The Different Types Of Carpet Fibers And How To Clean Them? A carpet is more than just a piece of cloth on the floor. With the right color and texture, it can make any indoor space feel comfortable and complete. But carpets can get worn and dirty over time, like other home furnishings. Regular carpet cleaning is necessary to enjoy its benefits and maintain its quality.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the different types of carpet fibers used in Singapore and the ideal way to clean each. Read on – The Different Types Of Carpet Fibers And How To Clean Them:

The Different Types Of Carpet Fibers

1. Nylon

Nylon is one of the most common types of carpet fiber because of its solid reputation for being durable and relatively easy to maintain. Nylon is not good at fighting stains, so some nylon carpets include a stain-resistant treatment.

Nylon is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children because it’s more resistant to wear and tear and performs well under heavy foot traffic. The only downside is that it’s prone to static, especially in a dry climate.

Regular Cleaning:

• Vacuum your nylon carpet at least twice a week.
• You can use the lowest speed on your vacuum cleaner to avoid frizziness.
• You can go over high-traffic areas twice or thrice to remove dirt and loose debris within the fibers.
• To get rid of odors from your carpet, use a steam mop to steam over the entire carpet area — going over each section only once to avoid too much moisture build-up.

Deep Cleaning:

• Baking soda is a great cleaning agent because it cleans dirt and removes odors.
• Mix in a drop of essential oil like lavender or citrus to add fragrance. The oil will also help dirt cling easily.
• Sprinkle the baking soda over the entire carpet area and brush it thoroughly so that it moves into the fibers. The friction created by the brushing causes static to attract loose dirt.
• Vacuum away the excess baking powder and dirt.

Stain Removal:

• When you notice the stain, you can wipe it away with a rag with warm water.
• If warm water is not enough, use a cleaning solution with a drop of dish soap mixed with warm water.

2. Polyester

Like nylon, polyester is another synthetic carpet fiber. It may not be as durable as nylon when it comes to wear and tear, but polyester is excellent when it comes to stain resistance. Polyester is a hydrophobic fiber, meaning the wool repels liquid and moisture naturally.

Polyester retains dye colors exceptionally well and doesn’t fade quickly. But it doesn’t do well regarding foot traffic, staying flat under heavy weight.

Regular Cleaning:

• Shake off the excess dirt and debris first. Take your carpet outside and place it over a railing or clothesline with the plush side facing outwards.
• Give the rug a good whack using a paddle, a strong stick, or a stiff brush.
• After shaking off the dirt, vacuum up the excess at least twice a week — focusing on the high-traffic areas.

Deep Cleaning:

• Wet the entirety of your carpet with water.
• Mix a drop of mild dishwashing soap into a bucket of water. Be sure to test it on the edge of the carpet to ensure it doesn’t cause the color to fade.
• Scrub the soap mixture lightly onto the carpet and allow it to absorb for 10 minutes.
• Rinse the soap thoroughly with warm water.
• You can leave it out to air dry in a shaded area outdoors.

Stain Removal:

• Use a clean towel to remove any excess moisture on the stain.
• Create a cleaning mixture using a drop of mild detergent and warm water.
• Take a sponge and dip it in the detergent mixture.
• Blot out the color by gently tapping the area. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing it to prevent the paint from being absorbed.
• Rinse the rug with warm water until all the detergent mixture is washed off.
• Leave it out to air dry outdoors.

3. Olefin (Polypropylene)

Olefin is another synthetic fiber usually made from recycled plastic and has almost a wool-like texture and appearance. While it’s more budget-friendly than nylon and polyester, it could be more durable and resistant to stains.

It can also be trickier to clean since the residue left behind when using cleaning products usually gets trapped in the carpet fibers, causing stain build-up and causing the color to fade faster. On the upside, olefin fibers dry quickly because they don’t absorb water much as other synthetic alternatives.

Regular Cleaning:

• Remove any loose dust or dirt from the olefin fibers by vacuuming at the lowest speed.
• Make sure to clean both sides for a more thorough cleaning.
• Pleasedon’tt uses a steam cleaner. Olefin fibers melt quickly, so you need to avoid direct heat sources.

Deep Cleaning:

• Using a garden hose, wet down the rug until soaked thoroughly.
• You can use a commercial carpet cleaner or make your mixture using a drop of dishwashing soap mixed with cold water.
• Place the soap mixture in a spray bottle and spray the carpet from the top while gently brushing the dirt away as you pour.
• Let the soap mixture sit for 10 minutes to give it time to absorb.
• Rinse thoroughly. Roll up the rug and let it stand to remove excess water.
• You can leave it outside to air dry.

Stain Removal:

• For dried stains, use a fork to scrape the hardened stains and loosen the carpet fiber.
• Vacuum the loosened stain debris and other dust or dirt.
• Make a homemade mixture of two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and one cup of cold water.
• Use a sponge to blot away the stained area with the soap mixture to soften it. Let it sit for 10 minutes for proper absorption.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.

4. Wool

Wool is a luxurious carpeting option and the most common natural fiber. Durable and organically well-constructed, it stays in good condition for years. While wool has natural soil resistance qualities, the fibers are not inherently stain-resistant.

Because it’s a natural fiber, wool absorbs more water and takes longer to dry than carpet fibers.

Regular Cleaning:

• Shake off the excess dirt and debris first. Take your carpet outside and place it over a railing or clothesline with the plush side facing outwards.
• You can use a rug beater or paddle to dust away particles. Make sure to beat both sides of the carpet.
• Wool carpets also require more frequent vacuuming than other fibers on this list. So after you’ve shaken out the dirt, vacuum up the excess. Vacuuming should be done at least thrice weekly to maintain your wool carpet.

Deep Cleaning:

Unlike other carpet fibers on this list, wool should not be deep cleaned — only spot cleaned.

This is because wool is a natural fiber, which means that it absorbs a more significant amount of water and forms mildew if in contact with water for a long –, which could risk eradicating the fibers.

You should contact a professional cleaner if your carpet needs a deep cleaning.

Stain Removal:

• Prepare a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Mix well until it forms a paste.
• Apply the paste only on the stained area.
• Leave it to dry for a few minutes.
• Use a soft-bristled sponge or damp towel to blot away the paste. DO NOT scrub; only pat the area.
• Vacuum away any remaining dried paste.

The Different Types Of Carpet Fibers And How To Clean Them – The Takeaway

Different types of carpet fibers demand different approaches for cleaning them. But with these easy tips, you can keep your carpets in good shape for years.