There are several things to consider when wondering how often you should have your carpets professionally cleaned. The time frames mentioned below are suggestions based on keeping your carpet looking it’s best for the longest time possible. To get the most life out of your carpet, you’ll want to have it cleaned BEFORE it starts to show signs of wear. Deep-down soil, that settles to the base of your carpet fibers can cause your carpet to break-down prematurely, shortening it’s lifespan. Think of it as preventative maintenance – you change the oil in your car before the engine begins to make knocking noises, right? Take the same good care of your carpet and it will last longer and look better.
FIRST: Do you have a carpet warranty that you want to keep intact? If yes, check your warranty paperwork. Most carpet manufactures require that you have a professional steam cleaning (technically named a hot water extraction) once a year.
If you don’t have a warranty that you’re concerned about, then you’ll want to consider the following variables when questioning how often you should have your carpet cleaned.
KIDS: They can do a number on your carpets. A large family is wonderful, often providing a warm and inviting home. More people simply means increased carpet traffic. With children in the home, the suggested amount of time between professional carpet cleaning can range from 6 months to 1 year. On average, about every 9 months it’s a good idea to have your carpet professionally cleaned.
PETS: We all love our pets! Unfortunately with pets in the home, you should be having your carpet professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months. More frequently if your pet has bladder/urine issues. The reason for more frequent cleanings is due to the fact that your pets drop dander, hair, and dust on your carpet fibers. Frequent vacuuming can extend the time needed between professional cleanings, but frequent vacuuming can mean three times a week or more – and who has time for that?
ADULTS: If you live alone or with a partner and you are gentle with your carpet, it’s not un-common to go up to 2 years between professional cleanings. You’ll have to judge the amount and kind of traffic that your carpet gets to determine what is best for your home.
To determine how often you should have your carpet professionally cleaned, consider the traffic your floors get and who is providing the traffic. The greater average varies from home to home; from as often as every six months to more than two years. Consider your standards of clean, foot (or paw) traffic, and your budget to help you determine how often you should have your carpet professionally cleaned.
