Patterned Carpets - Not your grandmother's carpet

Sally & David - Yes, you're right, and you're welcome.

Jay - Yes, I'm not a fan of those styles.  Those might have been wool, though, so they last a long time.  And, often area rugs can last a long time because they aren't tracked over as much.  Of the carpet wear down faster on heavy traffic areas - hallways, doors, steps, and you don't usually have the area rugs there (except maybe an entry mat).

Dan - Thank you.

Tish - Yes, it is cool, isn't it?

Julissa - Excellent point - these are usually nylon and usually very soft on your feet.

Jerri - LOL, Yes, mine, too.

Donne - First, I forgot to mention that these can be made into area rugs...good idea for future post.

In general wool is "naturally" resistant to stains - the most resistant (which may not be saying much).  Now, most of the nylons and polyesters have great stain protection added and I'd have to say Shaw has now just upgraded theirs - so they've extended warranty and say that it holds up to pet & human stains.  I know this doesn't do you any good now.

In general, a professional carpet cleaner is your best bet, esp for pet stains.  (of course that doesn't solve the issue of the smell if it seaped below to carpet pad.  I wish you lived here, because I know a great carpet cleaner and they give my customers a discount - 100sf free.

Not sure where your stains are, but maybe you could get an aree rug to cover it up until you are ready for new carpet, if the cleaning doesn't work.  Unfortunately, pet stains are VERY challenging to remove.  You could check out shawfloors.com and see if they have advice.  I hope that helps.  I'm more an expert on floors rather rhan on cleaning.

Donne - Oh, and be careful if using steamer - either yourself or a professional.  Sometimes you negate the stain protection.  but, if that happens, you can apply it again topically. that's not as good as when it's applied before it's tufted/,manufactured, but better than not reapplying it.  So, ask your carpet cleaner about that.

I know Shaw has some you can buy - I think you can get it online and it's about $10 or so.

Debra - Yes, I completely agree.  They do add a lot of flair and usually they look better - unless, as you said, the space is too small.

Sharon - yes, that is one of the reasons I like them, too.

Scott -I prefer hardwood, too.  But, a) these can be used as area rugs and b) some condos here require carpet, so you have no choice.  So, when you've got lemons, make lemonade.

Dagny.  - Thx and you're welcome.

Donne - Yes, those be hard to get rid of, too.  And, too funny - I call my cats the fur babies, too.

Tammie White Sometimes, no matter what you do, there is a lot of waste.  Ask them if a 12 ft or 15 ft carpet is better for your room and try to find one w/ smaller pattern repeat.