These are temporary treatments that become less effective as the carpet sees wear or after it is steam cleaned.  If you have purchased carpet you’ll know that steam cleanings are required to keep your warranty valid.  So more money and chemicals are needed for periodic reapplications.

These chemistries have been in the news for the last few year because many contained PFOA or PFOS.  As an industry, carpet manufacturers recognize that these formulations have been problematic to the environment and they must exit any PFOA/PFOS materials by 2010. 

I admit as a consumer, if I had a nylon carpet – which is the primary issue and about 70% of the carpets made – I would want to have a stain chemistry like Scotchgard on it to protect my investment.  BUT, if I had an alternative that was inherently stain resistant, performed as good as a nylon wear-wise, could clean up with just water, and didn’t require any chemicals to be added – that’s a no brainer for me.  I would not care that it might take me a little longer to get all the liquid out because I know it would come out.    I’d frankly buy a home carpet cleaner when I got the carpet.

This innovation has happened with the introduction of triexta fiber carpeting.  Marketed by Mohawk as SmartStrand or SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona polymer – these carpets require no chemical add-ons for protection.  (www.mohawkflooring.com)

Unfortunately instead of doing what is best for the industry, some competitors are serving their own interests or lack of innovation by bashing the product and pushing chemicals instead of the well being and long term satisfaction of the consumer.  Of course, the most important aspects of the carpet are not mentioned…half-truths at best.

So to treat or not to treat…that is the question I pose to all of you.  As a mom, I’ve made my decision.