Acrylic fiber has a similar “hand” or “feel” to wool but is seldom used in carpet today because of its lack of resiliency and its strong tendency toward pile reversal. Acrylic is commonly used in upholstery.
Acrylic rugs “feel” like wool but are less expensive. Acrylic rugs are very resistant to stains and damage with excellent color fastness. Acrylic rugs are easily cleaned by hot water extraction and can be cleaned using more aggressive cleaning solutions than can be used on wool.
The burn test for acrylic is that it burns quickly with a large, orange flame and thick, black smoke to an irregular, rough ash that can readily be crushed.