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No, it works best under synthetic carpets in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. Avoid using moisture barrier padding under natural fiber carpets like wool, which need air circulation. The barrier can trap the moisture against natural fibers and cause problems. Also, you can skip it in low-risk areas like upstairs guest bedrooms, where the extra protection often isn't worth the added cost.

Some flooring companies recycle old carpet after replacing it. The broader flooring industry has been moving toward recycling more carpet material. However, whether an individual carpet gets recycled is up to the flooring company that removes it. When gathering quotes for new flooring in your area, ask each company about removal options and what they do with the material.

Deciding whether to clean or replace your carpet depends on its condition and age. If cleaning no longer resolves issues, it's time to consider a replacement. Key signs that you need to replace your carpet include:

• Stains that are impossible to remove.

• A persistent smell that lingers even after cleaning.

• An increase in allergy symptoms.

• The age of the carpet. Most manufacturers state that carpets should last about 10 years with proper care.

When cleaning is no longer effective, you should replace the carpet with a new one or consider other flooring options like vinyl or laminate.

No, thick carpet padding isn’t necessarily better than thinner padding. The appropriate padding thickness will depend on the type of carpet and the amount of foot traffic in the area. 

For example, thick padding works well in low-traffic areas, like bedrooms, where you have soft and plush carpeting. However, thick carpet padding can damage low-pile carpet, which is used in the busiest parts of your home (like hallways and entryways). For that reason, it’s best to use thinner, heavier padding underneath carpet in high-traffic areas.