When it comes to housekeeping, it can help to have a clear schedule in mind, especially for tasks that don’t have to be handled on a weekly basis and so are easy to overlook. So a commonly asked question is how often you should have your carpets professionally cleaned.
The answer is…it depends. Several factors determine how regularly your carpets should be cleaned.
Carpet type and warranty
If you have fairly new carpeting, it may still be under warranty. Typically the terms of the warranty state that you need to have the carpet professionally cleaned, using a hot water extraction process, at least once a year.
Another consideration is the type of carpeting you have. High-grade, wall-to-wall carpeting is tough enough to withstand heavy traffic and frequent washing, whereas cheaper carpeting may fade fast if you wash it too often.
Carpet traffic
It goes without saying that if a carpet has a lot of traffic, and especially if that traffic includes kids and pets, it will get dirty faster and have to be properly cleaned more often.
If you have children, pets or both, it’s a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned every six to nine months. Aim for six-monthly cleaning if you have babies or very young children who will be crawling on the carpets, or if you have pets that are prone to having bladder “accidents” on the carpets.
If your carpet doesn’t get much traffic and isn’t subject to the high wear and tear caused by children or pets, it may be appropriate to have it deep cleaned every one to two years. However, aim for more regular cleaning if you’re in an area that’s dusty or subject to high humidity, which can encourage the growth of mould.
A rule of thumb is that it’s better to have your carpets properly cleaned before they become visibly dirty and worn. You’ll add significantly to the life of the carpeting if you maintain it properly, and this includes having it deep cleaned.
In between professional cleaning, it’s important to vacuum your carpets often. This will help prevent surface dust and other pollutants from getting ground into the carpet fibres over time.
Allergies
If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, it’s a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least every three months. In severe cases, you may even decide to have them cleaned more often.
Just vacuuming carpeting isn’t enough to rid it of dust, mites, pet dander and accumulated pollen – among the pollutants that are the biggest culprits when it comes to runny noses, sneezing and red, itchy eyes among those with allergies.
