How Often Should You Clean Your Carpets?

Carpet Cleaning Frequency

Carpet Cleaning Frequency

Carpets add warmth and comfort to any home. But they can also get dirty, have allergens, dust mites, and odors if not cleaned regularly, showing signs of poor appearance and overall condition. So how often should you get your carpets professionally cleaned? For example, consider how often mud or moisture is tracked indoors, adding grime and risking matting, not only on carpets but also on upholstery.

Quick Answer:

To keep carpets looking their best, manufacturers suggest vacuuming them weekly and having them professionally deep cleaned every 12-18 months. This helps maintain a healthy environment and supports better indoor health.

Here’s a guide on making a carpet cleaning plan for a fresh, healthy home. This applies to both wall-to-wall carpeting and rugs in any household. Consider investing in a professional cleaning service at the recommended intervals.

How Often to Clean Carpets

How often you should clean your carpet depends on these factors:

The Type of Carpet Material

  • Carpets like nylon and polyester resist stains better than others such as natural fibers. Vacuum 1-2 times a week and professionally clean once a year.
  • Wool carpets easily get stains and can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust. Vacuum 2-3 times a week and professionally wash every 6-12 months to extend its longevity or life.
  • Natural carpets like sisal and seagrass handle stains poorly. Vacuum 1-2 times a week and clean every 6-12 months.

How Much Foot Traffic

Here’s some advice for households from professionals:

  • Low traffic areas like bedrooms need cleaning every 12-18 months.
  • Medium traffic areas like living rooms need cleaning every 6-12 months.
  • High traffic areas like entryways and stairs need cleaning every 3-6 months.

The Number of People & Pets

More people and pets mean more dirt buildup:

  • 1-2 person homes, especially with kids, clean every 12-18 months. If at least one family member has allergies, consider more frequent cleaning.
  • Family with children of 3-4, clean every 6-12 months.
  • Bigger families and multi-pet homes, clean quarterly.

Allergies/Asthma

Sanitize carpets more if people have allergies or asthma. Aim for a professional clean every 3-6 months to remove allergens and keep the indoor environment comfortable and maintain freshness. This also improves hygiene and overall indoor quality.

How often should your carpets be cleaned in your home?

Here is when to professionally clean carpets by room range:

RoomCleaning Frequency (in Months)
BedroomsEvery 12-18
Living, Family & Dining RoomsEvery 6-12
Busy ZonesEvery 3-6
Homes with Allergies/PetsEvery 3-6

OUR EXPERT TIP!

Vacuum carpeting often between cleanings. At least twice a week for moderate to high traffic areas is an effective way to keep them fresh. Set a routine schedule and aim for a minimum standard of vacuuming at least once weekly in low-traffic areas.

Professional Cleaning Methods

Trained experts use powerful equipment and solutions not available to the average person. Hot water extraction is an effective, truck-mounted method to deep clean carpet pile. Rug treatments may vary depending on fiber type.

  • Steam cleaning – Carpets are pre-treated then rinsed with hot water to lift dirt, dust, dander, stains, and mold & mildew before extraction.
  • Encapsulation – Detergents are worked into the carpets then removed along with dirt and dust particles.
  • Bonnet cleaning – Absorbent pads scrub carpets with cleaning solution.
  • Dry compound – A moist absorbent mixture is spread over carpets then brushed thoroughly and vacuumed up.

DIY Cleaning Tips

While professional treatment is best, you can extend time between steam cleanings with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. Many in the field recommend immediate spill removal.

  • Vacuum a high traffic surface daily, medium traffic area twice a week, and low traffic area weekly. Use a vacuum with strong suction and rotating brushes.
  • Blot spills right away with a clean, dry white cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can spread carpet stains.
  • Spot clean areas quickly with carpet cleaner solution. Avoid bleach products, which can damage its color.
  • Sprinkle an amount of baking soda on carpet overnight to remove smells, then vacuum up the next day.
  • Sprinkle cornstarch on grease spots for 30 minutes before dry vacuuming to absorb oils.

Cleaning Your Carpets Frequently For Different Property Types

Here is a more comprehensive table with recommended cleaning frequency for different property types and traffic levels. From homes to commercial spaces, schedules differ:

 

Property TypeFoot TrafficRecommended CleaningFrequency
Residential (House)LightOnce or twice per week
Spot-stain removal – As needed
Steam clean
Every 12-18 months
OfficesLight2-3 times per week
Spot-stain removal – Daily as needed
Steam clean
Every 12 months
HotelsMediumDaily
Spot-stain removal – As needed
Steam clean
Every 6 months
SchoolsHeavyDaily
Spot-stain removal – As needed
Steam clean
Every 3-6 months
RestaurantsVery HeavyFull Vacuum of Floors – Daily
Spot-stain removal – Inspect & Treat Weekly
Steam clean
Every 1-3 months

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Carpets?

FAQs

How frequently should you vacuum carpets?

Frequent cleaning prevents dirt buildup. But it depends on how much foot traffic you have.

What’s the best cleaning method?

Professional hot water extraction cleans carpets thoroughly. Carpet steam cleaning units use high water temperatures and powerful suction to deep clean.

When should I call for professional cleaning?

Call pros when carpets look dirty after vacuuming, when stains, pet hair, debris, and bacteria don’t come out with spot cleaning, and on the timeline above for your home.

What’s the best DIY carpet cleaner?

Look for non-toxic, pet and kid safe spot cleaners. Avoid bleach cleaners which can damage carpet color. Baking soda and vinegar work well.

What do carpet manufacturers recommend for cleaning?

  • Most recommended is wet cleaning every 12-18 months.
  • For places where people walk the most, clean every 6 months.
  • Spot clean spills immediately per label directions.
  • Vacuum thoroughly at least weekly and up to daily for heavy traffic area.
  • Use safe cleaners approved for cleaning your carpet type.
  • Follow all carpet maintenance guidelines or schedule in your warranty documentation.

Conclusion

Regular professional carpet cleaning services and frequent vacuuming keep your investment looking good, creating a healthier indoor environment and improving indoor air health. Proper care also protects your carpets and rugs, preserving them for years to come and maintaining their freshness.

Article written with the expert guidance from Gunner Reynolds from Wow Carpet Cleaning.