The frequency depends on several factors, such as whether you have pets or children, the type of carpet, and the level of activity in your home. We recommended that you have your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. However, if you have children, pets, or allergies, you may want to clean them more frequently, like every 6 to 12 months instead.
You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.
Key items and surfaces to avoid include:
Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.
Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.
Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.
Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.
Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.
Yes, if you want to use a carpet cleaner to its full potential, complete multiple passes and water changes until the water comes out clear. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned, it’s common for this to take up to 10 passes or possibly more. Once the water runs clear, you’ll know all the dirt and grime are gone.
While you might get away with once-monthly vacuuming in rooms you hardly use, it’s not ideal in other parts of your home. Your living spaces will look untidy, and leaving all that dirt lying around is not the most hygienic. Plus, the longer abrasive debris sits on your surfaces, the more chance of scratches or damage to carpet fibers.
One way to sanitize and deodorize a carpet is to use a cleaning solution made from one part vinegar and two parts warm water. After you vacuum, spray the solution on parts of the carpet that smell, being careful not to oversaturate it. Let the solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes before you perform your normal carpet sanitation routine.
The Spalding, NE homeowners’ guide to carpet cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes, you need to give your carpet a deep clean. This guide breaks down the best way to clean carpet to make your floor sparkle and remove hidden dirt.
Dirty carpets harbor dirt and bacteria, making your home look drab and unkempt. This guide shares what to use to clean carpets like a pro without the price tag.
Some homeowners wonder if professional carpet cleaning is worth the cost. We break down the pros and cons so you can decide what works best for your home.
