Protecting Floor Coverings from Pets
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports on its website that there were approximately 145 million dogs and cats in the US in 2012.
That is nearly twice the estimated population of children living in the US at that time. Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation.
But you probably don't need statistics to tell you that a lot of households own pets. Of course pets bring practical considerations to interior design beyond color and texture.
How do you protect expensive floor coverings from pet accidents?
Here are some solutions we are hearing good things about.
Hand-knotted Wool
Wool is the toughest and best fiber to resist damage from dogs. For urine blot it up. Dilute with water and blot it up again. After a lot of paper towels, there will be no trace. A wet vac makes the clean-up even easier. We cover that extensively in Pets and Rugs.
Traditional wool is birthed in water and responds well to it. Washing is the last process that your rugs undergo before going to market.
Cats are tough on all fabrics. You can remove the stain but not the odor, at least not enough so that the cat can't smell it and return to the spot.
With cats the best defense is a healthy cat and a clean litter box.
More Defensive Measures
Spill Blocker Padding
For carpeting, a carpet pad with spill-blocker keeps the accident in the carpet itself where it can be blotted and dried. It blocks liquid from seeping into the pad where it can fester and cause dampness.
Fiber Seal
Many clients report good luck with Fiber Seal. Think of it as Scotch Guard on steroids. It must be professionally applied and periodically reapplied to work flawlessly, but it works. You can also use it on upholstery.
Here is a quick demonstration using wine on a treated piece of carpet. It works as well with pet accidents.
Stainmaster
Solution Dyed
Stainmaster Pet Protect offers a line of nylon carpets that are highly resistant to stain. The nylon is dyed while in its liquid state creating fibers where every molecule contains dye. There is no space for other color except between the fibers and this can be cleaned by blotting up the liquid.
This also means that you can use more aggressive cleaning products on stains. For example, when accidents happen, you can use hydrogen peroxide based cleaners with no problems.
Closeouts
Tampa
FRENCH ACCENTS TRANSITIONAL 7056
SIZE 5'10 X 8'10
PAKISTAN
ALL WOOL
$2320 DESIGNER NET
CLOSE OUT $500
PAKISTAN
MULTI COLOR
SIZE 4'9 X 6'4
ALL WOOL
$750 DESIGNER NET
CLOSE OUT $200
Orlando
SOFT ORANGE WITH YELLOW
SIZE 9'2X11'9
ORIGINAL DESIGNER NET: $9,720.00
CLOSEOUT: $4320.00
Addison/Dicus & Bailey Close Out Policy
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No returns. No showings in homes.
Rugs can be picked up at the showroom, or we can arrange for home delivery and set up for an extra charge.
These are individual pieces in one size in one color.
First come, first serve.
Don't worry about storage wrinkles. We will steam them out.