Choosing a new carpet for your home can be more than just a design challenge! Beyond finding the right color combo and pattern that fits your style, a new carpet needs to be an excellent match for your family. Homes with children and pets need durable, stain-resistant and comfortable carpets because – let’s face it – there will be messes, wrestling matches and cuddles on the floor.
No one knows the answers to carpet questions better than the pros at Aladdin, and our team pulled together these six questions to consider before you pick your next carpet.
How Do You Choose a Carpet that Won’t Get Torn Up By Pets and Kids?
The number one factor when choosing a carpet material for pets and kids at home is durability. The sharp nails of cats and dogs can be challenging for any flooring material. Durable carpets provide a stable platform for young toddlers learning to walk and can prevent pet injuries.
Avoid carpets with loops! Looped, deep pile carpets can trap claws, Cheerios and tiny fingers. Instead, choose more durable materials.
What Types of Carpets are the Easiest to Clean?
No matter the age of your pets or children, there will be messes! Fur will accumulate. Mud will be tracked in. Look for a short-fiber carpet that can be easily wiped clean and not hold on to loose fur and dust. Adding protective mats and rugs to high-traffic areas and near pet bowls can reduce how much of the mess makes it onto your carpets as well.
Can You Keep Carpets Stain-Free?
Stains are coming for your brand-new flooring, whether it’s a leaky diaper, a coughed-up furball or a spilled glass of wine. Pet owners and parents should consider synthetic materials that are more stain-resistant.
Can You Have Comfortable AND Functional Carpets?
Unlike hardwood floors and tile, carpets add warmth to the home—literally. This flooring option is meant to be laid on at nap time, and your pets will want to snuggle on it all day long. Just because a carpet is easy to clean doesn’t mean it needs to be uncomfortable. Touch your carpet options to ensure they are soft enough before installation.
What are the Best Options for Pet and Kid-Friendly Carpets?
There are several carpet materials to consider for parents and pet owners, but four materials stand out above the rest:
- Nylon is incredibly durable, can resist damage from pet talons, and is stain-resistant. This material tops our list of recommendations because it is also affordable and softer than other synthetic options.
- Polyester is another synthetic, durable and easy-to-clean option. It is less likely to get matted and crushed.
- Naturally stain-resistant wool is long-lasting and soft, but can absorb spills more than synthetic options.
- Olefin (also known as polypropylene) is known for being an outdoor carpet option. This rougher material can withstand a lot of damage.
How to Keep Carpets Looking Brand New?
Unfortunately, accidents will happen on your carpet. Whether it’s your kids or your spouse, someone will let the muddy dog roll all over the floor. No matter which material you select, there are some basic carpet maintenance tasks you will need to add to the routine to keep your house looking and smelling great.
- Clean spills and pet accidents as quickly as possible to avoid stains.
- Trim pet nails to reduce scratching.
- Install waterproof padding to prevent damage to subfloors.
- Vacuum carpets at least once a week – yes, even if they look clean!
- Give carpets a deep clean once a year to remove deep dirt and dust mites (and their feces!).
Nothing Protects Your Carpets Better than Aladdin’s 10-Step Cleaning Process
At Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration, we take clean carpets seriously. We know that some of your happiest memories as a family will happen on your carpet. We also know that carpets collect bacteria, pet dander and more. Reach out to our team today to get your free analysis and recommendation.