How Often Should Carpets Be Cleaned?

Looking after carpets is vital to ensure that they last longer and stay looking good. However, the best way to look after your carpet is not always obvious. Read on to find out how often you should clean your carpet.

Light cleaning

No matter where you live, you should be vacuuming your carpet at least once a week. If you have pets, allergies or areas with higher traffic, you should vacuum more often.

Read more about how often you should vacuum.

Deep cleaning

Vacuuming alone isn't enough to maintain a healthy carpet. As a general rule, carpets benefit from a deep clean every 12 to 18 months, but there are some exceptions.

Spillages

If you spill something on your carpet or a pet has an accident, this should always be seen to as soon as possible to prevent long term damage.

Pet owners

Pet owners should have their carpet deep cleaned every 6 to 12 months. This is because grubby paws bring in dirt that can build up in your carpet. Pets also constantly drop dander, which can become embedded in your carpet. This can’t always be removed by vacuuming alone. Pets also have oily skins that leave oil on the carpet, which attracts extra soiling very quickly.

Smokers

If someone in your household smokes, this smell can cling to the fibres of your carpet. Even if they never smoke inside, the smell of smoke can linger in your house. To get rid of this smell, you should deep clean carpets every 3 to 6 months. That will also remove the nicotine deposits engrained in the carpet and deposited on your upholstery.

Allergies

People with allergies can be very sensitive to even tiny amounts of dust and pollen. In fact, those who suffer from allergies sometimes find that just vacuuming makes their symptoms worse, as it can send allergens flying into the air. Therefore, you might find that deep cleaning every 3 to 6 months is best to remove the allergens.

Carpet types

How often your carpet needs cleaning doesn't only depend on who lives in your house, but the kind of carpet it is. Light carpets may need cleaning more often to maintain their colour. However, don't neglect dark-coloured carpets – the dark colour can hide all sorts of grime!

Long pile carpets also benefit from more regular cleaning, as there are deeper fibres for dirt to cling to.

What happens if you don't clean your carpet often enough?

While it might be tempting to put off cleaning your carpet, leaving it for too long can reduce the lifespan of your carpet.

The longer you leave stains, the higher the chance that you won't be able to remove them. A build-up of dirt can make your carpet feel grimy and lose its soft feel. Also, this dirt can lead to bacteria, leading to health issues.

If smells are hiding in your carpet, you may become used to them, but visitors will be hit by odour when they enter your home.

Hire a professional carpet cleaner

A regular visit from a professional carpet cleaner will help you keep your carpet in shape. Use the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) to find accredited carpet cleaners in your area. All cleaners in our tried and trusted directory have been vetted for training, insurance and experience so you don’t have to worry about subpar results.