Waterproof Carpet Vs Stainfree : What you Need to Know

There is a filthy patch of carpet just inside my front door that comes from a husband who lives his life outdoors in the British rain in work boots that have seen better days. There’s a fleck of purple poster paint in the kid’s room where my industrious youngest decided that painting outside the lines and onto the shag pile was the only artistic expression she could summon. There is a splodge of green paint hidden underneath the sideboard in the living room where we decided to paint without covering the carpet first…rookie mistake!

Life with a family is hard work, not just on ourselves, but also on the places we call home.  When we bought our flat, the red carpets weren’t something we could live with despite the fact that they were great quality. Our budget was tight though, so we re-carpeted the most offensive-looking flooring with something cheap and easily replaceable with a view to raising a family. Two kids later, several years of wear and tear and a full year of lockdown and the carpets have reached the end of their lives.

If only we had known then what we know now – there is such a thing as waterproof and water-resistant carpet.

Now, carpet isn’t something you traditionally associate with its ability to withstand absorption, but new technology and years of research have led us to a unique point in time where all fibres are not going to lap up liquid and hold the stains for future reminders. In this day and age, there are more options than you can imagine and these options are designed for every situation.

Waterproof Carpet vs Stainfree

In this instance, it is fitting to point out the difference between the waterproof carpet option and the stainfree option. Waterproof, in this instance, refers to a sealed PVC backing on a carpet which guarantees no spillages ever make it past the pile and offers 100% rot-proofing.  

Stainfree technology, on the other hand, is the way the carpet pile is comprised and the materials used which stop any spillages, markings or build-up from permeating the carpet, making it easier to clean and guaranteeing a longer life and a more vibrant carpet for its duration. 

Both these technologies offer different practicalities based on their purpose, whether it be used for commercial or private residences, or areas of high or low footfall.

Flotex by Forbo

Flotex by Forbo is available from Bricoflor and is a waterproof carpet range of PVC, linoleum and textile composition based on bionic technology and performance. Bionic technology looks to nature and draws inspiration from plants and animals in order to create efficient and optimised products (much like biomimicry that we covered in this post).

Flotex is robust like bamboo, comfortable like foam, non-slip like the feet of a gecko, and features a structure that traps airborne allergens at the end of the fibers just like bees that collect and deposit pollen on the stems as they fly over the flowers.

The carpet is made up of velvet, a PVC backing, glass fibre reinforcements and a 100% PVC underlay. That makes for a 100% waterproof and rot-proof carpet that is not only visually pleasing but is also allergen-free, flame retardant and effectively indestructible, giving it a life span six times longer than the average carpet.

In a range of stylish colours and patterns, there is no environment that Flotex carpets won’t fit seamlessly into, regardless of use, purpose or location. However, if you are looking for a waterproof bathroom carpet or a waterproof kitchen carpet this could be a great option.

Stainfree Abingdon Carpets

Abingdon carpet from Bricoflor, on the other hand, is an example of a stainfree carpet. It feature the ‘Stainfree twist’, which is a yarn composition comprising of durable polypropylene and polyamide fibres that give the pile it’s Stainfree guarantee that comes with a lifetime warranty.

The composition of the carpet prevents spilled food or drink from entering the pile making cleanup a breeze. With Abingdon Carpets the yarn used is also bleach cleanable for that added level of quality, ensuring it withstands even the toughest chemical agents. 

In addition, the resistance to dirt, dust and air creates an air-purifying effect which cleanses the atmosphere in your home while not limiting to you to the drab and dated styles that might come to mind when thinking of functional flooring.

There is something for every taste and the long-lasting durability and resistant nature means that Abingdon Flooring is a great investment that will last through the heavy footfall of the modern age. Any carpet that features this stainfree technology is well placed to withstand typical household usage. Abingdon carpets are a great option for bedrooms or living rooms where comfort is required but cleanliness is key.

Waterproof Carpet Compared to Stainfree Carpet

Both waterproof and stainfree carpets offer a range of robust and indispensible benefits that traditional flooring lacks. So let’s take a moment to compare the two options.

		Traditional Carpets	Stainfree Abingdon Carpets		Waterproof Flotex Carpets
Composition		woven nylon, polyester, olefin, or wool fibers	Polypropylene, polyamide,		Glass fibre, PVC, textile
Backing		Woven jute or polypropylene	Soft fleece back (as per the Abingdon Stainfree Ultra range)		PVC to ensure 100% waterproofing and rot-proofing
Durability		5-15 years (typical)	5-12 year wear warranty – lifetime stain guarantee		6 years longer than traditional textile carpets
Fire Reaction		Most modern carpets are made to be ignition proof	Ignition proof and fire resistant		Completely flame retardant
Allergen Reactivity		Carpets can be a reservoir for allergy-causing substances	The fibres filter the dust and air in the room		Allergen free due to the make-up of the yarn – approved by the British Allergy Foundation
Contribution to Air Quality		Contribute to poor air quality by trapping indoor air pollutants	Fibre filtration contributes to keeping the atmosphere fresh		A+ health label
Ease of Cleaning		Professional cleaning advised – use of chemical agents can break down the carpet	No-stain technology allows for easy cleaning of spills before it enters the pile.		Water washable and detergent resistant

Trying to choose a carpet can be completely overwhelming and we often base our decisions completely on superficial factors such as how the carpet looks or how it feels underfoot, without taking a deeper look at the overall composition and design of the fibres. 

With these new carpet technologies, there is no longer any need to sacrifice the visual satisfaction that comes from new flooring, while also considering the hygienic and functional advantages that your floor covering can offer. 

So much more than the sum of their parts, waterproof and stainfree carpets use their inspired makeup to ensure that the home or workspace is catered for beyond something soft beneath your feet. 

They have become their own functioning machine, keeping the air clean, providing safety features beyond the typical carpet and improving the ability to upkeep and maintain an expensive element of your interior.

If you are thinking of replacing your carpets, like we are, make sure that you do your research and purchase ones that will last, that meet the needs of your home, with all the qualities that such an expense deserves.

Or perhaps you already have invested in waterproof carpet or stainfree carpet? If so let us know what you think of it! And don’t forget to save this post for later by pinning the image below.