Of all the different types of flooring materials, carpeting is the most popular. It’s easy to see why, as there are so many different styles and colors of carpet to choose from. Not to mention, carpeting provides warmth, absorbs sound, and is soft underfoot.
However, despite all of the benefits that carpeting provides, there are some downsides, too; most notably, maintenance (carpet cleaning), and it can experience a lot of wear and tear. Learn more about carpet cleaning or if it’s time to replace your carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Versus Replacement
The carpeting in high-traffic areas tends to start looking a little worse quickly than in other areas even with high-quality carpets. Carpeting in any other part of your house can experience wear and tear, too.
The carpet in homes with small children and pets, for instance, tends to become stained and worn out much more quickly. The average lifespan of carpet can be 5 to 15 years. Any carpet in any home is bound to start looking a little worn down eventually.
Regardless of your situation, if the carpeting in your house is starting to look lackluster, you’re probably wondering whether you should have your carpet professionally cleaned or replace the carpet.
Below, we’ve put together some factors that indicate when professional carpet cleaning would suffice and when you should start shopping for new carpeting.
Stains
No matter how careful you are, the carpeting in your home is bound to develop tough stains at some point. If you have children or pets, the risk of carpet stains is much higher. Carpeting in high-traffic locations is also more prone to staining. This includes:
- Doorways
- Dining rooms
- Living and play areas
That said, however, even carpeting located in areas that aren’t frequently used can develop stains.
While carpet stains are practically unavoidable, it’s important to note that a stain doesn’t automatically mean that you need to replace the carpeting. Clean up dirt, debris, and spills as quickly as possible. Next, use the proper cleaning products and carpet cleaning equipment.
You should be able to eradicate the problem. Tough, set-in stains can be eliminated, too; again, if the right supplies are used. Pet stains and urine odor should be treated immediately.
If you’ve tried cleaning up the stains or used a carpet cleaning service and the stain won’t budge, it may be time to replace the carpet.
Matting
Matting is another issue that is common with carpeting. This problem occurs as a result of regular use and everyday wear and tear. Similar to staining, however, matting doesn’t automatically mean that your carpeting needs to be replaced.
A thorough deep cleaning could remedy the problem. Professional carpet cleaners can help to draw out dirt and debris and make the carpet fibers stand back up again. Nylon carpeting, in particular, can often be salvaged with a deep cleaning when it has become matted down.
In some instances, however, matting may not be reversible. If the matting is severe or if your carpet is made of polyester or olefin, for instance, you may not be able to salvage it with a good cleaning. Why? Well, because it’s difficult to restore the fibers to their original shape.
Odors
Have you been noticing a strange odor in your house lately? If so, you might try tracing it to your carpets. One of the biggest issues that carpeting is notorious for is odors. That’s because odor-causing particles can get trapped in the fibers.
This is yet another reason why regularly cleaning your carpets is so important. That said, if your carpeting is odorous, you may be able to reverse it and restore its freshness with a good deep cleaning.
If your carpeting still stinks after the cleaning process, and the odor continues to stick around, it might be time to have the carpeting replaced. Odor-causing particles have likely permeated deep into the carpet fibers, as well as the underlying carpet padding. There is even a chance the odor has gone through to the subflooring as well. In this case, the only way to reverse the problem is to replace the carpet.
Allergies
If you or anyone else in your home suffers from allergies and you’ve noticed an increase in symptoms whenever you’re home, but the symptoms subside when you leave, your carpeting could be to blame.
Similar to odor-causing particles, allergens get trapped in a carpet’s fibers and upholstery fibers as well. This can affect the indoor air. quality. Allergens can include:
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Dust
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Off-gassing from building materials
- Cleaning supplies
- Perfumes
- Mold and mildew spores
If, after your carpets and upholstery have been deeply cleaned, allergy symptoms don’t subside, consider replacing your carpeting.
On another note, a professional upholstery cleaning service can be used to refresh and clean furniture.
Helpful reading:
How can carpet impact health? (American Lung Association)
Related Articles:
Dealing With Pet Stains On Your Carpet
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