How Often Should You Get Your Carpets Cleaned?

jimfalotico@wsiworld.com (Jim Falotico) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:04 GMT

The carpet in your home is a major component of your living space, so naturally you want it to maintain a pristine appearance for many years. You also want your carpet to be free of dust and odor for a more hygienic home. Additionally, your carpet represents a sizable monetary investment, so you want it to last for as long as possible.

To keep your carpet looking and performing at its best, The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends having your carpet professionally deep-cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Bear in mind that this recommended frequency is a general guideline only and can vary based on your particular circumstances. For example, some homes may need a professional carpet cleaning every 6 to 12 months. It really depends on your lifestyle and your personal preferences.

Below are some questions that may help you determine the proper cleaning frequency for your carpet:

Do you vacuum regularly?

Vacuuming at least once a week will help your carpet last longer. This is because vacuuming removes the loose particles on the surface of the carpet, before they settle deeper and start abrading the fibers. In many cases, regular vacuuming allows you to go longer between professional deep cleanings. But no matter how often you vacuum, you will eventually need to call a professional carpet cleaner to extract the deep dust and dirt from your carpet. And if you rarely vacuum, now is probably the time to schedule a professional cleaning to preserve the quality of your carpet.

Does anyone in your household have allergies?

Carpet fibers act as a filter, eventually collecting much of the dust and allergens that float around in the air. As the months pass, these allergy-inducing particles can build-up in the carpet fibers. If allowed to accumulate, these particles will become airborne again whenever someone walks across the carpet. Only a thorough cleaning can remove these allergens to restore a healthy living environment. Plus, if allergies are chronic, frequent cleanings are often necessary to help alleviate recurring symptoms.

What color is your carpet?

Light-colored carpet can really brighten up a room, but it is notorious for revealing dirt and stains. Needless to say, maintaining the appearance of a light-colored carpet will almost always require a more frequent professional cleaning than its darker counterpart. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The lighter color allows you to easily detect an increasing level of dirt, which helps you realize when the time has come for a deep cleaning.

Does your warranty require a particular cleaning schedule?

Many carpet manufacturers require you to follow a certain cleaning regimen in order to keep your warranty in full effect. It is not uncommon to have the warranty state you must have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once, or maybe twice, each year. Also, you may be required to save your receipts for the cleanings in case a warranty issue should arise. This will allow you to document that you followed the manufacturer's instructions for proper care and cleaning frequency.

Do you allow pets on the carpet?

If you share your home with pets, regular cleanings are extra important. Even well-trained pets can occasionally cause a mess. In addition to tracking outdoor grime into your home, pets can also distribute urine, feces and vomit on your carpet. Accidents like these not only lead to unsightly stains, they also produce extremely unpleasant odors (which tend to be even more noticeable to your visitors). Fortunately, frequent carpet cleanings help neutralize the biological stains and smells produced by pets.

Do you have young children in your home?

Kids are almost synonymous with smears, spills and spatters. Whether it's muddy footprints, fruit juice, or finger paint, parents and caregivers can really have a challenge keeping the carpet looking new. Also, babies and children often spend a lot of time on the carpet, so you want it to always be fresh and clean. Hiring a professional that uses an eco-friendly cleaning agent will remove the soil while keeping your kids safe from toxins and irritants.

Do you allow shoes to be worn indoors?

Shoes not only track in dirt, they also bring in small particles of grit. This can cause the carpet fibers to wear prematurely. And the more people in your household, the more shoe traffic your carpet is having to endure. Unless this dirt and grit is periodically removed, it will eventually lead to permanent wear patterns on your carpet.

What Are the Benefits Derived From Cleaning My Upholstered Furniture?

jimfalotico@wsiworld.com (Jim Falotico) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:04 GMT

Upholstered furniture gets dusty and dirty no matter how little you use it. Cleaning it not only keeps it looking its best, but it also helps keep dust, cobwebs or pet fur off your clothes. Regular upholstery cleaning may even benefit your health, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Clean Looks

One big benefit to cleaning upholstered furniture is that it looks clean. Visiting friends and family won't be appalled by crumbs, dirt or pet hair scattered all over the fabric because there won't be any. Upholstery is a bit like clothing: Once it begins to get dirty, it is only a matter of time before it looks filthy as well, whether the upholstery is a textile, leather or faux leather. Spills of sticky liquids attract dirt and debris, making the spots more obvious as days pass. Likewise, spaghetti sauce, wine or tea may soak into fabric, making the upholstery look anything but inviting. Wipe away spilled items immediately, and pick up or vacuum crumbs and debris to help keep such problems from working their way deeper into the furniture.

Clean Clothes

If you've ever sat on a couch covered with pet hair, you've probably discovered it on your clothing hours after you leave your seat. Guests wearing sweaters may not appreciate leaving your home with unexpected extra fibers clinging to their apparel. Likewise, sitting on extremely dirty upholstery while wearing light-colored clothing may mean spots, stains or marks from grease, food or dirt on your clothes. Keep the upholstery clean so you and your friends don't have to question whether it is safe to sit down. If you have pets, vacuum the furniture frequently, or use a lint roller or rubber glove to roll the loose pet hairs away. Use an upholstery brush attachment and vacuum the furniture every couple of weeks at minimum to help keep it clean, even if you have no pets or don't sit on that particular piece of furniture.

Fresh Scents

Upholstered furniture kept clean is more likely to smell clean, being free from cigarette and pet odors as well as general stale smells. To keep the furniture smelling fresh, sprinkle it with baking soda and allow the powder to set for 30 minutes or so. Baking soda absorbs odors from upholstery, much like it removes unpleasant odors in a refrigerator. Vacuum the baking soda away with the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Good air circulation and dry conditions also help prevent and remove odors embedded in furniture.

A Healthy Environment

Keeping upholstery clean, especially by using natural rather than chemical-based cleaners, results in a healthier indoor environment. Vacuuming frequently removes dust and other potential allergens such as pet dander. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to pick up mold spores if the fabric smells moldy or musty, as it most likely contains mold or mildew. Discard the vacuum cleaner bag and replace the filter outdoors while wearing a dust mask. Keep the furniture out of overly humid and dark environments, as moisture may lead to mold, which may exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms.

geneva-lakes-carpet-cleaning

How Often Should You Get Your Carpets Cleaned?

What Are the Benefits Derived From Cleaning My Upholstered Furniture?