A patch of Mohawk SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona carpet is cleaned after being lived on by a rhino for two weeks.


For two weeks in late summer, a 2,800-pound black rhinoceros at the Birmingham Zoo named Ricko lived in an enclosure featuring Mohawk SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona carpet as part of the SmartStrand Rhino Challenge. The promotional event showcased the stain-fighting benefits and durability of the carpet made using triexta fiber.

At the end of the two weeks the carpet was removed and cleaned using only hot-water extraction and Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Carpet Stain Remover. According to Mohawk, the resulting carpet was spotless. “I never had a doubt,” said David Duncan, Mohawk’s vp marketing. “SmartStrand’s stain resistance and durability is no match for any stain-maker, whether it’s a rhinoceros or your own pets.”

During the promotion, four webcams broadcast images of Ricko living on the carpet. A highlight video culled from thousands of hours of footage, plus time-lapse video is available on www.SmartStrandChallenge.com and www.youTube.com/MohawkFloors.