Earlier this week, we evaluated The Home Depot’s Platinum Plus carpet for stain resistance. This week we turned our attention to Martha Stewart Living (MSL) carpet, available in 36 designs across four different constructions. Known for combining style with practicality, the MSL collection features carpets treated with Anso Nylon and R2X Protection, a finish designed to create a stain-resistant surface that makes spills easier to clean.
For consistency with our previous test, we selected from the same trio of messy liquids: grape juice, chocolate milk, and V8 tomato juice. Given the light gray shade of the MSL sample, the boldly colored V8 was the natural choice to test the carpet’s ability to resist pigment transfer and permit easy cleanup.
When the V8 was poured onto the swatch, the liquid initially pooled on top of the fibers rather than immediately soaking in. Tipping the sample caused excess juice to run off, which suggested the protective treatment was doing some work. The manufacturer’s care instructions recommend blotting fresh spills with a wet paper towel.
After a few minutes, however, we found a paper towel didn’t provide enough absorbency to reach the base of the pile, so we switched to a damp hand towel. That change made a clear difference: the towel removed most of the visible pigment, and continued blotting reached the carpet’s base fibers to lift residual V8. The stain faded substantially and the swatch regained much of its original appearance.
Overall, the MSL carpet performed well. The R2X-treated Anso Nylon helped the liquid remain on the surface long enough to allow effective blotting, and a damp towel removed most of the staining. Compared to our earlier test of the Platinum Plus line, the Platinum Plus’ Scotchgard-based protection seemed to provide an even greater advantage in repelling and shedding bold, pigment-rich spills, making cleanup slightly easier.
One advantage of the Martha Stewart Living collection is its attention to styling: each carpet color and pattern is coded to coordinate with paint selections, simplifying the process of creating a cohesive look for any room. The MSL line is priced in the range of $1.55 to $4.25 per square foot, offering options across budget and style preferences.
Lead photo courtesy of The Home Depot