There are many things to consider when cleaning or replacing commercial rugs or carpets. Property managers must also be aware of the different types of carpet fibers. Fiber type refers to the material that was used to make the carpet. The price, application, maintenance, and life expectancy of the fiber will depend on its type. There are six types of commercial carpet fibers.
- Nylon Carpet Fibers
- Polyester Carpet Fibers
- Wool Carpet Fibers
There are many advantages and disadvantages to commercial carpet fibers. Commercial carpets are not a one-size fits all solution. First, property managers need to understand the different types of commercial carpet fibers. Then, they should work with an IICRC-certified company whenever they need to clean or repair their carpets.
Nylon Carpet Fibers
Nylon fiber carpets provide property managers with the best performance of any commercial carpet fibre. Solution dyed nylon, a synthetic material, is strong and very durable. Commercial carpets made with nylon fibers are resistant to abrasions, and retain their texture well. Nylon fiber carpets are very good at hot water extraction cleaning due to their chemical composition. This commercial carpet cleaner will allow matted and crushed nylon fibers to return to their original form.
Commercial nylon fiber carpets have many benefits for property managers. However, there are also some drawbacks. Nylon that isn’t solution dyed can be susceptible to color loss and staining. Therefore, nylon fiber carpets are often treated with dye blockers and stain-resistant treatments. Nylon fiber carpets are also the most expensive synthetic carpets.
Polyester Fiber Carpets
Polyester fiber carpets are between nylon and olefin carpets in terms price and performance. Polyester fiber carpets are stain-resistant in the same way that olefin carpets repel liquids. These carpets are more durable than nylon fiber carpets and they typically cost half the price. You can also find a wide variety of colors in polyester fiber carpets. They are also typically softer than nylon carpets.
Polyester fiber carpets are no different from other commercial carpet fibers. However, they do have some disadvantages. Polyester fiber carpets are very hardy and can be crushed quickly in high traffic areas. They also don’t bounce back from mats well. Polyester carpets can last as little as five years. It can be difficult to remove oil-based stains from polyester carpets.
Wool Fiber Carpets
Property managers will be pleased to know that 100% wool fiber carpets provide the best performance. They are extremely durable, incredibly soft and comfortable. They are also fire-resistant and can offer some insulation. They are also 100% natural, organic, and hypoallergenic because they are made from wool straight off the sheep.
Wool fiber carpets can be durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. However, they are also the most expensive type. Commercial properties don’t use 100% wool carpets. Wool fiber carpets are expensive and can fade if they are constantly exposed to sunlight. Wool fiber carpets are also susceptible to water absorption, which makes them vulnerable to mildew and mold if they are left unconditioned. Maintenance is the last concern for wool fiber carpets.
Wool is a natural fiber. Incorrect cleaning techniques can cause damage to wool backing yarns and alter the length or width of wool carpets. Color loss can be caused by acidic and bleach cleaning. Property managers should call a professional carpet cleaner in order to maintain wool fiber carpets.