Carpets are a common feature in most homes. They make the room feel comfortable while adding texture and warmth. However, dirt, dust, and allergens multiply in carpets in large numbers. Regular vacuuming can remove surface debris, but only deep cleaning can eliminate bacteria and pesky stains. So, how often should you clean your carpet?
The answer depends on several factors, such as the amount of people in the room, whether someone in the home has allergies, and whether your pet will shed shed. Carpet manufacturers generally recommend surface cleaning once a week and deep cleaning at least every 12 to 18 months. Hubert Miles, a certified chief inspector in South Carolina and owner of Patriot Home Inspections, shares why.
How Often to Clean Carpets?
For a small house or family that is rarely at home during the day, using a vacuum cleaner once a week may be sufficient. But twice a week is ideal for high-traffic areas and for families with pets, children, or family members with allergies.
“Carpets should be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months,” Myers said. Deep cleaning helps to remove dirt and grime from carpet fibers. There are several methods of deep cleaning: hot water extraction or steam cleaning, absorbent pad cleaning, and rotating shampooing.
Whether you’re cleaning your carpet yourself or cleaning it professionally, the key is to take the time to clean every nook and cranny and have enough patience to allow the carpet to dry completely before returning to normal use. “You should avoid walking on wet carpets to prevent staining again and to ensure that the fibers have enough time to dry thoroughly,” he advises.
What Factors Determine the Frequency of Deep Cleaning?
There are a variety of factors that can affect how often a rug is cleaned. They include:
Foot traffic:”People with high-traffic homes or allergies may need more frequent cleaning, preferably every 6 to 12 months,” Myers advises.
Pets: Furry quadrupeds tend to track dust and germs from the outside. Even indoor pets are prone to accidents. In addition to deep cleaning every 6 to 12 months, on-site cleaning of pet urine accidents or spills is essential to prevent stains and odors from forming, Myers said. Pets can also shake off the dander and hair that has accumulated over time. So, consider a vacuum cleaner designed for pets. It will have enhanced features to address hair and shedding issues.
Allergies: Unclean carpets can worsen allergy symptoms, asthma, or hay fever. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter provides good protection against allergens. But frequent dry vacuuming can spread allergens through the air, making the reaction worse before it gets better. If someone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory ailments, consider cleaning your carpet with shampoo or steam every three to six months. For allergy sufferers, it may be more effective to trap dust mites and allergens in a water container rather than a dust or air filter.
Smokers: If you or someone in your home smokes, you must clean your carpets and air filtration frequently. Household tips like baking soda, fabric sprays, and plug-in air fresheners may not really get rid of the lingering smell of smoke. Try to run your indoor air filter regularly and move your smoking area to an outdoor area that doesn’t touch windows and doors. Professionally cleaning your rug every 3 to 6 months is ideal, but if you want to remove deep and heavy stains, you may need to replace your rug completely.
Build-up, fibers, and color: The material alone may need to be cleaned frequently. Light-colored carpets quickly reveal dirt. In contrast, dark carpets can hide stains. In addition, the type of carpet fiber also determines how much dust it can attract. Each rug has its peculiarities, and you may find that your rug requires more or less cleaning care than other rugs on the market.
When Should You Replace Your Rug?
With professional cleaning and proper care, Miles says carpets can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. “However, excessive wear, matting, abrasion, pet urine, and irreparable stains may indicate the need for replacement as soon as possible. Professional cleaning can only remove surface dirt, allergens and stains from carpet as it ages, so if water and allergens are trapped in the upholstery, mold can grow in it, he says replacement is the only viable option.
Cleaning your carpet regularly can lead to a buildup of bacteria, dirt, and germs. Even if you don’t see the damage, you may smell the damage. Worse, you’ll feel it. Carpets may feel dirty or sticky underfoot, or people with respiratory conditions may be prone to more health problems. Regular cleaning and disinfection of carpets can extend the life of your floors and improve the quality of life for the entire home.
While a deep cleaning every 3-12 months may seem like a wide range, you’ll know what’s right for your carpet and home. Weekly dry vacuuming with a robot vacuum cleaner can minimize carpet maintenance.