World’s first carpet-washing robot

The makers of the Robotin R2 claim that it is the world’s first robot carpet cleaner that combines deep vacuuming, washing and drying in one automated unit.

Regular vacuuming is recommended to keep carpets clean and looking good. It is also important to occasionally wash the carpets to remove the ingrained dirt trapped deep in the carpet pile. Vacuuming and wet cleaning usually require two different machines: a vacuum cleaner and a carpet washing machine. The Robotin R2 combines both in one unit.

An app controls the R2, which maps the floor area. Twelve sensors help plan the most efficient cleaning route and identify obstacles to avoid. The machine's three-stage cleaning system removes dirt and stubborn stains. It is capable of cleaning around 400 sq ft of carpet in an hour. Water is heated to 140 degrees centigrade in ten minutes for effective stain removal. After the carpet has been vacuumed and washed, warm air is circulated to evenly dry the carpet.

The R2 has a docking station where its water tank is automatically emptied and filled with clean water.

The robot cleaner was funded by a Kickstarter campaign and will deliver units to its backers in March 2026. Early testers of the R2 say they are impressed by the all-in-one cleaning system.

Carpets are a popular choice for flooring, with many types available from a carpet retailer in Chester. A good quality carpet lasts for many years, provided it is regularly cleaned, whether by a human or a robot.

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?

Are you choosing new flooring? Laminate and vinyl are two of homeowners’ most popular options. Both can offer appealing designs that imitate tile and wood well.

But while they might look similar, beneath the surface, these materials are different. This article discusses what these differences are and how they could impact your buying decision; from comfort and maintenance to where each type of flooring performs best.

Let’s put these two flooring materials under the spotlight, starting with laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring

Core material

Laminate comprises several layers. Its core is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), and on top, there is a high-resolution photographic layer that imitates real wood or stone. It is sealed with a tough protective coating.

Water resistance

Laminate contains wood fibres, meaning it is not fully waterproof. While modern laminate flooring may have water-resistant coatings or edge treatments, prolonged moisture exposure may still cause swelling or separation between planks. For this reason, it is best suited for drier rooms.

Moisture & use

Laminate works best in dry areas such as bedrooms, hallways, or offices. When spillages do occur, it is important to clean them up quickly.

Durability

Laminate is tough. The top wear layer protects against scratches, stains, and fading. That makes it a suitable option for busy households with pets or kids. But it must not be exposed to water regularly.

Comfort

Vinyl offers a softer, more cushioned feel. Its slight flexibility absorbs footfall and sound, making it quieter and more comfortable, particularly in rooms where people stand for long periods, like kitchens.

Maintenance

Rest assured that maintenance is straightforward. You’ll have to sweep and vacuum regularly - and mop periodically without using excessive water.

Aesthetics

High-definition prints and embossed textures allow today’s laminate flooring options to replicate natural wood grains very well. It’s ideal if you want a classic, realistic wood look on a budget.

Repair

If it becomes damaged, laminate can be tricky to repair, even by an expert flooring company Wrexham or Chester-located.

Boards which have swollen usually need to be replaced, and then there is the challenge of colour matching.

Now, let’s contrast these characteristics with vinyl.

Vinyl flooring

Core material

Unlike laminate, vinyl flooring (https://www.homestyle-carpets.co.uk/vinyl-flooring) is entirely synthetic. With a core of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with stabilisers, it sometimes has fibreglass reinforcements. These properties make vinyl more flexible and resilient than laminate.

Water resistance

Vinyl is water-resistant and often 100% waterproof. For spaces exposed to moisture - be it spills or humidity - it can be an excellent choice. That goes for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Its PVC structure prevents moisture from seeping through.

Moisture & use

Vinyl resists moisture effectively, and this makes it suitable for nearly any room. Also, its flexibility makes it an option for rooms with fluctuating temperatures or humidity.

Durability

Because it is flexible, vinyl is resistant to dents and impacts. It stands up to foot traffic, won’t chip or crack easily, and is waterproof.

Comfort

Vinyl offers a softer, more cushioned feel than laminate, due to its flexibility that absorbs footfall and sound. In rooms where people stand for long periods - such as kitchens - this is an advantage.

Maintenance

Vinyl is easy to maintain. It can be mopped, scrubbed, or steam-cleaned without fear of swelling or warping. The protective top layer is generally stain-resistant.

Aesthetics

Vinyl offers more design versatility. It can exhibit hardwood and stone patterns, or bold and modern designs. You can purchase it in tiles, sheets, or luxury planks. This gives you a lot of design options.

Repair

Vinyl is generally easier to fix. Individual planks or tiles can often be replaced without disturbing the surrounding area. Adhesive-backed tiles make spot repairs simple.

We’ll round the article off with some quick-fire questions on laminate vs vinyl

Is laminate flooring cheaper than vinyl?

Laminate flooring tends to be marginally cheaper than vinyl per square meter. However, premium vinyl can go up to laminate prices.

Does laminate flooring last longer than vinyl?

Both can last up to 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the flooring and the maintenance provided. Due to its water resistance, we might say vinyl has the edge in this department.

Disadvantages of laminate flooring

- Not waterproof; can swell if exposed to moisture

- Feels harder and louder without underlay

- Repairing individual boards is sometimes tricky

- Limited suitability for kitchens or bathroom

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring

- Can dent from heavy furniture

- May fade under prolonged sunlight

- Less eco-friendly due to PVC content.

- Cheaper options may feel less authentic

Dog influencer shares floor cleaning tips

Sarah, the influencer dog mum of miniature dachshunds Peanut and Pablo, has shared advice on Instagram on how to keep floors clean in homes where dogs live.

For carpets, Sarah recommends a pet-specific vacuum with a HEPA filter, good suction and tangle-free brushes. If the pet stains the carpet, use a stain remover that is pet-friendly.

Occasional deep-cleaning is recommended. Sarah says:

“Deep cleaning is a game changer. A well-timed professional or DIY clean can lift years off your carpet.”

For hard floors such as vinyl, wood and laminate, Sarah notes that some cleaners leave residues that can be harmful to dogs. Use pet-safe cleaners that leave little residue and are not abrasive. For floors that are water-resistant but not waterproof, apply a pet-safe cleaning solution with a damp but not overly wet cloth.

Sarah also has tips for preventing dogs from marking floors. These include brushing the dog outside to remove loose hairs, wiping paws with a towel before the dog comes inside the home. If possible, have a dedicated drying area such as a utility room, so that muddy paws don't head straight for the carpet.

Sarah has strived to demonstrate that using the right cleaners and dirt prevention strategies means that living with dogs can still allow the floors to look good and remain clean.

If you have a dog and are installing new floor coverings, talk to your flooring retailer in Chester about dog-friendly options such as stain-resistant carpets and easy-to-clean laminates, engineered wood and vinyl.

Met Gala carpet made from sisal

Many iconic celebrities made their entrance to the 2025 Met Gala in New York, walking on a large blue carpet made from sisal and handcrafted in India.

Sisal is a natural fibre made from the agave cactus plant. At one time, its main use was in ropemaking, but it is now popular for durable carpets that are sustainable and feature a rustic texture.

Nyatt by Extraweave, founded five years ago by Sivan Santhosh and Nimisha Srinivas, is based in Cherthala, India. One of their US clients, Fiber Works, recommended the company to the Met Gala organisers, who commissioned them to make the official red carpet.

The carpet makers used sisal fibre from Brazil, Tanzania and Madagascar. It took 90 days to make the Met Gala carpet. 500 skilled workers produced 57 rolls of carpet, covering approximately 6,840 square metres. After the huge carpet arrived in the USA, it was hand-painted with a pattern of white petal flowers on a textured blue background.

Sivan Santhosh summarised his company’s approach to making handcrafted luxury carpets:

“We always prioritise quality and execute our work with precision.”

The Met Gala organisers are not the first prestigious client for the company. It has previously installed carpets in Buckingham Palace and the White House.

A large handcrafted and hand-painted carpet made by hundreds of craftsmen is beyond the budget of most UK households, but quality sisal carpets and rugs are available at more affordable prices from a carpet retailer in Chester.

Are carpets fine to use in bathrooms?

Carpets are generally not recommended for bathrooms due to their unsuitability in damp conditions. However, according to some interior designers, there are exceptions to this rule.

Carpets in bathrooms were popular in the 1970s and 1980s for making bathrooms feel soft and cosy. They are no longer fashionable, mainly due to the reputation of carpets as impractical in wet spaces. However, in 2025, some homes have gone back to installing bathroom carpets

Designer Louise Jones, founder of Fairfax Jones, has a vintage bathroom in her home with a pink suite and green carpet. She loves the soft feel of the carpet underfoot. Bathmats are used and the windows are opened regularly to prevent the carpet from getting too wet. A premium quality bathmat looks attractive and used with care, preventing carpets in bathrooms from getting too damp.

Interior designers Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen recommend sisal carpets in bathrooms, as sisal is a natural plant-based waterproof material.

Some designers suggest that carpets that are not fully waterproof can be used in bathrooms that have underfloor heating, which dries them out.

Designer Suzannah Lockwood is not normally in favour of carpets in bathrooms unless a client insists on their use, and as long as quality water-resistant carpets are fitted. For added softness in bathrooms, she recommends rugs, fabric lampshades and artwork.

If you are in the minority of people who prefer carpets in your bathroom, you may choose to consult a local flooring retailer in Chester to review their range of water and stain-resistant carpets.