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Vibrant colours, bold patterns and rich texture make a carpet the focal point of a room. This is not the only purpose a carpet serves in your house, office or any other space. It is an excellent flooring choice that emits the lowest volatile organic compound. You get a clean breathing zone as a carpet traps dust, pollen and other particles by acting as a passive air filter. Here are some other benefits of adorning your floor with a beautiful carpet:
- Improved air quality
- Warmth and comfort
- Softens slips and falls
- Reduced noise
- Beauty and style
- A sustainable choice
You can enjoy all these benefits only if you clean your carpet on a regular schedule. Does DIY cleaning work?
Yes, but with many pitfalls.
You may end up damaging your carpet by using wrong cleaning products and equipment. Wrong product, equipment or technique often permanently damages carpet fibres.
You may not follow the manufacturer’s carpet cleaning guidelines while cleaning and use too much water, which can seep into the carpet. This can cause several problems, including:
- Mould growth
- Odours
- Discolouration
- Shrinkage
DIY carpet cleaning will not remove tough stains. Also, not removing cleaning solutions fully will leave sticky residue that will attract dirt and dust. Most importantly, this may invalidate warranty.
Is Professional Carpet Cleaning Worth It?
Professional carpet cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene, enhancing appearance and increasing durability.
Hygiene: Carpets trap and accumulate dust, dirt, allergens and bacteria deep within the fibres. This accumulation compromises air quality. Poor indoor air quality increases the risk of asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. Professional carpet cleaning companies use cleaning products and techniques for deep cleaning, eliminating harmful particles and promoting a healthier living environment.
Key benefits include:
- Elimination of dust mites, allergens and bacteria
- Mould growth prevention
- Improved indoor air quality
Appearance: Carpets in high-traffic areas wear out and become dull with time. Professional carpet cleaning removes stains and embedded dirt and refreshes carpet colours and texture.
Key benefits include:
- Elimination of dirt buildup and tough stains
- Carpet restoration
- Improved aesthetic appeal of the space
Durability: Accumulation of debris, dirt and abrasive particles deteriorates carpet fibres over time. Walking over the carpet compromises its structural integrity. Regular professional carpet cleaning removes dirt, debris and particles. This helps in preserving the structural integrity of the carpet.
Key benefits include:
- Wear and tear prevention
- Increased durability
- Carpet’s warranty protection
Factors That Influence Carpet Cleaning Frequency
How often should you clean your carpet depends on the following factors:
- Level of traffic
- Carpet material
- Presence of pets and children
- Allergies and health concerns
- Weather and climate
- Household type
Carpet Material: Wool and other natural fibres are not only delicate but also tend to trap more dust and dirt. Nylon, polyester and other synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are highly durable and also stain-resistant.
Level of Traffic: Entryways, hallways and living rooms are some high-traffic areas and carpets in these areas tend to accumulate dust, dirt and stains faster. Such carpets require more frequent professional carpet cleaning.
Allergies and Health Concerns: Cleaning carpet more frequently becomes an absolute necessity in a house with someone suffering from allergies or respiratory issues. A carpet attracts and traps pet dander, pollen, mites and many other allergens. You need better indoor air quality in your house.
Weather and Climate: Carpets are comparatively more prone to mould growth in humid or rainy climates. Carpets in dry climates tend to trap more dust.
Household Type: Multi-generational homes with larger families have more foot traffic and the carpet requires more frequent professional cleaning. You need to professionally clean your carpet less frequently if yours is a small family home.
Presence of Pets and Children: A household with pets and children is destined to have more mess. They bring more dirt from the outside. So, the carpet will trap more spills, hair, dirt, pet dander and particles. A clean and healthier home is essential for a baby’s health.
Standard Household
A standard household is a typical household with no children, pets or anyone with allergic issues. A carpet in this household requires regular vacuuming, immediate spot cleaning and deep cleaning. Carpets in such households trap:
- Dust
- Dirt and soil
- Hair and skin cells
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Food crumbs
- Bacteria and microbes
- Fungal spores
- Grit and sand
How often to clean carpets in a standard household?
| Vacuuming | At least 2 times a week | Removes dirt, dust and other particles |
| Spot cleaning | Immediately | Prevents stains due to spills |
| Professional cleaning | Every 12 to 18 months |
Ensures deep cleaning Maintains carpet quality Increases durability |
Households with Pets
Carpet cleaning for pet owners requires special considerations as pets bring in more dirt and dust from the outside. They are often tough on carpets and shed fur. Occasional accidents such as urination, defecation, vomit, and drooling make your carpet dirty faster. You need to clean your carpet to remove:
- Pet hair and fur
- Dander
- Dirt and soil
- Pollen
- Pet saliva
- Pet urine
- Food crumbs
- Fleas, ticks and eggs
- Dust and dust mites
- Pet waste residue
- Bacteria and microbes
How often to clean carpets with pets?
| Vacuuming | At least 3 times a week | Removes pet hair, dirt, and dander |
| Odour control | Using pet-safe carpet deodorizers as needed | Neutralises pet-related odours |
| After pet accidents | Immediately | Prevents stains, odours, and bacteria buildup from accidents |
| Professional cleaning | Every 6 to 12 months | Ensures deep cleaning Removes allergens, odours, and fur |
Households with Infants or Small Children
Maintaining a clean and safe house becomes a top priority when you have infants and small children at home. Carpet cleaning for homes with children requires very specific considerations, as your baby spends a significant time on the floor. You need to hire professional carpet cleaning more frequently to create a hygienic environment to prevent infections and diseases due to bacteria, allergens, and dirt built up on your carpets. The carpet must not contain any harmful elements. A carpet in your household traps:
- Food crumbs
- Spills
- Dirt and soil
- Dust and allergens
- Baby drool
- Diaper leaks
- Crumbs and debris
How often to clean carpets with children?
| Vacuuming | At least 2 or 3 times a week | Removes crumbs, dirt and other debris |
| Spill management | Immediately | Prevents staining |
| Professional cleaning | Every 6 months | Ensures deep cleaning Maintain carpet hygiene using non-toxic cleaners |
Households with Allergy Sufferers
You need to keep your carpet free from dust mites, pet dander, pollen and all other allergens if someone in your house is suffering from allergies or respiratory issues.
Carpet cleaning for allergy sufferers
| Vacuuming | At least 3 times a week | Removes pet hair, dirt, and debris Reduces allergens |
| Professional cleaning | Every 4 to 6 months | Ensures deep cleaning Removes embedded allergens Improves indoor air quality |
Office Carpet
An office carpet is subjected to heavy foot traffic. As a result, dirt, dust and grime accumulation is significantly high.
| Vacuuming | Everyday in high-traffic areas 2 or 3 times a week in low-traffic areas | Removes dirt, dust, and debris Maintains appearance and hygiene |
| Spot cleaning | Immediately | Prevents stains Addresses spills and spots promptly |
| Professional cleaning | Every 6 to 12 months | Ensures deep cleaning Increases carpet life |
High-Traffic Areas
High traffic areas in houses, offices and commercial spaces are subjected to more constant accumulation of dirt, dust and other particles and wear and tear. You need to keep the carpet exceptionally clean and visually appealing in professional settings.
| Vacuuming | Everyday | Removes dirt, dust, and debris Reduces the buildup of grime Extends carpet life |
| Spot cleaning | Immediately | Addresses spills and stains Prevents long-term damage |
| Professional cleaning | Every 6 to 8 months | Ensures deep cleaning Refreshes appearance Maintains hygiene Extends carpet life |
Cost and Time Considerations for Professional Carpet Cleaning
You get significant value in terms of hygiene and carpet longevity when you hire professionals for carpet cleaning. When it comes to costs, a carpet cleaning company typically has service rates that can be per room or per square foot. There may be an additional cost of specialised carpet cleaning such as deep stain removal. The travel fee depends on your location. You need to contact the company for professional carpet cleaning costs. Many companies offer special discounts with package deals for cleaning carpets in multiple rooms.
How long does it take to clean carpets professionally? It takes time to move the furniture, prepare the carpet for cleaning, clean the carpet and dry it. The time depends on the size and condition of the carpet. Standard cleaning typically requires 30 to 90 minutes per room.
Some carpets require deep cleaning and multiple treatments. So, this is going to take more time. A typical carpet takes 6 to 12 hours to dry.
Carpet Maintenance Between Professional Cleanings
Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum carpets in low traffic areas 2 to 3 times a week and in high traffic areas at least 3 times a week. Vacuum slowly to pick dirt and particles effectively. If someone in your family is suffering from allergies or other respiratory issues then use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Spot Cleaning: Don’t rub as it will spread the stain. Blot spills using a paper towel or a clean cloth. Check manufacturer’s guidelines if you are planning to use a mixture of water and mild detergent or a spot cleaner. You can use a spot cleaner to remove food and drink stains, enzymatic cleaners to remove pet urine and baking soda or cornstarch to remove grease and oil.
Managing Pet Hair: You can use a rubber broom or a lint roller to pick up loose pet hair. Pet hair attachments for vacuuming are also very useful.
Dealing with Dirt and Grime: Trap dirt at the entry point by using high quality mats. Vacuum high traffic areas on a regular basis.
Conclusion
As you have already seen, carpet cleaning frequency and treatment depend on several key factors. This is why carpet cleaning is highly individualised. Contact a top-rated carpet cleaning company that understands your unique cleaning needs. They will create a healthier home environment and ensure clean and long-lasting carpets.