Most of the carpets sold in the United States are made from synthetic fibers, and one that is quite prevalent on the market is polypropylene, known as olefin. It is an inexpensive fiber that is naturally stain resistant and color fast, with the ability to stand up to sun exposure and water exposure very well.
Olefin is the second most popular carpet fiber after nylon. It isn’t quite as durable as nylon but it is more stain resistant and less expensive. This makes it attractive to certain clients that are looking for a flooring product in an area that doesn’t have high traffic. One of the many benefits of olefin is that it is naturally water resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor rooms, pool rooms, patios and damp basements.
Because this synthetic fiber doesn’t have as much resiliency as nylon, it is more likely to crush. That’s why many olefin carpet options are made as low pile or low loops. This makes it difficult for the carpet to become matted or crushed. These fibers can also be dissolved by a certain chemical, dihydronapthalene.
All in all, olefin is a fine choice for clients that have specific carpet needs and would like a product that can rise to the occasion.
[…] into the fibers, making a stain. Synthetic fibers often naturally resist staining, such as olefin or polyester. Other common carpet fibers, like wool or nylon, are more likely to stain unless they […]