Mohawk SmartStrand carpet Review

In Febuary 2008 we had Mohawk SmartStrand carpeting installed in the main living area of our home: the living room, the dining room, the hall leading to the bedrooms, and the stairs leading from the front door to the main living floor and down to the finished lower level. I was very concerned about the new carpeting getting stains, and also about its durability. I went to six carpet stores, and talked to a lot of carpet salespeople about carpet. Until I found the store that had SmartStrand, the salespeople all said pretty much the same thing -- that you can either buy nylon carpet and get durability, or you can get polyester and have stain resistance. But with SmartStrand, I was told we could have both. I was doubtful, but the price was good and I liked the color choices, so that's what we got. Based on what the salesperson said about the carpet's stain resistance, we went with a light tan color, which made me nervous after having a dark brown. I was afraid I'd be constantly getting out my carpet shampooer to fight a losing battle against stains and dirt. I am very happy to report that a year and 8 months later, the carpet still looks amazingly good. And I've never once used my carpet shampooer on it. We have two dogs and two kids. All of them have done what kids and dogs will sometimes do on carpets. Every mess (which include the usual drips from ice cream, soda spills, dog vomit etc.) have come out of the carpet with water and basic cleaners like dishwashing soap or carpet cleaner. The carpet is starting to look a little dark in high traffic areas. It could probably use a steam cleaning. But for the amount of traffic it gets, and for the light color that it is, I'm pleased and surprised at how good it still looks. I didn't know it when I bought it, but according to Mohawk's website, it's made from corn (no idea how they do that), so it's more environmentally friendly than other types of carpet too. I highly recommend SmartStrand when you're replacing carpet.