The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Carpet for Kids and Pets

Dirty paws and clumsy little hands can’t keep your floor down

little boy sitting on dog at home
Photo: Cavan Images / Adobe Stock
little boy sitting on dog at home
Photo: Cavan Images / Adobe Stock
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Our children are our joy, and our pets certainly make life brighter. However, our floors take a beating with dogs, cats, and little ones running loose. That’s why choosing the best carpet for kids and pets is crucial. Your flooring needs to withstand the demands of daily life while providing comfort and safety for your loved ones. Explore our top picks for carpeting in homes with kids and pets, and reach out to a local flooring pro for more specifics for your unique situation.  

1. Nylon

parents playing with baby and dog
Photo: andresr / Getty Images

Nylon is an excellent carpet material for high-traffic areas in homes with kids and pets. Its durability, moisture resistance, stain resistance, and hypoallergenic properties make it ideal for withstanding the demands of daily life in a busy home. However, nylon carpets may have higher VOC levels and can also generate static electricity.

ProsCons
Highly durableHigher VOCs
Stain- and moisture-resistantHigher cost
HypoallergenicStatic electricity

Best for: High-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and entryways

2. Wool

dog resting on carpet
Photo: Alphotographic / istock / Getty Images

Wool carpet is a popular choice for homes with pets and kids because it’s a natural and sustainable type of carpet fiber with inherent stain-repellent properties. It also often has a tight weave that doesn’t snag easily on pets’ claws. However, wool carpets tend to be less durable than stronger fibers like nylon. Wool also requires a high initial investment and may be more susceptible to mold and mildew because it’s very absorbent.

ProsCons
Natural and sustainableHigh cost
Resists stainingHigh absorbency
Resists snaggingLess durable

Best for: Low-traffic areas like bedrooms and home offices

3. Polyester

little girl and dog making a mess on carpet
Photo: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock

Polyester carpet is an attractive option for families with furry friends because of its incredible softness, stain resistance, and affordability. It resists moisture well, but it may not be as durable as nylon and can show signs of wear faster and become matted when it’s used in high-traffic areas.

ProsCons
Soft and comfortableLess durable
Resists stains and moistureBecomes matted
AffordableNot as good for high-traffic areas

Best for: Areas where soft floors are a priority, like bedrooms and kids' playrooms

4. Triexta

toddler feeding dog on carpet
Photo: Courtney Rust / Stocksy / Adobe Stock

Among the newer innovations in carpeting is Triexta, a highly durable and eco-friendly option that’s great for homes with pets and kids. It’s made from natural, environmentally friendly materials that make it stain-resistant, low absorbency, and remarkably soft. However, due to its limited availability, Triexta carpet may have fewer options for colors and styles, and it often comes at a higher price point.

ProsCons
High durabilityLimited availability
Natural materialsFewer options
Low absorbencyHigher price
Stain resistance

Best for: Areas where moisture and stain resistance are a priority, such as living rooms, entryways, and dining rooms

5. Olefin

dog sitting on carpeted floor
Photo: annebel146 / Adobe Stock

Olefin carpeting is prized for its water resistance, stain resistance, and affordability. It’s also highly resistant to claws due to its short, dense pile. However, it may not be as durable as nylon and can feel rougher to the touch. It also doesn’t stand up to extreme wear and tear in high-traffic areas like some other fibers do.

ProsCons
Water- and stain-resistantLess durable
Short, dense pileRougher feel
Affordable

Best for: Homes susceptible to messes, such as those with large dogs or multiple young children

Why Your Carpet's Pile Matters

The pile of a carpet refers to the length and density of its fibers, and whether it’s low- or high-pile carpet determines its overall texture and appearance. While high-pile carpets may seem appealing for their softness, they’re not ideal for homes with pets and kids. Pets' claws can tear at the longer carpet loops, and crumbs and pet hair can become deeply embedded, making cleaning difficult. 

Medium- or low-pile carpets are better suited to withstand the demands of daily life in these households.

What Features Does the Best Carpet for Kids and Pets Have?

Given the slightly destructive nature of both pets and kids—with pets scratching and clawing at carpets and both leaving stains—it's crucial to choose a carpet material with specific features. This will help you to avoid the cost of carpet repairs and premature replacement.

Durability

The best carpet for pets and kids must be highly durable to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Look for materials known for their resilience and ability to maintain their appearance over time.

Stain Resistance

Stains are inevitable in a household with pets and kids. Carpets treated with stain-resistant coatings or made from naturally stain-resistant materials are ideal for minimizing the impact of spills and accidents. Decreasing the impact of accidents means you’ll be able to enjoy your carpet for longer before needing to hire a local flooring company to replace it. 

Moisture Resistance

Opt for carpets with moisture-resistant properties to prevent mold and mildew growth. Some carpet materials are inherently moisture-resistant, making them suitable choices for homes prone to spills and accidents.

Easy Cleaning

Choose carpets that are easy to clean to maintain a hygienic living environment. Stain-resistant materials like nylon and polyester are easier to clean, requiring simple spot treatments or steam cleaning to remove stains and odors. 

Low Volatile Organic Compounds

To ensure the health and safety of your family, opt for carpets with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many kid- and pet-friendly fibers emit fewer VOCs, contributing to better indoor air quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regular vacuuming is essential in homes with animals and children to remove pet hair, dirt, and debris from the carpet's surface. Additionally, prompt cleaning of spills and accidents can prevent stains from setting in. Consider using carpet protectors or area rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear on your new carpeting.

Use carpet deodorizers specifically designed to neutralize pet odors, or opt for enzymatic cleaners to break down odor-causing molecules. For stubborn odors, consider professional carpet cleaning at home to refresh and deodorize your carpet thoroughly. Additionally, maintaining a clean environment and addressing accidents promptly can help prevent odors from becoming entrenched in the carpet fibers.

The life span of carpet in a home with children and animals depends on factors like the carpet material’s quality, how frequently you clean and maintain it, and the level of foot traffic. On average, carpets need to be replaced every five to 15 years. Signs of wear, matting, or persistent odors may indicate that it's time to contact a local flooring company to replace your carpet.

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