How Often Should I Have My Carpets Professionally Cleaned?
The carpet in your home is vital in maintaining a healthy environment for your family, pets, and guests. This requires both regular cleanings from you and professional carpet cleaners. But how do you know when to call the professionals?
According to The Carpet and Rug Institute, you should have your carpets professionally cleaned every 12-18 months depending on numerous factors. Some may need more cleaning in that time frame (twice a year) depending on lifestyle preferences.
The criteria below are food for thought and our goal is to help give you, the reader, a more informed decision when pulling the trigger on hiring a professional carpet cleaner.
Do you have pets?
Even though we love our fluffy friends, pets in your home can lead to more frequent professional carpet cleaning needs. This is because pets can leave behind fur, dander, and urine stains, which can be tough to remove with regular vacuuming. These pet-related issues can worsen over time and result in discoloration and unpleasant odors in your carpets. Regular professional cleaning can help keep your carpets in good condition and free of pet-related stains and odors.
Do you have children?
Kids will be kids, as the saying goes, and they contribute to their fair share of spills, accidents, and dirt tracking inside the home. This causes stains and odors to set on the carpet which regular vacuuming can definitely help but doesn't accomplish that deep-cleaning that professional carpet cleaners can provide. Babies and toddlers spend a significant amount of time on the carpet as well so it's important to make sure your carpets are nice and clean for the little ones to play on. Some companies, not all, even use eco-friendly all natural products to keep your family safe from toxic chemicals and irritants.
Do you or your family have allergies/asthma?
Did you know your carpet is the largest filter in your home? That means pet dander, allergens, and dust can accumulate in the carpet overtime and can exacerbate allergy/asthma symptoms. Regular cleaning can help remove these allergens and dirt and alleviate potential symptoms, leaving a healthier environment for family members with chronic allergies/asthma. Wet extraction (also known as hot-water extraction or steam cleaning) is the most recommended method of eliminating contaminants that can become airborne.
Research and resources. (2022, September 27). CRI. https://carpet-rug.org/resources/research-and-resources/
Do you wear shoes inside the house?
Professional carpet cleaners can identify whether a home allows shoes inside the house or not the second they walk-in, it is a night-and-day difference aesthetically. Shoes bring in a lot of dirt and debris and get pushed into the carpet pile the more you walk on it, causing heavy traffic patterns and soiling. The higher the foot traffic, such as, number of family members in the home, family get togethers, etc., the more soiling and damage (permanent) that can be caused. If you are unsure if your carpets need to be replaced, a carpet cleaning professional will have the knowledge to let you know if the carpets are salvageable or not.
Does your carpet have a warranty?
If your carpets are under warranty, there may be specific guidelines on how often you need to have them professionally cleaned. Check your warranty documentation or contact the manufacturer to ensure you’re following the recommended guidelines.
Do you regularly vacuum your home?
To help prolong the lifespan of your carpets, it's recommended that you vacuum them at least once a week. Vacuuming helps remove loose particles on the surface of the carpet before they can work their way down and cause damage to the fibers. Look up dirt under a microscope, it looks like sharp rock shards which can cut up and untwine carpet fibers, ruining your carpets the longer you go without vacuuming. Consistent vacuuming may help lengthen the time between deep professional cleanings. However, no matter how often you vacuum, eventually, you'll need to have your carpets professionally cleaned to extract the deep-seated dirt and dust that can accumulate over time. If you infrequently vacuum, it's advisable to schedule a professional cleaning sooner rather than later to help maintain the quality and appearance of your carpets.
Altitude Carpet Cleaning LLC
We are a family-owned, IICRC certified, and eco-friendly carpet cleaning company that prioritizes you and your family. We promise to provide superior transparent customer service, a great cleaning experience, and a healthier home.
Call or text 7208775445 for a FREE estimate or any questions you may have.
References
Research and resources. (2022, September 27). CRI. https://carpet-rug.org/resources/research-and-resources/
