How Often Should I Professionally Clean My Carpet?
Dirt and grime hide in your carpet, so find out how often you should call in the pros
Your carpet should be cleaned by a pro every 12 to 18 months.
Carpet cleaning needs will vary by factors like pets, kids, and level of foot traffic.
DIY cleaning is good for surface dirt, but carpet cleaning pros can reach deep into fibers and remove set-in stains.
Ever wonder if your carpet’s as clean as it looks? Even if it doesn’t show obvious stains, there are dust, allergens, and bacteria deep in the fibers. That’s why it’s important to know how often to hire professionals to clean your carpet.
Regular professional cleaning is the key to a healthier, longer-lasting carpet and cleaner home. Let’s review how often to schedule this professional service.
How Often Do Carpets Need Professional Cleaning?
Carpets add comfort and warmth to any room, but with all that foot traffic, spills, and wear and tear, how long can they really stay clean? The level of care and maintenance that you provide for carpeting will make a difference in its longevity and your home's overall cleanliness.
Professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months is recommended to remove the deep-down dirt and stains you can’t reach on your own. In between those cleanings, regular upkeep helps prevent bacteria, odors, and buildup from settling into the fibers while reviving and refreshing your carpet.
Factors Influencing How Often You Should Clean Your Carpet
When deciding how often to professionally clean your carpets, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider these factors when scheduling your service:
Household Size
The number of people living in your home affects how often your carpets need cleaning. More people means more foot traffic, and that means more dirt. If you have a large household with carpet in high-traffic areas, such as the living room, consider scheduling a carpet cleaning service every year or sooner.
Pets
Pets can take a toll on carpets. From shedding fur and dirty paws to the occasional accident, they make regular cleaning extra important. If you have a whole pack of pets, you’ll want to hire carpet cleaners more frequently to stay on top of fur, dander, and stains.
High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic spots, like living rooms, hallways, and entryways, get dirty faster and typically need more professional attention. Low-traffic areas, like guest rooms or formal dining rooms, can wait longer between carpet cleanings.
Health Issues
If anyone in your home has allergies, asthma, or breathing issues, keeping carpets clean can help them feel better. Carpets trap pollen, dust mites, and pet dander that can make symptoms worse. Consider booking regular carpet cleaning appointments to ensure these areas of your home stay fresh for allergy-prone household members.
Children
Kids love playing on the floor, which means spills and stains are almost guaranteed. If you have young children, you’ll probably want to remain consistent with carpet cleaning services to keep this fresh and safe during playtime.
Should You Clean a Carpet Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Cleaning your carpet yourself can be a great option for routine upkeep or tackling small stains. DIY carpet cleaners, like rental machines or home shampooers, are convenient and budget-friendly, especially if you’re freshening up a low-traffic area. They can lift surface dirt and give your carpets a cleaner look, but they usually don’t have the power to extract deep-set grime or allergens.
For a deeper, more thorough clean, hire a professional carpet cleaner. Carpet cleaning companies use high-powered equipment and specialized solutions that reach deep into carpet fibers, removing stubborn dirt, stains, and bacteria.
While professional cleaning costs more upfront, it can extend the life of your carpet. A carpet cleaner in your area will know the common carpet concerns specific to your region. Many offer flexible scheduling and quick turnaround times, so you won’t have to wait weeks to get your carpet looking fresh again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, occasional shampooing is great for a deep clean, but doing it too often can actually do more harm than good. Over-shampooing can damage the carpet and leave behind residue that attracts dirt. This can weaken the fibers, leading to a worn appearance, and potentially shorten the lifespan of your carpet. Be consistent, but don’t overdo it.
After professional carpet cleaning, it’s important to give your carpet time to dry before walking on it. Typically, waiting 6 to 8 hours is enough for most carpets, but thicker or high-pile carpets may take up to a full day to dry completely. Walking on a damp carpet can cause dirt to stick, create footprints, or even damage the fibers.
While you don’t have to move everything out of a room for a carpet cleaning, doing so will reveal hidden dirt and allow for a more thorough cleaning. However, for heavy or rarely used areas under furniture, cleaning around the pieces can be enough. Professional cleaners often work around large items or move furniture as needed.
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