Britcan Furnace & Carpet Cleaning
How Often Should You Clean Your Carpets? A Comprehensive Guide.
Britcan Furnace & Carpet Cleaning
August 4, 2023
Carpets not only add comfort and style to our homes but also act as magnets for dirt, dust, and allergens. Maintaining a healthy living environment and extending the lifespan of your carpets requires regular cleaning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll address common questions about carpet cleaning and provide detailed explanations on the appropriate frequency for cleaning your carpets.
How often is it OK to clean carpet?
The frequency of carpet cleaning depends on various factors, including the level of foot traffic, presence of pets, and indoor air quality. For a typical household with moderate foot traffic and no pets, you should consider professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months. However, if you have high-traffic areas such as living rooms, hallways, and entryways, you may need more frequent cleaning, ideally every 6 to 12 months.
For households with pets or allergy sufferers, it is recommended to opt for more regular cleaning. Pets shed hair, dander, and other particles that can get trapped in carpets, leading to potential odor and allergy issues. In such cases, consider professional cleaning every 3 to 6 months to keep your carpets fresh and allergen-free.
How do you know when your carpet needs to be cleaned?
Several signs indicate your carpet needs cleaning:
Noticeable Stains: Stubborn stains from spills, pet accidents, or tracked-in dirt can detract from the carpet’s appearance and require prompt attention.
Foul Odors: Lingering odors, especially from pet messes or smoking, may indicate trapped bacteria and require deep cleaning.
Increased Allergy Symptoms: If household members experience more frequent allergy symptoms, it may be due to allergens trapped in the carpet fibers.
Matted Appearance: When carpets appear flattened or matted, it’s a sign of dirt buildup, and professional cleaning can help restore their fluffy texture.
Carpet Warranty: Many carpet warranties specify the recommended cleaning frequency. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to maintain the warranty coverage.
In most cases, if you have odors, increased allergy symptoms or matted appearance to your carpet then your carpet is probably long past due for a cleaning.
Is it a good idea to get carpets cleaned?
Yes!!! I cannot shoput this loud enough. Yes, please get your carpets cleaned regularly. Getting your carpets professionally cleaned is a wise investment.
Improve Air Quality: The air quality is based on 3 factors. Your carpets, your furnace and your furnace filter.
Your carpets are collecting dead skin that our bodys sluff off, dust, debris, dirt from outside, the stuff your pets drag in on their paws, the stuff your kids are tracking in. All of this traps pollutants and encourages bacteria growth in your carpet. If you think about it for a moment you might get a little squeamish.
Prolong life of carpet: When dirt and debris is tracked into the house it settles into the carpet. This debris will rub on the fibers of your carpet acting like sand paper. Once the fibers are broken down it becomes very difficult to remove the dirt and debris from your carpet. The frayed fibers from the carpet trap that dirt in the carpet. Regular cleaning and application of a protector will not only lift that dirt before it has a chance to breakdown your carpet. The protector will add a layer of protection from dirt so that it takes longer for that dirt to breakdown the fibers of the carpet.
Warranty: New carpets come with a warranty. however, you must be able to prove that you had your carpets professionally cleaned to avoid voiding your warranty.
Professional cleaners use specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove dirt, bacteria, allergens, and stains that are deep in the carpets that regular vacuuming cannot eliminate.
By having your carpets cleaned regularly, you improve indoor air quality, reduce the risk of allergies, and prolong the life of your carpets. Additionally, clean carpets enhance the overall appearance of your home and create a fresh, inviting atmosphere.
What happens if you don't clean your carpet?
Neglecting regular carpet cleaning can lead to several issues:
Allergen Accumulation: Dirt, dust, pet dander, and other allergens can build up in the carpet fibers, exacerbating allergies and respiratory problems.
Permanent Stains: Spills and stains left untreated can become permanent, making it difficult to restore the carpet’s original appearance.
Wear and Tear: Ground-in dirt and debris act like sandpaper, causing premature wear and tear on the carpet fibers.
Odor Buildup: Bacteria and odor-causing substances can accumulate in carpets, creating an unpleasant living environment.
Reduced Lifespan: Without regular cleaning, the lifespan of your carpets may be significantly shortened, leading to the need for replacement sooner.
How do you routinely clean carpet?
Routinely cleaning your carpets involves a combination of regular vacuuming, spot cleaning and professional cleaning:
Vacuuming: Vacuum your carpets at least 1-2 times a week, focusing on high-traffic areas, to remove surface dirt, dust, and debris. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens effectively.
Spot Cleaning: Immediately address spills and stains by blotting the affected area with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this may spread it. Use mild carpet cleaning solutions or DIY options like vinegar and water for light stains.
Professional Cleaning: Schedule professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months, as recommended based on your household’s needs. Professional cleaners use steam cleaning or hot water extraction methods to deep clean, sanitize the carpets and replace that protective layer to maintain the life of your carpets.
How many times a year should you clean your carpet?
As mentioned earlier, the recommended frequency for professional carpet cleaning is every 12 to 18 months for typical households. However, this guideline may vary based on your specific circumstances.
For households with pets or allergies, a more frequent cleaning schedule of every 3 to 6 months may be necessary. High-traffic areas and homes with children or frequent visitors may also benefit from more frequent cleaning, around every 6 to 12 months.
What time of year is best to clean carpets?
While professional carpet cleaning can be done at any time of the year, the best time to schedule a cleaning is during the spring or fall seasons. During these times, humidity levels are typically lower, allowing the carpets to dry faster. Proper drying is essential to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Additionally, scheduling a cleaning during moderate weather ensures your carpets are refreshed and ready to endure the more extreme conditions of summer or winter.
Is it worth cleaning 20-year-old carpet?
If you are trying to decide whether to clean your carpet or rip it out and replace it. The decision to clean older carpets depends on their condition and overall health. If your 20-year-old carpets are well-maintained, without significant wear and tear or damage, professional cleaning can be beneficial.
If you are not planning to replace your carpet its important to clean your carpet. Professional cleaning can remove deeply embedded dirt, dust, and allergens, that trap bacteria and pollutants in your carpet. Your carpets have a big roll in the air quality in your house. Even if you cannot smell or see it. Carpets collect all the dead skin and dander that we and our pets drop daily. Did you know the human body looses an entire layer of skin every day! Yuck!!
Cleaning helps improve air quality, maintains our health and it refreshes the appearance of older carpets.
However, if the carpets are severely worn, torn, or have mold or extensive damage, investing in new carpets is needed for your health and the health of other people who come into your house.
Can I wash my carpet every week?
Washing your carpets every week is not recommended. Overcleaning is a myth but who wants to spend unnecessary time and money one something that has no benefit. Cleaning your carpets will strip away the protective coatings applied during manufacturing. After Professional cleaning this protective coating needs to be reapplied to maintain your carpets and this can become costly and time consuming. Most households can maintain carpets effectively with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning for spills or stains.
For high-traffic areas, it’s advisable to use doormats and thank fully most people in Canada don’t wear their shoes indoors. If you do wear your shoes indoors we recommend implementing a “no shoes indoors” policy to reduce dirt and debris tracked onto the carpets.
Can I clean my carpet every month?
Cleaning your carpets every month is unnecessary and as discussed above, its costly and time consuming for no benefit. However, if you have specific areas with heavy traffic or persistent stains, spot cleaning in those areas may be appropriate.
Regularly vacuuming the carpets, at least 1-2 times a week, is sufficient for most households to maintain a clean and healthy living space.
Proper carpet cleaning is essential for maintaining a clean, healthy, and inviting home. The frequency of cleaning depends on factors such as foot traffic, presence of pets, and allergy concerns. Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months will ensure your carpets remain in excellent condition, adding warmth and comfort to your home for years to come. Make carpet cleaning a priority, and you’ll reap the benefits of a fresh and allergen and pollution free living environment.