How Often Should I Have My Carpets Cleaned?

Keeping your home clean is essential, and as part of your home cleaning process for various upholstery fabrics, you probably have cleaning your carpets as one of your featured chores. But how often should you clean your carpets, and how do you go about doing so? 

Carpets are easy enough to be vacuumed but usually too large to be thrown in a washing machine. Throwing a cleaning liquid on your carpet and scrubbing is time-consuming and could leave you with tons of stains. Powdered carpet cleaners help when vacuuming, but eventually, you might feel it’s time to thoroughly clean your carpet. Here are a few tips on how often you can get your carpets cleaned and how to do so!

Is Vacuuming Enough?

Vacuuming your carpets has tremendous benefits to the lifespan of your carpet. Not only does it help to remove particles before they ruin the carpet fibers, but it also works to remove dust and allergens from your carpets and improve your living space. Once a week should be enough for most carpets but keep in mind other mitigating factors that might cause you to want to vacuum more frequently.

While vacuuming removes many of the dirt particles on your carpet, eventually, there are diminishing returns. It’s not always possible to get everything, and dirt and stains eventually pile up regardless of your cleaning schedule. If you notice lesser effects when vacuuming, it might be time to look to cleaning professionals.

What if I Have Light Colored Carpets?

Light-colored carpets can add a beautiful shine to your home, but is the cleaning process really different for them? Absolutely! Light-colored carpets require a bit more maintenance than darker-colored carpets. If the kids drop a few drinks or foods on the carpet, be sure to clean it up immediately. Stains that soak into your carpet can be impossible to remove and are more noticeable on lighter carpets. 

Beware of “carpet ghosting” as well. Sometimes, your light-colored carpets are exposed to air that seeps in from the edge of walls, and that can cause the carpets to become discolored and dirty. These stains are tough to clean, so turning to a professional carpet cleaner might be your best bet.

Additional Factors to Keep in Mind

In addition to your carpet type, lifestyle habits and household size are among a few factors that can influence how often you clean your carpet. Knowing how you relate to these factors can help you make the best decision for you.

Children

Having kids is a beautiful experience, but not always for your carpets. If you know the kids love playing on your carpet, or if they consistently bring food and drinks around carpets, it’s important you clean often, especially when stains arrive.

Pets

If you have a pet, you know the highs and lows you’ll experience with your little furry friend running around. Even the most well-trained pets can leave mistakes on your carpet, and unlike your kids, they won’t alert you of any messes they make. Regular cleanings are necessary to maintain your carpets if your pets constantly run around.

Wearing Shoes Indoors

If you’re throwing gatherings often or don’t mind wearing shoes around the house, you should clean your carpets a ton, especially in the high-traffic areas of your home. Consider purchasing a steam cleaner and using a DIY cleaning water solution and a drop of dish detergent to ensure your carpets don’t get stained.

Should I Get a Professional Carpet Cleaning?

The best way to make sure your carpets are fine and dandy is to get them professionally deep cleaned! How often you undergo a professional carpet cleaning project depends on a few of the above factors, but it should be deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Regular vacuuming helps, of course, but it can’t replicate the job a professional can do. If you have a lighter carpet or one used often, be sure to get your carpet cleaned closer to the 12-month range. 

Are Professional Cleanings Right for Me?

Of course, they are! It’s the best way to get your carpet clean, smell amazing, and ensure it lasts for as long as possible. Our safe, natural cleaning solutions have seen any and every stain possible, so you can be sure we’ve got you covered. Contact Carolina Green Steam today and have our professionals bring your carpet back to life.

rugs being professionally steam cleaned by a Carolina Green Steam technician