- 1). Compare the three primary types—nylon, polyester, and olefin—for durability, stain resistance. Nylon offers the most durability, polyester offers moderate durability and also cleanability. Olefin offers a moderate amount of durability.
- 2). Compare how fibers react to water. Look for a fiber that dries quickly and resists shrinking. Polyester fibers resist shrinking better than nylon or olefin, but olefin dries quicker, so it minimizes mold or mildew. Although nylon doesn't resist moisture as well as polyester or olefin, it does offer more resistance to liquid oils and chemicals than polyester or olefin.
- 3). Match the fiber to the room or traffic. Purchase less durable polyester for low-traffic rooms and nylon fiber carpets for rooms with more traffic. Choose olefin for work rooms that require repeated cleaning or wet vacuuming.
- 4). Compare prices. Generally, polyester-fiber carpets cost slightly less than olefin-fiber carpets, and nylon fiber is the most expensive.
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