Dog-and-Stain-Resistant White Carpet?

November 3, 2008 3:11 PM

Has anybody had a great (or terrible) experience with stain-resistant carpets? Some guidance about brands and weaves would be great. We're looking for wall-to-wall white that can withstand some doggie dirt.

In an effort to make our small-ish apartment look bigger, we've decided to redecorate in lighter, whiter shades. Building management doesn't allow hardwood floors (something to do with noise), so we're left to find a white (or white-ish) carpet that won't destroyed by our dog's grimy paws and our own occasional spills. We vacuum frequently and are diligent about treating stains quickly. In case you were wondering. Thanks!

posted by wetpaint to home & garden (5 comments total)

I only know one thing about stain resistant surfaces which is this: don't go to sleep with your face on them. Red chemical-burn owie. It was gone in a day or two though.
posted by tiny crocodile at 3:25 PM on November 3, 2008

I can't speak to the effectiveness of stain resistance, but I have a suggestion on your color plans: Try to stay away from stark whites (your idea of "white-ish" is better, and something more beige-y would be even better). Stark whites will get grimy-looking in all but the most fastidious homes (especially if you have a doggie). Also, stark whites don't make for a cozy homey atmosphere (think snow-blindness).
posted by amyms at 4:07 PM on November 3, 2008

I had a white stainmaster carpet with a one year old and two year old. There were a lot of spills and pukes and other whoopsies. For the most part, things did come out. One time when grandma was visiting she decided to give the two year old Hawaiian Punch original red flavor/color. First time for that. Last time for that too. Either too much sugar or too much something but two year old had a reversal of a sipopy cup full of the red juice on the white carpet. That one did not come out. We had the carpet replaced no charge (cannot recall if there was a labor charge). We were offered cash or replacement. Worth every penny although I would not get a white carpet again with kids or animals. Even when the dirt or spill came out, it was not perfect. There was a noticeable difference between the carpet new and after a year old. Like any carpet by the way.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 5:26 PM on November 3, 2008

I have off white 100% wool berber in several rooms and it has held up really well despite assaults from the bodily fluids and footsteps of 3 dogs, 7 cats and one 1 human child. I also have off-white Stainmaster berber in a family room, which hasn't held up at all under the same crew, despite being installed several years after the wool carpeted rooms. I don't regret the wool but I can't wait to rip out the Stainmaster.
posted by jamaro at 5:27 PM on November 3, 2008

I sell flooring so know a little.

A great carpet for you would be the new Dupont fiber. It
is called Sorona or Smartstrand. It is a BCF Polyester so
very stain resistant and does not shed like slot of polyester
does. It carried a lifetime stain warranty with like a 15 year
texture I believe. It is very very good with a huge color
selection and style selection and is also super soft.

I personally think it is the best new carpet product in a
number of years.

I think the best pricing on it is Home Depot. It will run
1.99-4.00/sf so a really good selection.

Also invest in a shop vac if you don't have one. Nothing
gets a wet mess up better as it pulls it all up down to the
subflooring.
posted by rbeaver at 7:47 PM on November 3, 2008 [2 favorites]