78.12 billion was the value of the carpet market in 2021. Carpets are still a trending choice for flooring in homes and offices nationwide. It adds warmth, comfort, and style to any room.
But more than other types of flooring, carpets require regular maintenance to keep them looking and smelling fresh. One of the most important aspects of carpet maintenance is regular cleaning. Knowing how often to wash carpet floors is essential to keeping them in top condition.
Reasons to Wash Carpet Floors Often
There are many reasons why you should wash your carpet often. Keeping your home or office clean is essential for good health and safety. Regularly cleaning your carpet can help reduce:
Allergens
One of the most important reasons for carpet washing is to remove allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens can become trapped in the fibers of your carpet, causing respiratory problems for people with allergies or asthma. A professional carpet cleaning will remove these allergens from your home, improving the air quality and making it easier to breathe.
Stains
Another reason to wash your carpets is to remove stains. Carpets can be stained by spills, tracked-in dirt, and pet accidents. These carpet stains can be difficult to remove.
They can make your carpet look dirty and uninviting. A professional carpet cleaning will remove all carpet stains, leaving it looking clean and new.
Odors
Carpets can also become stained with odors, such as smoke, pet urine, or cooking odors. These odors can be difficult to remove, and they can make your home smell unpleasant. A professional carpet cleaning will remove all of the odors from your carpet, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
Extend the Life of Your Carpet
Washing your carpets on a regular basis will also help to extend the life of your carpet. Carpets that are not cleaned regularly will begin to break down over time, resulting in premature wear and tear. By having your carpets cleaned by a professional on a regular basis, you can keep them looking new for years to come.
Improve Your Home’s Appearance
Washing your carpets is also a great way to improve the appearance of your home. Dirty carpets can make your whole house look dirty, even if the rest of it is clean. Clean carpets will make your home look more inviting and welcoming.
How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet?
The frequency of carpet cleaning depends on several factors. It depends on the amount of traffic, the presence of children and pets, and the overall condition of the carpet.
High traffic
For high-traffic areas, such as living rooms and hallways, it is recommended to clean the carpet every 6-12 months. This will ensure that the carpet remains free of stains, odors, and allergens. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can help maintain the appearance of your carpet and prolong its lifespan.
In high-traffic areas, it’s important to be extra vigilant about vacuuming and spot cleaning, as these areas are more likely to experience spills, floor stains, and dirt buildup. To help protect your carpet in high-traffic areas, it’s a good idea to place mats or rugs at entryways to catch dirt and debris before it gets on your carpet.
Low Traffic
For low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms, it is recommended to clean the carpet every 12-18 months. Because these areas are less frequently used, they do not accumulate as much dirt, debris, and stains as high-traffic areas. However, regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can still help maintain the appearance of your carpet and prolong its lifespan.
In low-traffic areas, it’s not as crucial to be vigilant about vacuuming and spot cleaning as in high-traffic areas, but you should still vacuum these areas at least once a week to keep them clean.
Shoes In The House
When you wear shoes in the house, it is recommended to clean your carpet more often. The dirt, debris, and contaminants that are on the bottom of your shoes can transfer to your carpet.
It’s a good idea to have a designated area for shoes, like a mat or rug, near the entrance of your home to catch any dirt or debris before it gets on your carpet. If possible, it’s best to remove your shoes before entering the house to minimize the amount of dirt and debris that gets tracked onto your carpet.
It’s recommended to vacuum or sweep your entryway and high-traffic areas more often when you wear shoes in the house and have a professional carpet cleaning done every 6-12 months.
Allergies or Asthma
If you or someone in your household has allergies or asthma, more frequent cleaning is necessary. Allergens and pollutants can accumulate in carpets, exacerbating symptoms. It’s recommended to clean your carpet every 3-6 months to reduce the number of allergens and pollutants in your home.
Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help trap allergens and pollutants. A cleaning solution that is specifically designed for allergy and asthma sufferers can also be beneficial.
When You Have Pets
When you have pets, it is best to wash carpets every 6-12 months. Pets can shed hair and dander, track in dirt and mud, and cause stains and odors. Regular cleaning will help remove pet hair, dander, and dirt, as well as any stains or odors caused by your pets.
When You Have Kids
When you have kids, it is recommended to wash the carpet every 6-12 months. Kids tend to make messes and spills, which can lead to stains and dirt buildup on the carpet. Regular cleaning will ensure that your carpet stays clean and fresh and that any stains or spills are removed before they have a chance to set in.
Tips to Protect Your Carpet
Protecting your carpet should be a priority if you want to keep it looking and smelling fresh. Regular care and maintenance will help to extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking new. Here are some tips to help protect your carpet:
Use Mats and Rugs
Place mats and rugs at the entrances of your home or office to trap dirt, dust, and other pollutants before they reach your carpet. Regular vacuuming can help remove dirt, dust, and other pollutants from your carpet. It is recommended to vacuum at least once a week.
Clean Spills and Stains
When spills and stains happen, it is important to clean them up as soon as possible. Cleaning as it happens helps to prevent stains from setting in. Use a mild detergent and water to help remove the stain.
Use Furniture Protectors
Protecting your carpet from furniture is also important. Place felt pads under furniture legs to protect against scratches and dents.
Ways to Clean Your Carpet
There are many carpet cleaning methods. Some methods, like steam cleaning and dry powder cleaning, require professional services. Others, like vacuuming and spot cleaning, can be done at home.
Professional Cleaning Services
Hiring a professional carpet cleaning service is the best way to ensure your carpets are properly cleaned. Professional services use high-powered steam cleaners and cleaning solutions to remove dirt and stains.
Renting Steam Cleaners
You can also rent steam cleaners from your local hardware store if you prefer to do the cleaning yourself. Make sure to read and follow the instructions before using the cleaner.
Vacuum
Vacuuming is the most basic and important aspect of carpet cleaning. It removes dirt, dust, and other pollutants that can accumulate on your carpet.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is the process of removing stains and spills from your carpet. It is important to use a cleaning solution that is safe for your carpet and to test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a deep cleaning method that uses hot water and a cleaning solution to remove dirt, dust and other pollutants from your carpet. It is best to hire a professional carpet cleaner to do steam cleaning.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is another deep cleaning method that uses a special powder instead of hot water and steam. Sprinkle the carpet with this powder and give it some time to absorb dirt and debris, then vacuum up for a thorough clean.
Hire a Professional Cleaner
There are many ways to keep your carpets looking great, from vacuuming regularly to spot-cleaning spills and stains right away. For a deep clean, you should consider hiring professional cleaners. Hammond Knoll is a professional carpet cleaning company that can help you keep your carpets looking and smelling new.
Here at Hammond Knoll, we service Washington cities from Tacoma to Olympia to Puyallup and beyond.
We use advanced equipment to wash carpet floors and remove dirt. Professional carpet cleaners have the knowledge and expertise needed to provide thorough yet gentle care for all types of carpets in any environment. Contact us today to get started on restoring the beauty of your carpets!
