How Often Should You Have Your Carpets Cleaned?
Not only do dirty carpet and rugs look bad, not getting them cleaned consistently enough can shorten their lifespan. Dirt and grime acts like sandpaper, eating away at carpet fiber every time you walk on it. But just how often should you get your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned? There are a few factors to consider.
Carpet Warranty
If you have newer carpet it might have come with a manufacturer warranty. Most require annual cleanings by a professional cleaning company as a condition of the warranty. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions to make sure you are in compliance and can take advantage of that warranty if the need should arise.
Eyeball (or Nose) Test
Does your carpet look (or smell) like it needs to be cleaned? As a rule of thumb, you want to clean your carpets before they get to this stage. Dirt begins accumulating at the base of your carpet long before it becomes visible, which will be much sooner for lighter carpets and rugs.
Your carpet also absorbs and cling to smells from spills and accidents overtime, which tend to be more noticeable to your guests when entering your home. Regular cleanings can keep your carpet and rugs looking and smelling fresh.
Who Uses Your Carpets?
The heavier amount of traffic your carpets and rugs receive, the dirtier they will get. Pets who travel between outside and inside track dirt and allergens that your carpet and rugs will absorb. And as most pet owners know the occasional accident is not always avoidable.
Homes with children are also recommended to have more frequent cleanings. Kids have a lot of spills and messes that can affect the cleanliness of your rugs and carpet. Additionally, babies and young children spend a lot of time on the carpet and you want to keep it fresh and clean for them.
Seasonal Needs
Whether your carpet is due for a cleaning can also depend on seasonal and environmental factors. If your area has received a lot of rain or snow lately it’s more likely that mud or other dirt has been tracked into your home.
Additionally, if you suffer from seasonal allergies having your carpet cleaned could be a source of relief. Carpet and rugs act like a giant filter that absorb pollen from the air, but once it gets full it releases them back with every step.
A good rule of thumb is to have your carpet and rugs cleaned annually to maintain any warranties and keep your home looking and smelling fresh. If any of the above factors apply, you may want to consider more frequent cleanings every 6-8 months.
