WOOL
Pros
- Hides soil
- Strong, elastic and resilient; great for heavy traffic
- Responds very well to cleaning, as moisture makes the fiber swell and release dirt
- Naturally flame retardant
- Neutralizes indoor air contaminants and does not reemit them
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- High cost
- Prone to distortion by excess agitation
- Stains easily, due to its absorbency and ease of dyeing
- Very sensitive to chlorine bleach
NYLON
Pros
- Most commonly used fiber; readily available in a wide range of colors and textures
- Good elasticity — very important in heavy traffic areas where furniture may be dragged across the carpet
- Abrasion resistant, surpassing even wool
- Wear guaranties often available
- Resilient; can be crushed for long periods and regain its original shape
- Responds very well to most professional cleaning methods and treatments
Cons
- Can have problems with bleaching, fading, urine reactions and so on
- Synthetic, so it off-gases
SISAL
Pros
- Can stand up to high traffic; good for stairs
- Gives your room a great natural look while adding texture
- Biodegradable and nontoxic
Cons
- Uncomfortable against bare skin
- Can be pricey (but generally less so than wool)
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Can be difficult to clean