Pet-Friendly
Carpet & Rugs
What Pet-Friendly means:
The term “Pet-Friendly” and related descriptions, Pet-Proof, Pet-Safe, All Pet® and Pet Protect® all refer to carpet or rugs made with fibers that are resistant to pet stains. Most often, these fibers are “solution-dyed”, meaning the color of the fiber is added into the liquid (solution) version of the fiber before it is extruded into strands of fiber (like being shot through a shower head), which is then spun or twisted into a larger carpet yarn. These yarns will not hold another color and are very resistant to fading or bleaching. This means they can be cleaned free of pet stains. What Pet-Friendly is not: Pet-Friendly carpet and rugs do not resist pet stain odors if the stains are left in the body of the carpet or rug, in the carpet or rug backing or in the carpet or rug pad. For tufted carpet with a backing or rugs made from tufted carpet with a backing, excessive urine can dissolve the backing adhesive, causing the backing to separate. Being “Pet-Friendly” does not mean the carpet or rugs fibers are safe from clawing or chewing. Things to consider: If the potential pet problem is with urine and/or vomit or feces, then select a carpet or rug with a fiber that is solution-dyed. All polypropylene is solution-dyed. Stainmaster® Pet Protect® nylon is solution-dyed. Some polyesters are solution-dyed. This would exclude wool, viscose, cotton or any plant-based fiber like sisal or jute. If the potential problem is urine only, then in addition to solution-dyed fibers, everyday Stainmaster® nylon will work. If there’s a chance the urination will be excessive or frequent, choose a carpet or rug without an attached backing – because the backing will hold the stain and odor. If there is a potential problem with clawing or chewing, do not select a carpet or rug with a loop pile surface or an extra soft fiber. A cut pile carpet or rug made with a continuous filament synthetic fiber (such as nylon or polypropylene) is the best choice. The only carpets that can, or should, be taken outside and hosed down are outdoor-rated carpets. If the chance of damage to a carpet or rug is so severe, then consider something other than soft floor covering like vinyl – or no floor covering at all. |