In the modern world, there is a huge variety of floor coverings. An excellent alternative to any of them would be a polypropylene carpet. Are there any disadvantages to such carpets? There is an opinion that polypropylene is not a particularly high-quality material. Sometimes you even hear about the dangers of such a coating. Let's figure out if this is a myth and whether it is possible to use polypropylene carpets at home.
What is polypropylene and its types
Before disassembling the pros and cons of such carpets, first you need to figure out what polypropylene is in general. Polypropylene is a modern synthetic fiber that is widely used in industry. It is sometimes called “olefin”. Polypropylene fibers are created from a special granulate that is obtained from oil refining.
Basic types:
1. BCF. Comparatively low quality. Oil waste undergoes minimal processing, due to which the cheapness and fragility of the material comes out.
2. Heat-Set. Somewhat more expensive than the previous one. The fibers of the Heat-Set material are subjected to additional twisting and stretching, due to which the carpet threads are very similar to real wool, including in terms of tactile sensations.
3. Freeze. The most expensive material in comparison with the previous ones. The technology by which the Frise fibers are produced undergo a longer processing time. The material is high quality, but quite expensive.
Advantages of polypropylene carpets
The popularity of polypropylene carpets is due to the availability and a set of significant advantages. The main ones are:
1. Hypoallergenicity. Back to the myth that polypropylene is toxic and unhealthy. All the rumors came from the fact that polypropylene is extracted from oil waste. For humans, this material is completely harmless. Studies have shown that acrylic and wool are more likely to cause allergic reactions in people. The only thing polypropylene is bad for is the environment. A good polypropylene rug can be safely laid in a nursery or bedroom. Try not to sell cheap and buy a good quality carpet. With them, your health is absolutely safe.
2. Availability. The relatively high quality and low cost of polypropylene have greatly increased the popularity of such carpets. They can be matched to any interior and design. Not everyone can afford a carpet made from natural materials such as cotton or wool. However, polypropylene is not inferior in quality at all. Alternatively, you can buy discounted carpet , which will further save you money.
3. Hygroscopicity. A unique property of polypropylene is the ability to pass air and moisture without accumulating dust. This is good news, because this property will protect the house from fungus, mold and other microorganisms that are dangerous to health. By the way, dust mites and moths are not at all interested in synthetic materials.
4. Ease of care. This point goes directly from the previous one. These rugs are very easy to clean. The only thing to do is to vacuum regularly on both sides. Stains can be easily removed with regular soap or with a simple, inexpensive cleaning agent. But do not neglect wet cleaning. Do not be afraid. The material practically does not wear out from washing. If the carpet is in the bedroom or nursery and wet cleaning is not needed, then simply knock and vacuum the carpet regularly.
5. Durability. In the case of polypropylene carpets, inexpensive does not mean bad and short-lived. Quite the opposite is true. Such carpets practically do not wear out and do not fade, and also have a rather long service life, while they do not lose their original appearance.
6. Style. The color palette of polypropylene carpets is very large. This means that the carpet can always be selected for every taste and for any interior.
How to choose the right polypropylene carpet
We all know that quality products are correspondingly expensive. Yes, polypropylene carpets are relatively cheap, but even these are not worth saving. The “cheaper is worse” rule also works here. Don't be too cheap, because otherwise you can buy a low-quality carpet, the service life of which will be much lower. Be sure to ask the seller about the quality of the selected carpet. It is best when the product has a certificate.
It is better to choose the design and color of the carpet for your interior. The carpet should fit harmoniously in size and color, and not cut the eyes.