Here’s How Often You Should Clean Carpet

Regular vacuuming removes surface debris, but only deep cleaning can eliminate bacteria and nasty stains.

There’s a range of suggested frequencies for carpet cleaning. Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images/iStockphoto/TCA

By Nafeesah Allen From BHG.com

Carpets are a common feature in most homes. They make a room feel cozy while adding texture and warmth. However, dirt, dust, and allergens thrive in carpets. Regular vacuuming removes surface debris, but only deep cleaning can eliminate bacteria and nasty stains. So, how often should you clean your carpets?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the amount of foot traffic in the room, whether someone in your family has allergies, and if you have a pet that sheds. Carpet manufacturers typically recommend a weekly surface clean and a deep clean at least once every 12 to 18 months. Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector and owner of Patriot Home Inspections in South Carolina, shares why.

How Often to Clean Carpet

For a small house or family that is rarely at home during the day, a weekly pass of the vacuum might suffice. But twice a week is ideal for high-traffic areas and households with pets, children, or family members with allergies.

“Carpets should be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months,” says Miles. Deep cleaning helps remove dirt and grime from carpet fibers. There are several methods for deep cleaning: hot water extraction or steam cleaning, absorbent pad cleaning, and rotary shampooing.

Whether doing it yourself or getting carpets professionally cleaned, the key is taking the time to get into every corner and crevice and being patient enough to let the carpets fully dry before returning to normal use. “You should avoid walking on damp carpets to prevent re-soiling and to ensure the fibers have ample time to dry thoroughly,” he advises.

Which Factors Determine How Often to Deep Clean?

Various factors impact the frequency of cleaning carpets. They include:

Foot traffic:“Homes with heavy foot traffic or individuals with allergies may require more frequent cleanings, ideally every 6 to 12 months,” Miles recommends.

Pets: Furry four-legged friends tend to track in dirt and germs from outside. Even indoor pets are prone to accidents. In addition to a deep clean every six to 12 months, Miles says spot cleaning of pet urine accidents or spills is crucial to prevent stains and odors from setting in. Pets also shake off dander and hair that can build up over time. So, consider a vacuum designed for pets. It will have enhanced features to tackle hair and shedding.

Allergies: Unclean carpets can worsen allergic conditions, asthma, or hay fever. Vacuums with HEPA filters work well to keep allergens at bay. But frequent dry vacuuming can make allergens go airborne, making reactions worse before they get better. If people in your home suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, consider shampooing or steam cleaning carpets every three to six months. Trapping dust mites and allergens in a water receptacle (rather than a dust or air filter) can be more effective for allergy sufferers.

Smokers: If you or someone in your household smokes, then frequent carpet cleaning and air filtration are a must. Household hacks like baking soda, fabric sprays, and plug-in air fresheners may not really get rid of the lingering smoke smells. Try running an indoor air filter regularly and moving smoking to outdoor areas not exposed to windows and doors. Cleaning the carpet professionally every three to six months is ideal, but if you’re trying to remove deep and heavy stains, you may need to replace the carpet altogether.

Piling, fibers and color: Materials alone may make frequent cleaning necessary. Light-colored carpets quickly reveal dirt. In contrast, dark-colored carpets can hide stains. Also, the kind of carpet fibers can determine how much dust it attracts. Each carpet or rug has its specificities, and you may find that yours needs more or less cleaning care than others on the market.

When Should You Replace Carpet?

Miles says carpets can last five to 15 years with professional cleaning and proper care. “However, excessive wear, matting, fraying, pet urine, and irreparable stains may indicate the need for a replacement sooner.” A professional cleaning can only remove surface dirt, allergens, and stains as the carpet ages, so if water and allergens become trapped in the padding, where mold and mildew flourish, he says replacement is the only viable option.

Failing to clean carpets regularly can lead to a buildup of bacteria, dirt, and germs. You will likely smell the damage even if you don’t see it. Worse still, you’ll feel it. Carpets may feel grimy or sticky underfoot, or people with respiratory issues may be prone to more health problems. Getting your carpets regularly cleaned and sanitized can extend the life of the flooring and improve the quality of life for the whole family.

While deep cleaning every three to 12 months may seem like a wide range, you’ll know what works for your carpet and household. Weekly dry vacuuming with a robot vacuum can keep carpet maintenance to a minimum.

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