Types of fibers

There are seven different fibers used to make carpets:

Nylon: This fiber is the most commonly used because of its durability and resilience. Nylon is easy to dye, and is available in many brilliant colors.

Polyester: This fiber is very soft, making it most suited for low traffic areas. It is dyed easily, forming good color that is resistant to fading. Polyester is stain resistant and easily cleaned.

Olefin (Polypropylene): This strong fiber is most commonly used for indoor/outdoor carpet because of its resistance to moisture and mildew. It is a colorfast fiber, resistant to fading. Olefin is used to create a durable carpet that is easily cleaned and available at a lower price than the other fibers.

Acrylic: This fiber is usually used in scatter rugs. It is a synthetic fiber that feels like wool, but available at a lower cost than wool. Acrylic is resistant to moisture and mildew, and is easily cleaned.

Wool: This is the fiber originally used in carpet manufacture. Although, it is more costly than synthetic fibers, it is popular for its soft luxuriousness and natural beauty. Wool is not easily dyed, and is available in fewer colors than the synthetic fibers.

Cotton: This fiber is used only in area rugs. It absorbs moisture, making it difficult to clean. Cotton carpets are suitable only for low traffic areas because the fibers flatten easily.

Rayon: This fiber is rarely used in carpets, and is only used for inexpensive scatter rugs.