Carpets can hold a lot of dirt, grime, and allergens that can build up over time. Knowing when to have your carpets professionally cleaned is important to keep them looking their best and your indoor air quality high.

This article provides practical tips on determining the right carpet cleaning frequency for homes and offices.

The Science Behind Carpet Dirt and Grime  

Carpets act like filters, trapping everything from pollen to pet dander and dust mites. Things like soil, food particles, grease, and oil also get ground into carpet fibres. All this material provides food for dust mites and a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Studies show that carpets can contain up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch.

Vacuuming helps but does not sanitise carpets or remove allergens embedded deep. When walked on, carpets release some of these particles into the air which can aggravate allergies or illness. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner regularly can help improve indoor air quality.

Frequency of Carpet Cleaning

For lightly trafficked carpets in bedrooms, annual professional deep cleaning is usually sufficient. High-traffic areas like hallways and stairs likely need cleaning every 6 to 12 months. Offices and common areas of apartment buildings require more frequent cleaning every 3 to 6 months.

Households with kids or pets need to clean carpets more often to keep them hygienic. Spills, accidents and guests with allergies are other reasons you may need your carpets cleaned more frequently. To keep carpets in top condition, consider professional cleaning at least once a year. For high-traffic areas, every 6 months is ideal.

The Process of Deep Cleaning Carpets 

Professional carpet cleaners use truck-mounted machines and strong cleaning agents to deep clean carpets. The high-powered steam loosens and lifts dirt from fibres. Pre-treatment is applied to heavy traffic areas and stains. The carpet cleaner thoroughly rinses the carpets to remove all residues.

The carpets are then groomed and dried within an hour or two using powerful fans. This deep cleaning sanitises carpets by eliminating most bacteria and allergens. Professional carpet cleaners are trained to properly handle and apply cleaning solutions. Their powerful equipment penetrates to clean in ways home machines cannot.

Routine Maintenance

To prolong the life of your carpets between professional cleanings, vacuum twice weekly using a vacuum with a beater bar. Immediately spot clean any spills or stains to prevent setting.

Consider having high-traffic areas and entryways cleaned more often. Using carpet protectors can also help carpets stay cleaner longer. Daily vacuuming can help keep dirt and allergens under control between scheduled professional carpet cleanings.  

Professional Deep Cleaning

Hire professional carpet cleaners annually or biannually, depending on traffic. Ask about extra services like carpet protection applications. For thorough allergen removal, consider hot water extractions over steam cleaning.

Professional deep cleaning is the best way to revive carpets and keep your indoor environment healthy. Look for carpet cleaners that use truck-mounted systems and have good reviews for doing quality work.

Emergency Cleaning and Maintenance

Accidents, floods, pet stains or excessive dirt may require emergency carpet cleaning. If you host many gatherings or house guests, schedule a professional carpet cleaner to tidy the carpets afterwards.

Preventative spot cleaning and vacuuming after events keep carpets in top shape between deep cleanings. Plan to call a professional carpet cleaner for any large spills or stains requiring urgent treatment.

Conclusion

The frequency of professional carpet cleaning depends on traffic, pets, allergies and how quickly carpets get soiled. For most homes, an annual or biannual deep cleaning restores carpets with specialised equipment and products.

Proper maintenance and spot cleaning extend the life and appearance of carpets in between professional services. To keep carpets fresh and home environments healthy, develop a regular carpet cleaning schedule.