How Often Should Carpets Be Cleaned Professionally?

Did you know that, according to The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Susan Lang, carpet acts as an air filter? It traps dust, pollen and other particles, keeping these problematic pests out of the “breathing zone” until they can be vacuumed.

But as good as you might be at vacuuming, a deeper clean is required from time to time. How do you know it’s time for a professional carpet cleaning? How often should carpets be cleaned professionally?

Read on as experts share their top tips on how to extend the life of your carpet.

Why Professional Carpet Cleaning Matters

Carpet cleaning can be a DIY job, but there are times when you should call in the professionals.

Carpet cleaning, in general, is tedious and time-consuming. Every inch must be sprayed, scrubbed, rinsed and dried. Professional-grade equipment and techniques remove deep-down grime and set-in stains, as well as efficiently extract water and any solvents used in cleaning. DIY cleaning methods are more likely to leave residue behind. This lingering residue then traps dirt particles.

The drying capabilities that come with the professional process are another reason to hire out the job. You don’t want to be walking on wet carpet for days, and lingering dampness can cause mildew.

Top Signs It’s Time for a Deep Carpet Cleaning

Here are eight signs your carpet needs a good cleaning:

You last cleaned your carpet in 2018 … maybe

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your carpet, it probably means you’re due. “Most carpet should be professionally cleaned at least once a year and if you have pets or small children, the frequency usually increases due to the higher risk of messes and wear and tear,” says Lauren Bowen, president of Pink Zebra Moving.

An insured professional carpet cleaning team not only has the expertise to do the job properly, but they also provide a safety net should something go wrong. If you undertake the job and ruin the carpet, you’ll pay for new carpet out of pocket.

You can’t remember your carpet’s original color

If your carpet is looking more than a few shades darker than what you remember, it’s due for a cleaning.

“The most obvious sign is discoloration, especially darkening of carpet areas indicative of heavy foot traffic,” says Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, partner at ServiceMaster by Zaba.

Pro cleaners use powerful equipment with better water pressure than smaller consumer-grade carpet cleaners you can buy or rent at a home improvement store.

“Professional carpet cleaning machinery is large and powerful. Any lightweight tool won’t clean your carpet deeply,” says Dean Davies, a cleaning specialist at Fantastic Services. “The lower water pressure of consumer-grade carpet cleaning machines doesn’t reach the deepest carpet fibers like professional-grade equipment will.”

Shoes don’t always come off at the door

It happens: You’re leaving the house and forget something. So you run back to grab it without removing your shoes, leaving a trail of dirt and grime in your wake.

“If you always remember to take your shoes off at the door, bravo!” Bowen says. “But many homeowners forget and track the bacteria and dirt from their shoes across the carpet. Not only can a buildup of grime break down your carpet fibers, but it can also harbor pollutants that may make you sick.”

DIY methods aren’t the most effective way to remove that deep-down grime. “Professional carpet cleaning companies use commercial-grade hot water extraction and steam cleaning technology to dislodge and remove dirt, grime and allergens embedded deep into carpet fibers,” says Rodriguez-Zaba.

It’s got stains that just won’t budge

Spills and muddy paws leave their mark on carpets. It’s best to address stains as soon as possible.

“The longer you wait, the more the stain has a chance to set,” Bowen says. “Letting the stain dry may be your first thought, but it will actually allow the stain to set and permanently damage your carpet.”

Tip: When pet stains have set in and no amount of treatment, blotting and drying will remove it, call the pros.

Something smells

Carpet fibers can hold onto odors and not let go. Vacuuming with scented baking soda carpet cleaners can mask or even temporarily dissipate the odor, but lingering scents from things like pet urine and smoke require a deeper clean.

“The scent of your carpet will also indicate whether it needs a clean, as a lingering smell can mean that a stain or fluid has penetrated deep into the fibers,” says Bowen. The steam-powered extraction professional cleaning methods can remove these tough odors.

Something doesn’t look right

Take a good look at your carpet. If it’s looking a little defeated, a good deep clean can put some pep back in its step.”If your carpet appears dull, muted and matted down, you should get it cleaned to restore the fluffiness and vibrancy,” says Bowen.

Before you dive into a do-it-yourself cleaning, check to see if your carpet manufacturer requires a certain type of cleaning for the warranty to remain in effect.

Something doesn’t feel right

Run your hand over your carpet. Does your carpet pass the feel test?

“A dirty carpet will feel rougher than usual and matted down,” says Bowen. “Also, if you rub your hand across the carpet and feel grit or other particles, you’re likely feeling a host of dirt, sand, pet hair and other debris that needs to be cleaned up.”

If your hand recoils after the feel test, it’s time to call a carpet cleaner. While regular vacuuming removes nearly all debris, professional cleaning is designed to pick up and extract what regular vacuuming cannot.

Your carpet fiber is a tricky one

Delicate materials or antique rugs require special attention, but even some common carpet materials can benefit from professional care.

“Nylon carpeting benefits most from professional carpet cleaning as these fibers tend to flatten over time, leading to a dull, flat appearance,” Rodriguez-Zaba says. “Professional carpet cleaning revives the fibers significantly.”

What to Expect From Professional Carpet Cleaning Services

When you hire a professional carpet cleaning service, here’s what you can usually expect.

• An in-depth look at the carpet’s kind, condition, and any stains or places that get a lot of foot traffic.
• Choosing the right way to clean, like hot water extraction, dry cleaning, or steam cleaning.
• Use of professional-grade tools to get rid of dirt, allergies, and bacteria that are deep down.
• Many programs include spot treatment, deodorizing, and optional stain protection treatments.
• Depending on the method and how well the room is ventilated, drying time may take anything from a few hours to overnight.
• Post-cleaning care tips to help maintain cleanliness and extend the life of your carpet.

FAQ

What happens if you fail to clean your carpets regularly?

Dirt, allergens and bacteria accumulate, leading to wear, odors and poor air quality. Stains set over time and carpets wear out sooner.

How frequently should carpets be cleaned with pets?

Every 6–12 months. For heavily shedding pets or pets who have accidents, clean every 3–6 months.

Are there health advantages to professional carpet cleaning?

Yes. It eliminates dust mites, bacteria and allergens—cleaning the air and surfaces and lowering allergy risk.

Why is professional carpet cleaning superior to DIY?

Professionals use higher-powered equipment that cleans deeper and dries quicker. DIY treatments tend to leave residue or fail to get deep into fibers.

About the Experts

• Susan S. Lang is a science journalist and former senior staff writer at Cornell University. In her 2001 article, “Carpets in Schools Don’t Compromise Air Quality,” she documented research that reported carpets can enhance indoor air quality by capturing dust and allergens if properly maintained. This research has been referenced by the Carpet and Rug Institute in debate on carpet’s contribution to indoor settings.
• Lauren Bowen is the President for Pink Zebra Moving, a residential and local moving services. She provides professional information on cleaning methodology and franchise operations.
• Diana Rodriguez-Zaba is a partner of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, a Chicago, IL-based disaster restoration and cleaning business. With experience in real estate rehabbing and business management, she developed her franchise into a successful business. Diana is also engaged in community programs and entrepreneurship.
• Dean Davies is a cleaning specialist with Fantastic Services, which is a UK home services provider. He gives expert tips on how to deep clean and the advantages of employing commercial-grade cleaning machinery.

Sources

• American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: “Clean-up of Lead in Household Carpet and Floor Dust”
• The Carpet and Rug Institute: “Back to Basics: How to keep carpet clean in your home”