Table of contents
History
Did you know that nylon was the world’s first commercially viable synthetic fiber?
Nylon was invented in the United States in 1935, but it wasn’t released to the public until 1938. The Dupont company, the manufacturer of nylon, launched a massive advertising campaign focused on nylon fibers as a replacement for silk in women’s stockings. The campaign was so successful that the word “nylons” is still recognized as a synonym for pantyhose and stockings today.
It wasn’t long before other applications of nylon were discovered as well. Nylon is credited by some historians as being the material that helped the Allies win the Second World War. Nylon fibers were light, strong, easy to produce, resistant to mold and mildew, and held up well to weather and abrasion. These qualities made it perfect for parachutes, flak jackets, shoelaces, rope, mosquito nets, and even aircraft fuel tanks.
Unfortunately, since this material was already so popular with consumers, there were riots and black market activity because so many people wanted to get their hands on nylon, which was being rationed because of its usefulness to the war effort.
Nowadays, this versatile synthetic material is still used by the military, but the simple manufacturing process means that there is no shortage for customers. Many different types of consumer goods are produced using nylon, one of which is nylon carpeting.
There is a wide variety of styles, colors, textures and types of nylon carpet. Nylon carpet tiles are simple to install and hold up well in high traffic areas and commercial spaces. Plush carpet made of nylon can add comfort to a bedroom or living room. Nylon can be mixed with wool fibers to get the best qualities of both synthetic fibers and natural fibers. These rugs have the softness of natural wool carpets and nylon’s durability.
Here we will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of nylon carpets. If you want a comparison between nylon and the most popular flooring choice, polyester, you can check out our article on nylon vs polyester carpeting. If you want to compare synthetic carpets like nylon to natural materials like wool carpeting, we have an article on that too!
Advantages of Nylon
Nylon is the most durable synthetic carpet fiber out there. Some fibers such as Spectra, Dyneema and Kevlar are stronger and more durable, but these are more expensive and rarely used outside military, aeronautics and industrial applications. Nylon is a good choice in areas with heavy traffic, such as hallways and entryways. This durable carpet will stand up to daily wear for years without showing signs of wear. It is resistant to crushing and matting, and will keep its original shape for a long time.
Another advantage of nylon is that it is a hydrophobic fiber. This makes nylon gear weather resistant for outdoors enthusiasts, but for homeowners it means good stain resistance and water resistance, making it an excellent choice for areas that could see spills such as dining rooms and kid’s bedrooms. The features of nylon make it the perfect carpet for pet owners as well. Pet stains and odors are not absorbed easily, and the strong fibers stand up to dog and cat claws.
Nylon, like most synthetic carpets, can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns to match with any area in your home. You can add a fun touch to a rec room, play room or study.
Disadvantages of Nylon
The main disadvantage of nylon is the higher price point. While it is true that lower quality nylon carpet can be very inexpensive, high-quality nylon carpet or nylon blend carpet has a slightly higher price point than high quality polyester. Still, the price of nylon carpet can’t compare to the cost of wool or most other natural fiber carpets. The cost of nylon per square foot can be anywhere between 4 dollars to 10 dollars. The average American bedroom size is around 132 square feet, so more high quality nylon can add up quickly. PET polyester is the cheapest of all carpet types, and for this reason it is the most popular fiber type on the market today. However, just because polyester is the most common type of carpet doesn’t mean that it is the best choice for your new flooring. It is less durable than nylon
Another disadvantage of nylon is that it can release static electricity, although not as much as wool carpets. If nylon carpet fibers are combined with wool, the tendency to build up static is one of the few disadvantages of these types of carpet.
Finally, another of the cons of nylon carpet is a disadvantage which nylon shares with all other synthetic carpet fibers. Since these synthetic carpet materials are made from polymers, they can release microplastics into the air over time. This is the most important factor in many people’s decision to switch their synthetic carpet for a natural type of fiber like wool or hemp. Regular vacuuming is important in order to keep microplastic dust out of the air, as well as for keeping your carpets looking brand-new.
Nylon is not a biodegradable substance, but it can be more sustainable if sourced from recycled plastics.
Taking Care of Your New Carpet
A nylon carpet is a great choice for areas with high foot traffic, as well as the best option if you want stain resistant carpets. However, even sturdy nylon needs care and maintenance if you want it to keep its original appearance for years to come. Before you make your carpet purchase, be sure to examine the different options in order to choose the right carpet for your home. A nylon carpet with a high pile is good for areas that you need to be comfortable, while low pile carpets are the best carpets for areas such as stairs or hallways that see a lot of foot traffic.
The first step in carpet maintenance is protecting it from damage in the first place. Not wearing shoes or tracking dirt into the house is very important if you want your carpets to last for a long time. Even if your carpet is in a low traffic area, you should change your air filters often and avoid having smoke in the house. Make sure that your carpets are not exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, and if they get wet you should always make sure that they dry out quickly.
Especially if your carpets are in high-traffic areas, it is important to vacuum them at least once a week. If there is an obvious stain on the carpet, make sure to clean it as soon as possible.
Finally, a professional carpet cleaning company will keep your carpets in great shape. A steam cleaning is the only way to clean your carpet deeply and not just at the surface. Also, professional carpet cleaners are experts in stain treatment. If you want the peace of mind that comes from hiring a professional company with a good reputation, give us a call today! Our top priority is helping you keep your carpets spotless, whether they are nylon, polyester or natural fibers. Give us a call for a free quote today!