Mohawk and Karastan’s SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets offer All Pet Protection, the pet-friendly carpet protection system that covers all pets, all accidents, all the time. Look for these brands: Sorona, Triexta, Silk, and SmartStrand Forever Clean to get the carpet that is 3X easier to clean dirt, hair, and pet dander from than many other carpets.
The Triexta fibers have 0% moisture absorption to reduce pet odors in the carpet fiber and utilize Nanoloc spill and soil shield for quick and easy cleanup. The stain protection is built-in and does not wear, walk, or clean off. In fact, you will find that most stains come up with just a damp towel! And SmartStrand Forever Clean is super durable, too, for a carpet that is a pretty as it is practical.
Another carpet line to consider is PETPremier by Mohawk. Featuring an inherently stain-resistant fiber backed by a lifetime All Pet Protection & Warranty, PETPremier carpets will maintain their beauty for years. Additionally, with vibrant, fade-resistant colors and luxurious fine denier softness, PETPremier ensures comfort without compromising style.
PETPremier also helps divert waste from landfills. It is sustainably made in the USA with post-consumer recycled bottles through an efficient water and energy manufacturing process. Many of the styles are designed using color flecks, which helps hide spots and stains.
You will also want to take a look at the Pet Perfect carpets from Anderson Tuftex. These styles are ultra-durable and super easy to clean with built-in stain protection and fade and bleach-resistance. The Pet Perfect warranty covers all pet stains. Choose from some of our best selling LCL (loop-cut-loop) and Berber styles. The Pet Perfect+ carpets also offer LifeGuard Spill-Proof Technology for added accident protection from the bottom up.
Solution dyed fibers have been available for years and years, particularly in commercial products, and are available in both polyester and nylon. Without giving you a chemistry lesson, simply put, solution dyed has the dye added to the liquid fiber solution BEFORE the fibers are extruded. This allows the color to be mixed into the solution thoroughly, bringing the color all the way through the fiber once it is extruded. In this instance, picture a carrot: unlike a radish, which has color only on the outside, a solution-dyed fiber has color all the way through the fiber.
What difference does the dye method make? A lot, if you are looking for a colorfast carpet! Solution-dyed fibers are some of the most colorfast in the industry. Since the color goes all the way through the fiber, it is nearly impossible to fade or bleach the color out of the carpet. Solution-dyed fibers can typically be cleaned with a mild bleach solution. (Fun Fact: Many outdoor fabrics are made with solution-dyed yarns. Not only does this keep the sun from fading the fabrics almost immediately, but it also allows homeowners to clean the cushions and pillows with bleach if stains or mildew occur.)
Solution-dyed carpets are also very easy to clean and maintain, making them great for homes with pets. Almost every carpet manufacturer makes styles from solution-dyed yarn. It will be declared on the product label, usually abbreviated SD, as it is most definitely a selling feature. You will pay more for solution dyed nylon than the more budget friendly solution dyed polyester.
Now let’s talk about pad. There are many different pads designed to reduce pet odors. Think of a typical rebond pad---it looks and acts like a sponge. If liquid seeps through the carpet into the pad, and there is an odor (like urine), it is now in your pad, and it is very hard to remove it. Since spills, urine, and vomit are unfortunately always a concern with pets, invest in a pad or cushion with a breathable moisture barrier (liner) that helps prevent spills from penetrating the padding and subfloor, allowing for more thorough cleaning which reduces lingering odors. Most of your upgraded pad choices also have antimicrobials added during the manufacturing process, providing an added level of defense against bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains, odors and deterioration of your carpet.
Now that you know that there are definitely some carpet choices available that are great for homes with pets, here are a few tips for keeping your new carpet looking great.
- Always treat any stains and spots immediately. The longer the spill sits there, the harder it’ll be to remove the stain.
- Keep a spot cleaning guide specific to your carpet fiber handy. You can even call the manufacturer for instructions on particularly hard to remove stains.
- Don’t use just anything on a spot, you could lock in the stain by using the wrong product. And blot, don’t scrub.
- Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent soil from embedding itself in the pile. And have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to18 months.
How Much Does It Cost?
Our client in Marietta chose a Mohawk SmartStrand carpet for his primary bedroom and two guest bedrooms. He upgraded in pad to the premium SmartCushion pad with liner. This higher end 55 ounce carpet was installed in 724 square feet for just over $3800. This popular carpet is pet friendly, cozy and comfy -- just right for this family!
Wonderful World Of Window Treatments
Refresh Your Window Treatments For An Easy Fall Change
While you can install new window treatments for every season, it’s really not very practical to do so! Here are a few easy ways you can refresh your current window coverings to update your house for autumn without spending money on dedicated fall window treatments.
Add coordinating fall décor
Keep your window treatments just as they are, and carefully select fall-inspired accent pieces with textures and colors that either closely match, or intentionally contrast with, your treatments. This will cause the treatments to pop without making any changes to them!
Add a new layer
Layering curtains and draperies with fall window treatments like woven wood shades, Roman shades, cellular shades, or wood blinds creates a beautiful effect that also adds a little more insulation for the cold weather months. This makes it a great way to make your home more energy efficient as the seasons change.
Top Curtain Trends For Fall
When you look out of your windows this autumn, you’ll see nature’s beautiful display of fall leaves and colors. What better way to celebrate the season than to frame that view with one of our favorite fall window treatments: fall curtains!
Updating curtains seasonally is one of the best ways to decorate for fall—or any season—on a budget. You can keep the same curtain rod and hardware year-round, meaning that the install is as simple as simply taking down one set of curtains and threading the new set onto the rod. Or, replace opaque curtains with sheer curtains in the fall to filter sunlight and see the view through the treatments all day long.
If you already have a different window covering installed, you can still take advantage of these fall curtain trends! Adding a pair of curtains over your existing window treatments is a simple and easy way to bring fall colors and patterns into the home. Curtains pair well with elegant Roman shades, shutters, and cellular shades—more on creating the perfect pair in our guide!
