Fact 1: Carpet can help you breathe easier.

It's a common misconception that carpet can adversely affect allergy and asthma sufferers. Carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) among household furnishings and building materials. It acts as a trap for allergens and is capable of holding significant quantities of soil, dust and other substances. The carpet holds on to the particles until you are ready to remove them.

Regular vacuuming, using a high-efficiency filter and periodic hot-water extractions, removes the majority of allergens. Shaw Floors recommends using a high efficiency particulate air filter (or HEPA filter) vacuum for your home. Learn more about how to properly vacuum carpet.

All Shaw Floors carpet products are Green Label Plus certified by the Carpet & Rug Institute, the industry's highest VOC standard.

Fact 2: Carpet is easy to clean.

Carpet often gets a bad reputation for staining but simple steps can extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking new. Vacuuming your carpet frequently is the best thing you can do to help maintain its beautiful appearance over time. Vacuuming removes soil before it gets below the surface, where it is far more difficult to remove. Shaw Floors recommends that carpet is thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months by hot water extraction. Professional carpet cleaners generally get the best results.

Shaw Floors industry-leading R2X stain & soil resistance technology protects your carpet with built-in stain protection. This sustainable technology won’t wear off - even after repeated cleanings. Spills and messes easily stay on top of the carpet fiber and won’t seep deep. This gives you time to simply wipe away the mess. Learn more about R2X.

Fact 3: Carpet is environmentally-friendly.

Shaw Floors is committed to manufacturing carpet that is designed to be safe for people and the plant. We manufacture carpet using a sustainable, circular design methodology, carefully selecting material that can be reused again and again.

More than 85% of the products Shaw makes are Cradle to Cradle Certified^™ meaning they are third-party certified for environmental and social performance. Cradle to Cradle evaluates five critical sustainability categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship and social fairness. Learn more.

Shaw has recycled nearly a billion pounds of carpet since 2006, keeping waste out of landfills. To learn more about sustainability at Shaw, visit shawinc.com/Corporate-Responsibility.

Fact 4: Carpet is energy-efficient.

Carpet is a natural insulator, trapping air in its fibers, and providing additional warmth in cold seasons. And it has the potential to save you money on utility costs while reducing energy usage.

The use of carpet in a wall–to–wall rooms increases the R–value‚ or insulation level‚ of the space. The R–value measures how much a material resists the movement of heat through a ceiling‚ wall or floor in a building. The higher the number, the more effective the insulation. Results vary according to the carpet’s construction, with heavier products generally providing higher R–value. Testing confirms that carpet with cushion underneath significantly increases the R–value compared to other flooring materials.

While cost savings will vary based on a number of factors such as the floor construction, local energy costs, climate and carpet/cushion type, carpet with cushion represents a clear advantage in insulation capability.

Fact 5: Carpet improves acoustics by absorbing sound.

Noise, or unwanted sound, can negatively impact your productivity, mood and wellbeing. Soft surfaces like carpet naturally absorb sound and reduce unwanted noise in your home. In fact, studies show that carpet over cushion is the best flooring choice for reducing impact sound.