk, performance and an elegant look. Wool is not stain resistant and can smell when it gets wet.