Are you a dog owner? Then what are the best carpets for you?
A dog may be man’s best friend, but they are certainly not a carpet’s best friend. When your dog-owning buddies go on about the virtues of their pet, we’re betting that the subject of the layers of doggie hairs they are constantly hoovering up does not come up very often. There’s muddy paw-prints and the odd spell of canine incontinence to consider as well.
However, having a dog doesn’t mean you have to forget any ideas of having beautiful-looking carpets. You just need to understand which types of carpets are suitable for dog owners, and which are not.
Go one hundred percent polypropylene
Natural fibres are perhaps the most attractive and soft-to-touch carpet material you can have, but if you don’t want to ban your doggie pal from your nicest rooms, then it’s best to go for one hundred percent polypropylene. Polypropylene is a man-made, synthetic material that’s used in all manner of applications, from packaging to textiles.
When it comes to carpets, perhaps the main benefit of using polypropylene as a material is that it is stain resistant. This makes it ideal for pet pooches who love to bring the outside in. Mud and dirt can simply be hovered up once any damp patches have dried.
Plump for dense, low-pile carpeting
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, dense carpeting is the way to go. Low pile carpeting that has twisted yarn is preferable if your home is one with pets. Such carpets are hard-wearing, and vacuuming is a breeze. As a material, nylon is preferable to natural fibres as it is both damage and stain resistant, and will last longer.
Have a shaggy dog? Then go for Berber carpets
Long-haired dogs (and cats for that matter) always seem to be shedding their hair. If your doggie pal is a hairy beastie, then you’ll be doing a great deal of vacuuming. Berber carpets are naturally tough and can withstand the attentions of a vacuum cleaner on a very regular basis.
The downside of Berber carpeting when you have dogs is that pets with long nails can snag on the loops and spoil the look of your flooring. If you do have Berber carpeting, then it’s an idea to keep your pet’s nails trimmed.
Don’t neglect your care and maintenance routine!
The key to keeping your carpeting in tip-top condition is to keep to a regular care and maintenance schedule. This is doubly important if you have a dog, or other pets. Keeping your pet clean is a great idea, as cleaner pets mean cleaner carpets! When it’s time for walkies, brush your dog down to get rid of dirt and debris before they re-enter the house. If it’s been raining and your doggie is a soggy doggie, then confine them to a none-carpeted area of the house until they are clean and dry again.
Having a dog is great fun, and doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the look of your home’s décor – you just have to make the correct choices!