As carpet suppliers and fitters, we know that pets can be tough on floors. But for pet owners, going carpet-free isn’t an option. Carpeting provides comfort underfoot along with sound insulation and warmth that households with dogs and cats appreciate. The good news is many modern carpet styles stand up well to clawed, muddy paws while offering pet owners easier cleaning and maintenance. Our guide to pet friendly carpets can also guide you to make the right choice.
If you’re struggling to find flooring that can withstand pets in your Newcastle or Sunderland home, read on for our pet-friendly carpet guide.
Choosing Durable Carpet Fibres
The key to long-lasting, pet-friendly carpeting starts with the actual fibre material. Look for strong, stain-resistant fibres known to handle high-footfall and daily wear and tear. Synthetic options like nylon and polyester prove more durable for households with pets compared to natural fibres like wool or cotton. Here’s how they compare:
Nylon – One of the strongest options, nylon carpet fibre resists crushing, retains appearance and bounces back even after consistent footsteps. Nylon is fairly stain-resistant too. Types like SmartStrand include stain blockers.
Polyester (PET) – Also called polyethylene terephthalate, PET polyester shows good resilience and stain resistance. PET carpet costs less than nylon while retaining appearance better than other synthetics.
Olefin (Polypropylene) – Affordable and easy to clean, olefin stands up to heavy use from pets. Brands combine olefin with other fibres. Downsides include less resilience and easier staining over time.
Key Things to Consider:
- Higher pile weights add to carpet’s durability and longevity
- Tighter tuft binds prevent pulled threads and unraveling
- Low pile heights are less tempting for cats to claw and pull
Carpet Design Choices for Hiding Fur and Stains
In addition to withstanding pets’ roughhousing, easily maintained carpeting hides the inevitable dirt, fur and flaws that come with four-legged friends. Here are helpful options:
Multi-Coloured or Patterned Carpet – Busy patterns and colour combinations disguise tracked-in mud, scattered pet hair and dirty paw prints better than solid colours. Go for woven styles, flecks and heathers.
Textured Saxony or Frieze Carpets – Deeply textured saxony or textured twist pile carpets does a great job trapping dirt down in the pile where it’s less obvious. Twist pile is best at resisting matting and crushing.
Solution- or Skein-Dyed Styles – Solution-dyed nylons like SmartStrand and skein-dyed wools make stains less apparent since the colour permeates yarn completely. This prevents pale spots if the dye only coated the surface initially.
Neutral Palettes – Versatile beiges, taupes and greys show everything less obviously so fur blends in better. They require less frequent deep cleaning too.
Colour/Pattern Placement – Position busier carpet under main furniture areas and solid colours in lesser used zones. Frame patterned carpet with a neutral border in high-footfall walkways.
Pro Tips for Cleaning and Protecting Carpets
To get the most mileage from pet-friendly carpeting, effective regular cleaning and protection makes carpets easier to maintain. Here are handy tactics to try:
Vacuum at Least Twice Weekly – Make vacuuming high-footfall areas a habit to extract fur and soil from carpeting before it gets trodden in. Use a vacuum with height settings for different carpet piles.
Act Quickly After Accidents – Absorb wet spills right away with towels. Rinse thoroughly with water and blot dry once liquids are removed. Use an enzymatic cleaner formulated to eliminate odors and bacteria that attract repeat incidents.
Consider Professional Cleaning Annually – Deep cleaning carpeting extracts far more pet fur, allergens and bacteria compared to rentals or owners. Professional hot water extraction cleans best for high-footfall homes.
Add Washable Area Rugs – Washable area rugs protect sections that get the hardest wear from muddy paws, food spills and accidents. These contain messes in discrete areas for removal.
With the right carpet construction, regular care and quick attention, flooring can survive years of pets and kids. Get in touch to update your flooring in your Newcastle or Sunderland home. We help pet owners find durable, easy-care carpeting solutions every day.