When deciding on carpeting materials, you might come across a large variety of terminology you’re unfamiliar with. One such term is “oleophilic.” So what does it mean? And is an oleophilic carpet right for you?
The prefix “oleo” means oil, and “philic” means loving, so oleophilic carpets are made of oil-loving fibers. This means that they’re particularly good at absorbing any oils you spill on them.
They’re often relatively water-resistant, so oils become the only kind of spill that you really need to worry about. Some people mistakenly think their oleophilic carpets are entirely “stain-resistant” and are caught off guard at how damaging oils can be. But rest assured, they can still be cleaned by a Koreatown carpet cleaning service.
Types Of Oleophilic Fibers
When you hear the name “oleophilic,” you probably think of olefin fibers. Olefin carpets are synthetic carpets known for their durability. They’re resistant to stains, abrasion, chemicals, sunlight, and other typically carpet-damaging things.
Polyester is another common oleophilic material. Polyester is relatively inexpensive, but it’s also less durable than other fabric types. It tends to be worn down faster. It makes up for this by being great at repelling liquids – as long as they’re not oily.
One more common type of oleophilic carpet is triexta. Triexta carpet is much more durable than polyester while still being relatively cheap.
How To Clean Oleophilic Carpets
Since oleophilic carpets tend to be hydrophobic and take fewer stains, some may neglect cleaning them. This is a bad idea. Anything in your Koreatown home still needs maintenance and deep cleaning every once in a while.
Vacuum your carpets weekly to ensure you get dust and other carpet soils out before they settle in and cause damage. You won’t be able to see the harm they cause, but they will cause your carpets to wear out faster.
If you spill oils on the carpet, you need to know how to clean it properly. You can use baking soda and let it sit on the stain for half an hour before vacuuming. You can also use alcohol-based cleaners, like rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or even hairspray. Be sure whatever you use is safe.
After cleaning, get the carpet protected by a proper carpet protector to make it stain-resistant.
Once a year, or for tricky stains, call for carpet cleaning. You need regular deep cleaning for your carpets, so ensure you get this done. A proper Koreatown steam cleaning service can do this for you.
The Pros And Cons Of Oleophilic Carpets
While oleophilic carpets don’t do great against oils, they’re much more stain resistant than other types of carpets. As a whole, you won’t have nearly as many problems with these carpets as with others.
The catch is you need to apply carpet protectors in case of oil-based spills. Many things have oil in them, including your skin, so you need to be careful. Some don’t view this added bit of maintenance as worth it.
Are Oleophilic Carpets Right For You?
Whether or not you need an oleophilic carpet depends on which type you’re looking at and what you need from your Koreatown home’s carpet. If stain resistance is a high priority, you have plenty of good options. Many of these carpets are durable, making them effective on those prone to damage.
Overall, it’s a judgment call on whether or not you need an oleophilic carpet or another type.