Differences between Polyester and Nylon Carpets

The most common materials used in making carpets today are polyester and nylon. Sure, you might find an organic carpet here and there – typically on affluent floors – but synthetic carpet fibers are far more common. Both polyester and nylon fibers have their benefits, but which one is right for you? Let’s compare the them based on the five most popular concerns from the average consumer.

The Look

Both types of fiber look great, but what about over time? What we’re talking about here is stain resistance. Granted, most carpets out there offer some level of stain resistance treatment, but everyday wear eventually creates weak points in that armor. Between polyester and nylon fabrics, however, polyester carpets resist stains better. Nylon has a tendency to soak up the stain easier.

Now, there are some nylon fabrics that go through solution dyeing, which is a procedure that saturates the fibers with color instead of just being on the ends or the surface of the fibers. As a result, it increases the stain-resistant quality of the nylon. This is a difficult process, so solution-dyed nylon is rare.

The Feel

Many people want that soft feeling when they lay down on their carpet or walk around barefoot. Due to this, many carpets today are produced with this feature in mind. As a result, both polyester and nylon fibers have come a long way in providing that soft comfort for your footsies. In fact, your feet might not be able to determine a winner in this category.

The Endurance

Nearly everyone wants their carpet to look good and feel good for as long as possible. That means it needs to be durable against daily wear and tear. Nylon carpet is well known to be durable. It can take a pounding and bounce back, ready to take more. Polyester does not have as much durability and will show signs of wear sooner than nylon.

Also, keep in mind that quality is also a factor in durability. A higher-grade polyester will often outperform a low-grade nylon, so it’s important to do some research on the types of nylon and polyester you are comparing.

Environmental Impact

Many people are concerned about the environment. Surprisingly, it comes up rather often when determining what kind of carpet to purchase. Polyester is commonly made from recycled materials, which catches a lot of interest. Just as interesting, however, is the fact that newer versions of nylon fibers are made from older, discarded nylon carpets – a product that cannot be used in polyester carpet production.

A word of caution, however: although both these carpets offer eco-friendly options, those options are not used by all manufacturers. If being eco-friendly is important to you, make sure to inquire about the carpet you’re considering.

The Cost

Cost is an obvious factor when making decisions. In short, nylon fibers are more expensive to produce, so that is often reflected in its final price. Polyester carpets are typically less expensive. Again, however, a higher-quality polyester could still be more expensive than a lower-grade nylon carpet.

Which Carpet is Right For You?

In our opinion, the best carpet to get is the best one for your circumstances and preferences, which only you know best. You are also welcome to reach out to the carpet experts at Preferred Carpet Care of Redding. We have decades of experience in cleaning all kinds of carpets and fibers. In our years in the business, we’ve made a few contacts. We likely know a company or two that will help you make just the right decision.

But when it comes to cleaning your carpets, there’s no one better than Preferred Carpet Care. Just take a look at our testimonials. And when you’re ready to get your carpet professionally cleaned, just let us know by phone or here on our website. Whether it’s polyester, nylon, wool, or any other material, we can clean your carpet so it looks great for its entire life!