Polypropylene carpet: pros and cons, cleaning and comparisons
What is a polypropylene carpet?
Polypropylene (also known as olefin) is a synthetic material, meaning it’s man-made. It’s popular due to its combination of stain resistance, softness and value for money.
Designed for the modern home, polypropylene is suitable for parents and pet owners alike. It’s also bleach-cleanable, making it easier to remove spillages and stains.
Wool vs polypropylene
Polypropylene is a synthetic and therefore cheaper alternative to natural wool carpeting. However, there are pros and cons to both materials:
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Polypropylene |
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Wool or carpet for the stairs?
Polypropylene if… you have a young family, as it can resist stains well and is easy to clean.
Wool if… you live in a busy, but adult, household. Wool is incredibly resilient to crushing and footfall. It’s long-lasting and environmentally friendly. However, it can stain easily and is a pricier option—this can be a bad combination for parents with small children.
Find out more about wool carpets by visiting our wool carpets FAQ guide
Polyester vs polypropylene
Polypropylene and polyester are both synthetic fibres. They share plenty of similarities, but the differences are worth noting. You can find out more about polyester carpets by visiting our polyester carpet FAQ guide
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Cleaning | Durability | Price |
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Polyester |
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Polypropylene |
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Nylon vs polypropylene
Nylon is one of the most popular synthetic fibres around.
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Cleaning | Durability | Price |
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Nylon |
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Polypropylene |
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How to clean polypropylene carpets:
You can clean your polypropylene carpet by standard methods:
- Vacuuming—for regular cleaning
- Bleach solution—for removing stains
- Steam—for a deep clean
Best way to clean polypropylene carpets
- Vacuum debris
Maintaining your carpet with a weekly vacuum will keep dust from sticking to the fibres. If you have spilt anything on the carpet, ensure you give it a quick vacuuming first.
- Blot the stain
If you can capture the stain before it dries, blot the mess with a clean, dry towel. Never rub the stain as that can grind it into the fibres. If there are any pieces of food, use a dull knife to scrape it off. Vacuum again if necessary.
- Clean the stain
Mix a small amount of liquid detergent with one cup of cold water. Use a wet sponge to rub the stain with soapy water. Then blot the affected area with a clean, dry rag. Repeat as necessary.
- Final vacuum
Give your carpet another vacuuming to ensure you have cleaned everything up.
How to clean carpet with bleach
If you own a 100% polypropylene carpet, you can bleach-clean difficult stains such as wine, ink and mud. Because of the way the carpet is dyed, it won’t fade.
- Use a solution of 10% thin domestic bleach and 90% tap water
- Pour into a spray bottle
- Evenly cover the stain
- Leave for 30–60 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Vacuum/brush any stubborn dirt
Can you steam polypropylene carpets?
Yes. It’s recommended you steam-clean your polypropylene carpet every few months so it keeps its condition for longer. Steam cleaning is easy, hygienic, affordable and efficient.
To find out how to steam-clean polypropylene carpets, take a look at our carpet cleaning guide.
FAQs
Is polypropylene carpet fire-retardant?
No.
Polypropylene has a low ignition point, meaning it can catch fire at a lower temperature than other carpets. This should not be a concern, so long as you keep matches and candles at a safe distance and height. Don’t use polypropylene in a room with an open fireplace.
Do moths eat polypropylene carpet?
No.
Moths aren’t able to eat synthetic fibres. Natural fibres such as wool, however, can become infested with moths very easily. If you are having trouble with carpet moths, it’s worth switching to a synthetic material.
Is polypropylene carpet looped or twist pile?
Both.
Polypropylene can be both looped and twisted, although 100% polypropylene is more commonly used as a loop pile such as Berber. Loop carpets are often more durable due to the tight binding of the fibre. You can find out more about different carpet textures by visiting our carpet textures guide.
How can I remove folding creases from a polypropylene carpet?
Removing folding creases from any type of carpet can be tough. However, there are two ways to tackle folding creases on polypropylene carpet by yourself:
- Wait for it to settle by itself—it might seem obvious, but the creases should even out after being walked over. This is the safest option to avoid any serious damage to your carpet.
- Place heavy furniture or weights on the crease—this can remove creases fairly quickly. However, be careful that you don’t leave it too long as it could crush the fibres permanently.
Does polypropylene carpet flatten?
Polypropylene can eventually crush due to heavy footfall or large objects. Frequent steaming and cleaning will help keep the polypropylene thicker. However, using polypropylene in high-traffic areas isn’t recommend—it’s more suited to bedrooms and living rooms etc.