Most professionals say it’s safe to deep clean your carpets once or twice a year. Whether you have a bustling household with pets and kids or a quiet home with minimal foot traffic, finding the right carpet cleaning schedule can be tricky. Let’s dive into the factors that determine how often you should clean your carpet, and whether it’s time to clean or replace it.
How Often Should I Clean the Carpet?
The frequency of carpet cleaning depends on several factors, including household type, climate, presence of pets, and specific lifestyle habits. Here’s a breakdown:
High-traffic households
If you have kids, pets, or entertain guests frequently, your carpet will accumulate dirt and grime faster. Vacuum at least twice a week and schedule professional cleaning every 6-12 months.
Low-traffic households
For households with less foot traffic and no pets, vacuuming once a week and professional cleaning every 12-18 months is typically sufficient.
Climate considerations
Places with high humidity levels make carpets more susceptible to mold and mildew. Clean 6-8 months to prevent mold buildup and ensure a healthier indoor environment. Places that experience dry conditions result in less moisture-related issues but more dust accumulation.
Household with pets
Pets contribute to more hair, dander, and accidents, making frequent vacuuming (3-4 times a week) and professional cleaning every 6 months essential.
Smoking
Vacuum twice a week to avoid lingering odors and potential health risks due to the buildup of harmful chemicals. Smoking debris or smoke pollutants, next to aerosols, is the second most dangerous toxicant in households.
Additionally, you might need to clean your carpet because it’s new. Prevent allergies with this cleaning guide for newly-installed carpets.
Should I Clean It or Replace It?
Sometimes, cleaning isn't enough, and it might be time to consider replacing your carpet. Here are some scenarios to help you decide.
Consider carpet age, stubborn stains, odors that persist, and carpet material to know when to replace it. Most carpets last 5-15 years. If your carpet is approaching this age, replacement may be a better option than another round of cleaning.
Meanwhile, if stains and odors persist even after professional cleaning, you might need to change it. Sometimes these issues persist because the carpet fibers are too damaged to be fully restored.
What you’ll need:
- Carpet cleaner or a carpet shampoo
- Spot remover for stains
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soft-bristled brush or sponge
- Clean towel
- Optional: Baking soda, white vinegar
What to do:
This guide below will tell you how to clean and how often to clean most carpets, including nylon, polyester, olefin, and wool. Let’s get to work!
- Thoroughly remove surface dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
Start by vacuuming your carpet to remove surface dirt and debris. Focus on high-traffic areas and use the vacuum’s crevice tool for corners and edges.
- Spot treat any old or new stains
Using our no-rinse formula, Puracy Natural Instant Spot Remover will help remove stains in minutes with enzymes that penetrate deep into the carpet fibers. For most stains, you won’t have to rinse it. Just vacuum afterward. It works on items that are safe to get wet.
If you’re dealing with pet poop, urine, and odors from these, try using Puracy Natural Pet Stain & Odor Remover, which works the same way as the spot remover.
- Lift the odors away with baking soda
Once the stains are treated completely and the carpet is dry, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum afterward.
- Deep clean with a machine
An additional step you can do is use a carpet shampoo for your bi-weekly or monthly cleaning routine.
If you’re using a machine, add hot water in the machine tank first, then add our Puracy Natural Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo to create a diluted solution. Shampoo your carpet as directed by the manufacturer. Then rinse it thoroughly.
Alternative or DIY solution: Create a solution of white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Lightly spray the carpet with this solution and use a soft-bristled brush to work
- Make sure the carpet is dry before returning it to its service area.
Let your carpet dry completely by opening windows or using fans. Walking on a damp carpet can re-soil it quickly.
Read on: How to Remove Coffee Stains From Your Carpet and How to Get Lipstick Stains Out of Carpet.
Factors That Determine Carpet Cleaning Frequency
Your carpet’s cleaning schedule should reflect your household’s unique needs.
Habits
Wearing shoes inside can bring in dirt and grime from outside. A household that removes shoes at the door may need less frequent cleanings.
Pets
Frequent vacuuming (3-4 times a week) is crucial for homes with pets. Professional cleaning every 6 months helps remove the allergens and bacteria that build up over time.
Medical Conditions
If someone in your home has allergies, asthma, or eczema, more frequent cleaning— every 4-6 months—can help reduce allergens.
Smoking and Cooking Odors
Both cigarette smoke and strong cooking odors can settle into carpet fibers. These homes benefit from regular deodorizing treatments, and cleaning every 6 months.
Carpet Color and Material
Lighter-colored carpets tend to show dirt and spills more readily. Materials like wool require gentler, more frequent cleaning to preserve the fibers. Synthetic materials like nylon can handle more aggressive cleaning methods and may need less attention.
Environmental Dust and Pollen Levels
Homes located near construction sites, in dry, windy climates, or near heavy vegetation—will naturally accumulate more debris in the carpets. Clean every 4-6 months.
Tips to Keep a Clean Carpet at Home
Add these practical tips into your routine will help extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking fresh and clean.
- Remove shoes indoors - encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before entering carpeted areas.
- Use carpet protectors - consider using carpet protector sprays or plastic protectors in areas prone to heavy usage or high foot traffic, like under desks.
- Schedule professional cleaning services - even with the best at-home care, your carpet benefits from professional cleaning every 12-18 months.
