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The flooring in the bedroom or the kitchen is quite different from the one done on the staircase or the living room. This is because these two (living room and staircase) are high traffic areas that everyone in the house, including pets, use in their every waking moment. That’s why you need the best carpet for pets and high traffic; for durability, practicality and to make sure every member of the family is comfortable. Ease of cleaning, the color of the carpet as well as construction has a significant impact when you are picking a pet-safe carpet.
Video Explainer
Factors To Consider When Shopping For Carpets
1. Fiber options
The most important thing you should consider when picking a pet-friendly carpet is the carpet fiber because it affects the durability as well as its look. Some of these options that you can choose from are;
Triextra
This is a somewhat new type of fiber that’s been partially manufactured from corn sugar. This fiber has superior stain-resistant properties, and it is also quite resilient. It is one of the best carpets for pet owners due to the anti-stain properties. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to compare it with since it is relatively new in the marketNylon
Nylon is the most resilient fiber for making carpets; the only bummer is that it has to be treated with a stain protector once in a while. 6.6 nylon is the strongest and softest type of fiber. Even though it has to be treated with stain protectors, this is the most comfortable carpet to clean. With pets and kids, you need a carpet that is easy to cleanPolyester
Polyester is a stain-resistant fiber, it is cushy, but it is not the best carpet for pet owners. Polyester carpets shed quickly, and are hard to clean. It might be soft and cushy, but this carpet would wear out fast if installed on high traffic areas and in a house with pets.olefin
This is the best carpet for high traffic areas and pets because it resists mildew, staining, and fading. It is quite affordable but not as long-lasting as compared to nylon; it is, however, suitable for pet-friendly carpeting.
2. Durability
Durability is a characteristic that you should not ignore because, carpets on the living room and high traffic areas, for example, the staircase are the most affected. From kids to pets rolling on the mat and maybe even scratching on the carpet, durability should be the first thing you consider when shopping for the best carpet for pet owners.
One of the quickest ways to test for durability is by bending the tip of the carpet backward. If the place you had bent easily shows, then the rug should be considered low quality. Such a mat would crush fast, thus prompting you to buy another.
Pro Tip
To measure the carpet's durability, check the tuft twist, the face weight as well as the density rating. In most cases, we recommend five or more tuft twist. Moreover, it should be 34 to 40 ounces with the density rate being 2,000 or even higher depending on your preferences.
3. Berber vs Shag
If your family spends the better part of the day in the living, then you should get a soft carpet to ensure everyone is having a good time. Other than investing in a naturally soft carpet, one can achieve softness by placing a carpet cushion underneath the mat. The under pad does not need to be firm for the carpet to be soft and durable; with memory foam, padded carpets can achieve both.
4. Easy cleaning
The best carpet for pets and high traffic are the ones that are easy to clean. As you well know, pets and people tend to use high traffic areas a lot, and this means that they get dirty quickly. Besides, toddlers will spill foodstuff when eating; pets will also keep lying on the carpet, thus shedding too much hair. Therefore, buying the best stain-resistant carpet will be an added advantage since you’ll just be doing your regular carpet cleaning.
5. The color of the carpet
Picking a medium shade carpet when shopping for the best carpet for pet accidents, getting a light shade carpet color will be your best bet. Light brown, blue, or gray work well in areas where food is likely to spill or where pets are bound to have accidents since the stains will be hard to see.
How to protect high traffic areas
Conclusion
To protect your staircase, plastic runners are the best because they provide you with the best traction not to mention protection from sliding. Also, plastic runners can easily be fixed with wood transition bars or just standard metal.