Pet Friendl

Pet Friendly

February 28, 2018
Smartstrand
Mohawk Masterful Touch

John Grogan, author of Marley & Me, said “Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.”

For many of us, that hits home because our pets are as much a family member as our own children... And if you ask your dog, you’re as much a family member as her own puppies! When pet owners are looking for carpet, their immediate concerns are the messes that can be made or the spills that they fear will not come out. However, they want soft, touchable carpet to walk on, sit on, and to play with their pets on. Carpets today are constructed from groundbreaking fibers with properties that can help minimize those fears.

The main element when choosing a ‘pet-friendly’ carpet is stain resistance and durability. Different carpet fibers will definitely make a difference in your choice. Below are three options of differing carpet fibers:

  • Nylon is a great durable and stain resistant fiber. Nylon is also soft to the touch
  • Triexta is an engineered, stain resistant fiber that is tough for any pet
  • Polyester is stain resistant but is not as resilient, making it a fiber that is not for all pets

Colors and patterns are strategic ways to hide dirt from pets. Choosing earthy tones will have the ability to ‘hide’ those little stains. Very popular fleck carpets and two-tone colored carpet are also great choices to hide debris not only from your pets, but from little ones toddling around with food in tow.

Choosing a cut pile is a much better choice than a loop pile. Loop pile carpets can be a problem with pets, especially with those very active dogs that run constantly throughout the house. Their nails can and will snag a loop or two, most likely more, causing ongoing damage to the carpet.  

Once your carpet is installed, it’s important to properly care and maintain your carpet. The Carpet and Rug Institute provide a list of ‘Recommended’ vacuums for your home. It is also recommended to have your carpets cleaned every 12 to 18 months by a professional carpet cleaner (be sure to keep your receipts for any cleanings). These two things not only will maintain the wear of your carpet, but will keep your carpet under warranty should any issues arise later. Always refer to your Care and Maintenance records for cleaning soils and spills or other questions you may have.

Use these tips when choosing carpet for your pet-friendly home. We all want our family and pets to feel comfortable and we can do so by making educated choices.