Cut Pile Carpet for Cats

Pile type is one of the most important factors to consider when trying to choose the best carpet for cats. Every cat owner has, at some point, had to deal with their scratching at anything they can get their paws on. While they’ll commonly go for couch arms, table legs, and other pieces of furniture, it’s likely that your floors will also end up a victim. Opting for a cat-friendly carpet is integral to both your pets health and the survivability of your floors, and that starts with choosing a cut pile carpet.

Carpet fibers are finished in one of two ways: loop pile and cut pile construction. As their names suggest, loop pile fibers form a loop at the carpet surface, while cut pile carpets are trimmed so the ends are loose. When a cat scratches at a loop pile carpet, its claws are likely to snag on the looped fibers, often pulling the fibers from the carpet base, causing the surface to look uneven and leading to premature wearing. 

One way to prevent this is to opt for a carpet that has cut fibers. With no loops to grab onto, it’s less likely that your pet will be able to rip the fibers from a cut pile carpet, which will help to extend its longevity. Think of the difference between combing hair that’s full of knots compared to a smooth, well-groomed mane. Your comb will get hung up on every knot, pulling at the hair, instead of gliding smoothly through it.

And a cut pile carpet isn’t one of the best carpets for cats just because it’s more likely to endure their playing—it’s also safer for the pets themselves. In addition to being a good way to damage the carpet, clawing at looped fibers can can also hurt your pets’ paws. It’s not uncommon for a cat’s claws to get stuck in the carpet loops, which can cause them anything from minor discomfort to serious injury. So instead of a Berber or pattern carpet, try a plush or frieze style for a comfortable, cat-friendly carpet. 

High-Density Carpets

The density of a carpet greatly affects its level of comfort, with denser carpets typically offering a springier, more cushioned feel underfoot. It can also play a significant factor on the stain-resistance of the carpet by helping limit how deep a typical spill will seep into its fibers. As a pet owner, you may not catch every spill or accident your cat has on the carpet. And the longer that accident goes unnoticed, the deeper it will penetrate into the carpet backing and even the padding below.

But the denser a carpet is, the less quickly liquids tend to soak in, helping give you more time to address the mess. The extra time can help you clean up more of the accidents before they fully soak in and cause permanent stains or long-term damage. Aim for a high-density carpet to lower the risk of accidents ruining your flooring. 

Polyester Fibers

An extremely popular choice for homes with pets, polyester fibers are used in many of the best carpets for cats. Polyester fibers are non-porous, which means they won’t absorb liquids. That makes them more stain-resistant than other carpet materials, and also less likely to absorb the odors that tend to linger from a cat’s accident long after you’ve cleaned up the liquid. If you’re looking for a stain-resistant carpet for cats that is easy to maintain, polyester fibers are the way to go. 

Carpet with Darker Colors 

Of course, even with all of the best materials and technologies in place, there’s no way to completely pet-proof any carpet. Stains, whether from missing the litter box or those tiny paws tracking mud in from the yard, are an inevitability in any pet-friendly household. One simple way to mitigae their impact is to skip the white or light carpeting and instead opt for a dark-toned carpet. Dark carpets, or even multicolor carpets with a mix of dark and medium tones, can help conceal minor stains.  

Pet-Protected Carpet

In addition to seeking out each of these specific technical specifications, one easy way to ensure your floors can better stand up to life in a pet-friendly household is to choose a carpet that is specifically crafted to deal with pets and their accidents. Empire Today® offers a range of pet-protected carpet, which is specially designed to help protect against pet urine.

Carpets with PUP® (Pet Urine Protection) are built specifically to resist the penetration of pet urine. These carpets will usually also have additional protective features, like SureBlok Stain Protection for overall resistance against soiling; or Microban®, which inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and other odor-causing bacteria. These carpet features will all help ease your worries when your cat misses the litter box, and go a long way to letting your carpet and cats peacefully coexist. 

The Bottom Line on Carpet for Cat Households 

So many pet owners think that just because they have a cat, they can’t also enjoy the comfort of carpetted floors. But you can have both, with minimal headaches, simply by choosing a cat-friendly carpet for your home. Choose a carpet style that will accommodate their habits and mitigate their occasional bad behavior, and both you and your cat will be happier in the long run. The Empire® selection of cat-friendly carpets runs the gamut of styles, so you don’t have to compromise on your design goals either. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate today to see a selection of carpet that would be ideal for your kitty.

The post Best Carpet for Cats appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Choosing a Carpet for a Pet-Friendly Home

Let’s clear this up right away. These days, pets and carpets can peacefully coexist in the same household. Thanks to continuous advancements in stain-resistant carpet fibers, overall durability, and other pet-specific features, you can now happily enjoy soft and cozy carpet floors without constantly worrying about your cat or dog ruining them.

Carpet with PUP® Pet Urine Protection

Perhaps the single biggest concern that pet owners have with carpeting is the issue of any “accidents” that will happen. Even the most dependably house-broken pets can have them, whether Spot gets nervous during a thunderstorm and leaves, well, some spots, or Nala gets lazy and misses her litter box. It’s almost an inevitability that every pet owner will, at some point, need to deal with pet urine on their carpet. This is where carpet with Pet Urine Protection (PUP®) saves the day.

PUP carpets from Empire Today® are specially crafted to resist the penetration of urine and other liquids into the padding underneath. When a pet accidentally goes to the bathroom on a typical carpet, even an immediate clean-up response might be too late because the urine has already begun soaking into the padding. Once that happens, it’s nearly impossible to fully clean—and it’s that soaked-in urine that ends up causing the lingering smells often found in pet-friendly homes. But because PUP carpet resists the soak-through of urine, you’ll have more time to thoroughly clean up any messes, greatly reducing the chances of any lingering smells. As an added bonus, PUP pet-friendly carpet will usually also have other valuable features, like enhanced resistance against stains and the formation of mold and mildew.

Today’s general stain-resistant carpet will go a long way towards preventing urine stains and can often be enough protection for the rare bathroom boo-boo.  But for households with pets that tend toward more frequent accidents, it’s worth upgrading to a PUP pet-friendly carpet from Empire®.

Odor Neutralizing and Hypoallergenic Carpets

A pet’s bathroom habits are only one aspect to consider when it comes to choosing carpets for cats or dogs. Regardless of how well-behaved they are when it comes to bathroom breaks, or if they never so much as roll around in the backyard, there will always be certain lingering odors that come along with owning a pet. A major source of these odors is pet dander—microscopic flakes of skin that are shed by your cat or dog. All animals that have fur release dander, and though regular bathing will reduce it, there’s nothing that can be done to totally prevent it. And what can be even worse than the resultant odor is dander’s effect on air quality.

Pet dander is a very common allergen and is, in fact, the underlying cause of the majority of pet allergies. After being shed, it floats in the air and then settles on every surface in your home, working its way into the nooks and crannies of your carpet. Once there, it can be hard to fully remove and gets thrown back into the air every time the carpet fibers are disturbed. The good news is that there’s a product that addresses both of the issues caused by pet dander.

Exclusive to Empire Today, HOME Fresh is a 100% hypoallergenic carpet with advanced odor-neutralizing capabilities. Its innovative design greatly increases airflow through the carpet and padding below, letting your vacuum’s suction reach deeper and remove more allergens like dander. Plus, an odor-neutralizing mineral is integrated into the fibers, actually canceling out the substances that cause odors once they hit the carpet. The result is cleaner, better-smelling air in your home—a must-have when it comes to pets and carpet.

Cut-Pile Carpets Keep Claws Comfortable

Choosing the best carpet for cats and dogs should be about more than just making coexistence more convenient. It’s also important to consider how your floors can impact your pets’ comfort and even health. Carpeted floors in a pet-friendly household often come with one major, unfortunate snag—pun intended. The loop-pile construction used in some of today’s popular carpets is notorious for ensnaring cat and dog claws, sometimes trapping their paws. When the pet reacts and pulls their paw away, the yanking can cause them great pain and, in some instances, actually tear their claw off.

So, if you’re shopping for carpet for cats or dogs, it’s highly recommended to stay away from loop carpets. A common misconception with new shoppers is that a low-pile product like Berber would be the best carpet for pets. While it’s true that Berber is well-equipped to stand up to wear and tear and some of the staining that often comes with pet life, it Is, in fact, a loop-pile carpet. And though they’re relatively low-profile loops, they still pose a risk to your pets. Instead, look for carpeting with cut piles, like plush or frieze carpet. As a plus, many of the frieze and plush carpets available from Empire offer the aforementioned benefits like PUP treatment or hypoallergenic construction, making them an ideal carpet for pet-friendly homes.

Waterproof or Water-Resistant Flooring

Waterproof or water-resistant floors offer a double-whammy of convenience when it comes to pet households. First is the protection they offer against the liquid messes caused directly by pets. Whether it’s a knocked-over water bowl, a potty accident, or a trail of wet footsteps tracked across the kitchen, knowing your floors won’t be damaged by that wetness is a huge stress reliever.

But the benefits of waterproof floors extend beyond just protecting against your pet’s liquid mishaps. They also make cleanup of all sorts of messes—liquid or solid—much easier. And that’s because a waterproof construction means you don’t have to be concerned with how wet your mop is or if you let a caked-on stain soak for a few minutes before you begin scrubbing. Even if your pet never has an accident and never plays in the mud, waterproof or water-resistant flooring can be a serious blessing when it comes to cleaning up after your pets.

Scratch-Resistant Coatings

Hard surface floors have long been the favorite for pet-friendly homes, but even those don’t always play nicely with pets. Anyone who’s ever caught a stray claw during an aggressive play session knows how sharp they can be—and many flooring materials are no match. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are naturally scratch-resistant, they can be a little cold for many areas of the home. While materials that are slightly softer—like hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring—will be more comfortable, they’ll also be easier to scratch. That’s where scratch-resistant coatings come in.

Empire offers an extensive range of scratch-resistant laminate, vinyl plank, and hardwood flooring. These products are finished with an ultra-tough aluminum oxide top coat, which helps guard against the scratches and scuffs that would damage an unprotected floor. That means your pooch can run laps till through the house until he’s pooped, and you won’t have to worry about your new wood floors getting destroyed in the process. As an added benefit, this coating also protects against fading caused by the sun’s UV rays, and eliminates the need for any regular polishing or waxing.

The Best Flooring for Dogs and Cats Can Be the Best for Humans, Too

The great thing about all shopping for pet-friendly flooring today is that you don’t have to compromise on what you really want just to make life with a cat or dog a little easier. You can get all of the beneficial features discussed above, without sacrificing on style or comfort. We know there are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for flooring, and as always, we’re here to help. Give us a call or contact us online to set up a free in-home consultation, and you’ll quickly be on your way to finding the best floor for your pets—and the rest of your family.

The post Five Must-Have Flooring Features for Pet Owners appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Human Smell is Interesting… and Weird

Let’s take a quick journey back to fifth grade science class. How does your sense of smell work? To put it simply, tiny sensory cells high up in your nose have odor receptors. The smell after a rain storm and the smell of a poodle that was just playing in it both release different odor molecules. These microscopic odor molecules are detected by your odor receptors, which send a message to your brain that identifies a particular smell. There’s one catch: you have only have a limited number of odor receptors.

Human smell is influenced by thousands of nerves working together.  Volatile, evaporating materials all around us have odors, but we can only detect a small portion of them . Whether you absorb aromas through your nostrils or your throat via taste, your sensory neurons are providing a unique smell to your brain. Smells that truly reek – like garbage dumpsters on a hot day or freshly cut onions, are a result of your nerve endings on your eyes, mouth, nose, and throat working together. Carpet is in a league of its own when it comes to smells.

How Does Carpet Trap Smells?

Detecting the source of a smell in the home can get really complex, really quickly. It’s one thing if food liquid leaks from the bottom of a garbage bag into your trash can. There’s a quick fix for that: run some soap and hot water and scrub the inside of the trash can. And the same goes for cleaning a non-porous hard surface floor like vinyl plank. A quick mopping and boom—smell  eliminated. But what about a family cooking with aromatic spices all the time? Or a house full of smokers? These odors don’t have a visibly identifiable source, but still seem to perpetually linger in the home

Carpet is often a prime suspect for trapping smells. The source of a carpet smell isn’t always what you think. Thick, shaggy fibers seem like a great hiding place for old food and cooking oils. But it’s not just about particles resting on or among the carpet fibers—if that were the case, then vacuuming would eliminate the smell. As you know, vacuuming isn’t enough.

Carpet smells originate from liquids seeping into the backing layer of the carpet. Quite often, this is a latex pad that the fibers are attached to. When liquids find a home in the padding (and in the subfloor beneath it), that’s creating an environment ripe for bacteria, allergens, mildew, and eventually strong odors that never seem to go away.

Easy, At-Home Odor Remedies for Getting Smells Out of Carpet

Your adorable cavalier puppy just peed all over your new carpet. As a homeowner, this often induces a fight-or-flight response. We frantically scramble for a rag (or anything) to clean up the spill and make sure a spot doesn’t remain. This is great for carpet stain prevention, but it doesn’t address the liquids or particles that make their way deep into the padding and begin a new lifecycle of annoying smells.

Baking soda is also a common suggestion for deodorizing a carpet. Simply pour a little bit of baking soda on the spot, let it sit for a few hours, and finish the job with a thorough vacuuming. But this usually needs to be done immediately after a clear spill for the best chance of fully deodorizing the carpet. Also, keep in mind that kids and pets need to be kept out of the powder zone.

Other suggestions for deep cleaning are not as advisable. Many of these “tips” you see in social media feeds suggest mixing hydrogen peroxide and soap. If you’re unfamiliar, mixing chemicals incorrectly can be extremely dangerous. Another suggestion seen recently is to use cinnamon to help get odors out of your carpet. That’s a good way to permanently stain your carpet, especially if it is lighter in color. Plus, do you really want your home smelling like a Christmas candle year-round?  If you’re considering any of these ideas, use extreme caution and run a test on a small portion of the carpet before blasting your whole house with your new creation from the internet. Our advice? Trust a professional carpet cleaner for deep cleaning.

How Does Carpet Deodorizer Work?

Most of us will try anything to save some time and money before hiring a professional cleaning company. That’s perfectly normal. So we turn to carpet deodorizers.

Carpet deodorizers can be a great way to counteract smells from pets, moisture, or carpet that hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. Most deodorizers are available as a powder or spray, and application methods will vary as well. In a world of quick fixes, carpet deodorizers are definitely one of the first household utilities that come to mind if you need to mask a musty basement smell or wet dog before your guests arrive.

So, does carpet deodorizer work? Unfortunately, while these products may make carpet smell good in the short term, sprays and powders are often unlikely to solve the smelly carpet problem completely. Think of carpet deodorizers like deodorant on armpits. Deodorant can be great after an afternoon run if you need to freshen up and don’t have time to shower, but is not actually removing the source of the body odor.

Every thread you read online will have a similar set of rules to keeping your home smelling great: Don’t have carpet. Don’t have pets. Don’t cook. Clean every inch of your walls and ceiling. Use carpet deodorizer. But if you’re actively searching for ways to make your carpet smell good, you’re probably not a fan of the idea of completely ridding your home of all carpets—or pets!

There’s no mistaking it: carpet can and probably will trap a lot of dust, dirt, mold, and allergens. For a long term solution that throws all the above restrictions out the window, it’s time to rethink how carpet is constructed entirely.

HOME Fresh is the World’s First and Only Hypoallergenic, Odor-Neutralizing Carpet

It’s no secret that we love carpet—in fact, it was the first flooring product we were really known for. So we’re always dismayed to learn many people are willing to sacrifice warm, soft comfort because they are worried about odors in the home. The truth is, odors are going to happen no matter what. In fact, part of what makes someone’s home unique is how it smells! When you go to a friend’s or relative’s home, it most likely has a familiar, but not unpleasant smell.

As a solution to the odor issue, we set out to provide a carpet that doesn’t just mask smells—it actively neutralizes them. HOME Fresh helps get rid of smells from cooking, smoking, and pets on the carpet completely. Here’s how HOME Fresh can make an unforgettable impact in your home.

HOME Fresh helps cancel out odors in your home. The secret? A natural, odor-neutralizing mineral breaks odor molecules into separate compounds, effectively removing unpleasant smells that come into contact with HOME Fresh’s carpet fibers over time.

Another plus? HOME Fresh’s carpet fibers and premium felt padding are one unified piece. This construction allows for better airflow in the carpet, making vacuuming and cleaning much more effective. HOME Fresh also doesn’t absorb liquids, so it’s much more difficult for odor-causing spills to take hold, and for mold, mildew, and allergens to develop (some of the most common sources of a bad carpet smell).

Carpet deodorizer does not reduce smells as much as you think. At-home remedies are nice, yet short-term. And sometimes even professional cleaning isn’t enough. That’s where HOME Fresh excels—helping your home smell fresher than it did with your musty old carpet.

To learn more about what makes HOME Fresh awesome, see our hypoallergenic carpet blog and our in-depth HOME Fresh carpet guide.

If you’re ready to see HOME Fresh samples in the natural light of your home and feel the softness for yourself, Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate today. Sniffs included!

The post Carpet Deodorizer Does Not Remove Smells from Carpet as Well as You Think appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

The great news is that you have many high-quality options when it comes to kid-friendly floors. Here are some popular options families love, along with a few tips for how you should go about choosing the right one for your home.

Before You Get Started

Before you choose a kid-friendly floor, it’s important to assess your family’s needs. Some things to consider:

• How much water, scratch, and stain resistance do you need? Make sure a sales representative explains the level of protection each flooring type offers.
• Where are your major traffic areas? Will you need two flooring types? One for high-traffic and one for lower-traffic areas?
• Do you have pets? If not, will you have them in the future?
• Consider the age of your children. With a new baby, you may be more concerned about a soft surface, but what about when the baby is older?
• How often will you have time to clean? Some floors take more effort and time to maintain their beauty.

Carpet: Comfort for Playtime

Little ones usually love a fresh, new carpet for the many soft landings it offers, especially those kids who love to wrestle, play, and roughhouse. The great news is that many of today’s plush carpets are also tough enough to handle heavy use, making it the perfect nursery or playroom flooring for your little one.

The health of your children is another thing to consider. You can also find hypoallergenic and odor-neutralizing offerings as well, such as HOME Fresh. It doesn’t trap dirt, is mold and mildew resistant, contains no VOC’s, and is 100% recyclable!

Damage Doesn’t Come Easy with Vinyl Plank

The most popular flooring choice today in pretty much every area of the home, vinyl plank flooring mimics the look of real hardwood, but is softer under the feet and very low maintenance.

A number of vinyl plank products are also built with cork or rubber backings that help block out noise. Vinyl plank, in general, laughs off large spills – there are also 100% waterproof varieties – and it’s great for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Vinyl plank flooring also tends to be more affordable than real hardwood, and if you’re little ones love to play with pets, it handles a dog or cat’s nails well. As far as maintenance, simple sweeps and an occasional damp mop and you’re done!

Laminate for a Low Cost, Low Maintenance Wood Look

One of the most cost-friendly options out there, today’s wood laminate comes in a variety of attractive natural wood looks. Families love how quick and easy installation crews can re-make a space, and laminate is also great for those with allergies who need to keep dust and dander at bay.

Super low maintenance, wood laminate comes in a variety of plank widths, is very scratch and fade resistant, and considered by many as one of the best for high-traffic areas. You’ll also find 100% waterproof options, so it can handle juice spills and the splashes that come with bath times. If you’re looking for something that looks just like natural hardwood but is a lot easier to maintain, laminate may be for you.

Hardwood Comes with Long-Lasting Perks

Not too sold on wood looks and want to shoot for the real deal? No worries! Hardwood flooring can still be a suitable option for a household with kids.

Engineered hardwood’s layered construction gives it a strong durability and higher water and moisture resistance than solid hardwood.

However, solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and offers plenty of durability, too. The biggest plus about this choice is that when your kiddos have been too rough over the years, you can refinish it for a fresh look that doesn’t require completely new floors.

If you don’t mind a little extra maintenance for something that’s designed to last for many years and age with character along with your family, hardwood might be for you!

Look of Tile with the Ease of Vinyl 

Combine the beauty of natural stone or wood looks with durability in today’s vinyl tile. With the emergence of improvements in different types of vinyl products, vinyl tile is no longer viewed as an old-school option.

Today’s vinyl tiles are water and stain-resistant, and excellent for busy areas. They offer a contemporary look and some are even installed with grout lines to look like real ceramic or porcelain tiles. Vinyl tile is also a warmer, softer floor than traditional porcelain or ceramic tile. Many people comment on how great it feels under their feet. At the same time, it resists scuffs, stains, and moisture and wipes up super easily!

Ceramics can Also Be Kid-Friendly Flooring

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also popular for families because these surfaces are, hands down, the hardest out there, which means it takes a lot to stain or damage them.

The trade-off, however, is in how hard these surfaces really are. Little ones should be careful about slips and falls on these slick surfaces. And while they’re cool in the winter, some families also appreciate how cool the surface feels in the summer, too!

If your kids are older and durability is the top priority, porcelain and ceramic tiles offer unmatched scratch, stain and moisture resistance. They likely won’t scuff or dent, and an occasional sweep or mop keeps them looking great for years to come.

As we said, when it comes to kid-friendly floors, you’re always weighing comfort and durability. Let a professional help you decide. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to find the perfect kid-friendly floor today!

The post Kid-Friendly Flooring Options You Should Consider appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Vinyl Flooring

First, is vinyl flooring. Vinyl plank, vinyl tile, and sheet vinyl are all great options when you have a pet, as they are highly resistant to staining, soiling, and scratches. And when accidents happen, vinyl flooring is easy to clean. Finally, vinyl floors can be more comfortable and more slip resistant than other flooring options available. As an added bonus too, vinyl is made to mimic the look and feel of real wood and tile, so it looks great in any home.

Laminate Flooring

Wood-look laminate flooring is also a good option for homes with pets. The finish on laminate flooring can help resist scratches, stains, and soiling. Look for laminate floors with a textured finish, as smooth finishes can be slippery for our furry friends.

Hardwood Flooring

If you want real wood in your home, opt for engineered hardwood, which is constructed with a thick solid wood veneer and a sturdy engineered backing to make it stronger than solid wood. Look for an engineered hardwood with a textured finish to help with slips.

Tile Flooring

Porcelain and ceramic tile are both good options to help prevent scratches and lasting damage from liquids. Be sure to look for a tile flooring that is slip-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about kids and pets running around, especially if there’s a wet area.

Carpet

Carpet and pets can co-exist! Not only is it soft and comfortable for pets, there are some great carpet options with added stain and soil resistance. Plus, Empire carries carpet with added PUP® Pet Urine Protection that helps protect carpet fibers from stains due to pet urine. If you’re looking for a carpet, keep in mind pet’s nails can snag and cause damage to carpet. We recommend keeping your pet’s nails trimmed or look for a carpet that won’t snag – the best carpet types for pets is plush, frieze, or HOME Fresh – an Empire exclusive.

Having a pet means loving them every day, from dirty paws, pee stains, and nail scratches – pets are family, and when you come home from a long day, they are the first ones to greet you with a wagging tail or soft cuddle. Whether you’re looking for carpet, vinyl, tile, laminate, or hardwood, finding floors that make you and your pet happy is easy when you work with Empire. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to see our pet friendly flooring options in your home.

The post A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Flooring for Pets appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

We love our pets, but the mental image of claws digging into new carpet or urine leaving a permanent trail through the living room is enough to skip carpet altogether.

Thanks to technological advances in carpet manufacturing in the last decade, the latest carpeting products can actually help withstand some serious dog and cat abuse love.

While Empire Today® offers several styles of hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring options that would make a great choice for a pet friendly home, this guide is for folks who like their floor a little on the softer side.

Without too much fluff, we bring you the Beginner’s Guide to Pet Friendly Carpet.

Step One: Don’t Sacrifice Style in Fear of Stains!

Your search for pet friendly carpet is all about stain resistance and durability, but that should not exclude style! Stylish looks for your home include a trendy frieze, comfortable plush, or cut-pile pattern. The main thing these styles have in common: no loops for cats or dogs to claw onto, durability, and easy maintenance.

Branded stain protections such as Scotchgard 3M, R2X® Protection, and Stainmaster® make it more difficult for pets to leave permanent stains, odors, and soiling. PUP®, another product offering by Empire, helps reduce the impact of dog and cat accidents. Padding with a scrim layer is important as well – moisture from spills is less likely to reach your subfloor and cause permanent damage. Look for these stain and odor resistance logos on sample boards when shopping for pet friendly Carpet at Empire. If shopping at home, your sales rep can point these logos out as well.

Step Two: Comfort is King

Whether you’re a cat or dog lover, focus on the reason carpet is so popular in homes – comfort. Your pets will spend just as much time as you in carpeted areas, so pick the fiber you like the most and look for a face weight of at least 30 ounces if you like things to feel even softer. Nylon or polyester make great choices.

Nylon will generally cost more and have a little more durability, while polyester is known for its impressive resistance to staining. Our advice? Pick what you like that is within your budget. You’re probably going to be cleaning up after your pet regardless.

Step Three: Be Prepared

There’s a very strong likelihood your dog will make a muddy dash through the living room, and cats can have a tendency to “forget” where the litter box is once in a while. Once you choose carpet, you will need a steady supply of cleaning supplies on hand. Essentials include a vacuum, baking soda, white vinegar, a clean white sponge or towel, and warm water. These are on-hand, non-toxic materials that make it easy to be prepared for any unexpected pet mess.

The Bottom Line

Pets require extra cleaning no matter what flooring you choose. Choose carpeting that looks good, feels comfortable for you and your pet, and expect to clean it regularly. That’s it! If you’re still leaning toward hard flooring options, be sure to view our pet friendly flooring guide to see other choices.

Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate with an Empire Sales Rep to explore Pet Friendly options in your home.

The post The Beginner’s Guide to Pet-Friendly Carpet appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Consider Putting Down Runners in High-Traffic Areas 

Most dogs will have a particular route that they take when running to check the door, head to the backyard, or just get to the food bowl at dinner time. With a little bit of observation, you should be able to accurately map that route, and take simple steps to minimize dog-induced scratches on your hardwood floors. One dependable way to do this is by protecting your pup’s preferred route with floor runners. A runner is a long and narrow low-profile rug commonly used in hallways, and it’s one of the best ways to protect a high-traffic area from pet damage and all forms of floor wear in general. It will also make your dog’s life a little easier by creating a more grippy surface for them to walk on. 

Plus, because runners typically don’t stretch from wall to wall, you’ll still get to enjoy some of the look of your hardwood flooring. They’re also a great way to add a little bit of additional style to parts of your home. And since they’re easy to install and usually a low-cost option, you can even regularly change them to match the seasons or whenever you want a fresh new look.   

Clip Your Dog’s Nails Often 

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sometimes the best solution for dog scratches on hardwood floors is to directly address the root cause. Your dog’s nails are quite tough and can grow quickly—some breeds can see up to 1 inch of nail growth in a single week! Long nails on your pup can do some serious damage to your hardwood flooring, so keeping dog nails trimmed is vital. These days, there are dozens of variations of dog nail clippers that make it easy for you and comfortable for your pooch. But if you don’t feel comfortable trimming them yourself, hire a pet groomer to do it on a regular basis.  

Invest in Dog Nail Coverings or Booties 

This is a great alternative for dogs that don’t enjoy having their nails regularly clipped. Sometimes called paw covers or nail clips, dog nail coverings are small caps made of soft plastic or silicone that fit snugly over a dog’s claws. Some types can be glued on similarly to press-on nails for humans. Dogs generally won’t mind them once they are on, and they can go a long way in protecting your hardwood floors. Some groomers also offer to put them on your pet after clipping their nails. Full-foot booties are another option for protecting both your floors and your dog’s paws. 

Clean up Any Accidents Immediately 

Another common source of pet damage on hardwood floors is those unfortunate accidents that dogs—especially puppies—will sometimes leave behind. Even the most obedient house-broken dogs can have an unplanned accident. And dog urine is not just a temporary nuisance; the longer these accidents are allowed to sit on the hardwood, the greater the damage. Prolonged exposure to pet urine can permanently stain your wood floors and leave a lingering odor that can be nearly impossible to neutralize. 

Protective pads or area rugs can help buy you time, but it’s important to address the mess before it can soak through to the hardwood. Many a pet owner has assumed that the rug prevented any urine from reaching the floor below, only to find lasting stains and discoloration on the hardwood floors underneath it. Hardwood needs to be allowed to dry as quickly as possible in order to prevent any lasting stains or discoloration. 

Dog Scratches on Wood Floors Can Become a Worry of the Past 

Gone are the days when you had to decide between having a dog and having pristine hardwood floors. Combining a few simple preventative measures with today’s more robust flooring materials will go a long way toward easing your worries. Whether you’re more concerned about dog scratches on hardwood floors or any of the other flooring hazards common in a pet-friendly household, we’re certain there’s a hardwood or wood-look material that’s right for your home. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate today to take the first step towards finding the floors that both you and your furry friends will love. 

The post How to Prevent Dog Scratches on Hardwood Floors appeared first on Empire Today Blog.