How Does a Stain Resistant Carpet Work? Is It Worth It?

There are certain innovations we have access to today that were unachievable dreams only a few decades ago. Automatic doors, cellphones, video chat — now, we can add the stain resistant carpet to that list.

If you’re in the market for a new carpet, you have to consider a stain resistant carpet. Learn how stain resistant carpets work, and whether or not they’re worth the price below.

How Does It Work?

Stain resistant carpets work through the modern-day miracle of stain-resistant fibers.

While polyester is also a top choice, the most common stain resistant carpet material is 5th generation nylon. The nylon is dyed during production with an acid-based, stain resistant dye. This dye has a high-acidity pH level, which is key to its stain resistant properties.

Staining agents like food coloring (common in soda, wine, and many other stainable liquids) hold a positive charge — the opposite of the acid-heavy pH level of the carpet. This causes the spilled property to match the color of the carpet.

So, Stain Resistant Carpets Can’t Stain?

Just because a carpet is stain resistant does not mean it’s stain proof.

Stain proof would mean the carpet can’t be stained no matter what. Stain resistant means the carpet is made to reduce the chances of stains. If you do happen to spill on a stain resistant carpet, the staining agent will be much easier to clean without sinking into the fibers.

For the moment, a completely stain proof carpet is beyond our capability, unfortunately. Let’s cross our fingers that some carpet scientist is working on the solution right now.

What Kind of Stains Do Stain Resistant Carpets Stop?

With a stain resistant carpet, you can expect to fight a lot of terrible stains. The better your stain resistant carpet, the more it will repel.

Pet Stains

If you’re a pet owner, you probably know how frustrating it is when they run through the house with muddy paws.

The truth is, while we love our furry friends, there are plenty of ways they can stain a carpet. If you have pets, seek out a pet stain resistant carpet. Some companies make stain resistant carpets with pets in mind specifically, knowing the struggle that pet owners go through every day.

Pet stain resistant carpets may be made our of polyester or olefin rather than nylon. Ask the carpet manufacturer/installer for the details before settling on a choice.

Kid Stains

Nothing will stain your carpets quite like a child. We all love our kids and all, but man can they cause a mess.

As we learned before, stain resistant carpets are made with nylon that specifically fights the pH balances of food dyes found in things like juice. Many of the stains your kid causes include this substance, meaning you’re covered. So, let your kid eat and drink on the carpet — there’s nothing to worry about.

You Stains

We’re all responsible for spills from time-to-time. If you’re prone to spilling and staining things, a stain resistant carpet offers you protection from yourself.

Whether it’s a spilled glass of wine during a get-together, or a food stain while watching TV and eating supper, your carpet is going to be okay. A quick scrub and that stain resistant carpet is good as new.

Are Stain Resistant Carpets Worth It?

A good stain resistant carpet is going to cost you a bit more than your typical carpet.

For an area rug alone, you’re looking at an estimated price between $50 and $100 based on Amazon prices. However, to get an accurate price, you need to get quotes from a few carpet installers near you. Each company prices their stain resistant carpets differently, based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Expect to spend well-over $100 installing a stain resistant carpet in any substantially sized room in your home. Even at a higher price than regular carpeting, though, stain resistant carpet is worth it. It’s especially worth it if you have pets, children, or any family members prone to spilling.

Carpet cleaning gets expensive, and worst of all it doesn’t work all the time. Some stains are so bad you need to replace the whole carpet after, leading to a much larger cost than a one-time purchase of stain resistant carpet. Stain resistant carpet is an investment in this way, plain and simple.

What Is the Best Carpet for Stain Resistance and Durability?

There are a lot of companies getting on the stain resistant carpet train, meaning you have a lot of options to choose from.

Try finding a stain resistant carpet from a reliable, established brand that’s proven to work. Resista Carpet, for example, makes carpets that actively repel liquids for easy cleanup. You can get great warranties through them, and they offer a lot of different carpet styles to cover all bases.

You could also consider something like Stainmaster or Innovia Xtreme Clean, both top-of-the-line stain resistant carpet manufacturers. Always ask your carpet pro for suggestions, and find out what they have in stock. Do some research before deciding — always read user reviews, or get suggestions from people you know with stain resistant carpets.

How Do I Get a Stain Resistant Carpet Installed?

Now that you’ve been convinced that stain resistant carpets are the way of the future, it’s time to get one installed.

You could install the carpet yourself, but that can take a long time and a lot of money, especially if you’re a novice. If you want the job done quick and right, hire a professional like the people at Carpet Meridian. That way, you can kick back and know that you’re getting a job well-done.

Step Into the Future With a Stain Resistant Carpet

The stain resistant carpet may not sound like much, but it’s an innovation we can’t take for granted. A stain resistant carpet can save anyone money, whether you have a kid, a pet, or a clumsy spouse. You may end up paying a little more than average, but you’ll be thankful you did when someone inevitably makes a spill.

If you’re in the market for new bedding, including comforters, pillows, and quilts, check out the rest of our website.