CARPET CLEANING… How Often is Enough?
One of the most common questions we are asked is, “How often should I get my carpets cleaned?” It’s a reasonable question. After all, carpet cleaning can be a bit of a disruption in your daily routine. Then there is the expense of professional cleaning.
It makes sense not to get your carpets cleaned any more often than necessary. But some people think you should wait as long as possible. They believe that once cleaned, carpets get dirty faster. As with most consumer myths, there is some truth to this.
Many years ago, carpet cleaners did not have access to the quality cleaning agents, equipment and training we have today. As a result, many well meaning carpet cleaners used soaps and shampoos that left sticky detergent residues, which attracted soil like a magnet. Unfortunately, there are still some “professional” carpet cleanersthat use inferior cleaning agents, equipment and methods, so you still have to be careful.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends that carpets be cleaned at a minimum, every 12-18 months. This agrees with the recommendations of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).
Most carpets carry one or more manufacturer warranties. These warranties vary in what they will and will not cover. Some cover spots and spills. Others protect you from premature wear or unwanted changes to texture or color. One thing all carpet warranties have in common is that they require routine vacuuming, prompt attention to spots and spills as well as periodic cleaning by a qualified professional. Depending on the manufacturer and the product, this could be every 12, 18 or 24 months. Again, this is in line with guidelines from both IICRC and CRI. But remember that these are minimum guidelines. Cleaning is about more than appearance. You need your carpets cleaned for health.
So what about YOUR home?
Determining the frequency of carpet cleaning in your home should be based on your family lifestyle. This includes the outdoor environment as well as the number of adults, small children and pets in your home. There are other factors such as whether there are smokers, allergy or asthma sufferers living in your home.
Every family is different. Some families don’t wear street shoes in the house, while in other homes, people are in such a hurry, they don’t even wipe their feet. Some families only eat and drink in the kitchen, while in other homes food and beverages are enjoyed throughout the house. Then there are the pet accidents, food spills and other soils common in busy, active households with kids.
In general, annual cleaning works well for most households. But if you have children, pets or any of the other factors mentioned above, you may want to have your carpets cleaned more often; every 6-9 months. The best way for you to determine how often you should get your carpets cleaned is by observation. Notice how long it takes before routine vacuuming and spot removal efforts are not enough to keep your carpet looking, smelling and feeling clean. Remember, modern carpets are designed to hide soil. So by the time your carpets are visibly soiled, it is already past due for professional cleaning.
If you have questions about carpet cleaning or any other services offered by Hansen Steam Way, just call us. We’re happy to help.