How To Find Pet Friendly Carpets in Minneapolis
Finding a pet-friendly carpet for your Minneapolis home is not an easy feat. One of the biggest complaints when finding the right carpet for your family with pets is that it traps their pet’s hair. There are other things to think about when finding the most pet-friendly carpets in order to keep your home clean and your pets safe. While there is no completely pet-friendly carpet that will keep stains completely out or not trap fur, there is a guide that you can follow to get the best for your family and pets.
Carpet Weave
There are many types of carpet weave, but they can fit into three different categories. There are looped fibers, cut fibers, and random sheared fibers. Looped carpet fibers are when the strands of fibers are looped back so that both ends are attached to the base of the carpets. These kinds of carpets are not recommended for cat and dog owners because their nails can get snagged in the loops. Cut fibers are attached to the base of the carpet on one end so that there are no loops. These are the most recommended so that your pet’s nails will not get caught in the carpets while running or playing. Random sheared fibers are a mix of both looped and cut fibers and have the same issues that looped fibers have.
Carpet Material
There are four common materials that are used for carpets: wool, polyester, nylon, and olefin. Wool is a natural material that is easy to clean. While it is not as stain-resistant as synthetic materials, it is naturally stain-resistant but very absorbent. When cleaning, make sure you have a vacuum that can pick up water from the carpet to avoid mold growth. Wool carpets are the most expensive of the group because it is a natural material.
Polyester is a synthetic option that is soft for those looking for a budget-friendly material. It also holds color for many years and is durable. Over time, polyester can become flat and matted. While it isn’t as resilient as other materials, it is more cost-effective, more stain-resistant, and often offers more color and pattern options.
Nylon is one of the more pricey synthetic options, but it offers great durability and lasts a long time. It’s easy to clean and is one of the most popular types of carpet in homes. One thing to keep in mind with nylon carpets is to make sure you have fabric freshener. Smells can be easily trapped in nylon, but that also means good smells can stay in your carpets. Triexta is a newer material that resembles nylon, but it is softer and more dense.
Olefin is a synthetic material that is mainly used outdoors because it doesn’t absorb water. The downsides to olefin is the maintenance. It is more difficult to clean unless water can be sprayed across it. Oils become trapped in the carpet fibers, making cleaning more needed than other carpet materials.
Color & Pattern
Depending on the color and pattern of your carpet, it could disguise your pet’s fur or stains. Solid colors tend to show stains more clearly than patterned carpets. Darker or patterned carpets tend to be more forgiving when it comes to stains and pet fur. However, this shouldn’t stop you from picking a carpet you want for your home.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals used to create carpets, but this could be a problem for your pets when installing new carpets. It can affect you and your pet’s eyes, nose, and throat if not treated properly. The best way to treat VOCs is to not allow pets on the new carpet for a few days and allow air flow in your home. Some carpets have a certification for low-VOC standards, so be sure to look for those certifications when choosing new carpets.
The best way to find the best carpets is to do your research or talk to the experts. Give us a call if you have any questions about your carpets or if your carpets need to be cleaned of the pet dander and stains. It’s the best way to make sure your home is ready for winter.