Having pets can be a joy, but it also comes with some unique challenges. One of the biggest issues pet owners face is dealing with pet stains, odors, and damage to carpeting and rugs.
As much as we love our furry friends, accidents happen and high traffic areas get worn down over time. This leaves many wondering if investing in pet proof carpeting is really worth the higher price tag.
This comprehensive guide will walk through the pros and cons so you can decide if pet proof carpet is right for your home and pets.
The Problem with Pets and Carpeting
Regular carpet that is not specifically designed for pets can cause a number of headaches for pet owners:
- Stains – Pet urine, feces, and vomit can leave nasty stains in regular carpeting that are extremely difficult to remove. Even with professional grade cleaners, the stains may return or never fully come out.
- Odors – Along with stains comes unpleasant odors that linger in the carpeting. Pet odors like urine can really sink into the carpet fibers and pad.
- Damage – From claws to chewing to high traffic areas, our four-legged friends can be rough on carpeting. Areas around doors and hallways get a lot of wear, and dogs that are prone to digging and scratching can quickly shred areas of carpeting.
If you have light colored carpeting, all of these issues are even more noticeable and problematic. The ongoing stains, smells, and damage mean you’ll likely have to replace the carpeting more often.
What Makes Pet Proof Carpets Different?
Pet proof carpeting is designed with features to withstand pets and make life easier for pet owners:
- Stain resistance – Treatment to resist liquid stains and/or a very tight stain resistant weave. Liquids bead up rather than absorbing quickly.
- Antimicrobial treatments – Stop odors at the source by preventing bacterial growth.
- Durable materials – Made from durable synthetics or wool/synthetic blends that resist shredding from claws.
- Low pile – Shorter piles show less tracking and matting. Easier to clean.
- Darker colors – Disguise stains, dirt, and wear by using darker non-light colors like brown, gray, black, and multi-color patterns.
- Higher density – Dense carpet pile prevents accidents from penetrating into the pad easily. Easier to clean the surface.
- Moisture barrier padding – Special waterproof carpet pads prevent liquid accidents from soaking into the sub-floor.
So while pet proof carpets cost more upfront, the idea is that they will save you money over time. You’ll clean and replace the carpeting less frequently, which means you get more value from the initial investment.
Examples of Pet Proof Carpet Brands
Some of the major brands that offer pet proof carpeting include:
- Mohawk – Mohawk makes a SmartStrand line which is one of the more popular pet proof options. It’s very dense and features Nanoloc spill and soil shield for stain protection.
- Shaw Floors – Their Pet+ carpet collection includes options like PetProtect that have stain guards, antimicrobials, and dry spill technology.
- PurFloors – This company focuses specifically on pet proof flooring including carpets made with antimicrobial ingredients.
- Phenix Flooring – Phenix High Performance Pet Solution carpeting resists stains, odors, and abrasion from pets.
- Stanton Carpet – Stanton makes a Pet Protect line of carpets using strong, stain resistant nylon or PET Polyester.
No matter which brand you choose, look for carpets made with synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester and specifically marketed as pet resistant or pet proof.
Stay away from lighter colors and make sure there is some type of treatment or technology to resist liquid stains. Higher pile plush carpets also aren’t the best choice for pets.
Pros of Pet Proof Carpeting
Okay, so pet proof carpets have some great features to handle Fido and Felix. But is the investment really worth it? Here are some of the top pros:
- Longer Lasting – The biggest benefit is that pet proof carpeting holds up better over time. While no carpet lasts forever, you’ll likely get significantly more years out of one made for pets.
- Easier to Keep Clean – Accidents and mud happen, but with the right carpet they don’t turn into permanent stains and odors. Pet proof carpeting allows you to maintain a cleaner look in between professional cleanings.
- Odor Control – Antimicrobials and odor blocking treatments create a better smelling home by neutralizing odors.
- Less Damage – Choosing a tightly woven, durable carpet that lays flat resists extra wear, claws, digging, and chewing.
- Enjoy Light Colors – Go ahead and install that nice light tan or gray color you want without worrying about every stain showing. Pet proof carpets allow light colors even with pets.
- Added Resale Value – Having new pet proof carpeting instead of old stained regular carpet makes your home more attractive to buyers. It signals pet friendly.
- Peace of Mind – There’s just less worry about stains and damage. Owners can relax a bit knowing the carpeting can handle the pets.
If you were going to install new carpeting in your home anyway, pet proof carpeting gives lots of benefits for the small upcharge. And if your current regular carpeting is suffering from pet damage, the investment in replacement now can prevent continued headaches.
Cons of Pet Proof Carpeting
However, pet proof carpeting isn’t perfect. There are some downsides to consider as well:
- Higher Upfront Cost – This is the biggest downside. You’ll pay 15-30% more for pet proof carpeting versus regular carpeting. Prices start around $2/square foot installed.
- Still Requires Cleaning – While liquids bead up at first, pet proof carpets still need regular vacuuming and cleaning to look their best. Accidents should be cleaned up quickly.
- Not Indestructible – No carpet is totally indestructible. Even pet proof carpeting can show damage over time in high traffic areas and with aggressive chewers.
- Limited Styles – You may not find as many color, pattern and texture options as regular carpeting since the construction is more specialized.
- Padding Issues – The right carpet padding is key, and pet urine can still damage pads without a waterproof moisture barrier.
- Not for All Pets – These carpets deter dogs and cats, but rabbits and exotic pets that chew more aggressively can still cause damage.
- Do Your Research – Peruse warranties carefully, read reviews, and buy from a reputable retailer. Not all pet proof carpeting is created equal.
The higher initial investment may not make sense for owners on a very tight budget or with pets that won’t be around long term. But for most, the extended lifespan and easier maintenance outweigh the cons.
Pet Proof Carpeting – DIY or Professional Installation?
Installing carpeting yourself can save on labor costs. However, getting it professionally installed gives you access to stretchers and seam sealers that get the carpet laid smooth without buckles and gaps. The pros also typically handle removing and disposing of old carpeting.
The most important decision is proper carpet padding. Padding specifically designed for pets features an impermeable moisture barrier film laminated to the bottom to prevent accidents from soaking through to subfloors. Adding this as a DIYer increases costs.
Overall, professional installation is recommended for pet proof carpeting unless you’re very experienced. Any imperfections make it harder to clean up pet accidents fully. Most manufacturers’ warranties also require professional installation.
Pet Proof Carpet Maintenance Tips
To get the most life and value from pet proof carpet, keep up with regular maintenance:
- Vacuum high traffic areas daily, and the entire home 2-3 times per week.
- Clean up pet messes immediately as the moisture barrier can only hold so much liquid.
- Have carpets professionally deep cleaned every 6-12 months.
- Act fast on vomit, urine and feces – don’t let it sit or dried residues will form.
- For mud and dirt, let it dry fully and then vacuum up dried particles.
- Don’t rub stains, only blot. Rubbing grinds it deeper.
- Invest in a carpet cleaner like Bissell or RugDoctor for spot cleaning.
- Steam mop carpets lightly once per month to sanitize and remove embedded dirt and hair.
- Use carpet-safe enzymatic cleaners regularly in high traffic areas to break down odors naturally.
- Consider indoor shoes or socks with rubber soles to cut down on tracked-in dirt.
- Rotate area rugs to spread wear patterns in high pet traffic areas.
With a good maintenance routine, your pet proof carpet should still look great years later and withstand your pets. Check with the manufacturer for any specific cleaning recommendations as well.
Is Pet Proof Carpeting Worth the Investment?
At the end of the day, is the extra investment for pet proof carpeting worth it?
For most pet owners, the answer is a resounding yes!
The small upcharge is well worth it for carpet that can handle pet stains, resist odors, stand up to heavy traffic, and last longer. Going with a lighter color is possible without worrying about every little speck of dirt showing.
Regular carpet that is not pet proof needs replaced more often and still requires cleaning too. So you don’t really save any money by going cheaper. And trying to get stains out of regular carpet quickly becomes an exercise in frustration!
Just be sure to realistically assess your pet’s behaviors and your own cleaning habits and limits. The best pet proofing won’t help if you rarely vacuum and let accidents sit for weeks.
But for owners who want to maintain a cleaner looking, fresher smelling home without constant stress, quality pet proof carpeting is a must. Enjoy your furry friends and let the carpeting handle the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Proof Carpeting
Pet proof carpeting helps make life with pets easier. But you probably still have plenty of questions about the best options and what really works. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pet proof carpet.
Quality pet proof carpeting from reputable brands is very effective at resisting stains, controlling odors, and avoiding damage from everyday pet wear and tear. The synthetic fibers and special treatments allow pet messes and accidents to bead up on the surface rather than absorbing down into the fibers immediately. Pet proof carpeting won’t be indestructible, but it holds up extremely well in most homes with proper maintenance.
For dogs, look for carpets made with very tightly woven synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester. Tight dense weaves prevent liquids from penetrating and make carpets more resistant to claws. Low pile heights are best for minimizing tracking and matting. Darker multi-color patterns also help disguise dirt and stains. And any carpeting for dogs should also include antimicrobials and stain resistant treatments.
Pet proof carpets have features to make them more durable against pet accidents, odors, dirt, and damage. This includes synthetics like nylon for strength, stain resistant technology, antimicrobials to prevent odors, dense low piles under 1/2 inch, and sometimes a moisture barrier carpet pad. Pet proof carpets cost a bit more but save money long term through their longevity and easy maintenance.
For homes with cats, carpets using nylon or polyester fibers work best as they resist claws and don’t pull out easily creating bald spots. Low dense piles under 1/2 inch make cleaning up hairballs and litter messes easier. Anti-microbial treatments prevent cat urine odors. And stain resistant technology keeps cat vomit and urine from permanently setting into the fibers. Overall, cats do less damage but their nails and vomit make pet proof carpeting important.
Final Thoughts
Quality pet proof carpeting lives up to the claims for the most part. But it does require owners to uphold their end of the bargain too. Pet proof carpets need vacuumed frequently, stains cleaned quickly, and professional deep cleaning done at least once per year.
Pet damage can still occur over time in high traffic areas no matter the quality. Overall, pet proof carpeting makes life much easier, but it isn’t magic!
Investing in quality pet proof carpeting goes a long way in protecting floors and making pets and carpeting work harmoniously together. Be sure to compare warranties, read reviews, and buy from a reputable brand.
With realistic expectations about carpeting longevity and committing to regular maintenance, pet proof carpeting is worth every penny! Your pet friendly home makeover awaits!
