How to Disinfect Carpet: 4 Steps to Success

Carpet feels great underfoot, but it can trap dirt, allergens, and odors. While regular cleaning is important, true disinfection isn’t realistic. Instead, focus on sanitizing to reduce germs to safe levels. Here's how to do it yourself and when to call in a pro.

Avoiding Mistakes When Disinfecting a Carpet

Keeping your carpets truly clean takes more than just vacuuming—disinfecting them properly means avoiding a few common (and costly) mistakes. If you’re still unsure of how to approach, hiring a pro will keep mistakes from occurring. 

• Don’t skip vacuuming first: Disinfecting without removing dirt and debris reduces effectiveness.

• Avoid over-wetting the carpet: Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.

• Use the right disinfectant: Not all cleaners kill germs; look for EPA-registered carpet-safe disinfectants.

• Test in a small area first: Some disinfectants can discolor or damage carpet fibers.

• Rinse thoroughly if required: Some products leave residue that attracts more dirt if not removed.

• Let it dry completely: Walking on damp carpet can spread bacteria and damage fibers.

• Keep it clean in between: You can reduce contamination levels in between cleaning. To keep carpets cleaner longer, use washable mats at entryways, have everyone remove shoes, vacuum often, bathe pets regularly or keep them off carpets, and use cleaning tools correctly to avoid fiber damage.

When to Clean Your Carpet 

Carpet cleaning should be a part of your regular household cleaning routine.

• Vacuum multiple times a week to remove debris or daily if you have a crawling child.

• Deep clean twice per year or seasonally, depending on accumulated dirt levels.

• Deep clean more frequently if someone in your household has a compromised immune system, severe allergies, or an infectious disease.

To deep clean, you'll need to select a cleaning solution. While many carpet cleaners break down stains and soil for removal, they don't necessarily sanitize. Instead, look for an EPA-approved cleaner that contains sanitizing ingredients.

How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Carpet?

The average cost to hire a house cleaner or professional carpet cleaning service is $175 per visit. Professional carpet cleaning costs between $120 and $240, depending on the surface area. DIYing this job means renting a steam cleaner for about $100 per day and spending another $15 to $25 for detergent.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While hiring a house cleaner will save you the cost of equipment, they will add up over time. The real savings that come from hiring a local house cleaner will be your time and energy. If you have no mobility concerns and feel up to the task, DIY carpet cleaning is often a simple job you can accomplish independently.